Concerns Expressed About Lack of Infrastructure For Housing Developments in Port Moody

It seems apparent from the recent community input session of Port Moody City Council that the issue of development in the city is dividing the community. 

The provincial government has identified Port Moody as one of the several cities in the region that needs to increase its population density. Skytrain's rapid transit system runs through the city and the plan has always been to increase the population density around these rapid transit routes. Nonetheless, some feel that the city has done a poor job of preparing for this eventuality and lacks much of the infrastructure needed, including roads, parking, retail businesses, and other public amenities necessary to support the resulting increase in population.

Of particular note at the council meeting were two developments that have been on the books for over six years now and have yet to move forward; the development of Kyle Centre on the west side of Port Moody and a proposed tower development in Moody Centre.

Those opposed to the Kyle Centre development were primarily concerned about the loss of affordable housing for seniors that currently make use of Kyle Centre as well as the loss of views that would be created by a proposed change in the location of the tower portion of the development.

Some residents feel that they currently lack amenities in general on the west side of the city. With the increase in population on the west side of the city many expressed an interest in seeing infrastructure in place to support the increase in population.