(Letter sent to AVNews on August 18, 2026)
Dear Editor,
We should correct the record when it comes to growth in Port Alberni. Port Alberni is growing.
The latest official data is from the 2021 Canadian census. Between the 2016 and 2021 census, the “City” population of Port Alberni grew by 3.3% from 17,678 to 18,259 people. This is by far the fastest growth we have seen in going on 30 years.
The 2021 number was also higher than the population in 2011 which was 17,743. So in fact, Port Alberni is at its highest population since 1996 when it was 18,782. The trend is the same when taking into account Beaver Creek, Cherry Creek, Sproat Lake and Beaufort.
Given the considerable amount of new activity and building in the City and Valley since the pandemic, I would expect the 2026 census will reveal we have surpassed our 1996 population. I share concern about the City’s inability to provide services it once had. It would be nice if one day we could say that all people counted in our beautiful Alberni Valley were all citizens of the wonderful and growing City of Port Alberni working together to make this place even more wonderful.
Sincerely,
Chris Alemany