Living in Port Moody, Canada

Living in Port Moody

Port Moody real estate properties are highly regarded for their rising value and convenient location. Located in a lovely fjord of Burrard Inlet, this forward-thinking city promotes a lifestyle that practices sustainability, values culture and fosters livability. Only 35 minutes from Downtown Vancouver on the West Coast Express, or 45 minutes by bus or car, it is reasonably close to the big city, yet retains its small town charm.

Civic Vision and Notability

Port Moody co-exists harmoniously with its environment. It has banned pesticide use, and offers free public education on natural gardening. The city has partnered with the Port Moody Ecological Society, which operates a fish hatchery, administers a water quality lab and educates the public. The city s own Stream Stewardship Program manages its urban streams with the goal of maintaining eliminating degradation of indigenous biomes. The program has implemented protection measures required by BC s 2001 Streamside Protection regulations.

Awards

Port Moody has gained recognition for demonstrating that a society can offer a high quality of life, be environmentally conscious and yet fiscally responsible. It was the 2004 recipient of the UN Environmental Programme-endorsed LivCom award, under the Planning for the Future category. In addition, the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses designated it the most fiscally responsible of BC cities in 2008.

History

First People
The Tseleil Waututh Nation used the site for their summer camps to hunt and gather shellfish. It was a particularly good spot for spring salmon runs, given its plethora of creeks.

Settlement
The Fraser Gold Rush of 58 brought numbers of prospectors into the area. In 1859, a trail was cleared by Colonel Richard Moody s Royal Engineers to prepare a defensive supply line to New Westminster in case of a US attack. A few huts and tents belonging to Engineers who had received land grants began to multiply on the site of Inlet Bay.

Industry and Development In 1879 the CPR declared Port Moody to be their Western Canadian terminus as part the enticement for BC to join the Dominion. Throughout the 1880s, the community, spurred on the promise of the terminal, had high hopes and the population grew rapidly. The first train arrived from Montreal 1886 to an ecstatic reception. However, the celebration was short-lived; the CPR changed its strategy and branched to Vancouver in 1887, claiming that the site was not wide enough to accommodate an expanded terminal. Real estate prices tanked and the town mourned, but tycoon James A. Clarke and a few timber entrepreneurs decided to remain, providing an economic basis for the town to continue its existence. in 1913, the community was incorporated as a city followed by the development of an Imperial Oil facility 1915.

With WWII and the post-war economic boom, Port Moody attracted a winery and several other mixed industries, stimulating a period of economic and population growth. The construction boom in the last decade has resulted in growth of 15% in five years, with a median family income of $70,250.

Geography

The smallest and most easterly located of the Tri-Cities, Port Moody is located just north of Burnaby and Coquitlam, with Burnaby Mountain marking its western boundary. The Coquitlam River delimits its eastern border, with hectares open wilderness to its north. Its crescent-shaped area surrounds Inlet Bay, a fjord deep inside Indian Arm, opposite Deep Cove. It is heavily forested with over 40 streams flowing through the municipality from the rugged Coast Mountains to its north. The independent towns of Belcarra and Anmore are nearby, in the northern part of the district.

Zoning and Architecture

Port Moody has a mix of detached homes and new developments comprised of modern condominiums and apartments. There are multitudinous styles, ranging from stonework near-mansions, log homes, new-craftsman and Whistler style homes, giving the neighbourhoods here a distinctly Westcoast character.

Port Moody s largest employers include a shipping cargo terminal, petrochemical facilities with a burgeoning health and social services division.

Shops and Services
Town Centre serves residents with all the necessities, services, restaurants and bistros. Newly built Port Moody Civic Centre will house the library, community theatre and civic services.

Parks and Recreation

Public Parkland & Trails
Port Moody has an enviable network of urban park lands and trails, such as the scenic Shoreline Park System & Trail, the multi-use Rocky Point Park and the in-progress Westhill Greenway trail, which will connect Port Moody s waterfront neighbourhoods.

Nature Parks
Port Moody is one of the loveliest of the nature-bound Tri-Cities, with many hectares of park land and nature reserves. Belcarra Regional Park is home to the multi-use Buntzen Lake area, pristine Sasamat Lake and the mighty Eagle Mountain, from which heights the entire valley is laid out with views of Vancouver Island beyond on clear days.

From Shoreline Park, perched on Inlet Bay, wildlife enthusiasts can try to see all of 125 bird species, bears, foxes, deer, seals and otters. Fortunate observers may spot Orcas, grey whales or false killer whales in the inlet. In springtime during spawning years, Noons Creek is the site of Coho and chum salmon runs, an awesome display of nature in all its raw power and drama.

Recreation
Port Moody Recreation Complex, a new $26 million dollar facility is a hub of resources designed to host all levels of athletics, from community fitness activities to international competition. Ice facilities, outdoor fields, gyms and fitness centres and much more are available.

The PoMo Rotary Bike Trials Park is built specifically for trials riders. The adjoining PoMo Rotary Sk8Park provides a challenging course and a variety of toys for skateboarders and BMX trick riders. A wealth of multi-level trails in the hills will challenge any level of mountain biker.

Other local facilities include two outdoor pools, a Youth Facility at Westhill Centre and a healthy schedule of Seniors Programs at the Kyle Centre.

Culture and Events

Port Moody has embraced its reputation as a City of the Arts, earned by its traditional attractiveness to artists, who came for the low rent and inspiring ambience. The community cultivates creativity through its sponsorship of facilities, artist circles and festivals. The local arts and culture industry employs 6% of workers in the district.

Arts Facilities
Port Moody Arts Centre, built in the former City Hall offers four exhibition spaces, including the free Blackerry Gallery. The Centre offers classes in different mediums targeted to artists of various levels.

Theatre
Inlet Theatre at Port Moody Civic Centre has professional sound and lighting, seats over 200, and has a beautiful Wi-Fi enabled Galleria suitable for hosting events, and conference booking

Events
There are numerous events in this vibrant city. Here are a few notables:
Well, the railway may have run out on Port Moody, but though it has forgiven, it has not forgotten with Golden Spike Days. This four day party commemorates the arrival of the first transcontinental train to the town s short-lived terminus. There are hourly performances, events and competitions.

The Festival of the Arts features a diverse array visual and media arts in an inclusive celebration, with free performances for youth.

The Wearable Art Awards is a wildly original show where freeform concept meets a wild array of materials, including feathers, film strip and various other recycled items.

Schools, Services and Sustainability Links

Port Moody s School District 43 has created some proactive initiatives. It has stepped up investment in the future with programs like the StrongStart Centre, a free early learning initiative available for all children 5 years and under. Children accompanied by a caregiver may attend on a drop-in basis, to participate in family literacy activities. Activities include stories, music and dramatic play, designed to holistically foster development for kindergarten preparation.

The district has just been awarded $102 million for seismic upgrades to three schools and replacement of three schools.

Nearby Post-Secondary institutions are Simon Fraser University and a Douglas College campus.

AFor a full list of schools, parks and recreational facilities, civic services and sustainability resources, please see our Community Links page.

Transportation

Bikeways
Port Moody is a natural place for cyclists to commute and play. The Shoreline Park System & Trail covers the shoreline of the inner harbour, connecting the neighbourhoods of the core.


Transit
Translink provides buses and community shuttles to serve the city. The West Coast Express on William s Street is connected by a bus loop and equipped with a passenger-drop zone and 300 stall park-and-ride. It runs to Downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes

Major Roads connecting Port Moody with the rest of Greater Vancouver are the Barnet Highway, Lougheed Highway and Gagliardi Way.