We’ve got debates, speeches, and campaign signs that seems to sprout up like invasive species.
To help you make your choice this election, we sent candidates a survey with questions on transportation, taxes, Moody Centre and the environment. (Thanks to all the readers who suggested questions.)
Of the 16 Port Moody candidates (14 council candidates and two mayoral candidates), nine responded by our deadline. Responses are published in the order they were received. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 50 words.
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Find out where the Port Moody candidates stand on . . . growth
Find out where the Port Moody candidates stand on . . . transportation
Find out where the Port Moody candidates stand on . . . the future of Moody Centre
Find out where the Port Moody candidates stand on . . . the environment
To learn more about candidates not listed, click here.
Now let’s meet the candidates.
Dustin Chelen
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
Five years.
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
With a housing affordability crisis across the lower mainland, we have lost citizens because our housing supply and municipal infrastructure like roadways has not kept up. Thoughtfully managed growth helps increase our residential tax base, add new shops and services and community amenities, and helps our young people and seniors afford to stay in our city. We need city councillors with a realistic and forward-thinking plan to help our city grow while protecting the things that make our community special.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Council needs to do more to plan for long-term growth. We need to focus on building a realistic traffic and parking plan, and work with partners to upgrade our road and parking infrastructure. We need to ensure that city services like recreation facilities, parks, and amenities like seniors housing and dog parks keep up with growth.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
I’m proud of the work that city council has done to open warming and cooling shelters during the increasingly frequent extreme weather events we are experiencing. I would advocate to the provincial government for funding for an appropriate amount of supportive housing in new developments.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
The city needs to invest more in maintenance of the trails and landscape in the park as it gets busier, and we need more garbage and recycling containers to prevent litter. We should require new developments near the park to add more visitor parking capacity. As our city grows, I’m excited to expand Rocky Point Park westward along the old sawmill site to create a much longer continuous walking trail.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
While the city has strong environmental protection policies, we need to stop approving developments that cut down massive amounts of our forests when there is unused and underused land in Moody Centre that makes more sense to develop.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
It’s time to revitalize our downtown with ground floor shops and patios, a walkable Spring Street, office space for workers who come to our city on the West Coast Express or SkyTrain, and a mix of affordable and market housing that lets people live in a complete community without needing to drive a car. A pedestrian overpass to Rocky Point Park and more parking capacity will help alleviate traffic and parking pressures along Murray Street. City-owned lands need to be used more thoughtfully for gathering space, a library branch, innovation hub and an art gallery.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Traffic along St. Johns’ Street is a nightmare and will only get worse as Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam grow. We need to route more local traffic through Clarke and Murray with a new 2-lane overpass near the old sawmill. We should adjust the timing of traffic lights like Vancouver’s green wave so that we don’t create artificial traffic jams. We should hire a traffic expert and explore solutions like adjusting street parking or left turn hours during peak times.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
Too high given the minimal increases to city services. The city needs to do more to manage expenses and seek other sources of revenue. We need to update our community amenity contribution bylaw so that we have a clear standard for how much developers need to contribute to supporting city infrastructure, and we need to increase the number of businesses in our city to help balance the tax burden on residential property owners.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
Yes. As of the end of September, my campaign is funded 75% by myself and my husband, 20% by friends and coworkers and 5% by one individual connected with the development sector.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
Yes, you can see the list of my donors here: votedustin.ca/thanks
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I have a degree in math, ran a $13 million per year organization for two years, and spent the last five years working as a lawyer for one of the biggest law firms and some of the biggest companies in the world. I know the importance of passing thoughtful bylaw and policy, I know that numbers and budget management is essential, and most importantly I know how to negotiate and listen to everyone to come to an agreement that works for all. Port Moody needs councillors who can work together and be hard on the issues, not on each other.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
I have worked hard to advocate for a more resilient local economy as a member of the City’s economic development committee and tourism committee over the last four years. I am collaborative, genuinely try to listen to everyone, and have the skill set to help our city deal with the challenges that are facing us while protecting the things that make us special. I think I have a realistic and forward thinking plan that reflects the desires of our citizens, which you can learn more about here: votedustin.ca/issues
David Stuart
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
35+ years
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
Population increases are just a snapshot in time. When you have a municipality with a high percentage of single family homes built in some cases decades ago, families are raised, the children leave home and you end up with population loss. There have been quite a number of multi-family projects that have been approved and are or will be under construction. I think you will see this trend reversed by the next census.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
The Official Community Plan is the document that spells out the vision for our community and knits the many very important issues together, such as affordable housing, transportation, the environment and our employment in the City. The current OCP needs to be amended as the single answer seems to be add more hi-rises which will radically changes the character of our city without addressing the other issues I just mentioned. The last OCP was created top down from a council with a development at any cost agenda. The number 1 priority has to be to amend the OCP from the bottom up so it reflects our community’s aspirations.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
