Port Moody, British Columbia, is a charming city nestled in the heart of Canada. As a member municipality of the Metro Vancouver Regional District, it is the smallest of the Tri-Cities, bordered by Coquitlam and Burnaby. The city is named after Richard Clement Moody, the first lieutenant governor of the Colony of British Columbia.
Port Moody was established as a defense against potential US attacks, connecting New Westminster with Burrard Inlet. The city grew rapidly after 1859, following land grants to Moody's Royal Engineers. The construction of a transcontinental railroad was a significant event that prompted British Columbia to enter into confederation in 1871.
The city's growth was further accelerated when it was declared the terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1879. The railway was completed in 1885, and the first scheduled passenger transcontinental train arrived in 1886, a date still celebrated during Golden Spike Days.
Despite a brief real estate crash in 1887, the city continued to grow, with key figures like real estate tycoon James A. Clarke choosing to remain. On 7 April 1913, Port Moody's Council met for the first time as a city.
Port Moody is located entirely in the Federal riding of Port Moody—Coquitlam and is represented in the House of Commons of Canada by Member of Parliament Bonita Zarrillo.
In the Provincial electoral district of Port Moody-Coquitlam, the city is represented in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia by Rick Glumac.
Port Moody's City Council consists of Mayor Meghan Lahti and Councillors Samantha Agtarap, Diana Dilworth, Kyla Knowles, Dr. Amy Lubik, Haven Lurbiecki, and Callan Morrison. School Trustees representing Port Moody are Lisa Park and Zoë Royer.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Port Moody had a population of 33,535. The city has a diverse ethnic composition, with 30% of residents identifying themselves as immigrants, slightly higher than the 27% Canadian average.
Port Moody is home to over 41 streams that flow into Burrard Inlet. The city's Stream Stewardship Program manages urban streams, streamside vegetation, and watersheds to support the production of fish and insect life. The Port Moody Ecological Society (PMES), a not-for-profit organization, works alongside the city to promote ecological awareness.
Port Moody is well-connected to the TransLink public transit system, with numerous bus routes and the first station on the West Coast Express commuter rail line outside downtown Vancouver. The city also hosts a dockless bicycle sharing system and has several electric vehicle charging stations.
Port Moody was officially trademarked as the “City of the Arts” in 2004. The city is home to annual festivals, arts groups, and diverse facilities that foster a creative community. The Port Moody Arts Centre and the PoMo Museum are key cultural landmarks, and the city hosts several festivals throughout the year.
Port Moody is home to several parks, including Rocky Point Park, Bert Flinn Park, and Old Orchard Park. These parks offer a variety of recreational activities, from hiking trails to picnic shelters and adventure playgrounds.
Several individuals and military units have received the Freedom of the City of Port Moody, including Leonard A. Elsdon, Herbert C. "Bert" Flinn, and The Royal Canadian Legion (Port Moody Branch 119).
