The following questions were presented to city council in December 2024 when Mayor Sharie Minions promised a response to all that could be answered. The city’s responses are in bold.
We are a group of concerned citizens and neighbours working together to mitigate and prepare for climate change and to help transition our community to a low-carbon and resilient future.
On Sept. 18, 2024, members of Alberni Valley Transition Town Society, Dry Creek Restoration Group and the community at large came together to discuss the possibilities, challenges and opportunities to Free Owatchet. This would entail a full restoration of the Dry Creek estuary, returning the shoreline to its original location within the bounds of Catalyst Paper Mill, 3rd Ave and Dunbar, and realigning Dry Creek (Owatchet) channel along its natural course.
The general consensus was that, while this would be a large, multi-year, multi-faceted project, it was still achievable (even with the Quay to Quay pathway in place), consistent with the practice of other Vancouver Island municipalities and could provide substantial benefit to Port Alberni.
Free Owatchet/Dry Creek Restoration Group feels the best way to redevelop the Somass/3rd and 4th avenue areas for the benefit of the entire city — including citizens, wildlife and the watershed ecosystem as a whole — is to:
• Restore the shoreline and waterway to as close to its original state as possible.
• Restore the course of Dry Creek (Owatchet) to its estuarine form.
• Restore the entirety of the shoreline and estuary and create a new public space and waterfront park bounded by Dunbar, 3rd Avenue and Catalyst property.
Concentrate redevelopment, new housing and commercial opportunities on the 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue, Dunbar, Kingsway, lower Redford, and Harbour Road areas including ensuring there is a mix of low-barrier social housing, affordable housing, market housing, tourist accommodation, commercial and light industrial spaces.
The group has the following questions for the City and requests answers to these in writing, in a public meeting, before Feb. 1, 2025.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
- Has the City considered realigning Dry Creek (Owatchet)? Not in any current plans.
- Will details of the letter of intent signed with Matthews West to develop the Somass Lands be made available to the public? When can we expect an update from the City and Matthews West? Will share as soon as they know more.
- When will the public’s vision for these lands be considered? As the City moves forward with our Development Partner.
- According to the current City Council’s vision, who is expected to own the Somass Lands in 2050 (25 years) either generally (public, private) or specifically? If there is a lease or other type of arrangement, please specify. Mixed ownership depending on development.
- What is the involvement of First Nations? Have they been consulted throughout the process. Please provide the most recent date? Both First Nations are involved as city moves forward.
- What is the City’s insurance liability exposure of the Somass Lands due to flood risk and tsunami danger? Would residential properties on the Somass Lands be insurable? Same as other areas in town affected by those risks mentioned.
- What is the state of planning for other city-owned lands in the estuary (railway and other lands originally purchased from Catalyst)? The OCP is currently in draft format and would guide the City in planning.
- Does the City plan to purchase any other properties in the area? No plans to purchase any new lands.
- Has the City considered how the Matthews West redevelopment could lead to redevelopment of 3rd and 4th avenue? These are complex issues requiring multiple levels of government and community; development is only one tool.
- How can redevelopment of this land address homelessness, particularly in the 3rd and 4th avenue area, and in the City as a whole? Planning for a complete community is part of the OCP and we need to provide for all residents.
- Is social housing a part of any redevelopment plan for this project? The city does not have a complete development plan for the project beyond what is shown on Let’s Connect.
- How will the Somass Lands and other city-owned lands in the area be addressed in the Official Community Plan? OCP will not speak directly to the Somass Lands. Any rezoning will follow process. OCP is high-level guidance.
- INFRASTRUCTURE QUESTIONS
14. What is the City’s plan for addressing flooding on the Somass Lands and 3rd and 4th avenue corridor? As the city redevelops, all areas need to follow the new legislation to work through these complex issues.
14. How will the City mitigate the tsunami risk for new or redeveloped areas? All areas need to address this situation.
16. Will this area be part of the Flood Plain Bylaw? Depending on development to determine restrictions that may be placed
on the land.
17. Dry Creek (Owatchet) was not included in the Somass Watershed Flood Management Plan. Will the City amend the plan to
include the impacts of flooding from Dry Creek watershed? Plans are updated and when they are they should be comprehensive.
18. Will Matthews West be required to fund an environmental impact assessment for any proposed development on the Somass
Lands? The developer will need to undertake all legal requirements. In seeing how they have developed other sites I believe they will be taking a very extensive look into all environmental impacts.
19. What is the current state of site contamination? Does the certificate of compliance require that the land remain undisturbed? What bioremediation would be required for soil removed from the site? The city has hired an environment professional and will follow their direction. All high risk areas have been cleared and now it depends on the development.
20. What is the plan for the ENEX cardlock fuelling facility on Dunbar? Other flood/tsunami-exposed fuel facilities (Chevron, Co-Op) have been removed or relocated. These are currently private businesses.
21. Is there an opportunity to realign existing railway, road rights of way during redevelopment for improved accessibility, connection
and circulation? Development looks at all aspects. Transportation Master Plan also ties in with future needs, alignment.
22. Is the Quay to Quay Pathway now in its permanent alignment or is it intended to be flexible for future development? All trails
can be moved but Q-Q in most areas would not be relocated, though possibly upgraded.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS
23. What would be done to protect Dry Creek (Owatchet) considering its status as coho salmon habitat (and possibly other salmonid
species)? All streams need be considered in development.
24. Has the City been in contact with DFO on the state of Dry Creek (Owatchet) watershed and plans for redevelopment of the
Somass Lands? If so, please provide details. The development has not been started yet. DFO is aware of development
potential.