The Council agenda for the last decade has not recognized the need to create social housing to care of our residents in most need whether it be shelters for the homeless, transition housing and affordable housing for low-income families. A community solely focused on building expensive condos is neither healthy or responsible.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
Like many parks around the region, the demand for urban park land is exceeding the available space. When I use the term urban parkland I am referring to outdoor recreational space you can walk rather than drive to which is extremely critical if we are adding multi family developments in the town centre and on the waterfront. Port Moody has the second lowest amount of urban park space in the region and any more development must carry with it a commensurate increase in park space.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
I think they are attempting to move forward on the is agenda but have received pushback, especially on the waterfront from those who value property rights above the environment. The last attempt to make improvements in this area failed and likely requires a lot more education and engagement before we can move forward.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
I support transit oriented and more dense development in this area but it cannot be at the expense of jobs and in fact needs a creative approach that will enable residents to live and work in Port Moody.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Literally for decades I have asked the city to take a holistic approach development and transportation rather than do studies development by development. We have significant development to the east of us and Port Moody has become a transportation conduit resulting in conditions during rush hour that cannot be deemed anything but a failure. Let’s recognize and understand the problem and then define the solution. Mass transit improvements are slow to materialize and even with the new developments, many residents are still dependent on personal vehicles to get to work. I work on the North Shore and it takes me 2 hours a day to commute. If I had to make transit connection (I have tried) it would take twice as long.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
The tax rate reflects the cost of providing the municipal services that people want. That being said only 50% (roughly) is retained by the city with the balance provided to the province for education and Metro for utility services. The revenue generated for the province and Metro are increasing exponentially faster than municipal costs. The recent increase in inflation and construction costs will make this an even more difficult challenge
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
I will not finance my campaign from any special interest group, developers included. If elected I serve the residents of Port Moody
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
I will have no political donors, my campaign is financed by friends, family and myself.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I have over 30 years of experience in local government, 20 as the City Manager in West Vancouver and North Vancouver District. I have taught local government in post-secondary institutions, served on numerous regional and provincial committees and created economic development plans for in cities around the world. I know local government and business.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
The last mayor I worked provided the following reference: “David Stuart understands the importance of local government better than anyone I have worked with. His level of integrity is exemplary and his experience working as a trusted leader is extensive. He would be an asset to any council in developing a strong consensus based culture and building community trust.”
Kyla Knowles
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
9 years
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
It’s definitely a concern. Port Moody is one of 21 members of Metro Vancouver and therefore expected to contribute housing to meet the region’s growth projections – we have so far failed in this respect. Most importantly, without new residents and growth, existing residents are left to shoulder the ever-growing tax burden alone. Our residential tax rate is 30% higher than the regional average.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Repairing damaged relationships to address common goals and problems. This last term witnessed unprecedented hostility towards staff, colleagues, neighbouring municipalities, Metro Vancouver, the Provincial government, developers, city consultants and community builders of all types. Without good working relationships with stakeholders, Port Moody will continue to be left out of conversations, decisions and funding for our collective future.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
Homelessness, addiction and mental illness are affecting all municipalities and we must do much more to improve our existing resources. This is why repairing our community relationships is so important – we need to work with stakeholders across the board to add below-market housing and community supports to help those who are struggling – we can’t do it alone.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
I’d like to bring free wi-fi and public washrooms to Rocky Point Park, and will seek ways to expand the park’s footprint and walkable waterfront through discussions with the private landowners to the west.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
I am very encouraged by the protections we currently have in place for our 40+ watersheds; robust stewardship, protection and ongoing monitoring is important, particularly in the context of risks related to development. I am a strong advocate of increasing our tree canopy (and other climate resilient plants) throughout the city wherever possible. Tree canopy shade is vital in reducing heat due to climate change.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
The area around Moody Centre SkyTrain is ripe for a refresh, and is the ideal place to add homes of all types to our community in keeping with our Housing Needs Report. Transit-oriented development (TOD) makes it easy to get people out of their cars and onto transit. That’s good for community building, the environment, and traffic.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
It is clear to me from door knocking that traffic is the #1 complaint of residents. Unfortunately, much of our traffic is “passby” because of our location between growing communities to the east and Vancouver/Burnaby to the west. We need to concentrate our home-building on TOD to keep as many people out of cars as possible, and work cooperatively with all stakeholders (neighbouring municipalities, Translink, the Province, and active transportation advocates) to increase and improve our transportation options.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
Port Moody tax increases in the last several years have been too high. Given that the city has not been living within its means, is servicing some $23M in debt, has lost key heavy industrial tax-paying tenants, has been unable to attract new jobs to the City, and has stagnated in terms of adding new residents, it’s easy to see why residents are being forced to shoulder the entire tax burden. Restoring financial accountability to City Hall is one of my key priorities.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
Per election laws, it is against the law to receive campaign donations from developers. I am accepting donations from individuals only, regardless of where they work (real estate, construction, trades, unions, environmental lobby groups, etc.)
