Port Moody council picks apart rezoning bid to add KFC to Petro Canada

Port Moody council isn’t exactly licking its fingers over a rezoning bid to bring a KFC to St. Johns Street, with several members warning the fast-food proposal could leave a bad taste in the community.

A proposal to add the fast-food outlet and expand the convenience store to the Petro Canada gas station in Moody Centre drew mixed reviews at early input on Sept. 9, with several councillors raising concerns over traffic conflicts, and overall benefits to the city.

“I appreciate the fact that they want to increase their commercial viability . . . but I’m just not convinced that the KFC is the route to go,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “I don’t know that that is something that is going to be well received in the community, to be honest.”

The rezoning and development permit application seeks to replace the existing one-storey retail building at 3102 St. Johns St. with a larger convenience store and a 98-square-metre KFC with a walk-up takeout window. It would increase parking to 23 stalls, relocate a bus stop, and remove eight trees and two hedges on the property. 

A comprehensive development zone is required as retail food service is not currently permitted at the site.

Traffic impacts

Coun. Diana Dilworth, who heads the land use committee, noted that while the additional landscape was appreciated, the committee had significant concerns about impact from left turning commuters during peak evening traffic.

“We indicated that likely a traffic management plan would need to be developed at some point during the application process,” she said.

City engineering staff confirmed a traffic impact assessment has not yet been submitted but would be required as part of the rezoning. They also said road dedications may be needed to provide more space around the busy St. Johns and Buller Street intersection.

Coun. Samantha Agtarap shared the traffic concerns, noting she would be less fussed if it were located on the opposite side of the street. She also raised concerns over the effect on sidewalk space amid Moody Centre development.

“I am not a huge fan of losing the shade from that tree that is right on the corner of Buller and St Johns Street,” she said, calling it an important resting spot in an area “devoid of shade.”

Thumbs down for KFC 

While council was generally supportive of expanding the convenience store, the proposed KFC was far more contentious.

Coun. Kyla Knowles said she wasn’t “personally thrilled” by the idea.

“I would have much preferred a Tim Hortons, or honestly a produce market would be amazing,” she said. “But I recognize it’s the owner’s property, and they can do whatever they want, and the market will decide whether or not it works.”

Coun. Haven Lurbiecki strongly disagreed, stressing that rezoning is a discretionary decision of council, adding it should only be considered if there’s a benefit to the community.

Lurbiecki pointed to the area’s lack of fresh food options, which council has often described as a food desert.”

“I would certainly consider supporting rezoning like this if it brought some other form of food amenity or amenity to our community, like a small grocery store or produce market,” she said. “But as it stands, I just can’t see the benefit of this rezoning, besides to the applicant.”

Coun. Amy Lubik said she was “somewhere in the middle.” She welcomed the expanded convenience store and landscaping but questioned the logic of a walk-up KFC window.

“I think it’s even less convenient than a drive-thru,” she said.

The proposal scored just 38 percent on the city’s sustainability report card, with weak marks in cultural, social, and environmental categories. It would also be subject to a public open house and a public hearing if it advances beyond first and second reading.

While no vote was taken, council directed staff and the applicant to consider their feedback.