The city’s only registered heritage building is in desperate need of repair according to Victoria architect Will King.
Interest from restauranteurs in the Port Alberni train station prompted city council to contract an architect to study possibilities for the building.
The 108-year old Port Alberni train station has a leaky roof and needs seismic upgrades before it can be opened to the public.
Mayor Sharie Minions said the city contracted the architect after interest from Twin City Brewing and other local restauranteurs.
Minions said while heritage protections means the look and feel of outside won’t change, there is still lots they can do with the interior.
She said city council will now have to decide whether to develop a budget to fix the building, or look for partnerships.
City Council will continue to accept letters and e-mails on the issue until they make a decision about the future of the train station at an upcoming formal meeting of council.
