Municipal News- Port Moody
September 5, 2023
Call Out for Liaison Committee Participants
UDI has established a new Liaison Committee with the City of Port Moody, which will begin official in-person meetings in the fall. If a UDI member company is interested in naming a senior representative to participate on this committee, please email Heather at hpark@udi.org by September 15th for more information.
August 9, 2023
UPDATE: Fees Bylaw Amendment – Community Development Fees
As noted in previous UDI newsletters, at Council on July 25th, amendments to the Fees Bylaw related to community development fees were adopted. Several of the application fees, such as for Pre-Application Review and standalone Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments, have been increased along with including an additional “Plus” charge based on proposed building size and/or site area to better balance the staff time expended on these applications. Other fees have been increased in the range of 10-20%. New fees will be implemented for Bylaw Third Reading Extension and Inactive Application Extension requests.
More information can be found in report by City staff, and updated bylaw.
July 26, 2023
Amendments to Development Procedures Bylaw
At the City Initiatives and Planning Committee meeting on July 18th, proposed refinements to the Development Procedures Bylaw were referred back to Council for First, Second, and Third Reading on July 25th. The proposed updates would rescind and replace the current Development Approval Procedures Bylaw and Development Permit Delegation Bylaw.
Refinements proposed include:
- That the “Pre-application Reviews” section be re-written to provide for a more streamlined, staff focused review. This would clarify that that a pre-application is an optional step, and is aimed at improving processing timelines and Council efficiency by ensuring only those pre-applications that fit within the “Major Development Application” (i.e., 2ha/5ac or larger sites) policy definition be referred to Council;
- RS1-S and similar ground-oriented infill residential (i.e., duplex, triplex, and quadruplex) rezoning applications not be referred to Council for early input, or have Public Hearings held;
- Limiting applicant presentations to Council at early input/First or Second Readings to only if staff are recommending against the rezoning or permit application. Application presentations to Council would be slated for the Public Hearing when a wider audience is present;
- For applications requiring a Public Hearing, notification of when a Public Hearing will not be held, or notices for Development Variance Permits and Temporary Use Permits, that the current 140-metre notification distance be reduced to 100 metres. A 100-metre notification radius is the same as Coquitlam and exceeds both Burnaby (30 metres) and New Westminster;
- Delegating the ability to issue and amend certain DPs along with minor DVPs to the General Manager of Community Development;
- Clarifying the approach for either closing or extending inactive applications at the Third Reading stage via a stepped process, first through staff and then to Council. These provisions are dependent on the applicant requesting an extension, demonstrating progress on their application, and submitting the appropriate fee.
Amendments resulting from Committee discussion included:
- Maintaining the existing 140-metre notification distance;
- Directing City staff to report back with wording on options for notification mail outs on major developments.
More information can be found in the full report by City staff.
Fees Bylaw Amendment – Community Development Fees
At Council on July 11th, amendments to the Fees Bylaw related to community development fees received First, Second, and Third Reading.
Several of the application fees, such as for Pre-Application Review and standalone Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments, have been increased along with including an additional “Plus” charge based on proposed building size and/or site area to better balance the staff time expended on these applications. Other fees have been increased in the range of 10-20%. New fees are also being recommended for Bylaw Third Reading Extension and Inactive Application Extension requests.
An amendment was made to direct City staff to review tree permit removal fees as part of Urban Forest Management Strategy work underway, to ensure an equitable approach to tree removal across different residential housing types.
More information can be found in the full staff report. The draft bylaw changes can be referenced here.
Staff Response to 2023 Housing Motions
At Council on July 11th, Council received a memo from City staff reporting back on various Council motions related to housing. Report back items included:
- Investigation by City staff on if amendments to the Family-Friendly Zoning Policy were needed to meet 2+ bedroom targets. As part of the 2023 workplan, City staff will scope the development of a missing middle housing policy, with accompanying zoning amendments and design guidelines, with work on the policy taking place throughout 2024. This work will determine suitable locations and design types for lower density multi-family housing types.
- A policy for minimum unit sizes for multi-family buildings that takes into account best practices on livability and positive mental health. The Family Friendly Units Policy currently recommends bedrooms designed to meet BC Housing General Design Guidelines and Construction Standards on minimum areas and dimensions. In the Housing Action Plan “enhance family friendly units policy outcomes and develop accompanying Design Guidelines” is listed as low priority item to be completed 2028 or later. Council made a motion and directed City staff to move the “Enhance Family Friendly Units Policy outcomes and develop accompanying Design Guidelines” project from 2028 workplan to 2024 workplan, and report back with suggested updates to the Family Friendly Unit Policy to better align with meeting targets outlined in the Housing Action Plan.
- Rental replacement, renter protection/displacement, and rental only zoning policies and bylaws laid out in 2022 Affordable Housing Action Plan and the 2020 Affordable Housing Task Force Report for consideration of strengthening and supporting progress. City staff are currently working with CitySpaces Consulting and Coriolis Consulting on a Secured Market Rental Housing Policy, with expected completion in December 2023. Council made a motion directing staff to remove “up to six storey wood-frame” from the following Secured Market Rental Housing Policy project objective: “explore use of RRTZ with incentives, such as bonus density and height to encourage the creation of up to six-storey wood frame rental apartments throughout the Frequent Transit Network walkshed.
March 21, 2023
Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code
At Council on March 14th, a staff report was received on initiating engagement with the development industry regarding proposed changes to accelerated Energy Step Code (ESC) requirements, and the implementation of the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements.
BC Building Code changes to enable energy efficiency ESC requirements across the Province and provide an opt-in Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) were signed by the Minister of Housing in February 2023. These Code changes will take effect on May 1st, 2023, meaning that starting May 2023:
- Most new construction in BC will be 20% more energy efficient than base 2018 BC Building Code (similar to Step 3 for Part 9 buildings and Step 2 for Part 3 buildings); and
- All BC local governments have the option to enforce the Zero Carbon Step Code.
City staff will be consulting with industry stakeholders to ensure the building community is aware of upcoming BCBC changes, and to discuss and provide feedback on accelerating ESC requirements and ZCSC requirements to understand what supports the industry will need to meet accelerated and new requirements.
