Moody Centre Neighbourhood (excluding Transit-Oriented Development Area)
Note: Moody Centre is divided into two distinct areas – properties within the Moody Centre Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Area and those properties outside. In 2017, Moody Centre Station TOD Area was established as the key focal point for high density, mixed use, transit-oriented development in the Moody Centre neighbourhood. As of 2024, with the designation of provincially mandated Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA, Bill 47), the Moody Centre Station TOD and properties beyond now fall within this broader TOA as well. The TOA identifies minimum densities and the following building heights around transit hubs: up to 20 storeys within 200 metres; up to 12 storeys within 400 metres; and up to 8 storeys within 800 metres. For consistency with OCP neighbourhoods, these two distinct areas are described in the proposed 2025 OCP update as Moody Centre Station TOD Area and Moody Centre Neighbourhood (excluding TOD).
The Moody Centre Neighbourhood (excluding Transit-Oriented Development Area) encompasses the south shore of Port Moody from Barnet Highway to Viewmount Drive.
View full size image(External link)
2014 OCP vision for this area:
This neighbourhood will continue to incorporate a variety of land uses and buildings that differ in height, shape, and appearance. Generally, higher densities and mixed uses are located or envisioned on, or north of, St. Johns Street. The southern part of Moody Centre is generally a mix of single-residential, multi-residential (3 to 6 storeys), and institutional uses.
What we proposed in the 2023 Draft OCP:
Moody Centre is envisioned as an area that will continue to evolve and grow into a livable and complete community with: the expansion of multi-residential housing (3 storeys) in select areas beyond the 2014 OCP vision; a cultural node; and the inclusion of a new West Moody Centre Study Area where more detailed planning is required prior to any future land use changes.
The cultural node – encompassing City-owned lands at Kyle Park, Kyle Centre, the Arts Centre, and Queens Street (including Queens Street Plaza) as well as adjacent areas – is intended to be a heritage and arts focused development area. Proposed policies support pedestrian linkages connecting Kyle Centre and the Heritage Commercial District.
What we are proposing now (2025) and why:
What: We are proposing generally the same vision as in the 2023 Draft OCP (see above), but with the removal of the West Moody Centre Study Area. A new Special Study Area has been identified for the South of St. Johns Street area to: indicate that further study is required following this OCP update to understand the full impact of provincial housing legislation in this part of the Moody Centre Neighbourhood; and to inform the creation of design guidelines and a development framework to inform future development in and around this area. To guide this study, a series of broad policy objectives which support the creation of a complete community are being considered for inclusion in the Draft OCP. See the South of St. Johns Street Special Study Area article to learn more and review the proposed policy objectives.
Importantly, much of the Moody Centre Neighbourhood is impacted by recent provincial TOA legislation, which remains applicable.
Why: The proposed vision and land uses encourage a pedestrian-oriented environment and support the concept of a complete community. The addition of a cultural node aligns with the City’s commitment to arts, culture, and heritage, and will help to enhance the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. The West Moody Centre Study Area is less applicable with the identification of the South of St. Johns Street Special Study Area.
The identification of a new South of St. Johns Street Special Study Area is intended to help further the City’s understanding of the full impact of provincial housing legislation on this part of Moody Centre.
Impact of provincial housing legislation:
Most of Moody Centre is affected by provincial legislation that enabled the introduction of Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH, Bill 44) in some areas and designated minimum densities and building heights within Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs, Bill 47). The requirements of the provincial legislation permit more height and density than has previously been envisioned for this neighbourhood (excluding Moody Centre Station TOD Area) in the past.
