Local forest companies will not be making an appearance at the city of Port Alberni’s next council meeting as planned, citing safety concerns. “For safety reasons, they have withdrawn as a delegation,” said Alicia Puusepp, manager of communications, on Thursday, Dec. 7. Following concern about locked gates and back road access around the Alberni Valley, the city announced at an Oct. 23 meeting of council that they would be inviting Island Timberlands and TimberWest to a future meeting to discuss the policies of the two companies and to hear public complaints. …Puusepp said that the city is still in discussions with Island Timberlands and TimberWest to see how they can most effectively work with citizens. A meeting between the city, the forest companies and the public is not completely off the table, but it may not happen in a council chamber setting.