Based on modelling completed by consultants to understand measures required to meet GHG reduction targets in the Climate Ready Homes and Buildings Plan, the following Step Code requirements are being recommended:
Adopt the highest steps of the BC Energy Step Code:
- Step 5 for Part 9 buildings by 2025; and
- Step 4 for Part 3 buildings by 2025.
Adopt Zero Carbon Step Code requirements for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings in 2023 and increase stringency in 2025:
- 2023: 2.5 – 4 kg CO2e/m2 / year (equivalent to ZCSC EL-3); and
- 2025: 1.5 – 2 kg CO2e/m2 / year (equivalent to ZCSC EL-4).
These modelled recommendations will form the basis for engagement with the building community to garner feedback, understand compliance challenges, and determine solutions.
The full report by City staff can be read here.
February 21, 2023
Phase Two Climate Action Implementation Strategy
At Council on February 14th, City staff presented the Phase Two Climate Action Implementation Strategy for Year 3 and Year 4 of the 2020 Climate Action Plan. This includes detailed information on the Phase Two actions, their classifications, funding implications, impact on emissions reduction and climate resilience, and the process undertaken to select them.
Some Phase Two actions for buildings include:
- Accelerating adoption of the BC Energy Step Code;
- Developing and implementing a concierge retrofit program for large and small buildings;
- Devising a demolition permit to increase recycling and deconstruction requirements;
- Researching and developing options for embodied emissions in new construction;
- Implementing permit streamlining for low carbon buildings;
- Implementing a mandatory building energy benchmarking and disclosure requirement for Part 3 buildings;
- Topping up existing incentive programs;
- Updating bylaws to reduce barriers for low carbon new buildings and retrofits;
- Requiring embodied emissions disclosure at time of permit; and
- Encouraging voluntary disclosure for carbon and risk of Part 3 buildings.
Some actions for Transportation and Mobility include revising parking minimums and creating parking maximums, while Land Use and Growth Management actions will look to apply a climate lens to existing hazard mapping and development permit areas, and updating and expanding existing rezoning policies. Under Infrastructure, action will be taken to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy.
January 24, 2023
Fees Bylaw Amendments
On January 10th, City staff brought a report to Council regarding amendments for an updated Fees Bylaw. The proposed changes received First, Second, and Third Reading. Proposed amendments include:
- Under Building Fees, a maximum refund of Waste Management fees for buildings under 1001 square feet;
- Under Plumbing Permit Fees, plumbing permits for underground piping to ensure consistency for minimum plumbing permit fees; and
- Under Engineering Fees, Highway Use Permits for Local Road Network.
City staff also identified an improvement to simplify the approach to water and sewer fees charged during construction. This proposed fee structure is outlined in a new section titled “Temporary Water and Sanitary Use for Construction or Irrigation” and is consistent with the approach and cost recovery values taken by other municipalities. The goal is for the new fee structure to better reflect an equitable recovery of utility costs during construction.
November 29, 2022
UPDATE: 2023 Fees and Charges
As noted in previous newsletters, at Council on November 22nd, changes to the 2023 Fees and Charges Bylaw were adopted. For Planning and Development Fees this means an increase in the Waste Management Fee – Demolition, an increase in the Building Permit Renewal Fee as incentive for applicants to complete projects within 24 months, and creation of a new fee for Dock Application Review.
UPDATE: Deconstruction Waste Management Bylaw
As noted in previous newsletters, at Council on November 22nd, changes to the Deconstruction Waste Management Bylaw were adopted. This means an increase in the percentage of recycling or reuse required for recyclable construction materials to 100% for clean wood, and 85% for other recyclable materials, in order to receive the maximum refund of the waste management fee. The Bylaw now also requires that a minimum of 70% of recyclable construction materials overall must be recycled or reused in order to be eligible for refund of any portion of waste management fee.
November 15, 2022
2023 Fees Bylaw
At Council on November 8th, proposed changes to the Fees Bylaw received First, Second, and Third Reading. The following changes are being proposed for Planning and Development Fees:
- The Waste Management Fee – Demolition would increase as per the chart below:
- The Building Permit Renewal Fee would increase from $152 to $250 as incentive for applicants to complete projects within 24 months;
- Creation of a new fee for Dock Application Review of $1224 to recover costs associated with the Vancouver Port Authority’s decision to start permitting the construction of new residential docks.
In addition, Utility rates would increase by 3.2% for 2023. City staff are also proposing to incorporate Metro Vancouver charges into Utility budgets, which would result in a 1.5% increase for Water rates, and a 3.8% increase in Sewer rates for 2023. Net solid waste charges would increase 5% in 2023.
More details can be read in the staff report, as well as the draft bylaw.
Deconstruction Waste Management Bylaw
At Council on November 8th, changes to the Deconstruction Waste Management Bylaw received First, Second, and Third Reading. This comes from resolutions passed at the July 12th Council meeting directing staff to amend the Bylaw to increase the percentage of recycling or reuse required for recyclable construction materials to 100% for clean wood, and 85% for other recyclable materials, in order to receive the maximum refund of the waste management fee. Proposed changes would also require that a minimum of 70% of recyclable construction materials overall must be recycled or reused in order to be eligible for refund of any portion of waste management fee.
More details can be read in the staff memo, as well as the draft bylaw.
October 4, 2022
Climate Ready Homes and Buildings & Extreme Weather Resilience Plans
At a Special Council meeting on September 20th, Council adopted the Climate Ready Homes and Buildings Plan, as well as the Extreme Weather Resilience Plan. These plans detail actions and incentives for new and existing buildings, as well as identifying adaptation measures.
Proposed actions and incentives from the Climate Ready Homes and Buildings Plan include:
- Accelerated adoption of the BC Energy Step Code;
- Requiring electric heating and cooling for large development rezonings;
- Implementing an administrative requirement for embodied emissions disclosure through a lifecycle assessment for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings at the time of permit application and occupancy;
- Establishing parking maximums for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings;
- Benchmarking and disclosure of energy and emissions performance in Part 3 buildings through Metro Vancouver’s planned regulation;
- Receipt of demolition permit with a requirement of 75%-90% waste diversion through reuse and recycling when a home or building is demolished.
The full Climate Ready Homes and Buildings Plan can be read here.
