Port Moody to take another peek at population projections despite accusation of playing politics

The future might not be what it used to be.

Based largely on pending highrise developments around SkyTrain stations, Port Moody’s population was set to balloon to approximately 74,000 by 2050, according to a staff estimate from February. On Tuesday night, however, Coun. Callan Morrison said those numbers needed a second look.

“If we don’t get that number right then we’re going to be really short on the funds that we think we’re going to get from growth and our taxpayers are going to be on the hook for it,” he said.

While the majority of council concurred, Coun. Haven Lurbiecki objected to the initiative, emphasizing that the population figures were based on approved rezonings and active applications.

“That is not planning, that is politics,” she said. “The reality is simple: approved density and development capacity do not disappear because the market temporarily cools.”

When the market shifts again, development will move before infrastructure plans can be updated, Lurbiecki cautioned.

The motion is an effort to: “change the math on our infrastructure needs to justify keeping rates low for developers,” she said.

The motion, which was submitted by Morrison and Mayor Meghan Lahti, stated that poor market conditions have led to a drop in housing starts, requiring a recalibration of population projections with “more realistic targets.”

“Development Cost Charges, utility rates, parkland requirements, and community amenities are all driven by these population numbers,” the motion stated.

The population projections likely need a “reality check,” said Coun. Diana Dilworth.

“Port Moody’s future is not what it was earlier this year,” she said.

Discussing Lurbiecki’s comment about approved projects, Dilworth countered that projects which have been approved won’t necessarily be built.

“What isn’t approved today, or whatever is not under construction today, you’re not going to see built for occupancy until well into the 2030s,” Dilworth predicted.

Coun. Kyla Knowles also supported the motion, emphasizing the importance of working from accurate figures.

“We would be irresponsible if we weren’t taking a second look,” she said.

Following a 6-1 vote from council, city staff are set to return before summer break with a report outlining the work involved in re-examining the population projection. The following analysis would likely take another four to six months, according to city staff.