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
If my donors consent to me releasing their names before the election, I will post it on my website.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I have 22 years of business and budgeting experience, and 14 years of managing Boards and Board Committees across private, public, and non-profit businesses. As we head into a potential recession with growing inflationary pressures, we need more people on Council who have real business and budgeting experience. I know firsthand that effective governance requires good faith by all stakeholders to address common goals and problems like traffic, transportation, healthcare, and climate change.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
I am passionate about Port Moody and want it to succeed. As a single mom raising my two young daughters in a City that is becoming unaffordable, I want to ensure that other families, seniors and youths can live here affordably, too – with access to homes, amenities, amazing local restaurants and businesses. I feel that some on Council have strayed from the main job – which is managing basic city services and amenities. I would like to refocus Port Moody on good governance, fiscal responsibility, housing affordability, climate change, and neighborhood park initiatives. Let’s bring people together instead of keeping them out.
Haven Lurbiecki
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
Most of the last 15 years, with some time away for school and other adventures.
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
The fact is a lot of development has been approved in Port Moody over the last few years. The 2021 census is backward looking and captures the decisions of our previous council, not our current council. Between Woodland Park and other developments housing for 8000 new residents has been approved. If you include Coronation Park (in the re-zoning application stage) we have approved 13,000 new residents. This is over a 35% increase to our current population. My concern now is how are we going to handle this growth while maintaining quality of life in our wonderful city. It’s time for Port Moody to focus on building other aspects of our community like expanding our parks including the significant expansion of Rocky Point Park, rebuilding our local economy, and improving our infrastructure.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Our next council will determine the future of growth in our city. Development approved over the last few years alone will bring Port Moody’s population to over 50,000 residents – the maximum growth level we had set for 2041. With another 24 high-end condo towers being proposed near Rocky Point Park we are now at risk of over-development – growing too big and building the wrong type of housing for our community. Council’s top priority should be to complete our new Official Community Plan focusing on quality of life as guided by residents and when we have our plan, stick to it.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
There is always more we can do as a city to support those facing homelessness or those who are not living in adequate housing. While Port Moody has provided some new services including setting up a warming shelter, what we sorely lack is the approach of maintaining and building housing that can help prevent people from facing homelessness in the first place. We need to build housing across the affordability spectrum. Affordable housing for seniors, rental buildings with family-sized units, co-ops, below-market rentals, social housing and shelter-rate housing for those struggling to get back on their feet. Every time we approve another luxury condo tower we are losing an opportunity to build housing that we actually need.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
Over the coming years Rocky Point Park will face unprecedented pressures from surrounding development bringing thousands of more people to Port Moody. This is why we need to focus on the expansion of Rocky Point so we don’t lose this incredible public amenity to overcrowding and degradation. The latest community survey results confirm this as a key priority for residents. The Oceanfront District needs to be focused on providing parkland for our community, not on adding additional pressures through more condo towers. With strong leadership and a vision driven by residents we can make the significant expansion of Rocky Point Park a reality. Rocky Point Park 2.0 could include a focus on adding tree canopy, recreation areas, and protecting, enhancing and promoting the waterfront ecosystem. There may be opportunity for relocating the boat launch, while improving parking and reducing the use of concrete in the park. I am so excited to work with residents to move forward on this vision.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
Our city has done some good work regarding environmental protection and climate change over the years. However we need to do more as we grapple with the climate crisis and other environmental changes connected to human activity. Protecting and enhancing our urban tree canopy and waterways is critical to mitigating climate impacts and protecting our environment. A healthy environment supports healthy people.
When on council I will (1) ensure we complete and implement our Urban Forest Management Strategy on how we will protect and increase our tree canopy coverage; (2) finish and implement our Parkland Acquisition Strategy so Port Moody can plan for the much needed park expansion in areas such as Moody Centre and Rocky Point Park. Park expansion provides an opportunity to focus on adding to our urban tree canopy; and (3) work directly with residents to plan for protection of watercourses and our ecosystems as we face new cumulative impacts of development.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
Moody Centre is the perfect place for a designated employment district with some mixed forms of housing. It’s time we rebuild our local economy and bring well-paying jobs to our community. Our current OCP plan for a few retail shops at the bottom of condo towers is not enough. The area around Moody Centre Skytrain offers a generational opportunity to create jobs spaces in Port Moody due to its highly desirable location for business on a main route next to rapid transit. A focus on transit-accessible business in this area creates an economic engine for our city while avoiding the harmful emissions and traffic grid-lock massive residential development in this area would create due to ‘one way’ traffic heading to and from work. It’s time for Port Moody to revitalize our downtown core and gain a much needed commercial tax base. As a city councillor I will ensure that any new development around Moody Centre SkyTrain is focused on jobs, rather than residential towers, and work to promote Moody Centre as an amazing location for anchor tenants in areas such as innovation, technology and post secondary
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
St. John’s is our city’s biggest choke point serving Port Moody residents and as a thoroughfare for the region. Our first approach – we need to stop approving development that will make our traffic worse without a plan for mitigating additional traffic. For example, some on council voted against a cumulative traffic impact study prior to approving the huge amendment to our community plan for Coronation Park – 5000 + new residents on the corner of St John’s and Ioco Rd. I believe any larger development application should include a city-led, developer-funded cumulative traffic study. While increased density near transit will promote transit use we need to also be realistic about traffic impacts as people continue to use personal vehicles. This includes a transition to electric vehicles. We also need to ensure we are supporting access to mass transit via improved shuttle routes across the city so people do not have to drive their cars to the skytrain or West Coast Express. Improving and connecting safe routes for biking and walking throughout the city is also a top priority.
