Contentious Anmore South proposal withdrawn by developer on eve of public hearing

The contentious Anmore South proposal is officially on ice. 

Just hours before a public hearing to Anmore’s Official Community Plan (OCP), Icona Properties announced it was withdrawing the application.

“It’s become clear that our proposal, though supported by many, has also caused division. This was never our intent. In fact, it’s the opposite of what we set out to do,” said Icona’s CEO Greg Moore. “We’ve made the decision to withdraw our current application for Anmore South. This break will allow us to explore a path forward that brings more unity than discord.

“Our sincere hope is that this step will help ease tensions and create the space for a collaborative, community-driven solution.”

The Village of Anmore’s council chambers erupted in cheers and claps after a resident read Moore’s message to a crowd of hundreds of residents.

The application was recently advanced to a public hearing by a 4-1 vote earlier this month. But despite a scaled back development proposal – 1,750 residential units, down from 2,200 – council’s debate was marked by a divided and frustrated public gallery.

Residents have long expressed concerns that the 151-acre development is out of step with Anmore’s rural character and that the public consultation process has been insufficient. 

Several neighbourhood groups have recently pushed for a referendum on the development, which has been resisted by council. 

One such group, the Anmore Neighbours Community Association (ANCA), even formally warned the village on May 15 that it intended to pursue legal action if the OCP amendment process for Anmore South continued unchanged.  

ANCA’s lawyers accused the village of procedural fairness breaches, councillor bias, democratic suppression, and infringing on freedom of expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Neighbouring municipalities have also weighed in. 

Port Moody submitted a formal letter criticizing the lack of infrastructure planning – particularly with respect to traffic, utilities, and emergency services –and raised alarms about environmental risks, especially given the sensitive ecosystems near the site. The Village of Belcarra offered a similar critique.

Dialogue around the Anmore South proposal has been fraught with division since engagement first began in 2021. 

Accusations of NIMBYism, disinformation, and corruption have been frequent and recurring.

Council received 63 written submissions regarding the OCP amendment, which would have changed the land use designation to allow for the development.

While most of the correspondence was opposed to the land use change, many residents offered support, citing more affordable options and options for downsizing seniors.

One Anmore renter, Juan Gaviria, said he was deeply concerned by the “toxic environment” surrounding the development process.

He said that he supported the amendment because it offered tangible benefits like improved infrastructure, expanded recreational amenities, new facilities, and diversified housing types.

“It is a sad state of affairs when fear and aggression overshadow reasoned, respectful discourse,” Gaviria said. “Despite holding a full-time professional job and running a business, I cannot afford to purchase a home in Anmore.”

Jordan Birch, speaking for his family of six, said he was “disgusted” by Anmore’s NIMBYism and neighbourhood associations, which he described as “seeding doubt and division” in the community.

He noted that over 42 percent of the land is dedicated to parks and conservation, that the project would expand the municipal tax base, and connect Anmore to Metro Vancouver’s servicing.

“The Anmore South Neighbourhood Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a resilient community,” Birch said. “I am appalled by those who disguise their opposition as community care, ignoring the long-term consequences of blocking progress.”

After receiving word that Icona had rescinded its application, Mayor John McEwen released a statement on the village website, stating the village chose not to proceed with the hearing.

“Needless to say, this came as a surprise, and we are still confirming details of icona’s intentions,” McEwen said. “I do not know what will be considered next for Anmore South, as it is up to the applicant.”

McEwen added that council legally had to consider the application, and acted in “good faith,” and pushed for neighbourhood plan and community engagement beyond what was required.