Port Alberni is one step closer to getting a new hotel.
Three local First Nations — Tseshaht, Hupacasath and Huu-ay-aht — have partnered to build a Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Port Alberni. Now the group is asking the City of Port Alberni for a letter of support in order to apply for grant funding.
The hotel will be located at the city’s entrance, near Walmart on Johnston Road. Patrick Schmidt, CEO of Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses, told a committee of the whole on Tuesday, Jan. 14 that it is an opportunity to bring more tourism infrastructure to the community. The hotel will be a four-storey building with 76 rooms.
It will also be the first new hotel built in Port Alberni since 1980.
“It will have a pool, a hot tub and a waterslide,” said Schmidt. He added with a laugh, “The waterslide was a real important feature — we had a lot of questions about that.”
Subdivision of the land near Walmart has already occurred, and the closing date for the land sale is at the end of January. Schmidt said he is hoping to have the development permit and building permit done in February.
“A project like this is expensive, so we’ve been trying to find ways to support the capital on it," he said.
The committee recommended providing a letter of support to the group so that they can apply for grant funding, although the final decision will go to a future meeting of city council (committees are unable to make decisions).
“This is big news,” said Councillor Charles Mealey. “It’s kind of a no-brainer in my opinion.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our community,” added Councillor Cindy Solda, calling the hotel's location the "worst-kept secret" in Port Alberni.
