People in Port Alberni, British Columbia, can now nominate their favourite local businesses and service providers for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Alberni Valley News is accepting nominations through January 26, 2026, to celebrate the shops and professionals that make the community a better place to live.
This annual event lets residents pick top performers in dozens of categories — from best customer service to hidden gems around the valley. After the nomination period ends, a public voting round typically follows to decide final winners from the most-nominated businesses and individuals.
According to the Alberni Valley News, last year’s contest attracted more than 1,000 entries — more than double participation in previous years. Group Publisher Teresa Bird says the contest is a way to promote local shops and show appreciation for the high-quality services available in the Alberni Valley.
Local business owners often use Readers’ Choice recognition to show they are trusted by customers, which can help them grow and sustain success. While the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce runs its separate Business Excellence Awards, the Readers’ Choice competition is community-driven and based on public nominations and voting.
Residents can submit nominations through the Readers’ Choice online portal (see thereaderschoice.ca for local program pages). Final results are typically published in a special print and digital supplement in the spring to highlight the top-rated businesses and people in the area.
