@portalberni.ca
PORT ALBERNI – The City of Port Alberni is moving ahead on the redevelopment plans of the 43-acre waterfront property and former the location of the somass sawmill.
The City has successfully completed a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) process launched in early September 2022 and received 16 responses. The interest ranges from organizations desiring to occupy a portion of the redeveloped Somass Lands and from developers interested in leading the redevelopment in partnership with the City.
According to the City of Port Alberni’s website, request for Qualifications (RFQ) process will be launched in March 2023. Participation in the RFQ will be by invitation extended to developers that have demonstrated experience and capability. The qualified list of developers will be invited to engage with the City through a structured and detailed RFQ process. The RFQ may be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP).
“Redeveloping the Somass Lands is a multi-step process,” said City of Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions. “Launch of the RFQ process gets us one step closer to building a thriving and accessible waterfront at the former Somass Lands site. City Council is excited by the strong interest in this project from the development community, and mindful that taking the right steps now will provide the best long term results for our community.”
The City will review responses to the RFQ and short list qualified potential development partners, before potentially undertaking a RFP process and considering final selection of a partner.
“We are thankful to all developers, businesses, residents, organizations and social enterprises that provided submissions to the REOI,” said Scott Smith, Director of Development Services | Deputy CAO. “This process was an important step in informing and developing the upcoming RFQ, and we look forward to reviewing responses from qualified proponents.”
Business Examiner Staff