Stories from Tri-City News headlines of decades past is a recurring feature as the publication approaches its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Port Moody's NewPort Village is regarded as a triumph of dense urban design where residents are able to play, shop and even work within a short stroll of where they live.
But 30 years ago, the conceptual plan by Bosa Development Corporation for the 13.5-acre property bounded by Ioco Road, Ungless and Guildford ways was known simply as "The Triangle," and residents weren't particularly impressed.
In fact, more than half who attended a public hearing at the Kyle Community Centre said they were opposed to the project that would see the construction of 900 homes in five towers, the tallest of which would be 22 storeys, along with 130,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and a five- or six-storey office building.
The latest iteration replaced a previous plan that had been accepted by council three years earlier.
"It scared the hell out of me," said one resident of the most recent concept.
"I'm really sad to see we're even considering something of this magnitude in Port Moody," said another.
The comment could have been ripped from any number of contemporary stories as the city grapples with a demand for new homes and increased density since the arrival of SkyTrain's Evergreen line in 2016.
Proposals for major projects in areas like Coronation Park, the downtown area near the Moody Centre station, and the old Andrés Wine property include condo and rental towers up to 39 storeys.
The Tri-City News has covered civic affairs, local crime, festivals, events, personalities, sports and arts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since 1983. Bound back issues of the paper are available at the Coquitlam Archives, while digital versions of several past years can be found at issuu.com.