Proposed adaptation measures from the Extreme Weather Resilience Plan include:
- Establishing rental decarbonization incentives with affordability covenants for properties (I.e. retrofit loans/grants with a required affordability covenant for a specific number of years following project completion, to ensure retrofits are not exacerbating affordability issues);
- Considering changes in land use and policy such as reviewing existing bylaws to remove barriers to retrofitting buildings for cooling, and consideration of establishing a rezoning policy that requires new strata projects to have heating/cooling.
The full Extreme Weather Resilience Plan can be read here.
July 12, 2022
Inclusionary Zoning and Family Friendly Units Policies
As noted in previous digital updates and UDI newsletters, on April 19th, 2022, Port Moody City Council approved the Inclusionary Zoning Policy – Affordable Housing Units and the Family-Friendly Units Policy. These policies and related background reports can be found here, and here.
For more information, you can reference the presentation slides from the information session hosted by the City on June 27th. The official Corporate Policy for Inclusionary Zoning – Affordable Housing Units can be referenced here, alongside the Corporate Policy for Family-Friendly Units.
If you have any questions, please email Liam McLellan, Social Planner II, at lmclellan@portmoody.ca.
June 14, 2022
Inclusionary Zoning Policy Information Session
As noted in previous newsletters, on April 19th, 2022, Port Moody City Council approved the Inclusionary Zoning Policy – Affordable Housing Units and the Family-Friendly Units Policy. These policies and related background reports can be found here, and here.
As part of this process, the City will be hosting an online information session on Monday, June 27th, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The purpose of the session is to explain the new policies and answer any questions.
To RSVP, please email Liam McLellan, Social Planner II, at lmclellan@portmoody.ca.
May 31, 2022
Housing Action Plan Survey
The City is developing a Housing Action Plan, and is collecting feedback to inform the draft Plan before it is brought to Council for consideration in July 2022. The 10-minute survey includes draft actions that have a policy and development focus, and can be completed here before June 5th, 2022.
May 3, 2022
Inclusionary Zoning and Family-Friendly Units Policies
On April 19th, Council adopted an Inclusionary Zoning Policy for affordable housing and a Family-Friendly Units Policy. The former mandates that “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.”
This is above the 12.5% that Port Moody’s Affordable Housing Task Force recommended, and what was discussed with industry stakeholders at a May 5, 2021 consultation session. Coriolis reviewed the policy and found that “A below market requirement in the range of 12.5% to 15% of the residential FAR of a building would result in a significant reduction in the number rezonings that would be financially viable.”
However, the Policy allows applicants of projects that are not financially feasible to provide an economic analysis (at their expense) “… to determine the amount of floor area for Affordable Rental Units to be provided in …,” the proposed project that would be then negotiated with the City. There is an exemption for projects in which 100% of the residential portion is rental as well as a cash-in-lieu option for smaller projects. In addition, “Over the next year, staff will monitor the inclusionary zoning policy, and report back to Council on its effects, providing potential alterations to the policy, if needed.” Please see the staff report on the Policy.
With regard to the Family-Friendly Units Policy, the City is mandating the following for projects with twenty or more units:
Please note for three-bedroom units, half of them can include inboard bedrooms, and there are also design guidelines for children’s play areas and common spaces. For the affordable housing units, the following unit mix and sizes are required:
The last time the development industry was engaged on this policy was a workshop with City staff and the consultant on May 5th, 2021. Industry feedback included the need for potential incentives to offset costs associated with the provision of affordable housing, consideration of balancing desired community amenities, and establishing a consistent application of the policy. Following the adoption of this policy, City staff and the consultant have committed in the report to host a second developer workshop to review the policy, which UDI has reached out to City staff to organize. If you would be interested in attending this session, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org to receive an invite once a date/time is confirmed with City staff.
April 5, 2022
Development Application Process Survey
The City is conducting a review and analysis of its Development Application processes with support from KPMG, funded by a provincial grant. The City’s goal is to improve the development process and experience from pre-application steps, to permits issued, and through to completion of construction. To support this work, the City is seeking feedback from the development industry. Please complete the applicant survey, which will help inform KPMG’s analysis. Responses will be aggregated and will not attribute comments to any one individual. The survey is available until April 8th at 5pm.
If you any questions or comments about this project, please reach out to André Boel at aboel@portmoody.ca.
March 22, 2022
Housing Action Plan Engagement
On March 29th from 2pm-3:30pm, the City will be hosting a focus group with the development and builders’ sector on its Housing Action Plan (HAP). This session will explore opportunities to improve and expand housing supply and diversity in Port Moody. Feedback will inform the City’s new HAP being developed throughout the spring and summer of 2022.
If you are interested in attending, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org.
March 8, 2022
New Online Resources for Development Applications
The City recently launched two online development planning tools – a real-time GIS map, and a web-based application submission process.
To learn more about applications for development that are under review in Port Moody, the public can visit the updated ‘current development applications’ GIS map. Staff now track development applications in a new database that is directly linked to the map. The map is automatically refreshed twice daily, and will reflect any updated information that has been entered into the system. This improvement provides the public with real-time information on each project. In the map you can click a highlighted property to see a pop-up info box with a project description and link to the milestones, which track the stages of review completed to date.
For applicants interested in developing property, they can now submit a development application online. With the new web-based submission process, applicants can more easily submit their application and required documentation together. Receiving development applications online will also create a more efficient workflow for City staff going through the review process.
February 8, 2022
Climate Action Plan
On February 1st, Port Moody Staff held a stakeholder workshop on the Climate Ready Homes section of the City’s draft Climate Action Plan. UDI participated in the consultation and raised concerns regarding the regulation of existing buildings in parallel with the work currently being undertaken by the Province as well as the need to pursue incentive-based approaches.
The Draft Policy Actions will form the basis for future work and consultation, currently the City’s engagement is focusing on confirming the priorities and direction under the Plan.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Park.
January 25, 2022
Climate Ready Homes and Building Plan
The City has extended an invitation to participate in an engagement session on the Port Moody Climate Ready Homes and Building Plan on February 1st from 1-3pm.
