The City of Port Alberni is in negotiations with a developer for the future of the Somass lands.

“We have a preferred developer partner where council has directed us to enter negotiations,” city CAO Mike Fox said. “Nothing is finalized yet…we’re working through that process.”

Because nothing has been finalized, Fox could not name the partner.

Fox said there are multiple scenarios at play. “Some communities when they go through the process will sell portions of the land. Others may sell the whole thing, others may be involved in the process.

“Right now we’re doing the investigation to make sure we both have the same ideas for the land. Then we will have to talk about development as the environmental compliance goes through.”

The preferred development partner emerged through the request for qualifications process the city undertook in the spring.

The city received six proposals for development of the Somass lands, which comprise 43 acres of land, much of it waterfront.

The city has contracted demolition of the site, which has been ongoing for several months. The city has been able to sell many items from the site, recouping some of the cost, Fox said.

Once the main buildings are demolished people will see a hole dug into the site as the environmental compliance phase begins. The city received approximately a million dollars in grant funding for this process, Fox said.

On the other side of the fence at the Somass property, the city has placed three platforms with wooden seating along the walkway that connects with Tyee Landing. The platforms can be moved whenever construction begins, but for now they offer three places of refuge for visitors wanting to enjoy the waterfront.

Fox said the furniture was purchased as part of the Quay to Quay walkway and has been stored at the public works yard until this summer.

DevelopersdevelopmentPORT ALBERNI