Port Moody Residents Divided Over Proposed Development Project

Once again Port Moody residents seem divided over the issue of development in their fair city.

On Feb. 4 council voted 6 to 1 in favor of a proposal by Vancouver-based Beedie Living to construct 32, 34 and 38-storey towers on Spring Street, near the Moody Centre SkyTrain station. The proposed development will see the construction of more than 1,000 new homes in three towers, as well as a six-story transitional housing facility for women and children fleeing abusive relationships that will be built along Spring Street.

Beedie Living is also working with the Kwikwetlem First Nation to provide them with 20 units for only the cost of production.

The development includes more than 72,000 square feet of commercial and office space that would be situated in the bottom two floors of the structures along with a child-care facility that could facilitate over 100 children.

In return for allowing the towers to be built in excess of the current bylaw restrictions the City of Port Moody will be receiving more than $27 million in cash for density bonuses, community amenity contributions and other levies, as well as $2.1 million in annual property tax revenue.

Councilor Haven Lurbiecki, the sole member of Port Moody City Council to oppose the proposal, has requested that the city hold a referendum on the matter.

The general consensus of those that support the project seems to be that Port Moody council has already been educated on all matters associated with the project and have made a near unanimous decision. Thus a referendum would just be a waste of time and money and cause further delay in the project going forward.

Supports of the project also note that the city is under the gun to increase it's density, especially along the Skytrain route so the only other alternative would be a bunch of midsize towers that would still bring an increase in population but provide no amenities.

Those who oppose the development have only to point to Metrotown or downtown Vancouver where they feel an abundance of towers has lead to a deuteriation of community values. Others are concerned about the impact the towers may upon their views and the precedent that is being set for future development applications.

Another developer who has a construction proposal for two 39-storey rental towers to be constructed next to the SkyTrain station is scheduled for a public hearing in March.