Neighbourhood

First Phase of Massive Port Moody Development Gets Final Approval

Port Moody Updated renderings show how the first phase of then new Inlet District will look at its northeastern corner.WESGROUP PROPERTIES

In 2019, Vancouver-based Wesgroup Properties embarked on an ambitious project to redevelop Port Moody’s old Coronation Park neighborhood.

Sources: TRICITY NEWS, WESGROUP PROPERTIES

Now, with the final zoning amendments approved by the council on July 23, 2024, construction of Port Moody’s largest-ever redevelopment project is set to begin in the fall of 2025.

The Inlet District project, located at the corner of Ioco Road and the Barnet Highway, will transform a 14.8-acre site into a vibrant community. Once completed, the development will house approximately 5,500 new residents in six high-rise towers up to 31 storeys and three six-storey residential buildings. The site will also feature a four-storey office building, two daycares, a grocery store, retail shops, and a 2.63-acre Central Park.

The first phase of the project, situated on the western edge along Ioco Road, includes two 26-storey condo towers atop a four-storey podium. This podium will host a grocery store, a pharmacy, various shops, an office building, and the first daycare.

Brad Jones, Wesgroup’s senior vice-president of development, expressed excitement about the project, stating,

“We look forward to bringing our vision to life and contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Port Moody.”

In preparation for the redevelopment, Wesgroup has been clearing the former Coronation Park neighborhood, which included relocating 10 of the 59 mid-century single-family homes to a First Nations community near Sechelt. The company is also working with the city to identify and preserve trees from the old neighborhood, although the size and root balls of some trees pose challenges.

The city is awaiting confirmation from Wesgroup on securing partnerships for an affordable housing component within the project. If successful, the plan will be brought back to the council for approval. Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti is optimistic about the inclusion of affordable housing, stating that it could happen “soon.”

Wesgroup’s vision for the Coronation Park site has evolved through various iterations and faced challenges, including concerns about density and urban planning. Despite these hurdles, the project has now received final approval, and any lingering animosity has dissipated.

Jones highlighted the community benefits of the project, which include over $137 million in financial and in-kind contributions. These benefits encompass more than $8 million in community amenity contributions, $6 million for a new pedestrian overpass to the Inlet Centre SkyTrain station, $4.8 million for public art, a 186 sq. m. civic facility for community use, $44 million in infrastructure upgrades, $33 million in municipal development cost charges, and $58 million in Metro Vancouver development cost charges.

The first residents are expected to move into their new homes in the Inlet District in Port Moody by 2029.

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Burnaby Approves $267M Community Centre Redevelopment with Library and Pools

An aerial view of Cameron Community Centre and library, showing the west along Cameron Street, west entrance to the community centre and natatorium sun deck.City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt

Burnaby’s Cameron Recreation Complex is set for a major transformation after the council approved a $267 million redevelopment project.

Source: Burnaby Now, City of Burnaby

This new development will be four times the size of the existing facility.

View from Cameron Street of the east entrance to the new Cameron Community Centre civic plaza, bike shelter and library in Burnaby.City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt
View from Cameron Street of the east entrance to the new Cameron Community Centre civic plaza, bike shelter and library in Burnaby.
Source: City of Burnaby/Diamond Schmitt

Key Highlights of the Redevelopment:

  • Facility Closure and Temporary Relocation:
  • The old Cameron complex will close on Sunday, August 18.
  • A farewell event will be held on Saturday, August 17.
  • Demolition will start in September.
  • The temporary Cameron facility at Lougheed Mall will open on Tuesday, September 3.
  • New Facility Features:
  • Swimming Pools: Two new pools.
  • Fitness Facilities: A 10,000 square-foot weight room, fitness area, and double gymnasium with a walking track.
  • Community Spaces: Teaching kitchen, banquet hall, youth lounges, and a seniors lounge with a snooker room.
  • Library: Four times larger than the temporary Lougheed Mall location, with more meeting rooms, study spaces, digital studios, a dedicated makerspace, and a sensory room.
  • Sustainability and Design:
  • The building will be a mass timber structure with a green roof and solar panels.
  • It will use 30% less energy than similar facilities.
  • Underground parking will cost $23.4 million.
  • Heritage Preservation:
  • The Columbia Street facade will be retained and restored.
  • Other heritage elements like the theatre’s marquee and interior design features will be reconstructed.
A rendering of the pool at Cameron Community Centre in Burnaby. Source: Diamond Schmitt/City of Burnaby

Project Approval and Budget:

  • Council unanimously approved the final phase of the contract, awarding $267 million to Graham Construction & Engineering LP.
  • The project is 18% over budget due to rising construction costs.

Community Impact and Benefits:

  • The new community centre will help revitalize Columbia Street and downtown Burnaby.
  • A proposed community use agreement will offer non-profits and community groups a 30% discount on auditorium rentals.

Timeline and Future Steps:

  • The old Cameron complex will be demolished in September, with construction expected to finish by late 2027.
  • The new facility is set to open in 2028.

Next Steps for Current Programs:

  • Seniors and preschool programs will move to the temporary Cameron facility at Lougheed Mall.
  • Some programs will be relocated to Charles Rummel Recreation Centre.
  • Fitness programs and additional badminton playtime will be available at other Burnaby recreation centres.

Council members expressed support for the project, recognizing the importance of maintaining a space for community events and recreation, and the benefits of the new hotel and housing units. The next steps include ongoing staff reviews, applicant-led and city-led consultations, and a public hearing.

Watch a flyover rendering of the new Burnaby’s Cameron Recreation Complex here:

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