The Plan will outline specific actions the City, residents, and business owners can take to make homes and buildings in Port Moody climate ready. The objectives of the workshop are to:
- Provide an overview of Port Moody’s climate action plan and actions to date on low carbon resilient buildings;
- Summarize the building-related policy landscape;
- Outline proposed policy recommendations; and
- Seek your feedback on key policy recommendations, alignment, and supporting measures.
If you are interested in attending, please email Heather Park at hpark@udi.org to receive the calendar invitation. If you have any questions about the session itself, please contact Laura Sampliner at lsampliner@portmoody.ca.
December 14, 2021
2022 Fees Bylaw
The City of Port Moody adopted the Fees Bylaw for fees charged in 2022. The Bylaw includes fee amounts for building, planning and development, sustainability, engineering, and all other fees associated with business and operations within the city.
Provisional 2022 Capital Budget
On December 7th, Council received the Provisional 2022-2026 Capital Budget for information, which passed unanimously. The report can be read here, with the draft of the Plan and list of all proposed projects here.
The list of 2022 projects are diverse and includes project submissions for the following items:
- Fleet replacements;
- Road reconstruction and rehabilitation at various locations throughout the City;
- Boardwalk and pedestrian bridge reconstruction at the Inlet Trail;
- Synthetic turf replacement project at Trasolini Field and bike trail bridge at Noons Creek;
- Improvements to traffic signals, street lights, and bus stops;
- Major utility projects, including Glenayre/Seaview/College Park water system rehabilitation; and
- Storm/drainage rehabilitations at various locations.
With some of the projects approved, staff can begin the necessary project planning, procurement, and general resourcing required in January 2022.
November 30, 2021
Climate Ready Homes & Buildings Survey
The City is developing a plan that will outline specific actions the City, residents, and business owners can take to make homes and buildings in Port Moody climate ready. There is a community survey to share thoughts on making homes and buildings climate ready. Visit engageportmoody.ca/climate-ready to fill out the survey and learn more. Input will inform the development of a community-wide plan.
A climate ready home or building is one that has been designed or modified to:
- meet low carbon and high energy-efficiency standards; and
- manage many of the risks that are linked to climate change such as heat-related illness, poor indoor air quality, or damage from flooding or windstorms.
The City’s Climate Action Plan includes specific goals and targets for homes and buildings because they are Port Moody’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, due to the use of fossil-fuel-powered heating, cooling, and hot water systems. The key to reducing emissions is to build or renovate structures so they meet high energy-efficiency and low carbon standards. Homes and buildings also need to last, which means they need to be able to withstand the effects of climate change such as extreme rainfall events, extreme heat, drought, wildfire, poor air quality, and sea level rise. A climate ready homes and buildings plan will help the City take collective action to improve its homes and buildings, so that it can build a better future for everyone who chooses to live or work in Port Moody.
Please share this survey opportunity with your networks. If you have any questions, please contact climateaction@portmoody.ca
2022 Fees Bylaw
On November 23, Council gave First, Second and Third reading to the proposed 2022 Fees Bylaw. Some fees remain the same as 2021 rates, but in most cases, the fees have been adjusted to reflect a 2% inflationary increase with rounding. One exception was under Building Fees related to the Waste Management Fee for Demolition. It has been adjusted in the square footage categories, and increased by 20-72%.
Water and Sewer Fees were another exception. Water rates will increase by 2.95%, and Sewer rates will decrease by 2.79% in 2022. This translates to an increase in the residential rate for Water from $475 to $489. The residential rate for Sewer will decrease from $358 to $348 (originally proposed at $379). This represents a $14 residential increase for Water and a $10 residential decrease for Sewer.
The full report to Council can be read here.
November 16, 2021
Climate Ready Homes and Buildings Engagement
The City of Port Moody is developing a plan that will outline specific actions the City, residents, and business owners can take to make homes and buildings in Port Moody climate ready. The City invites you to fill out a community survey and share your thoughts on making homes and buildings climate ready. Visit engageportmoody.ca/climate-ready to fill out the survey and learn more. This input will inform the development of a community-wide plan.
Port Moody’s Climate Action Plan includes specific goals and targets for homes and buildings because they are the City’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, due to the use of fossil-fuel-powered heating, cooling, and hot water systems.
If you have any questions, please contact climateaction@portmoody.ca
October 19, 2021
Feasibility Assessment of Third SkyTrain Station
At its July 20, 2021 meeting, Council discussed the third reading of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment and Rezoning for the proposed development at 1142 Cecile Drive and 300 Angela Drive, also known as Woodland Park. Staff were directed to report back to Council with potential funding options for a third SkyTrain station and Council requested a briefing from TransLink staff regarding feasible location options for a third SkyTrain station west of Moody Centre Station. TransLink indicated the City had to complete its own assessment in advance of a briefing.
The City retained Urban Systems to conduct a high-level assessment of opportunities for a third SkyTrain station within Port Moody west of Moody Centre Station. The assessment included:
- Examining characteristics of SkyTrain lines;
- Reviewing general planning considerations around SkyTrain stations;
- Estimating development potential in the area west of Moody Centre Station;
- Conducting a high-level modelling exercise of potential ridership;
- Discussing various funding opportunities for a station.
Discussion of the assessment findings can be found in the report on page 340 of the agenda package. The report was received for information by Council, and the motion was carried unanimously. Next steps for this work include a feasibility study with conceptual design and cost estimating for each of the potential station areas (i.e north tunnel portal, Douglas Street / Reichhold Weigh Scale, Queens Street).
May 18, 2021
Port Moody 2050
As part of Port Moody 2050, a one- to two-year process to gather public input and draft focused updates to the Official Community Plan, staff invite you to fill out a community survey on some key topics that were identified by the public and City Council in our initial phases of engagement. Your input will help us prepare land use scenarios and options for four Port Moody neighbourhood areas: Seaview, Moody Centre Transit-Oriented Development Area, Oceanfront District (west of Rocky Point Park), and Murray Street. You’ll have a chance to share your thoughts on these land use scenarios in our next phase of public engagement planned for September/October 2021.
Go to engage.portmoody.ca to fill out the survey today.
