When Mill and Timber closes its doors to cedar and, perhaps, opens up for development, what people most want to see are a bigger Rocky Point Park, waterfront access, a public market and a wide mix of shops and services.
A summary of feedback received to date on the Flavelle Oceanfront proposal has been released by planning consultants Brook Pooni Associates, and while it shows support for new development on the prime Moody Centre site, the common concerns centred on density and traffic, the environment and waterfront access.
The report details community engagement efforts since the project was announced in the spring, including neighbourhood canvassing, an open house and information kiosks at community events such as Golden Spike Days, the Newport Village Summer Festival, Fraser Valley Food Truck Festival and more.
Canvassing in Moody Centre, Pleasantside, Glenayre and College Park found most residents who responded to questions were neutral about the proposed development while slightly fewer expressed outright support. As well, the consultants found residents in neighbourhoods with views of Mill and Timber were well informed about the planning process so far while others were not aware of any potential development at the site.
At community open houses, feedback included suggestions for a seawall promenade and housing with a west coast design as well as a mix of restaurants, bars and a public market. Common concerns touched on the area's ability to handle a large volume of new traffic and the potential loss of well-paying jobs.
Overall, however, there is keen interest in Mill and Timber's future.
"In many of the project team's conversations at the Newport Village Days, there were three themes that came up repeatedly," the report states, including the need for waterfront park space, an acknowledgement that taller buildings could translate into more green space and 'a sense of urgency and questions about when one could move in.'"
Flavelle Oceanfront has submitted an official community plan amendment application to change its industrial/special study area designation to Mixed Use — Oceanfront District, and would also require an amendment to Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy. If Metro approves the city's proposal, the application goes back to PoMo for a rezoning application.
• Port Moody will host an open house on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. to present the public engagement results, Flavelle's vision for the property and their preliminary land use plan. City staff and Flavelle's project team will be in attendance to answer questions. For the full public engagement report, visit www.flavelleoceanfront.ca.
