Amix Marine Services, which has been providing tugs, barges and other resources to the marine community in Campbell River, is now crossing into Port Alberni’s waters.
Amix recently bought 45 acres on the Port Alberni waterfront from Western Forest Products Ltd. for $7.3 million and plans to move operations over the course of the summer and make the city its home port by this fall.
Amix employed 20 people in Campbell River but the ripple effects of its loss will be felt by suppliers and businesses that support the city’s marine sector as a whole.
“The marine sector is a significant part of our local economy. Every time a business leaves it hurts our economy,” said Rose Klukas, director of economic development and Indigenous relations with the City of Campbell River.
She noted that Amix was a direct contributor to the local economy and provided opportunities for skilled trades that strengthened the city’s job market.
Port Alberni was attractive to Amix because of the opportunity to expand on property it owned, rather than be limited to the 6.4 acres it’s been leasing in Campbell River.
“We were renters in Campbell River, not able to manipulate the property or invest in the property the way we can now in Port Alberni,” said Amix president Tony Marra. “There is a long-standing marine community here and we are looking forward to working with the port. Great spot, great neighbours and a great community.”
Klukas recognizes that Amix made the decision to support its growth.
Amix’s loss will be offset by a variety of major projects rooted in the resource and clean energy sector that are helping diversify the local economy.
“BC Hydro has several dams in the area and currently are doing the seismic upgrade projects. This work is not insignificant and provides quite a bit of employment in the area and will continue up until 2030,” said Klukas.
BC Hydro is enhancing the seismic safety of its three dams on the Campbell River system, representing a total investment of up to $1.8 billion. Together, the projects are expected to generate significant employment and business opportunities for subcontractors, suppliers and service providers across Vancouver Island.
Campbell River continues to experience steady economic and population growth.
“There has been tremendous development in recent years,” noted Klukas, a resident since 2016.
Among ongoing initiatives is the city’s collaboration with New Times Energy Corp., owners of the former pulp mill site, now known as Discovery Park. The 1,200-acre site is undergoing significant demolition and site preparation, with a focus on attracting industrial development.
Stephen Appleton, senior vice-president of NTE Discovery Park Ltd., said tenants are currently limited to marine-focused users on the site’s perimeter but interest remains high.
“We have significant optionality from the market, including agriculture, aquaculture, energy, technology and innovation,” he said.
However, prospective projects such as a vertical farm and a hydrogen production facility by Quantum Technology Corp. are not moving forward currently due to market dynamics.
Appleton emphasized NTE’s ongoing engagement with local, provincial, federal, and First Nations governments to help shape future opportunities – recognizing that broader geopolitical developments, such as elections and tariffs, continue to influence market interest.
Tourism has emerged as a major contributor to the local economy, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for domestic travel.
“Tourism is growing at very healthy numbers,” said Klukas. “We’re seeing increased investment in Indigenous-led tourism and experiential travel, particularly ecotourism and nature-based experiences.”
While tourism doesn’t replace traditional industrial employment, it diversifies and strengthens the local economy, bringing consistent growth in visitor numbers year over year.
Meanwhile, the City of Campbell River is actively pursuing strategies to address housing needs and enhance the urban core. One prominent initiative is Reimagine the Row, which aims to redevelop the 1300-block of Shoppers Row. The plan includes mixed-use buildings featuring retail, commercial and civic spaces on the ground floor, with middle-income rental housing on upper levels.