In addition to planning for future growth, we have to figure out how to address traffic and safety issues happening today. Safety and traffic “hot spots” identified by residents should be prioritized for near-term mitigation options. Not left unaddressed.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
Every tax increase has an impact on homeowners. In the face of rising costs of living 4.71% is a lot for a lot of people. I believe that residents of Port Moody deserve to have high levels of service in our city without fear of out-of- control taxes. The cost of keeping up services to match the growth we have on the way should not be placed on existing homeowners. This is why it is critical we diversify our tax base though a focused effort on rebuilding our local economy. Bringing high paying employers to Port Moody provides well paying local jobs and helps prevent hikes to your property taxes. As a councillor I will be active in implementing our Economic Development Master Plan to ensure this vision becomes a reality.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
No. I am proud to say my campaign does not take any funding connected to the development industry. I am here to work for our residents. While taking personal donations from the CEO or VP of a development company (and their family and employees) is lawful, the issue of undue influence of developers on local decision-making is real. To me simply changing the name on the donation cheque does not change this risk. I am funding my campaign from the grass roots because I am being elected by our community, not by developers.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
My campaign has been funded by members of our community who believe in my vision, along with family and friends. I’m happy to provide my donor list and will post the complete list ahead of Election Day on my website.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I care about Port Moody and as a long-time resident I have been a strong voice for the needs of our community on issues such as housing, parks, and whole-of-community planning:
Member of the Port Moody Land Use Committee since 2021 where I have provided early input on upcoming developments and represented a vision of responsible planning for our city’s future
Served on the Port Moody Parks and Recreation Commission since 2018 where I authored two key reports endorsed by council serving to (1) guide Port Moody’s planning for parkland acquisition and (2) building a more dog friendly community
Active in following municipal discussions and championing issues to city council.
My work experience and education reflect my dedication and passion for helping people, communities and the environment:
Work as a Senior Policy Analyst at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and will bring my strategic planning and project implementation experience to the council table.
Hold a Masters Degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Simon Fraser University
I have worked with many councillors and residents through my work with city committees and interactions with council. I have a track record of treating people with respect and working collaboratively to find solutions while holding true to my values and the commitments I am running on. Find out more at votehaven.com/local-leadership/
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
A vote for me on October 15th is a vote for quality of life. It’s a vote for putting the needs of our community first. It’s a vote for responsible growth, not over development, the significant expansion of Rocky Point Park and rebuilding our local economy around Moody Centre. This is why I am taking no campaign donations connected to the development industry. I am here to work for you.
Samantha Agtarap
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
17 years, since 2005.
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
Yes, we should be concerned. From 2016 – 2021, we lost people under 54 years, and gained people over 55; we lost families. Affordability and availability of homes suitable for families is likely some of these reasons for the change.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
We need to address housing affordability, traffic and transportation, climate adaptation and mitigation, economic development and tackle our debt. But to do this, we need a Council that can work together to get things done in a timely and efficient manner, with logic and civil discussion. Let’s get things done!
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
No, but I also don’t think any level of government is doing enough. This is a systemic issue and it will take collaboration from all levels of government. Port Moody needs work with government and community groups to address some of the underlying issues that may cause people to become unhoused.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
If we are going to have a parking lot at the park, we should have pay parking. It is common at other Metro Vancouver parks and could be a small source of revenue. Expanding the trail and greenspace around the foreshore of the mill property should be in any plan.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
We have a tree inventory, Parks and Recreation Master plan, require stream daylighting, and bylaws that embed provincial and federal laws. We also have a climate action plan that includes actions protecting the natural environment (ESA Management Strategy, erosion and sediment control, urban forest management strategy, natural asset management plan).
