2004 Media Releases

Below is a summary of 2004 Media Releases. Please click on the title of the release to read the full article.

Tree Chipping Offered January 8 & 9 Posted: December 23, 2004
PORT MOODY - Port Moody Firefighters Local 2399 will be chipping Christmas trees January 8 and 9 at #1 Firehall, with proceeds to British Columbia's Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.

Holiday Service Schedule The City of Port Moody’s hours throughout the holiday season are listed below. Essential services will not be effected. Regular operations will resume January 4, 2005.

Mayor's Year-End Address

Holiday Events 2004

Low-flying helicopter conducting mapping for BC Hydro Posted: December 7, 2004
PORT MOODY - Omega Aviation will be conducting low-level helicopter flights in the Port Moody area beginning December 10 and continuing until March 31, 2005.

Port Moody wins prestigious Fraser Basin Council sustainability award Posted: November 29, 2004
PORT MOODY - At a ceremony held on Saturday, November 27, the City of Port Moody was honoured with the Fraser Basin Council's (FBC) prestigious Improving Decision Making sustainability award.

Council Appointments Made to Regional Boards and Committees Posted: November 24, 2004
PORT MOODY - At last evening's council meeting, appointments were made for 2005 for GVRD Board of Directors, Labour Relations Bureau and Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee.

City Clerk Appointment Posted: November 24, 2004
PORT MOODY - At last evening's council meeting, Port Moody council appointed Colleen Rohde as City Clerk, effective December 1.

West Option Chosen for Murray-Clarke Connector Posted: November 15, 2004
PORT MOODY - Council voted on November 9 to support the 'West option' for the much-anticipated Murray-Clarke Connector route to be funded by TransLink.

Competitive Bids Process to Confirm Costs for Recreation Centre Posted: November 10, 2004
PORT MOODY - City Council last night heard a presentation from BTY Group that indicated construction costs in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada and the U.S. are increasing dramatically.

Public Art Approved for Pedestrian Overpass Posted: November 10, 2004
PORT MOODY - At last night's Council meeting, approval was given to the public art component of the Electronic Avenue/CP Rail pedestrian overpass, currently being constructed between Polygon's Klahanie development and St. Johns Street.

Port Moody will be All Dressed Up for the Holidays this holiday season Posted: November 9, 2004
PORT MOODY - Remember the holiday windows when you were a child? The City of Port Moody together with the Moody Centre Business Association and Newport Village Merchants Association, are bringing back the tradition with awe inspiring and festive business displays sure to dazzle.

CP Rail Holiday Train to pull into Port Moody December 19 Posted: November 9, 2004
PORT MOODY - The annual CP Rail Holiday Train will pull into Port Moody on Sunday, December 19 at 7:30p.m., spreading holiday cheer and supporting local food banks.

Fire Hall No. 2 Renovations Underway in Port Moody Posted: November 5, 2004
PORT MOODY - Mayor Trasolini, Fire Chief Andy Sharpe and Deputy Chief Al Johnston gathered on November 1 to mark the beginning of reconstruction and renovation at No. 2 Fire Hall located at 955 Glenayre Drive.

Spike Business Awards Winners Announced at Gala Event Posted: November 5, 2004
PORT MOODY - The City of Port Moody presented seven outstanding businesses with the first-ever Spike Business Awards at City Hall last night. The awards were presented as part of the gala business recognition event, held annually since 2000.

Celebrate Port Moody! Open House November 6 Posted: October 28, 2004
PORT MOODY - Last week, Port Moody won two prestigious awards at the 2004 International Awards for Liveable Communities competition where Port Moody was named third most liveable community overall in its size category, and placed first for planning for the future.

Wildlife vs. motorists on Port Moody's roadways Posted: October 28, 2004
PORT MOODY - Motorists in Port Moody are urged to use care and attention after a second black bear was struck and killed on city roadways within the past week.

Celebrate Port Moody With Photos! Posted: October 28, 2004
PORT MOODY - The City of Port Moody is celebrating! Last week we received a prestigious United Nations-sponsored International Awards for Liveable Communities award as one of the most liveable communities in the world to live.

Port Moody Serves Notice to Withdraw from GVRD Labour Relations Function Posted: October 28, 2004
PORT MOODY - Port Moody City Council last evening passed a resolution to serve two years notice to withdraw from the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Labour Relations function.

Port Moody wins third most liveable city in the world! Posted October 19, 2004

Port Moody won two big awards at the international LivCom Awards (also known as the International Awards for Livable Communities) announced last night.

