The City of Port Alberni has officially signed an agreement for the development of the Somass Lands.
City staff announced on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 that the city has signed a master development agreement with Matthews West Developments Ltd. for the 43-acre waterfront property and adjacent parking lot previously known as the Somass Division Sawmill.
The city had purchased the sawmill lands from Western Forest Products in 2021, after Western indefinitely curtailed forestry operations at the mill.
“This is a transformational step for the City of Port Alberni," said Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions on April 8. "We purchased the land in 2021 and have been working toward this day ever since. Matthews West’s reputation in delivering large-scale, community-focused developments makes them the perfect partners to execute and deliver this ambitious project.”
City council's vision for the Somass Lands is a mixed-use development with park space, light industry, retail, office spaces and housing, as well as public access to Port Alberni’s waterfront.
Now, with a signed agreement in hand, the city says it will begin sharing investigative studies from remediation and site preparation work completed to date. After this, both parties will be able to secure the necessary provincial and federal permits for a development concept, and Matthews West will lead a master planning process in consultation with the community.
“We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the city, Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity,” said John Matthews, president of Matthews West.
During a regular council meeting on Monday, April 14, city CAO Mike Fox confirmed that the city is currently sharing documents from the site with Matthews West. He said Matthews West has plans to take on additional geo-technical studies, an environmental review and a structural study to determine if the buildings still standing on the site can be used. The next steps are establishing timelines and a "considerable" public input period.
“I know council and the public want to see this move as fast as possible, but we also have to make sure we do our due diligence,” said Fox.
The city says it has established a "flexible" partnership with Matthews West, enabling collaboration throughout the master planning process while providing Matthews West with the option to purchase the lands.
If Matthews West proceeds with the land purchase, the sale price will be determined by multiple factors, including reimbursement to the city for all costs incurred on the lands up to the closing date. This will include compensation for lost tax revenues during municipal ownership and coverage of all remediation and pre-development expenses associated with the master planning process.
Part of the agreement states that a minimum of 20 percent of the lands will be dedicated as public space and retained under the city’s jurisdiction.
"It is still early in the process, but we are very excited about the future of the Somass Lands," said Minions. "We are confident that Matthews West will deliver a vibrant development that aligns with the priorities of the city, community, and First Nations — fostering economic growth, enhancing public waterfront access and engagement, and attracting young families and investment to Port Alberni."
During the April 14 meeting, Minions encouraged members of the public to participate in the upcoming public engagement process. Since 2013, Matthews West has been partnered with the Squamish First Nation on two master planned communities located within the Sea to Sky Corridor: Oceanfront Squamish and the Cheekeye.
“Those projects came because of the public input they received, the community coming out to tell them what they wanted to see," said Minions. "They really want to build a project that is Port Alberni at heart."
