Contractors began laying the groundwork last week for a new vision at Clutesi Haven Marina.
Heavy equipment began clearing the area around the food trucks on Feb. 18, 2025, signalling the start of the physical changes to come at the marina. Planning for a new vision at the marina started in 2022 when the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations and City of Port Alberni created a working group under the guise of the federal First Nations–Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI).
The property is considered a "joint area of interest," according to city officials. It is owned by the City of Port Alberni, leased by the Port Alberni Port Authority and holds significant cultural meaning for both First Nations. It has been the subject of revitalization discussions for well over a decade.
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said the city "is eager to see this area transformed into one that creates opportunities for small business development, builds a space that attracts tourists and locals alike all while raising cultural awareness through placemaking."
Plans are to increase vendor spaces using retrofitted Seacans, both for food and retail. There will be a gazebo and courtyard for visitors to sit and a stage for live performances and small concerts.
"Grant funding has played a major role in the viability of this project with 99 percent of the funds coming from various agencies," Minions said.
The City of Port Alberni has pursued several funding streams, beginning with a joint grant in 2023 of nearly $28,000 from Island Economic Trust for the city, Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations. The city has received a total of $400,000 including $248,000 from Tourism Growth Program (PacifiCan), $91,000 from Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure BC and $45,000 from First Nations-Municipal Community Economic Development Group (CEDI).
Other revitalization projects at Clutesi Haven Marina will include Indigenous art featured on the new Seacans, increased parking for cars, trucks and boat trailers by reorganizing available space and changes to the entry and egress of the marina — coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation.
Those entry and exit changes are a precursor to plans from the transportation ministry to build a roundabout at the intersection with Beaver Creek Road and River Road, which is considered part of Highway 4. The entrance to Clutesi Haven Marina is at this intersection, which becomes congested with tourist traffic heading to and from the West Coast in summer months.
"Through this project we will be transforming this important piece of waterfront property into a vibrant market that showcases our nations and builds on important partnerships that will re-energize this highly visible asset," said Brandy Lauder, Elected Chief Councillor of Hupacasath First Nation.
Work at the marina will be done in phases, according to city representatives, with the goal of having all the work complete and new vendor spaces ready to use in time for summer 2025. The ground prep was to wrap up by the end of the week. The new Seacans will arrive in late March. Vendors currently at the site "will continue to operate without interruption."
The CEDI working group will ask for vendor submissions to fill six spots coming available.
"This is a really exciting project for our three governments," said Wahmeesh (Ken Watts), Elected Chief Councillor of Tseshaht First Nation. "Tseshaht has made vital steps toward our nation's economic diversification. This project is another example of how collective thinking and creative placemaking can help shape a community."