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
A complete community: one that allows for daily errands and life to be conducted without a car, community gathering spaces, green and open spaces, transit-oriented, variety of housing suitable for all ages and stages of life, and a mix of industrial, commercial and institutional uses. For more details, visit Ask Sam.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Traffic during rush hours. There is no simple solution — improving mobility around our city will require a multidimensional approach including making it easier to get around without a car (improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, advocate for better access to transit) and working with neighbouring communities on regional transportation issues.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
There is always a trade-off if we want to maintain current service levels. Costs have been rising, and budgets will reflect that. To keep tax increases to a minimum we need to spend wisely and diversify our revenue sources. City debt: $22 million. City budget: $83 million (2021). For reference: The city is currently in debt, by about $22 million while our annual expenses in 2021 was $83 million. The majority of our revenues are from property taxes ($46 million). Utilities and services are essentially cost neutral.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
I have a financial agent in order to stay at arms-length from donations. My grassroots campaign has not actively solicited donations from developers, unions, environmental organizations or any other special interest groups. This detracts from discussion of real issues: sustainable development in this city has been stagnant as a direct result current council ineffectiveness.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
If donors’ consent to their name being released, yes, and it can be found on my website. As per Elections BC rules, all donor names will be published post-election.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I am a professional engineer and business owner. Throughout my career, I have worked with cities and I understand the jurisdiction and responsibilities. My analytical skills, thoughtfulness, commitment to sustainability and my ability to discuss complex topics in an accessible way with respect will serve my community well.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
I want to help our community grow in a way that will be sustainable and create a happy and vibrant place. I will always advocate for working families and residents and to improve quality of life. We need to think about how the city advance reconciliation, equity and diversity.
Amy Lubik (incumbent)
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
9 years
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
Port Moody is on track to increase affordable housing by 50 percent. Several new developments, including Electronic Avenue and Suter Brook Parcel D, are in various stages of approval or move-in. We are growing toward our targets, while ensuring new developments enhance our community.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Council’s top priority should be establishing clear targets to incorporate community health and well-being into planning. Concrete affordable housing targets (including for supportive and seniors housing), greenspace requirements, tree canopy targets, employment targets, and well-being guidelines will ensure staff and council effectively incorporate these priorities into all work next term.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
Providing Kyle Centre as an emergency weather shelter is a wonderful interim measure, but many of those who lose their homes here end up relying on resources in neighbouring communities. The next council should prioritize working with BC Housing on supportive housing options and collaborating on a Tri-Cities wide housing plan.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
Greenspace and access to nature are essential for community wellbeing. I would like to see the park expanded to both increase usable space and protect ecosystems that may be challenged by growing demand. I would like to hear more about the community’s needs as we advance our parkland acquisition strategy.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
The urban forestry strategy and tree protection bylaw update that I brought forward last term are important steps but need to be completed by the next council. I also want to see the city implement more green infrastructure programs and monitoring programs to support healthy waterways.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
My priorities for the TOD are employment space (with the city helping to find anchor tenants), and ensuring enough green/ connection space for the health of residents. As the city and the province are part owners, this is also an opportunity for affordable housing which should be focused around transit.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Congestion at peak hours. We should be looking to expedite creating active transportation routes to make it easy and safe for as many people as possible to get out of their cars, advocating to expand rapid transit east to decrease through traffic, and creating complete neighbourhoods so people can get their needs met without a car.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
Given that we are a full-service city, this increase is generally reasonable. I want to see the next council investigate non-property tax revenue streams for the city, including increasing the business tax base, density bonuses, and paid parking. I have also advocated at the provincial level for municipal finance reform.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
No
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
I’m following all requirements of the Elections Act, and my list of donors will be publicly available following the election as usual. That list will show that I will not be accepting donations from developers.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I am a nationally recognized researcher on how to build cities that support social inclusion, mental wellness, and climate resilience. I bring that lens into decision making. My research background helps me investigate evidence-informed solutions. I also have a solid track record of working collaboratively on our collective goals.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
My track record shows that I have followed through on my commitment to take action on affordable housing, the climate emergency, and community well-being, reconciliation, and inclusion. With another four years on council, I will continue to bring community health to the forefront of decision making with evidence-based, equity-informed solutions.
Hunter Madsen (incumbent)
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
Since 2014, so 8 years.
