Port Alberni

• Massive fire destroys former sawmill in Port Alberni, B.C.

  Crews were called to the former Somass sawmill in Port Alberni, B.C. just before 9 a.m. Sunday to battle a blaze that investigators are treating as suspicious.

  Fire

  Aug 19
  
• Police bomb squad conducts demolition after homemade explosives, guns found at B.C. home

  Police said said they found numerous guns along with thousands of rounds of ammunition, homemade explosive devices and chemicals used to make explosives. 

  Crime

  Mar 28
  
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• B.C. police watchdog seeks witnesses after man found dead in Vancouver Island lake

  According to the Independent Investigations Office of BC, the 83-year-old was found dead in his vehicle on Dec. 15. It was submerged in Sproat Lake.

  Canada

  Dec 19, 2023
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• Port Alberni picks B.C. developer to revitalize prime waterfront land

  Port Alberni acquired the Somass lands from Western Forest Products for $5.1 million. The 43-acre parcel, the former site of the Somass Division sawmill, has sat unused since 2017.

  Canada

  Dec 12, 2023
• Popularity of Port Alberni’s ‘Hole in the Wall’ raises safety concerns

  An off-the-beaten-path tourist attraction near Port Alberni is drawing large numbers of tourists, raising safety concerns due to a lack of infrastructure.

  Canada

  Nov 10, 2023
• Man dead after Port Alberni apartment building stabbing

  Port Alberni investigators have talked to several witnesses on the scene and a male suspect has been identified. 

  Crime

  Oct 22, 2023
• Vancouver Island communities call for compensation after Highway 4 shutdown

  With Highway 4 reopened, Vancouver Island communities' attention has shifted to compensation from the closure and plans for an alternate route to prevent future shutdowns.

  Economy

  Sep 1, 2023
• Man hospitalized, suspect at large in ‘targeted’ Port Alberni, B.C. shooting

  Police are still looking for a suspect in connection with a shooting in downtown Port Alberni on Friday. The victim is expected to survive his injuries.

  Crime

  Sep 1, 2023
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• Vancouver Island’s Highway 4 fully reopens

  The critical route has been plagued by intermittent closures and single-lane alternating traffic since being damaged by a wildfire in June.

  Fire

  Aug 31, 2023
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• Highway 4 ‘on track’ to fully reopen by Labour Day long weekend: Ministry

  The Ministry of Transportation says it expects the key route to be open by the Labour Day long weekend, but that work will require one more full closure next week.

  Fire

  Aug 25, 2023