PORT ALBERNI
Crowning Glory Coiffures at 3781 10th Avenue in Port Alberni is now open. The salon is following all COVID-19 safety protocols to protect visitors. For appointments call 250-724-3532.
Port Alberni has become the first beaver-friendly community on Vancouver Island. Partnering with the non-profit Fur-Bearers, and VanIsle Wetlands, a Port Alberni-based company specializing in non-lethal methods of managing beaver activities, installation of “flow devices” in beaver conflict sites will reduce lethal trapping, protect local infrastructure, wildlife and the larger community.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Western Forest Products (WFP) await approval from the provincial government to close a transfer of ownership interest for the tree farm license located on Huu-ay-aht traditional territory. WFP and Huu-ay-aht reached a $36.2 million agreement giving Huu-ay-aht a majority ownership interest in Tree Farm Licence 44 (TFL 44) Limited Partnership. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) board of directors supported the transfer during a September 9th board meeting.
Pacific West Home Solutions celebrates its first anniversary. Visit them at 3540 3rd. Avenue, or call at 250-724-4451. They also offer pick-up and delivery at reasonable rates.
Alberni Sushi is now open, located at Victoria Quay, they offer dine-in, take-out and delivery. They are open 11:30am to 9:00pm Monday through Saturday, and 11:30 to 8:00pm Sundays.
Dr. James Ferguson
Dr. James Ferguson is retiring after serving Alberni Valley residents for thirty-five years. Born in Scotland, and a former marine engineer, the University of Toronto-educated surgeon practiced at West Coast General Hospital.
Brian Carriere
Brian Carriere is moving into construction after twenty years in the insurance business. Brian is joining Javen Simon Roofing in Port Alberni to launch their new insulation division.
While the Chances RimRock Gaming Centre remains closed due to pandemic restrictions, the on-site Cypress Restaurant Lounge has opened to diners. Located at 4890 Cherry Creek Road in Port Alberni, the restaurant’s menu features regional and fresh ingredients. They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30am to 8:00pm, and Friday through Saturday from 11:30am to 9:00pm.
Alberni Electric has opened a new location at 3553 3rd. Avenue in Port Alberni. The commercial and residential electrical contractor offers everything from upgrades and home improvements, service calls and repairs, to new construction projects.
Port Alberni’s Rollin Art Centre is still closed to in-person visits, but is reopening their gallery September 8th via a 24/7 online feed. Members of the Community Arts Council have created a website version of their unique gift shop, allowing art lovers to purchase works from artists featured at the centre. Visitors to www.alberniarts.com can browse their gallery, make purchases and even view art tutorials.
Fresh Coast Market is now open, located at #1 4905 Cherry Creek Road. mother-daughter team Juanita and Kara Erickson offer both fresh and frozen homemade meals to West Coast communities, with a diverse and tasty menu that changes weekly.
Construction on nearly fifty new rental homes for families and seniors is set to begin soon. The Port Alberni city council approved a development permit for the Alberni Low Energy Housing Society in August. Maitland Street Village will be located on Maitland Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. The four-story multi-family residential building will contain forty-six units for everyone from those on income assistance, to high-income residents. The development will offer one, two and three-bedroom homes. Construction is planned to begin in September, with homes expected to open in Fall of 2021.
Master Stylist and thirty-year vet Coby Florczak and Senior Stylist Kayla Wells have opened Coby in Color, a by-appointment only salon-like experience at 3010 10th Avenue in Port Alberni.
Karen Freethy has been appointed as Emergency Support Services Director for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, in cooperation with the City of Port Alberni and CUPE Local 118. The six-month term was agreed upon by the three parties, allowing for the development of an Emergency Support Services Program within the Alberni Valley.
Port Alberni’s DRAW Gallery has opened a new exhibit. Fall In Love With Art!, is open now, running to November 27th. It can be viewed Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00pm, as well as by appointment. The exhibit features paintings, photography, mixed media and installations by local and Island artists. The gallery is located at the corner of Melrose Street and 8th. Avenue.
WEST COAST
The Ucluelet Co-op’s new store is open after undergoing a $4 million renovation during the pandemic. A Ucluelet mainstay since 1956, the renovations include new shelving and flooring, new dairy coolers, LED lighting, a pharmacy, new public washrooms, an upgraded deli, and creation of English and Nuu-chah-nulth store signage.
The District of Tofino municipal council voted unanimously to put a one-bedroom apartment located at the Gateway Development on Gibson Street up for sale at $195,000, with the sale proceeds going to the Tofino Housing Corporation. The funds will then be put toward a roughly $535,000 bill for a new road, as well as being earmarked for an 84-unit affordable housing project.
The Government of BC is investing $44.8 million for seismic upgrades at Ucluelet Elementary, a partial replacement of Ucluelet Secondary and a new Neighbourhood Learning Centre.