Mayor Sharie Minions
PORT ALBERNI – The City of Port Alberni has taken a major step forward in transforming its waterfront, announcing the signing of a master development agreement with Squamish based, Matthews West Developments Ltd., a privately owned Canadian development firm.
Following a selection process in 2023, Matthews West was chosen as the City’s official development partner to reimagine the 43-acre Somass Lands and adjacent parking lot—formerly the site of the Somass Division sawmill.
“This is a transformational step for the City of Port Alberni. We purchased the land in 2021 and have been working toward this day ever since,” said Mayor Sharie Minions. “Matthews West’s reputation in delivering large-scale, community-focused developments makes them the perfect partners to execute and deliver this ambitious project.”
The envisioned redevelopment includes a mixed-use concept that incorporates housing, commercial and office spaces, parkland, and light industrial uses, all while improving public waterfront access. Matthews West will lead a master planning process in collaboration with the City and with input from the community, including the Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and Hupačasath First Nations.
As part of the agreement, at least 20 percent of the site will be preserved as public greenspace, remaining under City ownership. The partnership also provides Matthews West the option to purchase the property and take on lead development responsibilities, leveraging its experience, access to capital, and project partners.
“We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the City, Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and Hupačasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity,” said John Matthews, President of Matthews West.
The City has invested a total of $6.3 million into the property to date, including $5.6 million for land acquisition and $3.1 million for demolition and cleanup, offset by $2.4 million in grants and salvage sales. If Matthews West proceeds with purchasing the Lands, the final sale price will include full reimbursement of the City’s costs, including lost tax revenue and pre-development expenditures.
With the agreement now in place, the City will begin releasing results from remediation and site preparation studies to support required provincial and federal permitting. This step allows both parties to collaborate on a development plan aligned with the City’s goals for the site.
“It is still early in the process, but we are very excited about the future of the Somass Lands,” said Mayor Minions. “We are confident that Matthews West will deliver a vibrant development that aligns with the priorities of the City, community, and First Nations—fostering economic growth, enhancing public waterfront access and engagement, and attracting young families and investment to Port Alberni.”
Matthews West has previously partnered with the Squamish First Nation on two master-planned projects in the Sea to Sky Corridor: Oceanfront Squamish and Cheekeye.
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