Words by Dennis Begin
History
It was the Tsleil-Waututh First Nations or ‘People of the Inlet’ who first made their home on the shores of Burrard Inlet. From 1858 to 1864, the gold rush on the Fraser River and in the Cariboo region brought thousands of men to the Inlet, including businessmen Edward Stamp and Gassy Jack Deighton.
When New Westminster was appointed the provincial capital from 1866-68, Colonel Richard Moody and the Royal Engineers were hired to build the historic North Road from New Westminster to Port Moody. The purpose of this wagon road was for military reasons. If the capital was attacked from the Fraser River, supplies and troops could counter attack by sailing up the Burrard Inlet. As for Port Moody (or Moodyville) in the 1860s, it was only a cluster of tents and shacks, hardly suitable for a future railroad.
Patricia Begin
Burrard Inlet and Boat Launching Pier
In 1867, Vancouver didn’t exist – only a small lumber mill called Hastings Mill and the Global Saloon in Gastown. The residents of Port Moody wanted the western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railroad (CPR), but General Manager Cornelius Van Horne had other plans.
When the provincial government gave the CPR 6,000 free acres, the future of the transcontinental railroad and Vancouver was settled. The first passenger train to reach Port Moody, Engine 371, arrived on July 4, 1886 from Montreal. The first train to reach Vancouver, Engine 374, arrived on May 23, 1887. Canada was finally united from ‘Sea to Sea.’ Only the residents of Port Moody felt there was an egregious mistake. Port Moody Station Museum is located on Murray Street and features the CPR Station Museum and a restored 1920 passenger car called Venosta.
Port Moody is 20 km [12 mi] from downtown Vancouver and has a population of 37,000 when combined with the villages of Anmore and Belcarra. It’s part of the Tri-Cities, which includes Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Port Moody was incorporated in April, 1913 and is considered to be part of Metro Vancouver.
Dennis Begin
The pier at Rocky Point Park.
City of the Arts
In 2004, Port Moody City Council adopted the title ‘City of the Arts,’ which celebrates the arts, culture and historical heritage. The Port Moody Arts Centre (PoMoArts) is a non-profit community organization that promotes and celebrates the visual, performing and literary arts. The Arts Centre is located in the old City Hall on St. Johns Street and offers art classes, workshops and exhibits.
The Port Moody City Council also features an ‘Art of Council’ where local artists perform before the mayor and council. Performers have featured their paintings, sculptures, photos, films, music and dances. The idea is to showcase the creative talent. City Council also provides a Street Performers Program and Artist in the Park Program. Contributing to the arts is the 200-seat Inlet Theatre and Galleria, the Public Library and City Hall, all located at 100 Newport Drive.
Heritage organizations have provided stone markers and storyboards, explaining the contributions made by individuals to the community. A Terry Fox stone marker is featured at the corner of Ioco and Knowles. There is a real community spirit in Port Moody. The city prides itself with events such as Children’s Arts Festival, The Festival of Arts, The Sunday Summer Concert Series and the Golden Pike [Railroad] Days.
Dennis Begin
Port Moody Arts Centre, former City Hall.
Outdoor Living
Burrard Inlet provides a natural setting for canoeing, kayaking, sailboarding, and boating – both sail and power. There are 20 parks in and around Port Moody, catering to all types of interests. Buntzen Lake is a 10 km (6 mi) roundtrip hike with a suspension bridge, picnic area, swimming and fishing facilities. Sasamat Lake is an 8 km (5 mi) roundtrip with a floating bridge used for fishing, while White Pine Beach is used for swimming. Close to Belcarra Regional Park is Indian Arm, a 30 km (18 mi) fjord that was formed during the last Ice Age. At the northern end of the fjord is The Wigwam Inn. This is a private offshore station exclusive to members of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, accessible only by water and has an interesting history dating back to 1909. It’s also rumored to be Al Capone’s secret hideout in the 1920s.
Dennis Begin
The CPR Station Museum.
Rocky Point Park
Port Moody is well known for Rocky Point Park. This popular park is to Port Moody as Stanley Park is to Vancouver. Amenities include boating clubs, an outdoor swimming pool, a skateboard park, concert stage, a water park for children and a boat launching pier. It’s a great facility for families and picnics. Two restaurants are available, the Boathouse and Pajo’s Fish and Chips.
The Shoreline Trail is a highlight of the park and wraps itself around the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, joining six city parks along the waterfront. The nature trail uses bridges to cross over the mud flats of Tidal Park. From Boat Launch Pier to Old Orchard Park is a pleasant one-way, 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 2 mi) walk or bike ride.
If you’re thirsty, across from Rocky Point on Murray Street is Brewers Row, which includes five pubs, known for its speciality beers. Try the Yellow Dog or the Parkside Brewery.
Dennis Begin
Shoreline Trail and bridge over Tidal Park Mud Flats.
NewPort Village
Within Port Moody is Newport Village. The village was developed by Bosa Properties, copying a European model that allows people to walk and shop within their neighborhood. The village includes extensive shopping with 60 businesses, restaurants, office space, professional services, recreational facilities and high rise residential condos.
Bosa Development Properities
Newport Village
Future Growth
Port Moody has always been a suburb of Vancouver with the connecting link being the Barnet Highway. Since Vancouver was granted the CPR terminus, Port Moody felt like the ‘Bridesmaid.’ It was up to Port Moody to find its own transition into a modern city. The future of this city is still one of growth but there are differences over land use. For example, the Flavelle Mill adjacent to Rocky Point Park will be converted to high rise condos consisting of 3,400 units. Plans for the growth of the core of the city will center around Moody Centre SkyTrain Station. Even the quiet Anmore Village is in conflict with Port Moody over the Ioco Lands Project. Port Moody continues to grow and no longer needs to feel like the proverbial bridesmaid.
Dennis Begin
Port Moody City Hall, Library and Inlet Theatre.