Port Moody Council Unanimously Approves New Library Vision

UPDATE: On October 28, 2023, the Port Moody City Council made a groundbreaking decision to advance a long-awaited vision for a modern public library system. In a unanimous vote, council members endorsed the Port Moody Public Library’s Facility Master Plan, which outlines a comprehensive 25-year strategy to expand library services to meet the needs of a growing community.

“This is about a vision,” stated Daphne Herberts, chair of the library board. She emphasized that the plan has been shaped by years of community engagement and strategic insight, aiming to create a new central library that will serve as a cornerstone for the city’s library services through 2050.

The approved plan integrates the library project into Port Moody’s civic facilities roadmap, paving the way for next-phase planning and cost assessments. The ambitious proposal includes a new 49,000 sq. ft. central library at the former fire hall site on Ioco Road and Murray Street, with completion anticipated around 2030. It also encompasses a 20,000 sq. ft. community branch in Moody Centre, set to open once the population exceeds 60,000 residents, and smaller “express” service points throughout the city.

The three-tier model aims to ensure that all residents live within 2.5 kilometres of library services, expanding total library space to approximately 62,500 sq. ft. by 2050. This plan sets an aspirational target of 1 sq. ft. of library space per resident, a significant increase from the current 0.32 sq. ft. ratio, which is critically below the average for mid-sized Canadian cities.

“Residents want more flexible spaces for studying, gathering, and community connection,” said Marc Saunders, director of library services. He highlighted that the current library, one of the smallest serving populations of 35,000 to 89,000, sees some of the highest visitation rates among peer libraries despite its limited capacity.

The detailed Functional Program Reports outline specific space allocations, adjacency requirements, and equipment needs to guide future architectural designs. Extensive consultations conducted between 2023 and 2024 with nearly 950 residents identified key priorities: digital inclusion, safe spaces, and the library as a community hub.

The proposed central library will feature innovative maker spaces, computer labs, teen and seniors’ areas, and multiple bookable rooms—amenities currently lacking. The plan emphasizes sustainability and potential collaborations with civic or cultural partners, aligning with the city’s goals for complete neighborhoods and transit-oriented development.

The old fire hall site was chosen for its visibility and potential for co-location with other civic amenities, accommodating the full 49,000 sq. ft. footprint and underground parking for approximately 125 vehicles. Its proximity to Inlet Centre Station supports the city’s transit-oriented development objectives.

“It’s the perfect foundation for our community’s library dreams,” Saunders noted, emphasizing the need for a location that prioritizes library services and community focus. Alternative sites were considered less favorable due to industrial settings or green space preservation concerns.

The library board is also pursuing charitable status to bolster fundraising efforts and enhance community engagement. “Every resident has a role in bringing this vision to life,” Herberts said, highlighting the importance of community ownership in the library’s future.

Port Moody’s council members expressed overwhelming support for the library’s long-awaited expansion. Mayor Meghan Lahti described the decision as a pivotal moment for the city, urging focus on how to make the project a reality. Councilor Samantha Agtarap called the endorsement “a milestone two decades in the making,” praising the library board for their dedication.

The urgency for expansion stems from a need identified as early as 2004, when consultants reported that the existing library was operating at less than half the required space for its population. With growing pressure on facilities as Port Moody and neighboring Coquitlam densify, the library expansion project is critical.

“This is a regional issue that must be addressed urgently,” stated Councilor Callan Morrison, emphasizing the need for swift action to accommodate the increasing demand.

As the planning progresses, Port Moody is poised to not only enhance its library services but also ensure they align with the community’s evolving needs. The next steps will involve exploring funding options, including provincial and federal infrastructure grants.

Stay tuned for further updates as Port Moody embarks on this transformative journey to reshape its library system for generations to come.