Port Moody mayoral candidates answer your questions

Mayor Meghan Lahti and challenger Coun. Haven Lurbiecki each took the time to answer a series of questions about issues in Port Moody.

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to approximately 100 words per question.

Meghan Lahti (incumbent)

How long have you lived in Port Moody?

38 years.

Is Port Moody adding the right mix of housing? Why or why not?

You’re going to hear claims that we have approved too many studios and one-bedrooms, but the truth is that is a 2021 model and last year’s completions were only 35 studios, 210 one-bedroom units and 247 two and higher. This term we brought in family-friendly unit requirements and we are enforcing them. Of the 492 homes completed last year, 247 were two bedrooms or more. That’s family housing. I think the focus needs to be on seniors housing now. We need to continue to encourage this housing type such as utilizing our tools for amenity contributions, and incentive policies. We have approved a lot of rental, both affordable and market, which is what is financially viable at the moment for developers. I believe that we are on the right path for the right mix of housing.

Port Moody is planning for significant population growth over the next several decades. How much growth do you believe the city should accommodate, and where should that growth be concentrated?

Growth has been mandated by the province through Bills 44, 46, 47, and we need to figure out how to accommodate it. I support moderate growth, with the greatest density near transit and low rise, infill and townhomes in other areas of the city.

What should Port Moody’s minimum expectation be for affordable housing in major developments, and under what circumstances should council accept less than its policy targets?

Our policies have evolved to require 15% affordable, and these set out tenure and the requirement for family-friendly homes to be included. Inclusionary zoning is a minimum expectation but has been reduced in applications where the city receives amenity contributions that exceed expectations and provides for things like park and gathering spaces, childcare, pedestrian overpasses, daylighting of creeks or recreational facilities such as a senior centre or new library facilities.

How should council balance new housing with the preservation of employment and industrial land?

Council has decided to preserve the western portion of Murray Street for employment and light-industrial zoning. The Flavelle oceanfront proposal includes 100,000 sf of new light-industrial space. In addition, the former Andres site, previously planned for mixed use development, is returning to its industrial roots, with the vacant former Reicheld industrial site adjacent. We recognize the need to retain and expand the industrial lands within the city and continue to look for opportunities to do this.

Do you support the scale and density currently envisioned for Moody Centre and Inlet Centre, including towers potentially exceeding 26 storeys? Why or why not?

First off, there is NO plan for fourteen 40 story towers in Moody Centre. The framework was removed from the OCP on July 25, 2025. Any claims otherwise are deliberately misleading. I support putting density near SkyTrain with a 26-storey cap, and the ability for the city to negotiate amenities for the community like daycares, grocery stores, green space and employment space in exchange for further density. The province requires us to allow 20 storeys within 200 metres of that station. That is the floor, not ours to remove, and that is where we have to START our negotiations.

What’s the biggest transportation problem in the city and what should be done about it?

The Ioco and Barnet Highway is currently the most challenging bottleneck. Council has approved the widening of the overpass, which should be completed in 2027, clearing the worst chokepoint. A dedicated rush-hour lane follows by 2028.

What achievement are you most proud of from the previous term?

The 2022-2026 council was one of the most functional and results oriented councils I have ever worked with. I am most proud of being able to bring a diverse mix of independent voices together through good governance and leadership. Doing that allowed us to develop our strategic plan that has led our council for the past four years.

We have been able to accomplish a great deal of work because of this. Set the vision, develop a work plan, and get the work done.

Do you accept campaign contributions from developers?

Yes, I have received donations from developers, as well as many residents, businesses, family members and friends.

Port Moody recently approved a 3.95 percent tax increase. Given service levels in the city and asset maintenance requirements, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?

We spent the first three years trying to make up for two years of austerity COVID budgets which saw the removal of positions, services, which ultimately had to be returned to the budget after the pandemic. The Asset Management levy of 1% has been an established means of securing funds to accomplish much of the City’s Asset Management Investment Plan (June 2026), which I support. My commitment going forward is to stick to the basics, core services, a council conducted, line by line service review. And honestly, we’ve already done some of that work – in the 2026 city budget council implemented 2.7 million in corporate budget reductions, delaying capital hires, pausing specific levies, to lower the finalized tax hike to below 4%, which is a substantial drop for the initial forecast of 8.65%.

Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?