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
It would be more accurate to say that the city’s population increased by only about 500 residents during that period, according to the Census, which is still pretty darn flat; but no, this is not cause for concern. The pace of housing starts is inherently uneven, and the big stampede of Port Moody development, following the opening of two Skytrain stations, was only just ramping up during that period. At this point, the city is experiencing a huge amount of construction, and our municipality is well on track to meet or – far more likely – to exceed the population growth and building unit targets that our community approved, and that Metro Vancouver acknowledged, in the Regional Growth Statement of our current OCP. Port Moody today is among the most sought-after communities to live in, and the city has an extensive pipeline of major development projects in process. Really, if there’s any reasonable cause for concern, it is that the community’s population will probably be growing faster than the approved plan and faster than the city’s services and amenities can keep pace with over the next couple decades; a recipe, alas, for a decline in key dimensions of its liveability and quality of life.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Above all, we must first complete an updated Official Community Plan of dramatically higher effectiveness, clarity and rigor, completeness, and alignment with what the community wants than the current, woefully inadequate rendition achieved. This update should include substantial modifications of the neighbourhood plans for Flavelle/Oceanfront and Moody Ctr TOD, reflecting extensive new input from residents as to their vision for growth and redevelopment in Port Moody’s downtown. The update must also integrate and reflect the recent adoption of our community’s Economic Development Master Plan, incorporating firm expectations for the buildout of millions of square feet of new jobs space across our downtown areas.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
Until recently, according to police estimates, the homeless population based in Port Moody has amounted to relatively few individuals. Given our region’s continued housing affordability crisis, however, I expect homelessness to worsen, possibly dramatically, over the next decade, and we will need to be doing more in this arena. I am glad that our City has offered extreme weather programs, providing indoor cooling sites in the summer and off-street indoor facilities during extreme-cold periods during winter.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
If our City approves most of the downtown redevelopment being proposed, then we could be adding 15-20,000 new residents (including both Port Moody and Coquitlam’s Corporation Park plans) living within a walkable distance from Rocky Point Park. So much density threatens to overwhelm and degrade our Rocky Point and Shoreline parks unless we undertake a significant expansion of the park westward into what had been the Flavelle Mill site. Recent public survey results indicate strong public support for this.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
It’s been coming along more slowly than I would have preferred, but the City does have comprehensive urban-forest management plans in the works, coming for Council approval in 2023. As for waterways, we’ll need to revisit the controversial ESA arena next term to make sure that our sensitive riparian areas are being optimally cared for, and that homeowners are not being unfairly burdened.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
While I would expect it to include some residential density too, I believe the primary focus of that area should be to attract and enable a big boost in jobs density, for the long-term health of Port Moody’s economy, restoration of the city’s shrinking tax base (to provide homeowner tax relief and better amenities), and to shore up the city government’s dwindling finances. To get there, our city is in urgent need of rebuilding its downtown business district. 62 percent of our residents agree that the best location to anchor this activity zone – comprising both retail/entertainmentment/commercial shopping and space for thousands of new jobs in sustainable industries and sectors – is the Moody Centre Station TOD.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Port Moody’s geography – it is nestled into, and wrapped around, a seaside cleft between steep hillsides, with its north shore being somewhat peninsular – places severe limitations upon the number and capacity of its primary roadways, which number just four. While it’s true that we also have two Skytrain Stations and want to optimize growth nearby, the rate of Skytrain usage will probably never exceed 55% of all daily trips per resident, for a host of reasons, which means that each addition of 1000 new working residents in Port Moody adds another 500 commuter cars to our roadways at peak hours. And because Barnet/St. Johns is a primary through-traffic route for daily commuters to and from the northeast sector, our rush hours will always be intense, but bad urban planning choices by our City Hall can make them significantly worse.
When congestion, gridlock, and commuter drive times reach a certain level of severity, thru-commuters can always re-route their course to avoid Port Moody altogether and take their traffic glut with them. Today thru-commuters contribute roughly half of the traffic at peak hours, and when, in the near future, these drivers start re-routing their commutes to avoid PoMo, they will free up roughly 2000 car spaces per peak hour for new local drivers to fill in.
But once local densification adds more than 2000 additional locally-based cars on our roadways during rush hours, all additional local car density translates into increased drive times in and out of our city. Those drive-times will become intense: whereas drivers commuting from Port Moody today spend, on average, 30-45 minutes getting to work, we could be looking at average commuter drive times approaching two hours in each direction, every work day. Sooner or later, if we allow drive-times to spiral up and out of control, Port Moody will become reviled as Port Gridlock, and nobody sane will wish to live here: our community’s liveability and basic ability to function would begin to deteriorate.
Bad urban planning by City Hall can make things even worse. For example, our planners can decide to install our heaviest residential density at the city’s key traffic chokepoints to add to the daily gridlock, as our Council foolishly elected to do earlier this year when it gave a greenlight to Wesgroup’s proposal to install 5,200 more residents at the corner of Ioco/St. Johns. (Even the developer’s own wildly optimistic traffic study projected critical traffic breakdowns at that corner.) Desperate to relocate some of our city’s coming density away from this crucial crossroads, I supported the Woodlands project on the westside flank of our city, so that commuters from that part of the city would mainly be coming and going toward Vancouver and Burnaby, and not bringing their daily traffic directly into our downtown.
The bottom line on our city’s severe traffic problems is that our City Council must stop blithely greenlighting dumb density in parts of the city where it seems sure to overwhelm our roadways and thereby interrupt the basic functionality of our city for everyone. When fundamental city systems such as our roadways are being rendered non-functional through the addition of yet more residents, common sense should tell us that we’re trying to squeeze ten pounds into a five-pound sack: there’s no choice other than to slow down on further densification.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
This is a question for our residents to answer, not me. According to the latest Citizen Satisfaction survey, most residents believe that they are getting good or excellent service value for the taxes they pay.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
Absolutely not. Accepting such donations can be lawful but is, to my mind, flatly unethical and imprudent for members of council to be doing, since it can raise the risks of divided loyalties and undue influence — a serious form of civic corruption — at the council table. Among the most important work that any city council does is to make land-use decisions on behalf of the community, and these decisions entail working with developers seeking maximum profit instead of maximum community benefit. I don’t want to feel beholden to such donors when their proposals are seeking my approval at the Council table.
