Economy Port Alberni

the chief source of employment in port alberni forest industry. alberni valley s forests consist of douglas fir, hemlock, yellow cedar , western red cedar. of old growth forests have been logged current logging coming second growth forests. port alberni mill, owned catalyst paper, sits on edge of alberni inlet. produces 340,000 tonnes of directory paper , lightweight coated paper each year. there lumber mill, alberni pacific division, sits on inlet. several smaller sawmills exist throughout valley. farming practised in valley.

port alberni serves hub travelling west coast of vancouver island, including ucluelet, tofino , pacific rim national park. commodities tend pricier in these remote areas, campers , travellers shopping in port alberni before continuing journey. has resulted in development along johnston road (highway 4) corridor, including several big box retailers, grocery stores , strip mall developments. previously, eco-tourism companies have set shop in alberni valley, taking advantage of city s location on fringe of wilderness yet proximate location vancouver , victoria. example, there s kayaking, atv touring, windsurfing , glider company.