The Editor,
Re. “No sell-off of Port Moody city lands” (Letters, The Tri-City News, April 6) and “Is a name change in order?” (Letters, April 11).
In the last couple of years, there have been some divisive issues brought before Port Moody council. It seems there is a real resistance to additional development in the Inlet Centre community despite the fact the best facilities and amenities are here. It is a great area in which to live.
Traffic concerns and facilities over capacity are the main concerns. Also on the list are compromised views from people who live in the existing highrises and the loss of parkland. (The old fire hall site, which is not parkland at this time)
Many residents and councillors seem passionate about the level of congestion in the area. At council meetings and hearings, the term often used is “When is it enough?”
The library is over capacity. The Inlet Theatre regularly overflows for meetings. The recreation complex parking lot is often full.
It appears that our main civic campus was great for a city of 25,000 people but not sufficient for our growth. Port Moody is projected to hit 50,000 residents the next couple of decades.
I would encourage council to look to decentralization of our municipal services in years to come. The Moody Centre transit-oriented development initiative would be a great place to house an expanded library and/or theatre. Who knows, maybe even the city hall one day? This could be done in conjunction with changes to Kyle Centre to improve amenities for west-side residents.
Moody Centre is an area that will see growth in years to come and our public library or theatre could be wonderful anchors to our redeveloped neighbourhood and make Moody Centre a more walkable and livable community.
Mitch Williams, Port Moody
