Development application in one of Metro Vancouver’s smallest communities withdrawn after creating ‘division’

Anmore is one of Metro Vancouver’s smallest communities. Northwest of Coquitlam, the village is the scene of elation for some residents after avoiding a big change.

A public hearing was set for Monday night, in which municipal politicians would have received feedback on a proposed major development that would change the community of 2,500 people forever.

But that meeting was adjourned after the developer, led by Greg Moore, withdrew its application for the development of “Anmore South.”

If you’ve driven up to Sasamat or Buntzen lakes in the past few weeks, you’ve probably seen the signs calling out Mayor John McEwan and the council to reject the plan.

Anmore South could have potentially added 1,750 new residences to the village.

Proponents of the plan say it would bring much-needed infrastructure and amenities to the community, suggesting growth is inevitable.

But its detractors won out Monday.

Ryan Peterson, an Anmore resident, says the room “erupted in cheers” when the developer withdrew its application.

“There was a lot of tension that was released in that moment as the community was not behind the current development or going through changing our OCP. And I think the community now is cautiously optimistic to work with both council and the developer on a different plan for the property,” said Peterson.

Many of those in the community-based Anmore Neighbours Community Association complained that the project was being fast-tracked and don’t see the change that’s being pushed as a positive one.

Peterson says he’s “elated” that the community’s voices were heard.

“I think there’s been a lot of great discourse and communication to what could be built, and I think they’re going to come back to the community with a different proposal and just engage with us and a new process and new resets. And the community association — homeowners association — looks forward to working with the developer to see that process through.”

In a statement posted to social media, Moore shared that the development team had made “every effort to listen” to residents.

“But as the conversation has unfolded, it’s become clear that our proposal, though supported by many, has also caused division. This was never our intent. In fact, it’s the opposite of what we set out to do,” he said.

“We are incredibly grateful to those who have supported us and shared in the vision. We are also thankful for the thoughtful and open-minded approach taken by members of Council. However, we believe that continuing down the current path will not bring the community together. It will only deepen the divide, and that’s not how strong, resilient communities are built.

“With that in mind, we’ve made the decision to withdraw our current application for Anmore South. This break will allow us to explore a path forward that brings more unity than discord. Our sincere hope is that this step will help ease tensions and create the space for a collaborative, community-driven solution.”

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—With files from Anthony Atanasov.