Port Alberni Somass Lands redevelopment takes another step forward with agreement signing

Aerial view of the Somass Lands in Port Alberni. (City of Port Alberni/Facebook)" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.

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png?fit=780%2C424&ssl=1" />An agreement between the City of Port Alberni and a developer has been officially signed to move forward on a redevelopment project for the Somass Lands.The 43-acre site has been in a state of flux since the mill that previously operated there closed in 2017.The city then bought the lands in 2021 for $5.

3 million and has been working on a plan since of what to do with the waterfront property.In December 2023, the City of Port Alberni announced that Matthews West was named as the developer of the Somass Lands.Now, the city and developer have signed a master development agreement.

“This is a transformational step for the City of Port Alberni. We purchased the land in 2021 and have been working toward this day ever since,” said Sharie Minions, mayor of Port Alberni. “Matthews West’s reputation in delivering large-scale, community-focused developments makes them the perfect partners to execute and deliver this ambitious project.

”RELATED: Building on former Somass site in Port Alberni destroyed after Sunday fire: fire dept.The plan for the site is for a mixed-use development including park space, retail, office spaces, and housing.“We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the City, Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] and Hupačasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity,” said John Matthews, president of Matthews West.

The agreement signed between the two parties includes a lease agreement with the option to purchase the lands in the future.Since purchasing the land, Port Alberni says it has invested $8.7 million in the purchase and remediation of the lands, and has received $2.

4 million in grants and the sale of salvaged equipment.If Matthews West proceeds with the purchase, the city says the sale cost will factor in reimbursing the city’s costs up to the closing date and lost tax revenue.The post Port Alberni Somass Lands redevelopment takes another step forward with agreement signing appeared first on CHEK.

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