FAQs
What has been announced?
Port Alberni has been selected as the featured community for the first-ever Home Town Takeover Canada, which is expected to air on HGTV this fall. Harbour Quay has been selected as one of the locations that will be included in the project.
When will production take place?
Production is scheduled to begin on June 10, 2026, and continue in the community until August 28, 2026.
What is happening at Harbour Quay?
The show's producers will be completing the renovations at Harbour Quay that City council approved on April 20, 2026. This includes renovations to the exterior of the Marine Building and its patio extension. As a result of Home Town Takeover Canada's selection, the renovations will now be extended to include renovations to some businesses at Harbour Quay selected by the show's producers.
What other civic spaces have been selected for renovations by the show's producers?
Additional project details will be provided on this page as they become available.
How will businesses benefit from the renovations at Harbour Quay?
The City anticipates all Quay tenants to benefit from the overall investment in the site. Improvements to shared spaces, enhanced placemaking, increased public interest, and national television exposure are expected to strengthen Harbour Quay as a destination and increase activity from residents and visitors alike.
Will this increase tourism?
Based on results seen in other communities featured in the Home Town Takeover format, the City anticipates Port Alberni to benefit from increased tourism interest following the airing of the series. Harbour Quay is well positioned to benefit from that exposure due to its prominent waterfront location and the improvements being made there. There may also be increased interest from visitors while production is underway.
Will there be opportunities for local businesses during production?
Production activity may create opportunities for local businesses to provide food, services, and other support to the crew. The City will share information if specific opportunities are identified.
Who pays for the renovations in the show?
Home Town Takeover Canada covers the cost of the renovations to businesses and resident homes. The City of Port Alberni will cover the cost of the renovations to civic spaces, but we are able to leverage the team of designers and experts for this work—a significant value-add that would not be available to us otherwise.
The exterior renovations to the Marine Building were approved by City Council at a Council meeting on April 20, 2026, ahead of the Home Town Takeover Canada announcement. City staff have identified potential sources of financing for this project, including grant monies and strategies to leverage funding from non-tax sources, and finalizing the funding plan now.