Hello friends,

Another month is over, and we are gradually moving into longer days. I hope you enjoyed the snowy, cold and sunny weather. I’ve seen signs of spring already and I’m looking forward to more light in the evenings, plus all the spring flowers. Let’s talk about what’s been happening at Council, plus some information on taxes, (mis)information, inclusionary zoning, important dates, some information on BC Hydro programs and what I’m reading these days.

February Council Update

Advocacy Motions

Council sent three advocacy motions onto the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). These were discussed at the February 25 Regular Council Meeting.

For the third time, I wrote a resolution on the equitable distribution of gaming revenue - this time, the resolution is more explicit in exempting casino host revenue from the conversation in the hopes that cities with casinos will not oppose it on these grounds. I’ve also learned from past experiences at the conferences, and this time have enlisted allies in other regions of the province. You can read the report here.

The other two advocacy resolutions were Tackling Energy Poverty (Councillor Lubik) and Mobile Live Animal Programs (Councillor Knowles).

Spicy Discussion - Referendum on Tower Height

Cllr Lurbiecki brought forward a motion on tower height in the TOD. This was voted against 6-1 for many reasons. If you missed it, you can watch here. [Opinion following] I do not believe that a referendum is an accurate representation of community desire. Similar to general elections, who comes out to vote that day is highly dependent. There is no way to ensure that we would get a representative sample of our community voting in any referendum. It is also a costly and potentially community-dividing exercise.

The report refers to the Moody Centre TOD Framework and states “a vision for 14 towers up to 40 storeys”. It’s been said that saying we don’t have any applications for 40 storeys when we have an application for two 39-storey towers is splitting hairs. If that’s splitting hairs, then the statement above is a gross exaggeration verging on irresponsible and clearly designed to provoke an emotional response. Figure 5 from the Moody Centre Transit-Oriented Development Area Guidance Framework shows otherwise. You can find the entire document here - please read it! It contemplates park space, child care spaces, employment and many other facets of development. It is meant to guide landowners in their applications.

Under the Community Charter, referendums are required in limited situations. These are primarily used for obtaining resident permission to borrow for community projects.

The City of Victoria recently conducted a referendum on borrowing money to refurbish the Crystal Pool. It was a divisive campaign, and in the end, 21% of eligible voters turned out to approve the city borrowing $162 million.

Discussion on Surveys with a Pollster

On February 18, we hosted guest speaker Mario Canseco from Research Co. He answered questions about survey design and interpretation. It is worth watching to understand some of the details that need to be considered when surveying the community on their opinions.

Committee & Board updates

Act, Culture and Heritage Committee: We had our first meeting of the year where we discussed the work plan, set a schedule for our members’ inspiration presentations, and talked about ideas and events for the coming year. I am looking forward to chairing this committee and being a small part of its amazing work.

Library Board: We had our second meeting of the year. Without saying too much, this is going to be an exciting year for our library. Stay tuned, and I will share more when possible.

Links to February Agendas

• Public Hearing: Short Term Rentals and Beedie Living TOD proposal - February 4, 2025

• Regular Council Meeting - February 11, 2025

• Council Standing Committees - February 18, 2025

• Regular Council Meeting - February 25, 2025

Taxes

Utility fees were due February 28, 2025. Port Moody also collects taxes on behalf of Metro Vancouver Regional District, and this year, a flat fee was applied to the utility fees to cover the costs of the Northshore Waste Water Treatment Plant. This resulted in additional $95 for a single detached home, $90 for a townhome, and $61 for an apartment. More information can be found here.

By now you should have received your BC Assessment notice. BC Assessment sets the value of your property based on July of the previous year (2024, in this case). The percentage increase (or decrease) of your property’s value does not equate to a corresponding increase (or decrease) in your property taxes.

Watch this video to learn more about how assessments affect property taxes.

Property taxes are due July 2, 2025. Don’t forget to claim your homeowner grant. Details about property taxes can be found on the City’s website.

Community Chatter: Addressing Disinformation

I am avoiding engaging in Facebook discussions, as I do not believe it is a space where nuanced and productive discussions happen, but occasionally, I receive updates on what is being shared there. One of the topics that has come to my attention is that Council is not adhering to the City’s inclusionary zoning policy for the Beedie development. This is false.

Claim: “City’s 15% affordable housing regulation removed… only 7% affordable.”

Fact: City policy is being followed. This policy was approved on April 19, 2022, during the previous term.

The City’s Inclusionary Zoning - Affordable Housing Policy states for any projects proposing a residential density greater than 2.0 FAR, the City requires either:

• a minimum 15% of residential FAR as Below-Market Rental Units; or

• a minimum 6% of residential FAR as Non-Market Rental Units.

The Beedie Living proposal, which was referenced in a Facebook post, contains 7% Non-Market Rental Units in the form of women’s transition housing and housing for the KFN. The Beedie project FAR is 5.26, and the provision of 7% non-market rental is aligned with city policy. 

You can read more about the Inclusionary Zoning Policy in a separate post here.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Land Use Committee Meeting - LUC – Rezoning – 2914-2934 St. Johns Street, 85-87 Williams Street, and 2911-2925 Spring Street (Anthem), Mar 3, 7 pm.

• Public Hearing - Zoning Bylaw Housekeeping Amendments, Mar 4, 7 pm.

• Port Moody Youth Scholarship applications open Feb 3, and close Mar 31.

• Youth Sports Award, nominations are open (closing Apr 30).

Did you know?

BC Hydro has several programs that reward conservation. The Peak Saver program rewards customers for reducing energy use during peak demand events. Learn more here.

Depending on your income, BC Hydro also offers free programs that help reduce electricity consumption and the costs.

What I’m Reading…