January 26, 2021
Public Engagement Process: Proposed changes to Environmentally Sensitive Areas Management Strategy
Further to the information provided last fall, the City of Port Moody is proposing an update to its 20-year-old ESA Management Strategy. The City has created a new project page at engage.portmoody.ca. A feedback form is also available as well as information on the virtual public engagement session (Jan. 28, 2021) and a workshop for residents and property owners (Feb. 4, 2021). I’ve also added the details below for reference:
General Information Session
Purpose: Staff will provide a general overview of the current ESA Management Strategy, the development permit process, and the proposed update to the Strategy. This session is open to anyone who would like to learn more about this topic and participants will be able to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Date: Thursday, January 28, 2021
Time: 7-8:30pm
Registration information is available at engage.portmoody.ca.
Targeted Workshop for residents and property owners along the marine shoreline
Purpose: Staff will provide specific information about the proposed marine assessment area and how it may affect property owners along the marine shoreline. Participants will be able to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Information on how to sign up for this targeted workshop is available at engage.portmoody.ca.
The online feedback form will be open until February 21, 2021 and once the public engagement process is complete, a report will be brought to a regular Council meeting in the spring and any changes will need to go through the Public Hearing process before being implemented. If you have any questions about our public engagement process for the ESA Management Strategy update, please email esa@portmoody.ca.
January 12, 2021
Updated Energy Step Code Requirements – Effective January 1, 2021
As of January 1st, 2021 Port Moody’s Energy Step Code (ESC) requirements have changed for Building Permit applications and development applications seeking rezoning on or after January 1, 2021! To find the latest information on Port Moody’s ESC requirements visit the City’s Energy Step Code web page.
The early ESC adoption schedule was adopted by Port Moody Council on July 9, 2019. Requirements can also be found in Building Bylaw No. 3200 and in the Corporate Policy applicable to applications seeking rezoning .
When designing projects, applicants are encouraged to consult the City’s Energy Step Code website to consider requirements that are in place at the expected time of Building Permit or Development Permit application. Changes in requirements do not affect applications in stream.
December 1, 2020
Housing Needs Workshop
The City of Port Moody is holding an online Housing Needs Workshop on December 4, 2020. This workshop will help inform the Housing Needs Assessment and provide opportunities for builders to share their thoughts on the types of housing needed in Port Moody. The Workshop details are included below:
- Date: Friday, December 4th
- Time: 3pm to 4:30pm
- Where: Online via Zoom
- To register, please contact Liam McLellan at lmclellan@portmoody.ca
October 20, 2020
Update to ESA Management Strategy, development permit areas, and guidelines
The City of Port Moody is updating its Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Management Strategy to help protect, restore, and connect ESAs during the development process.
A Development Permit Area (DPA) for the protection of ESAs (designated as DPA 4 in our DPA Guidelines) has been in place in Port Moody since 2011. Development Permits (DPs) are required before activities can proceed on lands within most ESAs. Information and assessment is required for properties in DPA 4 before development can proceed. This process identifies guidelines and measures to ensure that development is low-impact, meets the requirements of senior governments, and protects and restores ESAs.
The proposed update includes:
- accurate mapping, including improved mapping of most watercourses (including ditches), forest units, and marine high water;
- a revised Development Permit Area designation, with a name change from DPA 4: Environmentally Sensitive Areas to Environmental Development Permit Area (EDPA);
- inclusion of the marine shoreline within the new EDPA, recognizing the potential impact of land use behind the shoreline edge;
- delineation of streamside setbacks (established in the Zoning Bylaw and updated in 2018) within the new EDPA;
- incorporation of an assessment area to define the EDPA to ensure a review is triggered for all properties adjacent to natural areas designated as ESAs; and
- updated DPA guidelines that maximize opportunities for protection and restoration of ESAs, reduce impacts associated with adjacent urban development, and continue to ensure requirements of senior governments are met.
A tiered review process is recommended to account for different types and scales of development – more assessment and protective measures are expected with larger, more complex projects.
The draft update will be presented to Council in fall 2020 for their consideration. It is anticipated that any adopted changes to the Development Permit Area designation for ESAs and the DPA Guidelines would be in place by the end of 2020.
More information regarding the proposed changes is available at portmoody.ca/esa, and questions or concerns can be emailed directly to Karen Devitt at kdevitt@portmoody.ca.
September 22, 2020
Energy Step Code – Information Update
The City of Port Moody has shared several Energy Step Code-related updates for builders.
Port Moody Airtightness Rebate
Port Moody is currently offering a rebate, funded by BC Hydro, for air tightness tests in Part 9 buildings. The rebate period will end December 31, 2020 so make sure to get your applications in soon!
There are two streams of rebate applications:
- new Part 9 construction nearing the mid-construction (pre-drywall) inspection stage; and
- existing Part 9 buildings, including a variety of existing Part 9 archetypes that are at the final inspection stage or have achieved occupancy within the last 12 months of the rebate application date.
Check out the City’s Energy Step Code web page under “Incentives” to learn more.
StepWin 2.0
The City of Port Moody has partnered with StepWin to offer builders access to an energy modelling tool that can help you meet local BC Energy Step Code requirements. We’re offering builders free access to the StepWin software for a limited time. If you give StepWin a try, we’d love to hear from you. Send your feedback to lsampliner@portmoody.ca
StepWin 2.0 is now capable of handling Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURB) in addition to the Single-Family Dwellings (SFD). StepWin is actively developing features for Retrofits (renovations) in parallel with new construction. When you sign up for your free account, simply click on your project type and watch the instructions and get started.
Contact StepWin at info@lambda.science to learn more.
Future Weather Files for Building Energy Modelling
In North America, the most commonly used weather file for building energy performance simulations is called Typical Meteorological Year (TMY). A TMY file represents the typical long-term weather pattern and is created by analyzing 15-30 years of historical hourly data for the specific site. Since typical building lifetimes can be around 60 years or more, weather files need to cover projected future changes that incorporate climate change.
The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium has developed future weather files available for download and use that utilize three different 30-year periods: the 2020s (roughly current conditions), the 2050s, and the 2080s. Each file is produced using the RCP8.5 concentration pathway, which is a relatively high emissions scenario. If the planet follows a lower emissions trajectory such as RCP4.5, roughly consistent with 2 degrees of warming since the pre-industrial period globally, the 2050s RCP8.5 file would be roughly representative of conditions in 2070s instead.
