Port Alberni's Visitor Information Centre will close for the month of March due to lack of funding.
The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce made the announcement on Friday, Feb. 28 after informing its membership by e-mail.
"The chamber's contract for visitor services with the City of Port Alberni concluded on Jan. 19, 2025 and no new agreement has been reached," chamber CEO Jolleen Dick said in a press release.
"Without a formal contract or secured financial support, the chamber is unable to continue funding and operating the visitor centre independently."
The AV News has reached out to the City of Port Alberni for comment.
The chamber of commerce will remain "fully operational," continuing to provide business services, advocacy and support to its members. No staff have been laid off as a result of the closure, she said. Dick anticipates the visitor centre will reopen ahead of the summer season "pending financial solutions."
The visitor centre building closure includes the public washroom facilities.
People looking for information about Port Alberni and the region will be directed to online resources, including the chamber website at www.albernichamber.ca or www.portalbernivisitorcentre.ca, Alberni Valley Tourism (www.albernivalleytourism.ca) and respective social media channels.
The visitor centre served more than 9,400 visitors in 2024, including tourists, residents and people asking about moving to the community.
In addition to answering tourism inquiries the info centre has been called upon in recent years to respond during crises, Dick said. "The VIC (Visitor Info Centre) has been a trusted resource for updates on wildfires, road closures and other emergencies affecting travel," she said.
"The Visitor Centre is more than just a tourism resource – it connects thousands of visitors to local businesses, drives economic growth and provides essential updates during emergencies," said chamber president Chris Washington.
In an email sent to chamber members, Dick said the chamber is "actively engaging with stakeholders, including the City of Port Alberni, to advocate for sustainable funding."
"While this closure is temporary, it underscores the urgent need for a sustainable, long-term funding solution to ensure visitor services remain available year-round."
She urged local businesses to make sure their online information is up to date.
