The Western Canada Marine Response Corporation signed a 25-year lease with the Port Alberni Port Authority for 6.2 acres and waterlot areas along the harbour.
They will construct a new warehouse and office on Port Authority lands and build docks for their vessels off the newly refurbished Water Street Dock.
WRMRC Communications Manager Michael Lowry says a fleet of oil spill response vessels and crews will be based here.
Lowry said there is no firm schedule yet on when the $8 million in projects are completed, but they should be able to develop a timeline now their deal with the Port has been finalized.