Yes, I believe we are doing a good job of protecting trees and waterways through both the Tree Protection and Environmental Sensitive Areas (ESA) bylaws. We rank amongst the best in the region for tree canopy with 58%. There is concern in the community about potential changes to the ESA bylaws impacting property rights, which current council has pushed back against and maintained status quo.

How should the city address homelessness?

Individuals suffering from serious mental health and additions issues deserve a real plan, with the appropriate resources and commitments being provided to them and this is a provincial responsibility. Instead the province is pressuring our city to provide city land and city funds to accommodate low barrier supportive housing on St. Johns, next to a planned daycare and schools as well as a homeless shelter. Port Moody does not have the specialized wraparound services that are required to address and deal with this very serious health issue. We have pointed to Eagle Ridge Hospital and Riverview lands as more appropriate options for these types of services.

Would you support the city allowing Flock/Axon type surveillance cameras?

Not to be confused with Flock, which is widely used in the US, I support the use of Axon body-worn camera technology. The introduction of body-worn cameras in 2026 was an important milestone for the Port Moody Police, who are now using this technology, which are mounted to officers uniforms and record interactions for evidentiary and accountability purposes. Officers will activate their cameras as soon as practical during interactions and will not continuously record on their cameras if they are not responding to a specific incident.

What should be council’s top priority for next term?

Kyle Centre first. Not a patch on a 1977 building: a new 39,000 square foot centre, plaza and expanded park, replacing 11,100 square feet, with room set aside for affordable seniors housing. Conceptual design is funded and the earliest completion is late 2028. Second, the library, and third neighbourhood parks in the parts of the city that don’t have one within walking distance.

Why should residents vote for you?

In 2022 you put your faith in me to lead council. I promised good governance, moderate, smart growth near transit in Moody Centre, completion of the OCP, the return of the shoreline shuttle, last mile transportation options, and affordable housing. I have delivered on these promises and more. We need experienced, independent leadership that brings people together. That’s what I’ve delivered, and that’s what I’ll keep delivering if I’m re-elected.

Haven Lurbiecki

How long have you lived in Port Moody?

For the better part of 20 years, with a few breaks while attending school. I have always chosen Port Moody as my home.

Is Port Moody adding the right mix of housing? Why or why not?

No. According to the city’s reporting to the province, Port Moody has approved approximately 8,500 housing units, including almost 5,000 studios and one-bedrooms – five times our provincial five-year target for what we need to build for those unit types. Meanwhile, only around 30 four-bedroom units have been approved. We need to rebalance toward family-sized, livable homes, while catching up on infrastructure and creating local jobs that help people afford to live here. Enough with the shoebox condos.

Port Moody is planning for significant population growth over the next several decades. How much growth do you believe the city should accommodate, and where should that growth be concentrated?

I was the only councillor to vote against the new Official Community Plan, which projects a population of 74,300 – nearly double today’s population. As mayor, working with a Port Moody Voice council, I would repeal the 14-tower Moody Centre plan, revisit high-rise plans for the Oceanfront District, and generally lower the density in the OCP, with specific changes informed through community engagement. Growth near transit makes sense, but that doesn’t mean endless condo towers. We need family housing, employment opportunities and infrastructure that keeps pace. These changes would reduce projected population growth while better meeting community needs.

What should Port Moody’s minimum expectation be for affordable housing in major developments, and under what circumstances should council accept less than its policy targets?

Port Moody’s inclusionary housing policy sets targets for below-market and non-market housing in larger developments, including a 15% below-market rental target. I’ve fought to have this policy applied, but the current mayor and council majority has too often accepted less. A policy is only as good as its enforcement. Port Moody Voice would explore establishing these requirements through a bylaw to make them harder to waive. Any exceptions must deliver clear, measurable alternative benefits, not simply be granted because a developer says the numbers don’t work. We need to ensure what gets built actually meets our community’s housing needs.

How should council balance new housing with the preservation of employment and industrial land?

We’ve lost the balance. The current mayor and council majority have prioritized condo towers in Moody Centre over protecting employment lands. Port Moody Voice would repeal the 14-tower plan and prioritize a Business and Jobs District around SkyTrain and West Coast Express. We envision office, institutional and other employment-generating spaces that support year-round economic activity. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create local jobs, diversify our tax base and reduce pressure on residential property taxes. Transit-oriented development should create complete communities, not just more condos.

Do you support the scale and density currently envisioned for Moody Centre and Inlet Centre, including towers potentially exceeding 26 storeys? Why or why not?

