Alert Bay is rejuvenating its Town Square to transform the community hub into an accessible, welcoming space that celebrates the Village’s culture and enhances its economy.
This project from the Village of Alert Bay focuses new infrastructure investment to transform a deteriorated, underutilized space into an inclusive, vibrant plaza designed in collaboration with ʼNa̱mg̱is First Nation.
Updates include the installation of solar-powered lighting, accessible picnic tables and benches, native plants, irrigation, and cultural features, including salmon insets, storyboard signage, and a large map of ʼNa̱mg̱is territory.
The Square provides space for weekly vendor markets, public gatherings, and cultural events, and is situated in a central, walkable location adjacent to key community services. It is host to annual Canada Day and Christmas events, along with a weekly local vendor market that also runs when cruise ships are docked.
The Trust is investing in the new Town Square through the Community Placemaking Program, in line with its Investment Priority of Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses.
Wellbeing Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
The revitalized Town Square will enhance the economic sustainability of the community by attracting visitors, supporting local vendors, and creating a welcoming environment for events and markets.
Economic Prosperity
The project will result in:
Social Empowerment
The revitalized Town Square will generate:
Climate Resiliency
The project supports climate resiliency by:
Cultural Vitality
The project supports cultural vitality through:
As we work toward inclusive and resilient economic futures, we do so with a deep appreciation for the histories, contributions, and rights of the Kwak̓wala/Bakwam’kala, Nuučaa̓nuɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Skwxwú7mesh, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
