Port Alberni in the running to be part of ‘Hometown Takeover Canada’ show

Port Alberni is hoping to be the focus of HGTV’s Hometown Takeover Canada series. The show is a Canadian version of the popular U.S. series where small towns receive a makeover. Six public spaces, six businesses and six homes will be revitalized should Alberni’s bid be successful. In a report to city council, staff said the next step was to create a video about why Port Alberni should be featured on the show. Other Canadian cities, including fire-ravaged Jasper and Lytton have also pitched themselves as potential subjects of the series. The Scoop’s Nancy Wilmot did the voice over work for Port Alberni’s video, which features the mayor and leaders from Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations. If filming does come to Port Alberni, crews will be in town for five months beginning in April or May, with the show set to air in late 2026. There is no public vote on which Canadian town will be chosen for the show, the showrunners will be deciding which community they are most interested in featuring and revitalizing. A winner will be announced in the coming months.