Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Rim School District Finalizes Sale of Surplus Property to Support New Foundry Centre
Port Alberni, BC July 17, 2025 – The Pacific Rim School District is pleased to announce the completion of a land sale that will directly support the establishment of a new Foundry Centre in Port Alberni - an integrated, youth-focused health and wellness hub being developed by the Alberni Drug & Alcohol Prevention Service (ADAPS) Youth and Family Services, in partnership with Foundry BC and the Ministry of Health.
On July 10, 2025, following a robust public consultation process and Provincial Approval, the Board finalized the sale of a surplus district property located at 3816 Anderson Avenue. This strategic use of public land reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to strengthening student and community well-being beyond the classroom.
"Foundry plays a vital role in our government's commitment to building a comprehensive mental health and substance use care system," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health and MLA for Mid Island – Pacific Rim. "By offering early intervention, prevention, and education all in one accessible location, Foundry makes it easier for young people to get the support they need—when they need it—without the barriers of traditional systems. Bringing Foundry to Port Alberni will make a big impact, helping youth in the Alberni Valley and West Coast flourish by addressing challenges early and preventing them from growing into more serious issues."
“As a Board of Education, we recognize that learning and wellness go hand in hand,” said Pam Craig, Board Chair, Pacific Rim School District. “Making this property available for the development of a Foundry Centre is a natural extension of our mandate to support children and youth in our region. We are proud to contribute to a project that will provide vital, wraparound services to so many of our students and families.”
ADAPS Youth and Family Services, a long-standing partner of the district, will act as the host agency and lead operator of the Foundry Centre. The organization has a proven track record of delivering effective, compassionate supports to local youth, with more than 90% of ADAPS’ clients being students or families of the Pacific Rim School District.
“This is a milestone moment for ADAPS and for Alberni Valley youth. Securing this property means we can now move forward in creating a Foundry Centre that reflects the real needs and strengths of our community’s young people,” said Debra Hamilton, Executive Director, ADAPS Youth and Family Services. “We’re grateful that the Pacific Rim School District chose to work with us as the purchaser, and we appreciate the Province’s role in moving the process through. Most of all, we want to thank the local champions—youth, families, and service partners—who have pushed for better access to care. As we head into the next phase, we’ll need our community’s support more than ever. Let’s build something great together.”
“I’m pleased to see this public land will be used to serve the community in such a meaningful way,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “The establishment of a Foundry at this site will help make sure young people and their families have access to the care and connection they need close to home.”
The new Foundry Centre will serve youth aged 12 to 24 and will bring together a full range of health and social services in one welcoming location - including primary care, mental health, substance use, sexual health, and social supports. Renovations to the site will be undertaken to ensure it is safe, accessible, and designed with youth in mind.
This transaction represents more than just the transfer of property - it is a collaborative investment in the future of the Alberni Valley. The school district is proud to work alongside ADAPS to strengthen the web of care that surrounds young people and to make meaningful use of public land in ways that reflect shared community priorities.
Media Inquiries:
Paula Mason, Manager of Corporate Services
Pacific Rim School District | (250) 720-2770 | pmason@sd70.bc.ca
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About Pacific Rim School District
The Pacific Rim School District, situated on the ?a?uu?i of the c?išaa?at?, Hupa?asath, Tla-o-qui-aht, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Yuu?u?i??at? Government, serves a regional population of approximately 31,000 people, including 4,000 students from across Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield and other remote communities. www.sd70.bc.ca
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