Dozens of Port Alberni residents marked the start of 2025 with a splash by jumping into the water on New Year's Day.
The annual Polar Bear Swim took place at John Douglas Park at tiipis (formerly known as Canal Beach). This year's event was a special one, paying tribute to the late Port Alberni mayor and city councillor John Douglas.
Douglas died suddenly at home on July 12, 2024. During his time as mayor, he had spearheaded the effort to turn the Alberni Plywood lands into recreational waterfront, and he helped bring the Polar Bear Swim to Canal Beach for the first time.
"[John Douglas] was the reason for this Polar Bear Swim," said David Wiwchar, emcee for the event. "John saw the opportunity because he was all about Canal Beach and turning the waterfront down here into a nice park from the log dump that it was. I think his vision has definitely come to fruition."
A few dozen people jumped into the water on New Year's Day, while many others watched from the shore, taking pictures and video. Swimmers could warm up beside the fire after their dip in the water, with hot chocolate provided by the Salvation Army. Many people donned top hats in memory of Douglas, who was always dressed to the nines for the Polar Bear Swim.
The event was put on by 93.3 The Peak radio station, with help from the City of Port Alberni, Salvation Army, Port Alberni Shelter Society, Port Alberni Port Authority, Port Alberni Fire Department, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the BC Ambulance Service. Broken Record Entertainment provided the music for the event.
Wes Hewitt, the executive director for the Port Alberni Shelter Society, said it's a testament to John Douglas' vision that the Polar Bear Swim has drawn together so many different volunteer organizations.
"John worked for us [at the Port Alberni Shelter Society] for many years, so this event is very important to us," said Hewitt. "The fact that all these different organizations have come together to put this event on today is impressive."
