The Editor,

This Saturday, July 25, Port Moody city council begins its public deliberations regarding proposed changes and revisions to the city’s official community plan (OCP).

Paramount in council’s deliberations for OCP revisions — especially for the west side of Moody Centre — must be the Evergreen Line and the Murray-Clarke Connector. Council must address how Port Moody can capitalize on the Evergreen alignment and stations, and the Murray-Clarke Connector to shape land use strategies and transit-oriented development in the west side of Moody Centre that will:

• advance redevelopment in the west side of town;

• enhance commercial/retail viability;

• create new employment opportunities;

• stimulate heritage revitalization;

• provide a nucleus for cultural amenities; plus

• foster aesthetic and well-planned residential growth.

The vast majority of resident and business input to the OCP review process up to this point has been undertaken prior to a final decision on the Murray-Clarke Connector alignment and without knowing the final alignment of the Evergreen Line though the west side of Moody Centre. This gap in public comment must be addressed in the next steps of public consultation regarding the OCP review process.

The OCP, although revised very five years or so, is a vision that should look ahead 10 to 15 years and longer. Port Moody needs to ensure we do not miss the critical element of public input as we craft this vision.

There is strong community support for an Evergreen Line station in the west side of Port Moody, as witnessed by the work of the Western Station Committee and comments from the Moody Centre Community Association.

It is incumbent on the city, the mayor and councillors — working with Port Moody merchants, commercial ventures, community organizations, arts and culture organizations and residents — to be proactive in OCP deliberations to ensure an Evergreen Line station is built in the west side of Port Moody.

Robert Simons, Port Moody