City of Port Alberni Applauds Funding Announcement

June 2, 2022

The City of Port Alberni is excited about the recent announcement that BC Housing will provide operating funding for a temporary housing facility in Port Alberni.

The City of Port Alberni has been working with the Hupacasath First Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Port Alberni Friendship Center, and Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council [the Task Force] to address homelessness in Port Alberni, in particular, the housing situation at 3629, 3633 & 3655 4th Avenue where people are living in unsafe conditions. The Port Alberni Friendship Center, on behalf of the Task Force, sought funding support from BC Housing. The City is extremely appreciative for the leadership demonstrated by the Port Alberni Friendship Center and the funding being provided by BC Housing.

“We feel extremely fortunate to receive this funding from BC Housing for this critical project, said Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions. Though the City was pleased to be able to contribute to this project through use of City owned land, we recognize that we would not have been successful without the partners who are on the Supportive Housing Task Force and have championed this project. I want to thank each of these groups today for their dedication to providing safe, accessible, and affordable housing in our community.”

In 2021, the City of Port Alberni purchased vacant land on 4th Avenue. The City will make this land available for a temporary housing facility, where vulnerable citizens will be relocated from the unsafe recreational vehicles currently located on private property on 4th Avenue. Following that work, the City will be taking legal steps that will require the property owner to remove the recreational vehicles from the property and bring the property into compliance with City Bylaws.  The City will also petition the courts for recovery of outstanding violation tickets in the amount of approximately $120,000.

The City views this temporary housing as a stop-gap that will provide safe housing for our citizens currently living in unsafe conditions while work continues on providing for a permanent facility.

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For More Information

Sharie Minions, Mayor

City of Port Alberni

250.723.2146

sharie_minions@portalberni.ca