- The Editor:
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Re: Canada census says Port Moody is shrinking. Mayor says just wait (Feb. 11, 2022)
I find the mayor's thoughts around Port Moody being the only one of 21 municipalities to shrink as a dodging of responsibility.
Port Moody's current population is now lagging 6,000 behind 2021 (39,660 projected growth) in the Official Community Plan and yet the mayor voices concerns over the pace of growth.
The city's next growth target is 44,820 by 2031 which now leaves the city to add room for 11,285 new residents in just nine years.
Perhaps consistent, planned, and thoughtful growth is better than stalled stagnant, or rushed.
Once elected the mayor, the like-minded representatives on council had a duty to provide a clear and cohesive strategy for the city.
Instead, we have a majority on council who actively obstructs and pursue self-serving agenda items with no actual benefit to the long-term health of our city.
The mayor has been in his role for over three years and leadership would have resulted in projects being completed now — not constantly sent back to the developers to completely rework (see Massive Coronation Park redevelopment could be in peril, Port Moody council warned, Nov. 24, 2021).
In this article, Brad Jones, a senior vice president with Wesgroup Properties is quoted as saying, “We continue to be blindsided by you. We are struggling to see a path forward with this council.”
Say what you want about developers, but that clearly illustrates the trouble with having no clear vision.
As a resident of Port Moody and the owner of a single-family home, I have been considering downsizing to a townhouse.
Unfortunately due to the current lack of housing in Port Moody, there are too few new townhomes coming onto the market and older ones are waiting for redevelopment as slated in the OCP.
This leaves me and my family with few options but to leave Port Moody when we make the move to downsize.
Even small redevelopment seems to be at a standstill with this current council.
The Official Community Plan calls for Moody Centre to be small lot sub-dividable. Why then does it take property owners years and ridiculous costs to have their lot subdivided?
Every delay makes developments more expensive and leaves very little room or options for people who want to live here as well as those who need to move to make room for needed development.
Port Moody deserves a mayor who can set, communicate and follow through on a clear and cohesive plan for growth.
- Derrick Holdenried, Port Moody
