The City of Port Alberni has begun a major seven-year project to replace aging water pipes that connect the community to the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant. The work, which officially launched on April 6, 2026, involves upgrading 4.65 kilometres of underground transmission lines to ensure more reliable access to water for residents.
The first phase of the project is currently underway along Franklin River Road. Crews from Hazelwood Construction are replacing a 1.1-kilometre section of steel pipe that was originally installed in 1962 and has reached the end of its useful life. This new infrastructure will consist of high-density polyethylene fused pipe, which is designed to be installed underground with an expected lifespan of about 100 years.
City officials identified this work as a high priority following a serious incident in March 2023, when a logging truck accident severed a section of the main water supply pipe. That crash caused nearly 5,000 cubic metres of water to spill and forced the city to implement strict water usage rules for the community.
The first phase of construction is expected to cost approximately $4,033,000, with funding approved by the City of Port Alberni Council in June 2025. The entire multi-phase project is expected to cost significantly more than the cost of this initial phase. Residents should be aware that construction activity is taking place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until July 2026. During this period, drivers can expect single-lane alternating traffic and occasional brief road closures along Franklin River Road.
