History
ALBERNI VALLEY Brief look back
The city was named for Don Pedro Alberni, an army captain with the Spanish troops garrisoned on the west coast of Vancouver Island in 1790. Through the years, Port Alberni has survived on a strong forest industry. It was also home to one of British Columbia’s busiest ports. Settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1880s. They cleared the land and started farming.
Once there were two
Port Alberni was once two small towns. Alberni, incorporated in 1913, had the flavour and pace of a farming community. Its industrial neighbour Port Alberni, incorporated in 1912, was situated on the deep-sea port. Rivalry flourished between the two communities and early attempts at amalgamation failed. After a devastating tsunami washed through the area in 1964, a spirit of co-operation was born that eventually helped facilitate amalgamation of the twin cities in 1967. At the time the population was 18,538, making it the fifth largest city in British Columbia. Today the city and region has a population of approximately 25,099.
Walking through history
A walking tour has been set up to introduce visitors and
residents to the rich history of the city. The walk takes about 40 minutes and leads you from the Alberni Harbour Quay to the Rollin Arts Centre and many points in between. There are 25 stops along the way which include everything from old original homes and businesses to Stamp Harbour, the Banfield Lifeboat, the Historic Port Alberni Railway Station and old churches. For more information or to get a copy of the Historical Walking Tour contact the Alberni Valley Museum at 4255 Wallace St. or call 250-723-2181.
Continental Breakfast
Think TFSA What are you saving for?
As of January 1st, you can contribute another $5,000 into your Tax Free Savings Account. # Save for medium and long term goals # Add to your retirement nest egg # Put your RRSP tax refund to work # Withdraw whenever you want # Gains accrue tax-free # Use as a trading account
Mitch J. Gardner, CFP, Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund
10 The Alberni Valley Visitor’s Guide
B-5262 Argyle Street, Port Alberni
250-723-4970