This should be a huge concern for Port Moody residents: in the 2018 municipal elections, several candidates — including Meghan Lahti, Barbara Junker, Zoe Royer, and the then-mayor Michael Clay — funded their campaign primarily with money from persons linked to land developers active in our city. To learn much more about what’s been going on, see my report at www.DeveloperMoney.ca, and coverage by the Vancouver Sun and Global News. I have led a regionwide coalition of candidates in the 2022 municipal elections who have pledged not to accept donations linked to development interests; and I would only consider voting for candidates who have taken such a pledge.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
Yes, and I call upon every candidate in the 2022 election to be fully transparent with voters by releasing a list of their political donors no later than October 13. My list will not include any persons associated with the development industry or local development interests, and my list will be posted on October 13 at votehunter2022.ca.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I bring a longstanding passion for good governance, a talent for deep analysis of social issues, a personal history of successful public-service activism on behalf LGBTQ civil rights, disability rights, and environmental issues; and I earned my Masters and Ph.D. degrees from the Government Department of Harvard University, where I taught political science and liberal philosophy for several years. I also love community work, and the social dimension of council responsibilities.
As a digital entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, working for innovation companies and startups such as Yahoo and Wired, and as the head of digital media for the Vancouver Sun, The Province, the Calgary Herald and many other metro news brands across Canada, I know what it takes for businesses to prosper, and have been the city’s strongest advocate for the revitalization of Port Moody’s sagging economy and jobs base. Last term I laid the groundwork for economic recovery by initiating the city’s first ever Economic Development Master Plan, and by leading the city’s pioneering Economic Development Committee. Next term, my goal will be to further progress in the establishment of a rebuilt business district in Port Moody’s downtown.
Finally, I should add that I’m a pretty good match to the City of the Arts, considering that I was raised among a family of professionally accomplished writers and artists, and am myself a serious visual artist and essayist whose work explores the nature of beauty in our times (huntermadsen.com).
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
Council decisions next term about development will determine the destiny of Port Moody’s quality of life for decades to come, and our residents should want representatives at the Council table who comprehend the complex issues at stake, can innovate and genuinely share their views on the pace of growth. The pressures to overbuild have never been greater. A difficult split emerged last term between those whose political campaigns were funded primarily by local developers vesus the rest of us. In a refreshed Council fully independent from special interests, I will keep bringing a clear eye for moderate growth that preserves the special liveability of our community. I will also bring, as ever, my full civility and respect toward all. The work that our city leaders are undertaking at this crucial crossroads has not been easy, and I thank voters for their patience and continued support.
Callan Morrison
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
23 Years
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
I believe it is a big concern. Port Moody needs to grow even if it is only marginally each year. A growing population means that we have residents living here, having children, and staying here. We need to provide housing to make this happen and a reduction in population usually means we are not providing new housing options for our children and our seniors live in, or we are not providing options that are affordable and our residents are choosing to leave.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Port Moody residents have been desperate for a council that is committed to working together to address items of concern to our residents. I am committed to creating a council that values teamwork, collaboration and kindness so we can be effective as a council of independent candidates that are committed to the best for our residents.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
Our council needs to work closely with neighbouring municipalities as well as local organizations to identify where our council can assist in creating support programs or policies to help address these issues. This goes hand in hand with addiction and mental illness as well. We need to work collaboratively towards solutions as a council.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
I would love to see an expansion of Rocky Point Park. It is one of the most incredible spaces in our city and we need to ensure we protect it and enhance it as much as possible. I believe expansion and even upgrades to our park and shoreline are capable if we work in good faith with private land owners on a solution that is for the best of our residents.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
I have seen some amazing work to protect and enhance our creek beds when new developments are proposed and I intend to continue to encourage daylighting of creeks, and protection of our green spaces. We need to look at growth in a way in which we can do responsibly, and at the same time add to our greenspaces and parks, protect our tree canopy, and even enhance waterways and creeks to a better state than it was prior.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
Moody Centre TOD is the perfect area for a complete community to be built that provides jobs, park spaces, amenities, rec centres and also provides much needed housing close to rapid transit. I envision a community there that not only benefits the people that live within it, but one that provides amazing gathering spaces and shopping options for the thousands of residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods to enjoy. If we work together and listen to our residents I know we can be proud of this neighbourhood when it is completed.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Traffic is one of the two biggest issues I have heard when meeting residents over the past few months. Although most traffic is traveling through our community to the east or west, I think we can do a lot to encourage active transportation in our community. If we can reduce the reliance on vehicles (especially during rush hour) and can provide the amenities and essentials our residents need in close proximity to their homes, we may just help contribute to a reduction in our own citizens needing to be a part of the traffic.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
