The Port Moody Legion Branch 119 is moving forward with its long-awaited redevelopment, including plans for a five-storey mixed-use site, complete with a new Legion.
And while city council expressed support for the plan Tuesday, many were concerned about relocating the cenotaph off Clarke Street to Spring Street.
Coun. Diana Dilworth said in attending the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Legion for the past 20 years, she has seen the crowds paying their respects to those who served in wars grow to thousands of people.
"At this point, we need both sides of Clarke Street in front of the Legion and the entire parking lot to house the people that come to pay their respects," Dilworth said. "My fear with the location of the cenotaph tucked into the plaza at the back, it will make the event not as inclusive, and not as many people will participate."
The application from TL Housing Solutions Ltd. calls for a five-storey building that includes 14 retail units, 84 residential units, a new Legion facility and a memorial plaza for the property at 2513-2519 Clarke St. The U-shaped building would front on to Clarke and be structured around a plaza that opens on to Spring. A pedestrian walkway connecting Clarke with the plaza divides the building into two main masses.
The proposal would not contribute to the city's affordable housing reserve but, instead, the applicant has partnered with BC Housing's affordable ownership program. The program gives an applicant discounted rates that are then passed on to buyers, typically with a sale price at 10% below market rates. (Units can only be sold to buyers with an income below $89,000.)
Coun. Rick Glumac expressed concern about the supply of seniors' housing but the Legion's Faye Johnson said its original plans for an independent living facility for seniors was not supported by a market analysis.
"This is a great opportunity for us to provide a unique and much-needed form of affordable housing," said Coun. Meghan Lahti, adding the city should be using its own land for a seniors' housing development.
Coun. Zoe Royer said she's looking forward to the development revitalizing Moody Centre but said the placement of the cenotaph in the plaza on Spring Street is "disheartening," adding that it should be in a place of greater prominence.
Council passed the first two readings of the rezoning bylaw and PoMo residents can have their say at a public hearing on March 24 in the Inlet Theatre at city hall.
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