I lived and worked in Port Alberni for many many years.
The forest industry is what drove the town for the large part.
It was a good town for me personally. Friendly people, great outdoors, and you didn't have to go very far for salmon in the summer.
Great hiking and fresh water fishing just minutes from town. Lots of lakes around.
You have varying degrees of real estate running the gamut from cheap to high end.
It has a hospital, ice arena, sports complex. Several big box stores and pretty good shopping.
The downtown does however look a little "dated", but only because the shopping focus has shifted to Johnston Rd. and the malls.
It's more of a "blue collar" town.....but I liked it and would live there again in a heartbeat.