'We Have Issues"; Port Moody councillor, Steve Milani

Port Moody City Councillor Steve Milani speaks with We’ve Got Issues hosts Brad Nickason and Nancy Furness about his background and what inspired him to run for Port Moody City Council. He shares his role in Council committees and projects, his experiences as a first-term Councillor, his most significant accomplishments to date and what he still aspires to achieve during his first term. He also tells us about his proposal to support the use of mass timber in Port Moody developments.

Steve ran because he didn’t like the direction in which Port Moody was headed with respect to over-growth and development due to Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments which happened without necessary community consultation (e.g. increasing building height from 12 to 26 stories). The OCP encompasses community plans and transportation and health issues for residents based on community feedback. One development has since been proposed for 8000 people, over double the population allowed for in the amendments. Steve hopes to preserve the character and charm of Port Moody and notes that Port Moody is currently more densely populated per square kilometer than Coquitlam. Port Moody is working towards a 50,000 population goal for 2041.

Steve is the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in North Burnaby, where he helped his father run an autobody shop and got the feel for working in small business. In 1990 Councillor Milani and his wife moved to Port Moody in 1996. His first experiences with Port Moody City Hall were applying for several variances. Steve gained interest in running for Municipal politics while he was a member and director of the Moody Centre Community Association.

Steve was involved with Arts and Culture Committee which he enjoyed. He is currently on the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group, Youth Focus Committee, Parks and Rec, Transportation Committee with a focus on safety and active transportation, and the Finance Committee. Steve looks forward to the completion of an OCP that the community can embrace before the end of this term as City Councillor.

Steve recently submitted a report to Council proposing mass timber for construction as a way to reduce GHG emissions. Mass timber contributes to circular construction as the building can be dismantled if no longer needed. Port Moody has approved up to 12 story mass timber structures. He stresses that he is not anti-development, but that each development needs to bring something to enhance the community.

Mass timber is safe and sustainable, but Provincial approval has been delayed due to COVID. Mass timber is more flexible than concrete in the event of an earthquake. A lot of developed and potentially developed area in Port Moody is on hazardous land due to water drainage into the Inlet, putting the land at moderate to high risk of liquefaction.

This is especially hazardous to heavy structures. Mass timber structures can be up to one-fifth the weight of comparable concrete structures.

Council was receptive to Steve’s report and also recommended investigating safety, financial viability and sustainability of mass timber. Mass timber structures are quieter and quicker to construct.

Steve finds Council receptive to his input and feels he can bring new ideas and items forward for discussion. He wrote the report on mass timber, because Council cannot ask staff to write reports on their behalf. Council communicates with City staff through the City Manager or staff liaison on a committee. Overall Steve feels that although he would like more freedom to reach out to staff, the workplace is a respectful one. Councillors have to represent constituents and work in the best interest of the City despite differing ideologies. He also feels it’s important to stay connected with his constituents.

Steve is focused on improving the quality of life for residents including mental health especially during the pandemic by changing the Noise Bylaws to reduce construction noise on Saturdays and also recognizing impacts of traffic and maintenance of greenspace such as Bert Flynn Park. While he is supportive of developers, he places the well-being of residents first.