I believe in working with my council colleagues on finding efficiencies within our current budget to keep our tax increases as low as possible. With the loss of heavy industrial tenants our residents have had to absorb the costs. I believe if we responsibly grow next to our transit stations and provide some certainty in the areas we are going to grow, we can encourage more businesses to invest in Port Moody and contribute to our local economy and tax base.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
It is against election financing law to accept money from corporations and unions. This would include development corporations. I am accepting donations from individuals only and my campaign is entirely funded from donations from individuals and my family. Whether these individuals own a small business in our community, are a member of a union, work in the construction industry, or are retired, I am so grateful that they believe in my vision for the community.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
I will be following all campaign financing laws and will be posting all donor information with my campaign financial statements. If my donors consent to me releasing their names prior to the election then it will be posted on my website.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
I have been preparing to serve our community on council for the past 8 years and have served on 6 different civic committees. I have been on Arts & Culture, Parks & Recreation, Traffic & Safety amongst others. Two committees I have been on have been appointed positions by our current council to help advise on development applications and community growth. (CPAC & Advisory Design Panel)
My spouse and I own Squish Juicery in Port Coquitlam and are the proud recipients of the 2022 Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award and I intend to bring my experience in budgeting and customer service to our council.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
I love Port Moody and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I am a local business owner, active committee volunteer, and Lacrosse coach for Port Moody Lacrosse. I feel I am ready to give back to our community and help contribute towards a positive future for our children, young families, long term residents, and our seniors in Port Moody. I have been listening, and I have heard you Port Moody. You want a council that will work together and focus on the issues that matter to our residents. There will be at minimum 3 new faces on council this coming term and new doesn’t have to mean inexperience. I am prepared and ready to serve you! If you are ready for Teamwork, Collaboration, and Kindness on council then I would love your support on October 15th. Vote Callan Morrison for Port Moody city council.
Steve Milani (mayoral candidate)
How long have you lived in Port Moody?
I’ve resided in the Moody Centre neighbourhood for over 24 years and have been an active member of the community ever since, first, as a member and later as a director of the Moody Centre Community Association. I have witnessed a great deal of change over that time.
Between 2016 and 2021, Port Moody’s population did not increase. Is this a cause for concern? Why or why not?
Due to the closing date of the Statistics Canada survey, it did not capture many of the new rental and strata units that people are currently residing in. The population in Moody Centre actually increased by 10.9 percent. The next survey will look much different as Port Moody did grow.
What should Port Moody council’s top priority be for the next term?
Finish updating the official community plan so it better represents the community’s vision. Currently, it is way off because the 2014-2018 Council passed three giant neighbourhood amendments that the residents did not support, Flavelle Oceanfront, Moody Centre TOD and Coronation Park. Traffic and affordable housing must also be addressed.
Is Port Moody doing enough for the city’s homeless population? If not, what should the next council do?
It’s a matter of dignity. Each person deserves a roof over their head and food to eat. As a city, we need to advocate for support from higher levels of government, provincial and federal, to ensure the issue is addressed as the financial burden should not fall on local taxpayers.
Is there anything you’d like to change about Rocky Point Park?
Port Moody residents love Rocky Point Park as do local visitors and day-tourists. It should be expanded to the west in order to accommodate growth and tourism. We are currently set to exceed our growth target of 50,000 residents by 2041 and the park is already close to capacity.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
Yes and no. While our tree protection bylaw is usually adequate, it falls short on projects like the re-development of Coronation Park. Council should not allow 14.88 acres of 60-year-old growth to be cut down and replaced mainly with concrete. We should be protecting our tree canopy.
Ideally, what should be built around Moody Centre SkyTrain station? (Moody Centre Station TOD)
Let’s build a walkable, climate-friendly Moody Centre with more human-scale buildings that are better for the environment and better for our mental health. Let’s include residential, and a grocery store, but focus more on creating job-space and attracting good-paying jobs to help restore our business tax-base.
What’s the biggest transportation problem in Port Moody, and what should be done about it?
Traffic along St. Johns St. is a massive problem. I wrote a report to Council in 2019 addressing this issue which was supported but staff has made very little progress on it. This must be made a priority as it directly affects the lives of Port Moody residents.
In 2022, Port Moody council raised property taxes 4.71 percent. Given the service levels in the city, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?
Being a full-service city, rec centre, library, police and fire, etc., the tax rate is reasonable for the level of service provided. The 2014-2018 Council made decisions that caused us to lose a good portion of our business tax base, therefore, it needs to be rebuilt in Moody Centre.
Have you received campaign donations from developers?
I have accepted no money from developers to help fund my campaign.
Do you plan to release a list of your political donors before the election? If so, where can voters find that list?
I am happy to provide this information on my campaign website.
What skills do you bring to city hall?
Having run multiple small businesses, I have strong interpersonal skills, am a good decision-maker and understand what it means to be fiscally responsible. I am honest, open-minded and welcome debate. I am not a career politician and do what I say I am going to do without any political spin.
Why should voters support you on Oct. 15?
As Mayor, I will always stand firm to get the most for our community, putting the needs of residents ahead of appeasing developers. I will provide leadership to help guide future growth in a way that enhances and protects what we love about our incredible City of the Arts.
