Port Moody Council Rejects KFC Proposal Amid Community Concerns

UPDATE: Port Moody council has just rejected a proposal to add a KFC to the Petro Canada gas station on St. Johns Street, raising significant concerns about community impact and traffic issues. During a meeting on September 9, several council members expressed skepticism about the fast-food outlet’s potential benefits, leaving the future of this development in doubt.

The proposal aimed to replace the existing one-storey retail building at 3102 St. Johns St. with a larger convenience store and a 98-square-metre KFC featuring a walk-up takeout window. This would also increase parking capacity to 23 stalls, relocate a bus stop, and involve the removal of eight trees and two hedges. However, the plan requires a comprehensive development zone since retail food service is not currently permitted at the site.

Mayor Meghan Lahti conveyed strong reservations, stating, “I appreciate the fact that they want to increase their commercial viability… but I’m just not convinced that the KFC is the route to go.” Her comments reflect a broader unease among council members about whether the community would embrace such a development.

Traffic concerns dominated the discussion, particularly from Coun. Diana Dilworth, chair of the land use committee. She highlighted potential conflicts with left-turning vehicles during peak evening hours, noting that a traffic management plan would likely be needed. City engineering staff confirmed that a traffic impact assessment has not yet been submitted, but it is required for the rezoning process.

Coun. Samantha Agtarap echoed these worries, questioning how the proposal would affect sidewalk space amidst ongoing development in Moody Centre. “I am not a huge fan of losing the shade from that tree… an important resting spot in an area ‘devoid of shade,’” she stated.

While council generally supported the expansion of the convenience store, the KFC proposal sparked more debate. Coun. Kyla Knowles admitted she was “not personally thrilled” and suggested alternatives like a Tim Hortons or a produce market. She stressed that the market should ultimately decide the proposal’s fate.

Coun. Haven Lurbiecki firmly opposed the KFC, arguing that rezoning should only occur if it benefits the community. She emphasized the area’s need for fresh food options, labeling it a “food desert.” “I would certainly consider supporting rezoning like this if it brought some other form of food amenity, like a small grocery store or produce market,” she remarked.

The proposal received a disappointing 38 percent on the city’s sustainability report card, particularly lacking in cultural, social, and environmental categories. If the plan advances, it will undergo a public open house and a public hearing.

No vote was taken during the meeting, but council directed city staff and the applicant to take their feedback into account. As this situation develops, residents are left questioning the future of food options in their community and how this decision will shape the landscape of Port Moody.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.