Projected changes to BC’s climate may bring a number of impacts and associated risks to BC’s buildings and their occupants. Future shifted weather files have been used to inform the BC Housing Step Code Design Guide Supplement on Overheating and Air Quality. The City of Port Moody encourages use of these files in building energy modelling submitted.
Click here to access these weather files.
August 11, 2020
Regulations for Market Rental Apartment Businesses (Renoviction Bylaw) Approved
As mentioned previously, a report was presented to Council on July 28 regarding Regulations for Market Rental Apartment Businesses (Renoviction Bylaw). This report and the proposed Bylaw changes were approved by consent at the July 28 Regular Council Meeting.
July 28, 2020
UPDATED: Affordable Housing Task Force Final Report Approved
On July 14, Port Moody Council approved 8 recommendations contained in the final report from the Affordable Housing Task Force. The recommendations are listed at the end of the Council report found here. A few notable recommendations include:
- Update Port Moody’s requirement on rental replacement, strengthening tenant relocation, and strengthening demolition policies as informed by recommendations from the Task Force in-line with the municipality of Burnaby.
- Investigating the adoption the three-tiered approach taken by New Westminster requiring percentages but with options for 12.5% affordable (20% below CMHC), or 6% at shelter rates for projects within OCP guidelines, with a suite of incentives for development options. For projects seeking OCP amendment and/or exceeding established density thresholds, or in TOD areas, these should have policy provision of a minimum of 20% of total units or floor area as built affordable units; number of units and rental rates subject to discussions with Council and senior governments, and consideration of other amenities, such as projects in the TOD that include a significant component of employment space.
- Develop a policy related to multi-family developments with minimum thresholds for inclusion of family-friendly units, those being of two, three and more bedrooms as informed by our housing needs assessment and statistics included in this report.
These recommendations are in addition to the four directions approved by Council in April as part of the Interim Affordable Housing Guidelines.
Another report will also be presented to Council on July 28 regarding Regulations for Market Rental Apartment Businesses (Renoviction Bylaw). The report includes proposed changes to proposed the City of Port Moody Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw, which, ” would address the steps a person or individual carrying on the business of, or operating, a Market Rental Apartment would have to undertake when repairing or renovating a dwelling unit. This includes:
- the conditions under which evictions would be considered;
- provisions for temporary accommodation for tenants in situations when evictions are
deemed necessary; - provisions for contravention of the bylaw; and,
- conditions under which exemptions would be considered.”
For instances of non-compliance the report suggests the following penalties:
- Eviction without Permits – $500.00; and
- Eviction without Tenant Relocation – $500.00.
The full report can be found on page 318 of the Council agenda, here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cassandra McColman.
July 14, 2020
Affordable Housing Task Force Final Report
At the Council meeting scheduled for July 14, 2020, Staff will present the final report of the City’s Affordable Housing Task Force. Further to the interim guidelines that were adopted in April 2020, this report recommends:
- Update Port Moody’s requirement on rental replacement, strengthening tenant relocation, and strengthening demolition policies as informed by recommendations from the Task Force in-line with the municipality of Burnaby.
- Liaising with City of Burnaby staff after they have completed their review of best practices in minimum standards of rental maintenance and presented to Council for comparison with Port Moody’s current practices.
- While crafting an inclusionary zoning policy for Port Moody, investigating the adoption the three-tiered approach taken by New Westminster requiring percentages but with options for 12.5% affordable (20% below CMHC), or 6% at shelter rates for projects within OCP guidelines, with a suite of incentives for development options. For projects seeking OCP amendment and/or exceeding established density thresholds, or in TOD areas, these should have policy provision of a minimum of 20% of total units or floor area as built affordable units; number of units and rental rates subject to discussions with Council and senior governments, and consideration of other amenities, such as projects in the TOD that include a significant component of employment space. Units may be owned by developer with occupancy management by a non-profit or BC Housing in perpetuity, or sold to a non-profit or BC Housing at below-market value. The Affordable housing task force suggests that inclusionary zoning should apply to all developments over 80 units, with townhouse developments requiring additional contributions to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, as per revised policy. This the preferred type of policy recommended by the Affordable Housing Policy; however, due to differences between municipalities regarding density and/ or height restrictions, these recommendations would need be fulfilled in a Port Moody specific context.
- Staff update parking relaxation policies to be in-line with more ambitious relaxations and suggest where there are areas of the city that would benefit from differential levels of parking relaxations for rental and affordable housing in order to include city-wide relaxations for affordable housing as part of incentives for inclusionary zoning (as per Victoria and New Westminster policies).
- Staff to continue to monitor developments in the application of rental only zoning, particularly as it is used for maintaining affordable housing stocks;
- Staff and Council continue to support fee waivers and property tax waivers for non-profit housing developments as negotiated on a case-by-case basis with specific advice regarding what the City is willing to provide;
- Staff develop a policy related to multi-family developments with minimum thresholds for inclusion of family-friendly units, those being of two, three and more bedrooms as informed by our housing needs assessment and statistics included in this report.
- Staff investigate policies regarding hostile architecture and report back on findings and opportunities to exclude such features. This may include exploring policies, including:
- Change all design standard by-laws and policies for public and private spaces to prohibit the use of defensive or hostile design features;
- [Port Moody] should stipulate in contracts privatising public spaces that the ownership and management of said spaces be subject to the prohibition of defensive architectural features;
- Port Moody should implement contracting embargoes on companies which specifically design street furniture pieces that are ‘anti-homeless’ or ‘anti-youth’; these designs should not include measures which actively make facilities uncomfortable for particular people.
- Port Moody should update our public consultation process on developments to make sure marginalized groups are supported to inclusively participate.
For the full report please see here.
June 16, 2020
Interim Affordable Housing Policy
Earlier this spring, the City of Port Moody Council approved an Interim Affordable Housing Policy, which “sets expectations for the provision of affordable housing units as part of new multi-family residential and mixed-use residential development applications that involve a rezoning or an Official Community Plan amendment.”
