Port Moody Is Again Split Between Pro- and Anti-Growth Politics Development and dissatisfaction Experience or new ideas? The path to election

When it comes to adding towers and density, the city is still divided. … Article written by Mason Mattu.
After years of heated debate over the pace of real estate development in Port Moody, the upcoming civic election is once again focused on whether the Metro Vancouver suburb is growing too fast.
Haven Lurbiecki, an incumbent Port Moody councillor, was the first to throw her hat in the ring in the city's upcoming mayoral election. For the first time in the city's history, Lurbiecki will run under the banner of a political party, Port Moody Voice.
The party was founded by concerned residents who believe there is a lack of accountability and transparency coming from city hall.
Lurbiecki is challenging incumbent Mayor Meghan Lahti. Lahti ran in an extremely heated 2022 municipal election. Her then-opponent, former councillor Steve Milani, raised concerns during his campaign about new developments, while Lahti was in favour of growth.
Port Moody's previous mayor, Rob Vagramov, focused on slowing the city's growth and at one point blocked plans to discuss towers at Moody Centre during his term in office. But Vagramov's mayoralty became embroiled in controversy after he was accused of sexual assault while in office. The charge was stayed after the mayor completed an "alternative measures program." Vagramov completed his term, but did not run for re-election.
The rivalry between Lurbiecki and Lahti has been years in the making. In 2024, Lurbiecki accused Lahti of starting a physical altercation with her at a reception — a version of events Lahti emphatically denied.
Real estate development will remain a key ballot issue in the upcoming municipal election. The Tyee spoke with both Lurbiecki and Lahti, the first two declared candidates in the mayoral race.
As The Tyee was reporting this story, a third mayoral candidate also declared his candidacy. Paul Lambert, a previous federal Conservative candidate for Port Moody-Coquitlam, says he offers a middle ground when it comes to the pace of development. He says he's also concerned about population growth and doesn't support "doubling our population."
"I support a more balanced approach to housing that meets the needs of community with larger units and townhouses for families," he says on his website.
He has also promised to not take donations from developers.
Recently, Port Moody's council approved the largest towers in the city's history. The towers, which will be built next to the Moody Centre SkyTrain station, will stand 39 storeys high and have a combined 865 units. Only 44 of those homes will be rented at below-market rates. According to a survey commissioned to gather the opinions of residents on the development of Moody Centre, 57 per cent of respondents disagreed with the vision.
"During the last election, there were clear promises about 'moderate growth.' What people are seeing now doesn't match those promises," Nishka Valdez, one of the founding members of Port Moody Voice, told The Tyee. "Approving a plan for 14 towers, some up to 40 storeys, in Moody Centre without real public input is not moderate growth, and it's not good governance. That's the disconnect people are reacting to."
During her last term on council, Lurbiecki was the only councillor who voted against the city's official community plan.
The plan is a document that outlines long-term visions for the city by 2050. It envisions expanded growth near SkyTrain stations and encouraging high-density apartment towers.
Lurbiecki cited concerns about a lack of public consultation and unreasonable development as reasons for not supporting the plan.
She told The Tyee that she is against the construction of the towers at Moody Centre because of the potential loss of the future tax revenue that could be generated by those previously industrial lands. Lurbiecki would prefer these areas to be redeveloped into job spaces.
"People are not against growth, but they want to see moderate growth and not a focus on tall condo towers a...