Production began on June 10, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through August 28. The completed transformations will be revealed when the series premieres on HGTV in Canada this fall.
Why Port Alberni Was SelectedPort Alberni has been working for years to revitalize its waterfront and downtown while building on the community’s industrial heritage, natural surroundings and strong local identity.
The city’s selection provides an opportunity to share that story with viewers across Canada. Although Port Alberni is often known as a gateway to the West Coast, it is also a community undergoing meaningful change, with renewed investment in local businesses, public spaces, recreation and tourism.
Representatives from the production company visited Port Alberni several times before making their selection. They met with local leaders and community members to learn about the city’s challenges, its strengths and the people helping move it forward.
What Will Be Renovated?
The complete list of homes and businesses selected for the program is being kept confidential until the series airs.The production team has confirmed that renovations will involve homes belonging to community changemakers, selected local businesses and civic spaces. The goal is not simply to improve individual properties, but to support people and places that contribute to the wider community.
Harbour Quay has been identified as one of the civic locations involved in the project. Planned work includes improvements to the exterior of the Marine Building and its patio extension, along with renovations to selected businesses at the Quay.
The show will cover the renovation costs for the selected homes and businesses. The City of Port Alberni will be responsible for the cost of improvements to civic spaces while benefiting from access to the program’s designers and renovation experts.
Local Contractors and Trades Are Participating
The project is also creating opportunities for Vancouver Island contractors and tradespeople.Built Contracting, based near Parksville and led by contractor Mike McKinnon, is working with the production. McKinnon has longstanding family connections to Port Alberni, and the company is employing approximately 20 tradespeople from the region. Several members of the renovation team live directly in Port Alberni.
That local involvement matters. A project of this size should not only showcase the community on television, but also draw upon the experience and skills already available within the region.
What Could This Mean for Port Alberni?
The most immediate benefit will be national exposure. Viewers across Canada will see Port Alberni’s waterfront, businesses, neighbourhoods and surrounding natural environment.That attention could generate increased interest in Harbour Quay, encourage more visitors to explore the Alberni Valley and introduce the community to people who may not have previously considered it as a place to live or invest.
Television exposure alone will not transform a community. Lasting progress depends on what happens after the cameras leave, including continued investment, thoughtful planning and support for local businesses. However, the program gives Port Alberni a substantial platform from which to tell its story.
As a Vancouver Island REALTOR®, I am encouraged to see Port Alberni recognized for the work already underway in the community. It has long offered a combination of outdoor recreation, waterfront access, local character and comparatively attainable real estate. The program may help more people see the potential that residents and local business owners have recognized for years.
When Will Home Town Takeover Canada Air?
Home Town Takeover Canada is expected to premiere on HGTV in Canada in fall 2026. The exact homes, businesses and completed community projects will be revealed during the series.Until then, the City of Port Alberni is sharing confirmed updates and answers to frequently asked questions on its official project page.
Follow the City of Port Alberni’s Home Town Takeover Canada updates
If you are considering a move to Port Alberni or elsewhere on Central Vancouver Island, I would be pleased to help you compare communities, understand the local real estate market and find the location that best fits your plans.
Photo credit: Kevstan via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Aerial view of Port Alberni Harbour.