The policy includes definitions for different levels of affordability and types of affordable units as well as interim guidelines for land use change applicants. Key expectations laid out in the guidelines are:
- The City anticipates, as part of any rezoning and/or OCP amendment application, that an affordable housing component would be included, with a preference for affordable rental units;
- The City expects a minimum 15% share of below-market rental units for projects larger than 30 units;
- Where options other than affordable rental units are proposed, the City would expect the number of units to be greater than if affordable rental units were proposed to be included;
- Affordable rental units may be owned by the developer with occupancy management arranged through a non-profit society or BC Housing, or sold to a non-profit society or BC Housing at below-market value. The City requests confirmation of these arrangements prior to adoption of the requested land use changes;
- Any affordable rental units are requested to be secured for the long term: 60 years or the useful life of the building; and
- Projects resulting in ten or more units should ideally provide a unit mix as set out in the following table:
| Number of Bedrooms | Share of Units |
| Studios | 70% max |
| 1-Bedroom | |
| 2-Bedroom | 20% min |
| 3-Bedroom | 10% min |
The guidelines also specify that the City may allow flexibility for projects under certain circumstances, and will consider incentives for the provision of affordable housing.
Staff continue to work on both a more extensive Inclusionary Housing Policy and wider Affordable Housing Strategy, which is expected to be completed later this year.
If you have questions regarding this Interim Policy, please contact Jeff Fisher or Cassandra McColman.
May 19, 2020
Draft Climate Action Plan
On May 19, Council will be receiving a presentation from City staff regarding Port Moody’s draft Climate Action Plan (starting on page 12). The draft Plan includes several measures that could impact builders, such as:
- Developing a green infrastructure policy/program;
- Implementing an Environmentally Sensitive Areas Strategy;
- Encouraging density and mixed-use neighborhoods around transportation hubs;
- Encouraging complete, compact communities;
- Requiring comprehensive transportation demand management (TDM) strategies in new large projects.
- Improving erosion and sediment control for new projects;
- Developing a Sea Level Rise Strategy;
- Developing “… a strategy and adopt the BC Energy Step Code in advance of the provincial timeline;”
- Revising “… the City’s Sustainability Report Card to include performance measures to reduce operational and embodied GHG emissions and climate risks;”
- Establishing “… a green buildings rezoning policy for development applications;”
- Developing a resilient, zero-emissions plan for all new buildings that also addresses indoor air quality and climate risks;
- Exploring “… the feasibility of creating a renewable energy hub where the City could generate or partner with organizations to produce renewable energy, and use this energy to power buildings and equipment;”
- Establishing a Zero-Emissions Mobility Strategy; and
- Improve waste reduction/management.
UDI will be seeking consultation opportunities with Port Moody regarding several actions in the draft Climate Action Plan. It is anticipated that the Council will be asked to endorse the Plan in June, and then staff will develop a funding and implementation plan, which should be ready by the Fall.
May 1, 2020
See here for City of Port Moody COVID 19 updates
May 01 Penalty for unpaid property taxes delayed to ease burden on Port Moody taxpayers during COVID-19 https://www.portmoody.ca/en/news/penalty-for-unpaid-property-taxes-delayed-to-ease-burden-on-port-moody-taxpayers-during-covid-19.aspx
April 23rd Port Moody reduces tax rate increase to 1.61% to ease burden on taxpayers during COVID-19 pandemic https://www.portmoody.ca/en/news/port-moody-reduces-tax-rate-increase-to-1-61-to-ease-burden-on-taxpayers-during-covid-19-pandemic.aspx
April 7, 2020
StepWin Pilot
Port Moody has partnered with StepWin to improve access to energy modelling software to help builders meet Energy Step Code requirements. Builders can receive free access to this software for a limited time. If you have tried the software and have feedback, please contact lsampliner@portmoody.ca. And if you have any questions regarding StepWin, please connect with the software creator directly at arman@lambda.science.
Port Moody Airtightness Rebate
Port Moody is currently offering a rebate, funded by BC Hydro, for mid-construction air tightness tests for Part 9 buildings.
There are two streams for rebate applications:
- new Part 9 construction nearing the mid-construction (pre-drywall) inspection stage; and
- existing Part 9 buildings, including a variety of existing Part 9 archetypes that are at the final inspection stage or have achieved occupancy within the last 12 months of the rebate application date.
Want to know if your project is eligible? Check out the City’s Energy Step Code web page under “Incentives” to learn more.
March 25, 2020
See here for Port Moody News releases
March 20th Port Moody extends utility bill deadline: https://www.portmoody.ca/en/news/port-moody-extends-utility-bill-deadline.aspx
March 18th COVID-19 update #2: Port Moody to suspend walk-in service at City Hall to protect the public & staff https://www.portmoody.ca/en/news/covid-19-update-2-port-moody-to-suspend-walk-in-service-at-city-hall-to-protect-the-public-staff.aspx
January 14, 2020
New Development Cost Charges Bylaw Adoption
City of Port Moody’s new Development Cost Charges Bylaw is being considered for adoption by City Council on January 14, 2020. If adopted, the bylaw will be in effect immediately. Please note, the City will provide all information relating to the transition and grace period for instream and potential applicants through the City’s website.
August 19, 2019
UPDATED: DCC Bylaw Update
Following the proposed changes to the DCC Bylaw, UDI and HAVAN have submitted a joint letter to the Provincial Inspector of Municipalities, with concerns regarding the submission of proposed DCC rates for approval, prior to the completion of a Parkland Acquisition Strategy.
August 6, 2019
DCC Bylaw Update
On July 23, the Proposed Development Cost Charges Bylaw received and passed third reading and will now be forwarded to the Province for approval to adopt. See here for the Proposed DCC Bylaw. See here for the report to council. UDI and HAVAN wrote a joint letter for consideration of council on the proposed changes; specifically outlining issues with the Park DCC Program, phasing and waiver application.
Energy Step Code Implementation
On July 9, Council accepted city staff’s proposed early adoption strategy for the Energy Step Code. Staff will be reporting back to Council in fall 2019 with Building bylaw amendments to support proposed early adoption strategy. See here for the report to Council.
July 22, 2019
Moody Centre Transit-Oriented Development Plan
On July 16, Port Moody Council deferred the motion presented by Councillor Madsen to reorient the existing Moody Centre TOD Plan towards job creation. The report, prepared by Councillor Madsen entitled, “More than a Bedroom Community!” proposed a new vision for the area around Moody Centre Station anchored by a post-secondary campus and high-tech hub. Following debate, Council decided to defer any further action on this report until the work of a consortium of builders, landowners and TransLink in consultation with City staff is completed.
