Restore Dry Creek Estuary – Nurture our City and Community – Honour and Revitalize the Past

This page is dedicated to an idea that arose out of the City of Port Alberni’s purchase of the Somass Mill site and other lands from Western Forest Products in 2021. The City presented a compelling idea to redevelop and transform the land. We support this direction. We have a bigger vision.

Follow the Web Presentation (Coming soon)

A page by page look at how this vision was created and how it could come to life.

More than Redevelopment: Restoration – Revival – Reconciliation – Renewal

You can see our December 2021 presentation to City Council detailing the idea below. The presentation starts at 53:35 in the video.

Here’s the Powerpoint presentation.

Participate in the OCP today!

Much needs to happen for this to come to fruition. That is why our main focus right now is to have this vision included in the new Port Alberni Official Community Plan.

Click this image to go to the OCP Community input map. You can vote for the marks on the map. The marks numbered above relate to aspects of the Dry Creek restoration project. Please show your support.

For Salmon – For Reconciliation – For History – For Climate Change – For Economic Development – For All

Some images to get your mind around what the vision is:

What if this was the view from new housing on Tyee Landing?

What if this was the view at high tide from new housing on 3rd Avenue?

What if this was the view from Smitty’s Restaurant?

The above images are from the Nanaimo Estuary, where the City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Port Authority and Snuneymuxw First Nation worked together to restore old industrial waterfront to a natural state. Enriching both the sea, the shore, and the economy as a whole.

A Model to continue following: False Creek

Did you know that the Harbour Quay was designed by the same person that designed Granville Island? The ideas here are the same. False Creek has gone through this transformation, including natural restoration, parkland, commercial space and and a mix of affordable and market housing. That’s what can happen here.

The foundation is restoring the natural setting.

We will post more pictures, ideas and other resources in the coming weeks and months. Please don’t hesitate to email Chris (chrisale at gmail.com) or AVTT (mailing list at the top) if you’d like more info or have suggestions.

Gallery of Historic Images

Showing the causeway built for the railway. There is water visible in the marshy parts in the middle ground of the picture. Picture is likely taken near the foot of Redford Hill. AVM Notes: Lupsi – Cupsi Point. Railway tracks. The Alberni Inlet in the background. 1912

Dedicated to a resilient, low carbon society.