Port Moody Council Endorses Youth Sports Resolution Posted: October 15, 2004
PORT MOODY – City Council this week created and passed a Youth Sports Resolution advocating that the Provincial and Federal Governments create a tax credit for parents who spend money on registration and equipment fees for children participating in minor sports. The City of Port Moody is proud to be the first city in British Columbia to pass a resolution they believe will be endorsed by most municipalities.

Port Moody Council confirms funding for Smart Choices Posted September 29, 2004
PORT MOODY – At its regular Council meeting on September 28, 2004, Port Moody City Council confirmed its commitment of continued participation in Smart Choices citysoup.ca with allocation of $56,130 for 2005 operating costs.

Liveability Award The City of Port Moody has been shortlisted by the International Awards for Liveable Communities for communities with populations between 20,000 and 71,000.

2003 Environmental Award Reed Point Marine Education Centre, jointly operated by Reed Point Marina owner Dave Harris and educator Rod MacVicar, was the recipient of the 2003 Port Moody Environmental Award.

Spike Awards to honour outstanding Port Moody businesses Posted September 9, 2004
PORT MOODY – Seven awards aimed at honouring outstanding Port Moody businesses will be handed out at a gala event November 3. Nominations for Spike Awards are currently being accepted by members of the public and other businesses for Arts in Business, Street Appeal, Customer Service, Community Spirit, E-Business, Tourist Destination and Overall Favourite.

Port Moody expresses concern over future of Burrard Thermal Generating Plant Posted September 9, 2004
PORT MOODY – As discussions between BC Hydro and the province indicate a possibility that the Burrard Thermal Generating Plant could be mothballed and coal-generated electricity be utilized instead, Port Moody Council reiterated the City’s support of the continued operation of the Burrard Thermal plant.

Residents and visitors reminded to be Bear Aware this fall Posted September 9, 2004
PORT MOODY – Bears are everywhere, or so it seems lately in Port Moody. As we move into cooler fall weather, black bears are being seen more frequently in neighbourhoods and parks as they start to fatten up for winter hibernation.

NS Roads Task Force Posted July 30, 2004The task force was struck in June, 2001, to provide effective liaison and consultation between the City, area residents and the project consultant team during the construction of Heritage Mountain Boulevard extension and David Avenue on the City’s north shore.

Fire Hazard Rating July 23, 2004 -- Current weather conditions have resulted in an EXTREME fire hazard rating.

Bear Aware Info Session Attend a free session on learning to live with bears in urban areas.

Port Moody applies for $2 million grant for Olympic-size ice arena Posted: July 14, 2004
PORT MOODY – At last evening’s meeting, Council authorized staff to apply for a $2 million Canada-B.C. Infrastructure Grant in order to enlarge the planned second ice arena to Olympic proportions.

Resident Caretaker Required Posted July 8, 2004
The City of Port Moody requires a caretaker for Heritage Mountain Community Centre at Panorama Drive. The City offers a one bedroom suite (incl. heat, light, water, local telephone) at a monthly rental of $550.00.

Notice of Intention Posted July 8, 2004
Notice of Intention to Dispose of Property Not Available to the Public for Acquisition, pursuant to Section 26(3) of the Community Charter ...

Parking & boat launch during Golden Spike Days Please be advised that there will be limited boat launch and public parking at Rocky Point Park from July 1 to July 4.

Rocky Point Park redevelopment groundbreaking and Canada Day ceremonies to be held July 1 Posted, June 22 2004
PORT MOODY – The City of Port Moody will be hosting a special groundbreaking ceremony for the Rocky Point Park redevelopment in conjunction with Canada Day ceremonies on July 1.

Notice of Intention: Road closing bylaw Posted, June 15, 2004
TAKE NOTICE THAT the City of Port Moody Council intends to adopt Bylaw No. 2580 pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter for the purpose of closing portions of the road identified as...

Senior staff appointments announced Posted, June 14 2004
PORT MOODY – City Manager Gäetan Royer announced today that Jim McIntyre has been appointed to the newly created position of Deputy City Manager and Ron Higo to the position of Director of Community Services, effective immediately.

Onni confirms hotel part of Suter Brook development Posted, June 14 2004
PORT MOODY – In a recent public meeting with Port Moody City Council, the Onni Group of Companies confirmed that a 100-room hotel will be part of their development.

Port Moody ranks high in study on livability Posted June 10, 2004
PORT MOODY – The City of Port Moody has ranked second only to Vancouver in economic vitality in a recently published study by SmartGrowth B.C.

Port Moody Taxpayers to receive GST rebate Posted June 1, 2004
PORT MOODY – City of Port Moody Council has decided to pass on to taxpayers the proceeds from an additional 3% GST (Goods and Services Tax) rebate recently announced by the federal government.