No. I was the only councillor to vote against the 14-tower framework allowing towers up to 40 storeys. I brought forward a motion for a referendum on tower heights this term which Council rejected 6-1. Community engagement has repeatedly shown that residents prefer more moderate, mid-rise development. Our Housing Needs Report demonstrates why tall towers with small units are not meeting needs. Port Moody Voice supports development that reflects community preferences and needs, with housing, jobs and amenities. We don’t need 40-storey towers to negotiate appropriate developer contributions or build a complete community.

What’s the biggest transportation problem in the city and what should be done about it?

Many candidates agree it’s a problem, but the solutions matter. Adding lanes to St. Johns or Murray would attract more vehicles through induced and latent demand, eventually making congestion even worse. Instead, Port Moody Voice would prioritize local traffic by improving left-turn throughput onto Ioco Road from St. Johns and Murray, addressing eastbound bottlenecks, and implementing real-time signal coordination and adaptive traffic management. We should make existing roads work better for Port Moody residents rather than spending their taxes primarily to move regional traffic through our city.

What achievement are you most proud of from the previous term?

I’m proud of standing up for residents and of my record on council. Whether calling for a referendum on tower heights, pushing for greater transparency at city hall, or championing real Rocky Point Park expansion, not tied to more towers, I’ve consistently brought residents’ concerns to the Council table, often as the lone voice and lone vote on these issues. I’m running with a Port Moody Voice team so we can turn that advocacy into action and change the direction of our city.

Do you accept campaign contributions from developers?

No. The Port Moody Voice campaign has proven you can run a strong, grassroots and fully-funded campaign without relying on developer funding.

Port Moody recently approved a 3.95 percent tax increase. Given service levels in the city and asset maintenance requirements, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?

Municipal taxes for the average household have increased by approximately 28% over this Council term. That is neither acceptable nor sustainable for residents. We need to scrutinize spending line-by-line, improve financial accountability and make better long-term decisions. A key part of our plan is to diversify and expand the commercial tax base through local business and employment development, rather than continuing to rely so heavily on residential taxpayers. Residents deserve quality services, properly maintained infrastructure and responsible management of their tax dollars.

Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?

We’ve strengthened our Tree Protection Bylaw, which is a positive step, but significant mature tree loss has already occurred. I opposed the Coronation Park development partly because of the loss of hundreds of mature trees. We need to ensure the bylaw protects our urban forest without placing a disproportionate burden on individual homeowners while still allowing large developments to clear-cut. I successfully brought forward a requirement to review the strengthened bylaw’s effectiveness after one year to ensure it’s doing the job it’s intended to.

How should the city address homelessness?

Homelessness is complex, driven by unaffordable housing and gaps in mental health care, addiction treatment and support. Port Moody has less visible homelessness than neighbouring communities, but some here are homeless or at risk. Municipalities cannot address this alone; regional collaboration and accessible provincial services are essential. We don’t believe low-barrier housing is suitable for Port Moody due to a lack of adequate local wrap-around services. Port Moody Voice’s platform focus is prevention, connecting vulnerable residents with regional supports, and housing policies serving different incomes. Our proposed Community Clinic could improve access to family doctors and care for vulnerable residents.

Would you support the city allowing Flock/Axon type surveillance cameras?

I’m not aware of any proposal to introduce this technology in Port Moody. My initial concern would be privacy. Public safety matters, but so does protecting residents’ rights. If a proposal like this came before Council, I would want a clear understanding of its purpose, privacy implications and safeguards, along with meaningful public consultation. A Port Moody Voice council would be committed to ensuring major projects are supported by the community before moving forward.

What should be council’s top priority for next term?

Getting Port Moody back on a better path. That means rebalancing growth by repealing the 14-tower framework, updating the Official Community Plan, and getting to work on a Business and Jobs District that creates local employment. We need more family-sized housing, infrastructure that keeps pace with development, and tangible progress on expanding Rocky Point Park. Underpinning all of this must be a more transparent, accountable City Hall that listens to residents and follows through on its commitments.

Why should residents vote for you?

For four years, I’ve fought for residents at the council table, often as the lone vote on decisions that will shape Port Moody for generations. I’ve listened, challenged decisions and stood by my principles. But one vote isn’t enough to change our direction. I’m running for mayor alongside four Port Moody Voice council candidates who share a commitment to a better plan for our city. Together, we want to restore trust, protect what makes Port Moody special and deliver real results. I’m asking residents to help us make that change.