A quiet pause along the Harbour Quay waterfront Tuesday morning quickly gave way to celebration as Port Alberni learned it has been selected for HGTV’s Home Town Takeover Canada. The announcement transformed a planned community showcase into an immediate waterfront reaction at Harbour Quay, where residents erupted in cheers and applause, waving signs, embracing and reacting in real time as the decision was read out. The series will follow a full-scale renovation effort in the community through summer 2026, focusing on public spaces and selected homes as part of a broader transformation project. The morning event had been organized as a final demonstration of support for the city’s bid, bringing together residents, performers and local leadership in a waterfront gathering focused on civic pride and community connection. The space featured live performances, cultural presentations, children’s activities and handmade banners as families lined the seawall ahead of the announcement. Mayor Sharie Minions said in a statement the bid reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen and renew public spaces as the city continues to evolve. “We are at a transformational point in our community’s history. We have lots of work ahead of us as we remake our waterfront and Uptown District into a vibrant community space,” she said. She said the initiative is part of a longer-term effort to reimagine how the city’s public spaces serve residents. Tseshaht First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Ken Watts said in a statement the selection represents a meaningful opportunity for the region. “We know this opportunity will help our current community, as well as our future generations,” he said. The HGTV series will follow Port Alberni through a multi-month renovation process, highlighting upgrades to public spaces alongside selected residential projects and local stories. “Hupacasath Nation comes from a long, rich and complex history that is rooted in a deep love for this territory,” added Serena Mayer, Elected Councilor, Hupacasath First Nation. “We would be honoured to collectively work together with the city, Tseshaht First Nation and Home Town Takeover Canada to increase the vibrancy in the area.” Home Town Takeover is known for working with small communities to reimagine neighbourhoods and civic areas through large-scale design and construction projects. Port Alberni’s bid focused on its natural surroundings, industrial history and ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown and waterfront. For many in attendance, Tuesday’s announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter for the community, one that will now unfold on a national stage as the transformation begins.
