Port Alberni is no stranger to overcoming adversity. In 1964, a powerful tsunami flooded homes, flipped over cars, and shook up the people who called this area home. Port Alberni and Alberni were twin cities, which became so intertwined that they amalgamated in 1967. Now singularly known as Port Alberni, the community was a booming mill town that was among the wealthiest in Canada. Many mourn the drought of our resource-based wealth and are paralyzed by memories of ‘the good old days’. A progressive grassroots movement is reflecting on the past to create ripples for the future. We are challenging our underdog status as ‘the place tourists stop to get beer and gas on the way to Tofino, and capturing the attention of the 10,000 cars that drive through every day.