Supporting Kinsight’s purchase of a 1,600-sq. ft. suite in a new condo development being proposed for 3000 Henry St. sends a strong message about Port Moody’s inclusivity, says the non-profit organization’s CEO.
On Nov. 24, Port Moody council endorsed a housing agreement with developer Aultrust Development that waives a $344,000 community amenity contribution to the city.
Instead, the money will go to help Kinsight buy the two-bedroom ground floor suite that can be locked off to create two further independent suites. The organization said it intends to rent the suites at shelter rates to its clients that include people with developmental delays or disabilities who require varying levels of support.
Kinsight CEO Christine Scott said the agreement “is an excellent example of how organizations can come together” to create a development that is “welcoming to everyone.”
Coun. Diana Dilworth agreed, saying “helping Kinsight with this project is a big step forward.”
In addition to the contribution from the city, the developer is pitching in $200,000 and Kinsight will have to fund $256,000 of the unit’s $800,000 purchase price.
Aultrust’s managing partner Navid Morawej said it was important the project reflect the community where he was raised and continues to operate a daycare. “Livable housing that serves a diverse spectrum is ingrained in me.”
The 173-unit complex that will step up the Chines hillside was first brought to council in 2006 when it got as far as third reading in 2012. After several years of dormancy because of concerns over geotechnical, environment and stormwater management issues, the project was briefly revived by another developer in 2018 before Aultrust acquired it.
While the U-shaped, 11-storey stepped form of the original proposal was retained, architect Tim Ankenman refined the design to occupy a slightly smaller footprint while increasing the number of units from 145.
He also implemented engineering changes to minimize the need for excavation into the base of the hillside.
In addition to the suite reserved for Kinsight, the organization will have first priority to purchase two additional rent-to-own units of the 17 that will be made available to local purchasers.
Six other units will also feature lock-off suites that can be used by their owners to generate rental revenue or house extended family.
The project received third reading from council for amendments to zoning bylaws and the city’s official community plan last July 28.
