The developer behind the massive Oceanfront Squamish development is taking on a new project on Vancouver Island.
The City of Port Alberni announced that Matthews West, a Squamish-based subsidiary of Matthews Southwest in Texas, will be developing a 43-acre waterfront Somass Lands property in the city.
The development is said to be a mixed-used site with public access to the waterfront.
"After closely following the Matthews West successful waterfront development process in Squamish, we are confident in their ability to bring council’s vision for the Somass Lands to life,” said Chief Administrative Officer of Port Alberni, Mike Fox, in the news release.
“Their collaborative approach, combined with careful environmental considerations and thoughtful master planning, will ensure a sustainable and thriving redevelopment project. We look forward to working with Matthews West on this transformative endeavour."
The release further states that Matthews West “stood out as the ideal partner” among the 16 organizations that requested interest in developing the area.
“The redevelopment of the Somass Lands is an exciting and pivotal moment in Port Alberni's history and we are honoured to partner with the City to further their vision,” said John Matthews, the President of Matthews West, in the release. “We look forward to the upcoming work on the site, engaging with the community, and working hand-in-hand with the Tseshaht and the Hupacasath First Nations on this exceptional development opportunity.”
Notably, in Squamish, Matthews West is currently developing a neighbourhood with Oceanfront Squamish while also developing a debris barrier for the Cheekye Fan, allowing the company to add about 1,200 residential units in Brackendale near Don Ross Middle School.
The most recent update about the Oceanfront Squamish is that the public park and presentation centre should be open to the public by the summer of 2024.
