HGTV Canada selects Port Alberni for major community makeover series

Port Alberni is about to get the national spotlight!

HGTV Canada has announced that the Vancouver Island community has been selected as the featured town in the first season of Home Town Takeover Canada, a new series set to premiere this fall.

The show will see hosts Bryan and Sarah Baeumler lead a series of revitalization projects throughout Port Alberni, transforming homes, businesses and public spaces while showcasing the community to viewers across the country.

Hundreds of communities from across Canada applied for the opportunity, with Port Alberni ultimately earning the distinction.

“We’re incredibly excited that Port Alberni has been chosen for Home Town Takeover Canada,” said Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions.

“Those of us who are fortunate enough to live here already know what makes this community so special. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our story with a wider audience and showcase the people, places and community spirit that make Port Alberni such a great place to call home.”

Located at the head of the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni is home to more than 19,000 residents and is often referred to as the “ultimate fishing town.”

The city is known for its outdoor recreation, forestry roots and Indigenous heritage on the traditional territories of the Tseshaht First Nation and Hupačasath First Nation.

Like many resource-based communities, Port Alberni has faced its share of challenges in recent years, including economic pressures, wildfire impacts and housing concerns.

However, local governments, First Nations and community organizations have been working together on revitalization efforts and new investments aimed at strengthening the community’s future.

According to Rogers Sports & Media, the series will highlight what makes small-town living unique while helping bring new energy to the selected community.

“We’re excited to celebrate the community spirit that plays a huge role in small towns across our country,” said Kale Stockwell, head of original programming at Rogers Sports & Media.

“Home Town Takeover Canada will revitalize one special town but it will also showcase what makes rural living so unique, from the charming local businesses to the feeling of having a whole community behind you.”

The series will also feature appearances by Erin and Ben Napier, stars of the popular US series Home Town, which inspired the Canadian adaptation.

Production is already underway in Port Alberni, with the completed projects and community transformations expected to be revealed when the show premieres later this year.

For many residents, the opportunity represents more than just a television show. It offers a chance to showcase Port Alberni’s character, resilience and potential to a national audience.

Broadcast details for Home Town Takeover Canada are expected to be announced in the coming months.