Harbour Quay Renovations

Start: TBD

End: TBD

Harbour Quay was officially opened in 1984 as a visitor destination and community focal point in Port Alberni. It was designed to combine open civic space with shops, services, and marine-oriented activity, as well as provide a park space and means of attracting visitors to Port Alberni.

Over time, this vital community space in the heart of the Uptown District has begun to show its age. In an effort to continue the revitalization of this area, City staff identified an opportunity to refurbish the exterior of the Marine Building at Harbour Quay by leveraging funding from the Canada Community-Building Funding Reserve.

On April 20, 2026, City Council approved this project which will bring the following site improvements:

an extended covered patio area in front of the Marine Building
additional outdoor seating near eating establishments to increase visitor time spent at the Quay
enhanced placemaking and improved visitor experience

These enhancements will better support all businesses operating at the Quay by creating a friendlier space for visitors to stop, stay, eat, shop and play.

Background:

Alberni Harbour Quay was officially opened in 1984 and has been renovated numerous times over the years.

In 2088, Spirit Square was added to Harbour Quay through a $440,000 provincial grant as part of the BC150 celebrations. The square now serves as a business incubator, public square, event space, and is the current home of the Spirit Square Farmers Market.

During COVID-19, outdoor patio space was added to the front of the Marine Building, but with a very limited budget.

In 2022, the City of Port Alberni unveiled the new Wolf Tower, formerly known as the Harbour Quay Clock Tower, in partnership with Tseshaht First Nation and Island Coastal Economic Trust. The project included refurbishing the tower to improve safety, replacing the clocks with Indigenous art, painting the tower in traditional Tseshaht First Nation colours, and installing Indigenous storyboard about ƛuukʷatquuʔis (Wolf ritual beach). This renovation was completed thanks to $379,353 in funding from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

Harbour Quay continues to serve as one of Port Alberni’s most visible and well-used waterfront destinations. It is an important location for residents and visitors, supports local businesses, and contributes to the identity of the community as a vibrant, waterfront city.

Updates:

April 20, 2026 - Committee of the Whole Meeting, Staff Report, Harbour Quay Placemaking

Project Benefits:

an extended covered patio area in front of the Marine Building
additional outdoor seating near eating establishments to increase visitor time spent at the Quay to support all businesses
improved lighting and enhanced placemaking

Construction Impacts:

Please stay connected for updates on construction start dates and impacts as the project progresses.

Who can I contact for further information?

Communications, City of Port Alberni
communications@portalberni.ca
250-720-2826