One of the elements in the City's Strategic Plan is to open up public access and use of the waterfront. Port Alberni is one of the few waterfront communities on Vancouver Island that has virtually no access to the waterfront in terms of non-motorized recreational use. But this is changing.
Thanks to the new Centennial Pier, the Port Alberni Port Authority, and the recent acquisition of the waterfront by  Lady Rose Marine Services, our enjoyment of Harbour Quay will be somewhat enhanced.
The most significant change, however, is going to occur on our southern boundary at the end of Third Avenue off of Plywood Drive.
It is here that our City Crews are working with other members of the community to bring us a beachfront recreational site. Some of us refer to this as the triple B program - that is "Bring Back the Beach". Until the early 1950's Port Alberni had beach access with swimming programs that people were able to enjoy. Please visit our archives at the Museum to see for yourself, or you can even view them on line. Many of our elders have talked to me fondly about their memories of swimming down at the foot of Bruce Street where the Port Authority now resides.
One other element to this story is the fact that not everyone can afford to have a cabin at Sproat or Great Central Lake - or even have the transportation needed to get out there for the limited public access on the lakes. The message is clear – the people of Port Alberni deserve a beach -an ocean beach - and you are going to get one.
 We are already being approached by service groups that would like to be involved in facilitating use of this site, and who also see recreational value in the adjoining Lot A and the Upland Lot B. Some suggestions have been for a "society or service club" operated building which could provide storage for small sail boats, canoes etc. as well as a "wooden boat centre" for those so inclined. In addition to the obvious Spring, Summer and Fall uses (picnics, swimming, windsports, kayaking) the site could also lend itself to events during the winter such as the annual Polar Bear swim - providing groups are interested in helping out and even spearheading such initiatives.
If you are interested in the new waterfront and would like to make any suggestions, or would like to work together with a group on any initiatives, please contact your City Council,your Parks and Recreation Department,or come by for our monthly Coffee with Mayor and Council events.
Thanks for your time, and thanks for being part of the new Port Alberni!
John Douglas