Port Moody – After years of uncertainty surrounding updates to Port Moody’s Official Community Plan, city councillors moved the document to its next stage Tuesday amid community concerns over affordability and growth.
Port Moody city council held a public hearing Tuesday evening before putting the Official Community Plan (OCP) to a vote. More than 25 residents addressed council live (either in person or online), and an additional 45 written submissions were received.
While most speakers voiced support for the revised OCP, many written submissions opposed the document.
The updated plan represents the most significant overhaul of Port Moody’s community plan in years.
Former city councillor and local resident Steve Milani addressed council, saying the document would “fundamentally change our city.”
Although a majority of speakers supported the revisions, residents remained divided, citing concerns about affordability, traffic congestion and increased density from new development.
In a written submission, Jennifer Holland echoed similar concerns. “The amount of density being considered for Moody Centre will have a huge impact on the livability of Port Moody,” she wrote.
Pamela Postal also raised traffic concerns, writing: “We cannot handle the residents we have, due to traffic jams.”
City staff initially presented the first draft of the updated OCP to council in 2023, but it was sent back for further study following changes to provincial density requirements at the time.
A revised draft of the OCP was first presented to council last October, followed by a public hearing where residents voiced both support for and concerns about the document.
Several speakers praised council’s efforts to ensure sustainable growth and protect Port Moody’s parks and waterfront, including Rocky Point Park.
Laura Dick urged council to move forward, saying, “Let’s get this OCP approved and provide much-needed clarity to residents and developers alike.”
Justin Wijaya said he supported the OCP but noted the plan should place greater emphasis on walkable amenities, such as grocery stores in Moody Centre, and reduce parking requirements to encourage public transit use.
At one point during the hearing, several speakers shifted from policy concerns to personal attacks directed at Coun. Diana Dilworth, with calls of “shame” heard from members of the public.
Dilworth, who was acting mayor during Tuesday night’s meeting, has faced criticism since 2020 over her involvement with HAVAN, the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, and her work as a registered lobbyist on behalf of developers. Milani suggested this represented a conflict of interest.
Brian Park, an articling student with BTM Lawyers, told council that “the concept of conflict of interest takes on different forms based on the context in which it is used.”
Andrew Watson, senior director of communications at Elections BC, said there “does not appear to be any violation.”
Some speakers opposing the plan pointed to the municipal election this fall as a way to protest the bylaw.
Port Moody resident Jeff Post told council to “defeat this bylaw or be replaced.”
Council ultimately approved the vote, with Coun. Haven Lurbiecki opposed.
The OCP now moves to Metro Vancouver for review before final adoption, expected later this spring, likely in April 2026.
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