WHAT WE HEARD REPORT #1

Following the announcement of Mark Kunzli as a candidate for Port Moody Voice, on May 9 residents participated in an interactive town hall focused on Accountability & Good Governance.

The event was energetic, constructive, and solutions-focused. Participants shared concerns, ideas, and priorities through interactive feedback including sticky note stations organized around four proposed platform areas as well as a “Tell Us Anything” section.

What stood out most was the enthusiasm from residents who feel it is time for a different approach to local government – one where listening comes first, community voices genuinely matter, and decisions are shaped with residents rather than presented only after they have already been made.

This session was part of Port Moody Voice’s ongoing commitment to building a platform informed directly by the people who live here. Stay tuned for future events!

BIG TAKEAWAYS

Residents consistently emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between residents and city council through greater openness, accountability, and meaningful public participation.

Residents Want:

More transparency from city council, including easier access to information and clearer decision-making processes
More meaningful and accessible public engagement that reaches a broader range of residents
Respectful dialogue between elected officials and residents, even when opinions differ
Greater accountability and clearer understanding of how public input influences decisions
Governance processes that prioritize long-term community benefit and protect public trust

A city hall culture that values listening, openness, and collaboration rather than dismissing concerns

**What we heard will inform PMV’s platform on Accountability and Good Governance, to be released soon!**

THE DETAILS: What We Heard… Key Themes

Platform Area 1: Fair Processes

Residents expressed frustration with feeling dismissed, ignored, or labelled by when raising concerns to city council about city issues.
Several participants emphasized that public consultation should visibly influence outcomes, rather than feeling performative or predetermined.
Comments supported more productive and respectful council dialogue focused on genuine debate and collaboration instead of one-way speeches or political posturing.
Participants also discussed the importance of fair committee selection processes and ensuring committee work is meaningful, representative, and connected to real city priorities.

Platform Area 2: Resident Participation

Many residents called for earlier public engagement before major decisions are finalized, particularly on issues with significant neighbourhood impact.
Participants emphasized the importance of regular opportunities for engagement, including more community meetings, online participation options, and better outreach to residents who may not normally participate.
Several comments focused on making civic participation more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful, with a desire to engage a broader cross-section of the community.
Residents also highlighted the need for clearer communication, easier access to city information, and better reporting back on how public feedback influences decisions and progress.

Platform Area 3 : Land Use + Oversight

Residents raised concerns about transparency and accountability in development-related decision-making, including lobbying and outside influence.
Many comments reflected concern about overdevelopment, building scale, and protecting Port Moody’s character, livability, and natural environment as the city grows.
Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring infrastructure, schools, amenities, recreation, and public spaces keep pace with growth and development.
Several residents expressed concern that housing and development decisions can appear driven by short-term financial interests rather than long-term community benefit.
There was also strong support for greater public input into development design and neighbourhood planning processes.

Platform Area 4: Open Government

Residents strongly supported greater transparency around council meetings, closed-door processes, and how key decisions are made.
Several comments focused on improving public access to records, agendas, reports, livestreams, and online information so residents can more easily stay informed.
Participants highlighted the importance of regular progress reporting and clearly communicating how decisions are made and implemented.
There was also discussion about making local government more accessible, understandable, and responsive to residents.

Platform Area 5: Tell Us Anything

Residents used this section to raise broader concerns about affordability, livability, sustainability, and the overall direction of the community.
Several comments focused on preserving Port Moody’s character, natural environment, and sense of community as the city evolves.
Participants discussed strengthening community resilience through ideas such as local food security, community gardens, sustainability initiatives, walkability, and reducing dependence on cars.
Some residents raised concerns about affordability pressures and ensuring Port Moody remains accessible and livable for people at different stages of life.
There were also comments about the importance of practical problem-solving, respectful civic dialogue, and reducing polarization in local politics.
A recurring theme throughout the board was the desire for leadership that listens to residents and focuses on long-term community wellbeing.

Reflections & Next Steps

One of the clearest messages from the event was that residents want to be part of the process and know their voices matter – not simply informed after major decisions have already been made.

At Port Moody Voice, we are not just saying we want to do things differently. Events like this are part of building a culture where listening to residents is the starting point, not an afterthought.

The ideas, concerns, and priorities shared during this session will help shape the Accountability & Good Governance section of the platform, which will be released soon.

We want to thank everyone who participated, shared ideas, asked difficult questions, and contributed to a thoughtful and constructive conversation about the future of Port Moody.

DO YOU HAVE MORE IDEAS?

Post in the comments below or send us a message – we want to hear from you.

Port Moody Voice

Rebuilding Trust Between Residents and City Council