Long-time Port Moody developer Louis Winkler honoured at B.C. New-Canadian Entrepreneur Awards Posted May 25, 2004
PORT MOODY – Louis Winkler, owner of Cameo Construction Ltd., was honoured last week with the B.C. New-Canadian Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award.

Recreation Centre Expansion and Renovation on the Fast Track Posted May 12, 2004
PORT MOODY – At last evening’s Council meeting, City Council approved the selection of an architect for preconstruction design services for the Recreation Centre Renovation and Expansion Project. Hughes Condon Marler Architects was the successful firm at a cost not to exceed $1,017,000.

CPR Police to be tenant in new Public Safety Building Posted May 12, 2004
PORT MOODY – The City of Port Moody has received confirmation from Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) that they will enter into a lease agreement with the City for approximately 4,000 square feet in the new Public Safety Building at 3051 St. Johns Street.

Record dry April increases fire danger on Coast Posted May 11, 2004
PORT MOODY -- Record low levels of precipitation in April, along with last year’s drought conditions and increased seasonal fire activity, are impacting fire danger levels in many areas of Greater Vancouver, including Port Moody.

Public Works Week May 16 – 22; live demonstrations May 19 Posted May 6, 2004
PORT MOODY - The City of Port Moody will be celebrating National Public Works Week, May 16 to 22, 2004. An open house will take place Wednesday, May 19 from 11am to 1pm in front of City Hall, 100 Newport Drive.

Port Moody looking for wellness-related businesses owners and operators for proposed Wellness Centre Posted May 5, 2004
PORT MOODY – The City of Port Moody is encouraging wellness-related business owners and operators to express their interest in locating to a new free-standing Wellness Centre to be built by a private developer adjacent to the City’s Recreation Centre.

New award to recognize accomplishments and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities Posted April 29, 2004
PORT MOODY – The Peter Hulbert Accessibility Award was announced by Port Moody Council this week. The annual award will recognize outstanding accomplishments that result in greater opportunities for persons with disabilities within Port Moody.

City Moves Closer to Secondary Suite Program Posted April 29, 2002
PORT MOODY – City Council this week took another step closer to implementing a secondary suite program.

New garbage and recycling contractor announced Posted April 28, 2004
PORT MOODY - The City of Port Moody has entered into a new 5-year garbage, recycling and landscape waste collection contract with International Paper Industries, effective July 2, 2004.

Port Moody Council Limits Borrowing for Recreation Centre Posted April 28, 2004
PORT MOODY – City Council this week passed a resolution to authorize the City to borrow upon the credit of the municipality a sum not exceeding $5,000,000 for the purpose of expanding and renovating the Recreation Centre, and only if necessary.

Port Moody Plans to Increase Firefighter Staffing Levels Posted April 16, 2004

As the fastest growing municipality in the Lower Mainland, Port Moody Council has to take measured and reasonable steps to match its firefighter staffing complement, service level and community facilities with the needs of a growing population.

Polygon commits to prepaying development levies Posted April 15, 2004

Polygon Homes Ltd. has committed to prepaying $1.8 million in development levies. These funds, together with development levies Bosa Development Corporation and Onni Group of Companies have committed to prepay, total $6.9 million.

New Rec Centre Financing Strategy Based on New Information [April 7, 2004] PORT MOODY – Two of Port Moody’s largest developers are willing to help in the City’s efforts to reduce its borrowing.

Port Moody wishes to borrow less [March 31, 2004] PORT MOODY - When Port Moody Council decided to move forward with a referendum to authorize the borrowing of up to $11M for the expansion and renovation of the City’s 30-year-old Recreation Centre...

Port Moody’s Housing Market Gets Even Hotter [April 1, 2004] PORT MOODY – Prospective purchasers began lining up at 7:00 a.m. this morning for a chance to buy a unit in Bosa’s new Sentinel apartment building, a 23-storey residential tower in Port Moody’s Newport Village.

Junior Hockey Looking to Come to Port Moody City Council was informed last night by Mayor Trasolini that Port Moody may soon become the home of a Pacific International Junior Hockey League franchise.

Port Moody Cultural Services Manager Invited to Speak at UK Conference Posted March 18, 2004
Elizabeth Keurvorst, Port Moody’s Manager of Cultural Services, has been invited to speak at Creative Clusters, the leading conference for creative industry policy developers from around the world, in Brighton, UK, April 28 to May 1.

New pedestrian overpass to include public art Posted March 12, 2004
The City of Port Moody is looking for artists to lend their vision for an overpass that will cross the CPR rail-line at Electronic Avenue, near Polygon’s new Klahanie development.

