Argyle Street Redevelopment

The City of Port Alberni is preparing for significant redevelopment work on Argyle Street beginning September 2026.

Stretching from Harbour Road to 3rd Avenue, the project will replace aging underground systems (water, sewage, and storm), improve pedestrian safety, and enhance the overall public experience of this vital corridor once completed.

Originally slated for construction start in spring 2026, the work has been pushed to fall 2026 to ensure local businesses are able to maximize the economic opportunity of the busy summer season.

The Argyle Street Redevelopment Project is a major investment in Port Alberni’s downtown core. In June of 2025, city council approved $6.375 million to fund this critical infrastructure work. The work is now expected to come in $1.3 million under the quoted budget.

Updates:

March 26, 2026 - The construction start date has been announced.

Project Benefits:

• Replacement of aging underground water, sewer, and storm infrastructure.
• Separation of combined sewers to improve system capacity and reduce environmental risk.
• Installation of multimodal travel lanes to support cycling, walking, and accessible transportation. (including a link to the Quay-to-Quay Pathway).
• Enhanced pedestrian safety features, including curb bump outs and improved crossings.
• Addition of new street trees and enhanced landscaping to create a greener, more vibrant corridor.
• Underground relocation of BC Hydro services to reduce visual clutter.
• Placemaking and streetscape enhancements designed to create a more welcoming and vibrant public space.
• Conversion of on‑street parking from angled to parallel, with additional angled parking being added to nearby streets to ensure no net loss of parking stalls.

The blue lines show new pedestrian safety features like bump outs and curb extensions.

Profile view of the new streetscape design with travel and parallel parking lanes in the middle. Multimodal lanes will flow between the parking lane and sidewalk with additional buffering on either side. This design follows modern best practices in transportation safety.

Construction Impacts:

Vehicle, cycling, pedestrian, and accessible transportation access will be maintained during construction, with traffic control personnel on site to help safely guide the public.

Safe access to all businesses and residences will be maintained during construction.

Temporary disruptions to traffic, access, or City services will be provided advanced notice, unless in emergency circumstances. Every effort will be made to minimize the duration of any disruption.

The red lines show the area of Argyle Street that will be under construction.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are we redoing this section of Argyle Street?

The Argyle Street Redevelopment was identified as a council strategic project as early as 2019. The project scope encompasses many areas endorsed by council in the Corporate Strategic Plan including:

• Pedestrian safety
• Active transportation
• Densification/community building
• Combined sewer overflow (CSO) separation

How much will the Argyle Street redevelopment project cost?

The current total estimated cost to the City is $5,067,000. This includes:

• Consultant services (design, tendering, contract administration, construction services, inspection, and testing)
• Construction work
• Utility company scope of work (BC Hydro, Telus, Rogers)

This cost to the City is an estimate and may change during the course of construction due to fluctuating material costs, inflation, and unforeseen conditions encountered during excavation of the road and services.

Where did this budget for this project come from?

The funding for this project is split equally between the General, and Sewer and Water funds, at $2,125,000 each.

Why was this design selected?

This design was selected because it addresses a significant number of areas endorsed by council in the Corporate Strategic Plan and provides the best value to the city.

What can businesses anticipate during construction?

• Safe access to their business will be maintained
• Typical construction noise during the workday
• Regular communications and updates from the City regarding progress, services and access
• Access to City project manager for any communication

How will the City ensure businesses stay open and accessible for customers during construction?

The contractor is contractually obligated to maintain safe access to all businesses and residences during construction. This will be monitored by the City and regularly inspected by the contractor for safety.

Any disruptions to access or services will be proceeded with notice when possible and every effort made to minimize the duration.

How will suppliers and delivery drivers be able to reach businesses during construction?

The City and contractor will work with the businesses to best accommodate deliveries. If there are alternate routes such as side streets and lanes, then they should be utilized.

Why is the City removing angled parking spots?

Reversing a vehicle into a travel lane from and angled parking spot creates several blind spots for the driver. In addition, large vehicles encroach into the travel lane when parked on an angle. These are unsafe practices for a busy collector street such as Argyle Street.

How will the City address the loss of available parking in the area?

Additional parking will be made available on nearby streets to ensure no net loss of parking stalls.

Why didn't the City just keep things the way they were?

The redevelopment of Argyle Street will create a safer, more inviting area of the City’s downtown that encourages active transportation and development for the community to utilize.

Who can I contact for further information?

Brandon Donais, Project Manager City of Port Alberni
brandon_donais@portalberni.ca
250-720-2834