Somass Lands
In August 2021, the City of Port Alberni successfully completed the purchase of a remarkable 43-acre parcel of waterfront land where the Somass Division sawmill formerly operated.
Guided by Council's Strategic Plan (2023-2027), which identifies the highest and best use of the waterfront for active lifestyles as key goals, City Council and staff are now thrilled to be embarking on a process that supports the redevelopment of the Somass Lands in a manner consistent with this plan.
Remediating and repurposing these lands in a way that reflects the changing nature of our vibrant community is key to the City's success, and there is much interest on the part of Port Alberni residents, businesses and developers in their future.
As the process of transformation continues, you’ll see the landscape starting to change at Somass Lands. Our endeavours have encompassed a comprehensive approach, involving the careful stripping, repurposing, selling, and salvaging of materials from the land. This concerted approach has led to the successful complete deconstruction of six buildings, marking significant progress in the project.
Noteworthy among this progress is the success derived from the salvage of valuable materials. Taking a methodical approach to deconstruction has proved favourable, allowing funds raised through the sale of salvaged materials to be directed toward future remediation efforts.
Education and partnership have played pivotal roles in the journey. Collaborations with North Island College have empowered students to gain hands-on experience in the field of deconstruction, fostering their growth and understanding of sustainable practices. This partnership not only benefits the students but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing responsible construction and development practices.
A significant milestone has been achieved with the commencement of remediation on a portion of the land, funded in part by a $1 million dollar grant awarded by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). This critical step paves the way for the forthcoming phase of development.
Amidst this momentum, we are pleased to share that discussions with a preferred development partner have begun, signifying promising prospects for the future. As these discussions unfold, there is a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm about the potential collaborations that will contribute to the realization of the vision for the future of the Somass Lands.
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Somass Lands Update
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As the process of transformation continues, you’ll see the landscape starting to change at Somass Lands. Our endeavours have encompassed a comprehensive approach, involving the careful stripping, repurposing, selling, and salvaging of materials from the land. This concerted approach has led to the successful complete deconstruction of six buildings, marking significant progress in the project.
Noteworthy among this progress is the success derived from the salvage of valuable materials. Taking a methodical approach to deconstruction has proved favourable, allowing funds raised through the sale of salvaged materials to be directed toward future remediation efforts.
Education and partnership have played pivotal roles in the journey. Collaborations with North Island College have empowered students to gain hands-on experience in the field of deconstruction, fostering their growth and understanding of sustainable practices. This partnership not only benefits the students but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing responsible construction and development practices.
A significant milestone has been achieved with the commencement of remediation on a portion of the land, funded in part by a $1 million dollar grant awarded by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). This critical step paves the way for the forthcoming phase of development.
Amidst this momentum, we are pleased to share that discussions with a preferred development partner have begun, signifying promising prospects for the future. As these discussions unfold, there is a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm about the potential collaborations that will contribute to the realization of the vision for the future of the Somass Lands.
To stay informed about the latest developments, we invite you to visit our dedicated website at www.letsconnectpa.ca/somass-lands.
Who's Listening
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Phone 250-720-2807 Email scott_smith@portalberni.ca -
Phone 250-720-2810 Email communications@portalberni.ca