Port Moody to Issue Call for Proposals for Waterfront Restaurant Posted March 10, 2004
At last night's meeting, Port Moody Council identified a site for a 5,000 - 7,000 square foot waterfront restaurant in Rocky Point Park. The City is expected to release the call for proposals document within the next three weeks.

Statement from Fire Chief Posted March 2, 2004
Disappointed with ongoing media debate about fire protection, Fire Chief Andy Sharpe reassured Port Moody residents about Port Moody's fire protection services.

Fire Department’s new communications vehicle unveiled Posted February 26, 2004
The Port Moody Fire Department unveiled its newest vehicle today at Fire Hall #1.

Survey Confirms Port Moody Council’s Preferred Skytrain Alignment Posted February 26, 2004
A recent survey confirms that an overwhelming majority of Tri-City residents believe Skytrain should be built down the Coquitlam Lougheed corridor.

VPA Public Relations Effort Misses the Mark Posted February 26, 2004
The City of Port Moody reacted with surprise at a recent public perception survey being conducted by the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).

Council approves referendum questions for April 17 by-election Posted February 25, 2004
Council has approved final wording for three referendum questions which will appear on the April 17 by-election ballot.

Sound financial health revealed at budget presentation Posted February 25, 2004
At last evening’s Council Meeting, the finance department made a presentation on the City’s 5-year financial plan. The plan, which forms the City’s budget for 2004 through 2008, shows a very healthy financial position and fiscally responsible spending.

Translink Chair confirms that Skytrain is not "a done deal" Mayor Trasolini has responded to a flood of inquiries from Moody Centre residents and businesses concerned with media coverage about what had been labeled as a done deal regarding Skytrain through Port Moody.

Port Moody Council Calls for Referendum Posted February 11, 2004
Port Moody City Council has initiated the process to borrow $11 million to fund a renovation and expansion of Port Moody’s aging recreation facility and will consult the public on this commitment by referendum.

Port Moody City Council Reviews Recreation Centre Expansion Business Plan Posted January 29, 2004
At the January 27 Regular Council Meeting, Port Moody City Council considered a report from Smythe Ratcliffe Chartered Accountants updating the business plan included in a July 2002 study that assessed the feasibility of upgrading and expanding the current recreation centre complex.

Fire Department’s Action Plan: Moving Towards a Two Firehall Model Posted January 29, 2004
City Council has come a step closer in a multi-year plan to establish a second firehall in the southwest quadrant of the City.

Port Moody City Council Reviews Recreation Centre Expansion Business Plan Posted January 29, 2004
At the January 27 Regular Council Meeting, Port Moody City Council considered a report from Smythe Ratcliffe Chartered Accountants updating the business plan included in a July 2002 study that assessed the feasibility of upgrading and expanding the current recreation centre complex.

Port Moody targets high ship emissions Posted January 29, 2004
Port Moody will be urging the federal government to strengthen air emissions regulations in the shipping sector.

Port Moody takes a balanced approach to growth Posted January 21, 2004
The January 20, 2004 Province newspaper reported that Port Moody experienced 4% population growth in 2003, making us the fastest growing municipality in the Lower Mainland, and the second fastest growing in B.C.

Peter Cuthbert appointed Project Manager for Port Moody Posted January 21, 2004
The City is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Cuthbert as the City's new Project Manager to guide the City through various major capital projects.

City Council approves new election signage bylaw Posted January 19, 2004
Port Moody Council has adopted a bylaw to limit election signage to one per candidate at each of 18 pre-established public locations throughout the City.

Boat channel dredging January 19-25 Posted January 15, 2004
Vancouver Pile Driving will be performing maintenance dredging of the boat channel at the Rocky Point boat launch.

Port Moody seeks exemption from proposed increase in train whistling Posted January 14, 2004
The City of Port Moody is pressing the Federal Ministry of Transport for a permanent exemption from the Canadian Railway Operating Rule that requires trains to whistle at least one quarter of a mile from all public and pedestrians crossings at-grade.

Gaetan Royer appointed City Manager Posted January 7, 2004Gaetan Royer has been appointed City Manager effective Wednesday, January 7, 2004.

Light rapid transit approved in principle for Port Moody and the Northeast Sector Posted: October 15, 2004
PORT MOODY – Today at a board meeting in Port Moody, TransLink approved in principle a light rail transit (LRT) line using the northwest corridor through Port Moody to Coquitlam Centre. Planning and design for this new transit system will commence shortly.

Master Transportation Plan Open House The City of Port Moody will hold an open house meeting on Tuesday, December 7 from 6-8pm to present the findings of the Draft Master Transportation Plan Study.