110-unit development pitched for Port Moody's Seaview neighbourhood

Location of the three-lot development site on Charles Street in Port Moody. image supplied

A developer has proposed a six-storey, 110-unit project in Port Moody’s Seaview neighbourhood.

Porte Home’s 66,000 square foot site is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on Charles Street, and is directly over the Millennium Line SkyTrain tunnel.

The project was before Port Moody’s Land Use Committee on June 3, with the developer seeking rezoning of three lots to allow for greater density on the site.

Staff said the proposal is in alignment with the official community plan’s land use designation and neighbourhood context, and also in line with considerations around parking allocation, amenity space provision and unit mix.

However, they point out several challenges on the site, including a protected wetland, significant elevation changes, and a statutory right-of-way from the SkyTrain.

“It is crucial to note that the site harbors a protected wetland area, prompting a request for a third-party review by staff,” the staff report stated. “As the project progresses, continued attention to environmental preservation and community integration will be imperative.

“Staff anticipate further discussions and refinements to ensure the project’s alignment with regulatory standards and community needs.”

Porte Home’s project has been before council before in 2020, receiving mixed reviews. Former Port Moody Mayor Rob Vagromov, did not approve of cutting $300,000 developer fees to slightly reduce unit prices for 18 units.

The most recent proposal’s units count has been nearly halved from the previous application, and all affordable housing has been cut.

Out of the 110 units, 67 percent would be one-bedroom units, 23 percent would be two-bedroom units, while 10 percent would be three-bedroom units.

Staff noted the project is meeting the city’s minimum requirement in its Family-Friendly Units Policy, however, only 52 percent of the units are adaptable for accessibility needs, and the BC Building Code will require 100 percent by March 2025.

A total of 140 parking stalls are being offered, 12 being visitor stalls, while 169 bicycle stalls are being offered. The developer is asking for a slight parking variance to increase the number of small car stalls.

Staff also said they will need to ensure the development meets the provisions for the SkyTrain’s statutory right-of-way.