01/22/2026
Sharing from Rosanne Gray
My Email to City Council and Mayor Minions
I am struggling to understand how the many serious concerns expressed by residents, business owners, and service providers can be so easily set aside. When our police, ambulance, and fire departments all clearly state that this project is not a good idea, why is that not being taken seriously? These professionals are on the front lines 24 hours a day. They see the impacts daily, and their warnings should not be dismissed.
I am also deeply concerned that key questions were not addressed regarding the Arts District, the Uptown Core revitalization, and the long-term vision for the Somass Lands development. What is happening with these plans? These visions were clearly communicated to the community over the last few years and were a driving force behind private investment, business growth, and real estate decisions in this area.
I strongly believe our community deserves transparency. Proceeding with the 2nd Avenue BC Housing development without clearly addressing these issues risks a significant loss of trust in both Council and the Mayor. Many of us were excited to promote Port Alberni’s bright future, its revitalization, and the thoughtful planning that was promised. Right now, that optimism feels deflated.
The Somass Lands development, along with future investors in the Uptown Core, are likely to pull away knowing this project is moving forward in the very district they were encouraged to invest in. This decision sends a conflicting message about long-term planning and vision.
I am incredibly passionate about Port Alberni being a community where families can thrive, where young people working from home can afford to buy a home, and where retirees can enjoy hiking, swimming, and our beautiful natural surroundings. This proposed 55-unit low-barrier BC Housing project does not align with that vision. Based on what similar projects have done to communities like Nanaimo, I fear this will be a disaster for our Uptown Core.
Please reconsider this decision. This project has not fully earned the green light it is being given. Council needs to step back and look at the bigger picture, not a quick potential fix. What our community truly needs is sober housing and properly supported mental-health housing — not low-barrier housing in this location.
I urge you to pause, listen, and re-evaluate this decision in the best long-term interests of Port Alberni.
