The City of Port Alberni has officially signed an agreement for the development of the Somass Lands. City staff announced on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 that the city has signed a master development agreement with Matthews West Developments Ltd. for the 43-acre waterfront property and adjacent parking lot previously known as the Somass Division Sawmill. The city had purchased the sawmill lands from Western Forest Products in 2021, after Western indefinitely curtailed forestry operations at the mill… City council’s vision for the Somass Lands is a mixed-use development with park space, light industry, retail, office spaces and housing, as well as public access to Port Alberni’s waterfront.