July 8, 2019
UPDATED: DCC Bylaw Changes
Port Moody DCC Increases: City staff recently hosted an information session on June 26 that reviewed the recommended DCC increases that are to come into effect on November 4, 2019. See here for the handout and presentation from the session. The draft DCC Bylaw is scheduled for third reading at the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. UDI will be writing a joint letter with HAVAN to City Council prior to July 23 to outline outstanding challenges with the increases. If you would like to contribute to the letter, please contact Marissa Chan-Kent.
Energy Step Code (ESC)
On July 9, Port Moody Council will be considering a report from staff recommending early adoption of the BC Energy Step Code that will come into effect on September 1, 2019 for rezonings and on January 1, 2020 for all other applications (please see the staff report for the proposed instream protections for applications in process).
After consultations with the building sector earlier this year, staff are proposing a similar approach to some other Metro Vancouver municipalities. Part 9 rezonings will have to achieve step 3 of the ESC, while Part 3 rezonings will have two options:
- “Pathway 1 – Meet Step 3 of the Energy Step Code; or
- Pathway 2 – Meet Step 2 of the Energy Step Code, with implementation of a low carbon energy system and a greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) limit of 6kg/m2/year.”
The proposed requirements for all other applications are noted below.
June 24, 2019
DCC Information Session
The City of Port Moody is updating their DCC Bylaw to reflect the infrastructure requirements of new development. This information session will include an overview of the recommended DCC rates, planned implementation dates, and transition processes. A staff presentation will be followed by a Q&A period.
The first session at 3:30pm is aimed at residential, industrial, institutional and commercial developers, planners, and builders, as well as members of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) and the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN). The second session at 6:00 pm includes an educational component and is best suited for the general public and those considering developing small lots.
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Time: 3:30pm-5pm or 6-7:30pm
Location: Port Moody City Hall, 100 Newport Drive | Parkview Room (2nd Floor)
Please let the city know if you’re planning to attend — RSVP.
April 29, 2019
UPDATED: Port Moody DCC Increases
Following City Council’s recent decision on March 19 to substantially increase the DCC program, UDI and HAVAN staff met with city staff on April 23 to discuss these new rates that were not presented to industry at previous consultation meetings. See here for meeting materials. City staff plan to return to Council on May 14 to deliberate on the extent of waivers and reductions for not-for-profit rental housing, supportive housing, for-profit affordable rental housing, developments that are designed to result in low environmental impact, and small subdivisions designed to result in low greenhouse gas emissions. At this presentation, city staff will also be requesting to hold a Public Information Session on June 12. There will be a dedicated time slot for builders, details will be confirmed following the Council meeting. UDI will be writing a letter to submit to Council prior to May 14. If you are active in Port Moody and would like to be included in the review of the letter, please contact Marissa Chan-Kent.
April 16, 2019
UPDATED: Port Moody DCC Open House will not be held for April 24
As noted in previous newsletters, Port Moody was planning on holding an Open House to discuss the new DCC rate increases. This Open House was not approved by Council and therefore will not be held on April 24 as previously mentioned. UDI will be meeting with Port Moody city staff in the coming weeks to discuss waiver exemptions and the DCC increases. It is expected that city staff will return to Council on May 14 to provide a report on waiver exemptions and request a formal consultation period for the rate increases, of which UDI will participate once confirmed. If you have any questions, please contact Marissa Chan-Kent or at 604.661.3033.
April 1, 2019
UPDATED: Port Moody DCC increases exceed originally proposed rates
As noted in previous newsletters, Port Moody has been reviewing its DCCs since 2016. The consultations with industry have been extensive (please see the October 24, 2016 joint UDI and HAVAN response to the City’s DCC proposal). However, at a March 19, 2019 presentation to Council, City staff outlined a substantial increase in the parks component of the DCC program, so the estimated charges are doubling for some Land Use Designations (which are also changing).
These are the original proposed DCC rates:
These are the new proposed rates (and land use categories):
UDI is very concerned about the City dramatically increasing the DCC rates this late in the consultation process with little notice being provided to industry. We note the parks component represents well over 80% of the new rates. The City will be communicating the new DCC rates to industry and the public at an April 24 Open House. UDI will be participating in the Open House and will share further details regarding the event when they are available. If you have any questions, please contact Marissa Chan-Kent at 604.661.3033.
March 4, 2019
Council Decides NOT to Pursue Rental Only Zoning on Four Properties
UDI is commending Port Moody Mayor and Council for their decision NOT to pursue rental only zoning for 3370 Dewdney Trunk Road, 3131-3137 St. Johns Street, 125 Moray Street, and 1030 Cecile Drive. Council rightly noted during its deliberations, while the use of the B.C. Government’s new rental only tenure on these properties was explored with the best of intentions, further due diligence by Port Moody staff demonstrated that layering this new policy on these properties likely would have resulted in financing complications and unintended consequences. UDI continues to be concerned that this new power may be used by some local governments to arbitrarily downzone properties without compensation and due consideration. We applaud Mayor and Council for taking a cautious approach when considering the use of this new policy tool and we have extended an offer to collaborate on ways to facilitate the creation of new affordable rental homes in Port Moody.
November 26, 2018
DCC Rate Increases
The City of Port Moody has proposed increases to their DCC rates. These proposed changes come after extensive consultation, which began in 2016, at which time UDI submitted a joint feedback letter with GVHBA. Below are the new rates proposed by the City of Port Moody. Included here is a new project list that the DCCs will apply to. City staff anticipate to take the proposed new bylaw to council on December 4 for third reading.
Based on the engineering assessment of infrastructure, DCC rates were determined by generally dividing the net capital infrastructure costs attributed to new development over a 10-year period, by the corresponding number of projected development units (or area) that will be developed in the same time period. The DCC considerations do not apply to the Moody Center and Inlet Centre areas of Port Moody, as Bylaw 2020, 1990 establishes development levies based on the unique servicing and amenity requirements associated with these areas.
See below for proposed DCC rates:
