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Achievements 2022-2026
When I look back at my 2022 campaign platform, I'm incredibly proud to say I accomplished nearly all of my objectives!
1. BUILDING COMPLETE COMMUNITIES
My promise in 2022 was to focus new home construction along our transit corridor and to work towards a complete and livable new community in Moody Centre.
There has always been significant opposition to new neighbourhoods in Port Moody that are now beloved. City hall was full of people fighting against towers in Newport, Suterbrook and Klahanie - and they are now wonderful places to raise a family.
In Moody Centre, the developments approved by this Council has been accompanied by significant amenities, tree canopy increase, and cash contributions for things the City needs. These include:
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$58 million in density bonus payments across three developments to use for City infrastructure and amenities
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a grocery store
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15,000 sq. feet of commercial space
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public washrooms
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a 25,000 sq. foot public plaza
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artists studios
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a daylit creek
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an overpass connecting Moody Centre to Murray Street.
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a 100+ space daycare
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over 500 jobs
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tree canopy increases ranging from 20% to 33%
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public art contributions
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50 units of indigenous housing in partnership with Kwikwetlem Nation
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a second stage Transition Housing facility for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The Province recently announced it is withdrawing its share of funding for this, so its future is uncertain.
It is unfortunate that the Provincial government brought in sweeping housing legislation in December of 2023 without consulting municipalities. The effects have been that we lost key negotiating power with developers in transit areas without significant density allowances., and Bill 44 in particular is going to change the way all cities look. We, along with other municipalities, have asked the Province to rescind this legislation, so far without response.
2. TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
We brought in pay parking at key locations in September 2024, and it has had the intended affect of reducing congestion in our city centre, ensuring parking spots now remain at or below 85% occupancy so you can actually find a space when you need one! After reviewing the results of the one-year pilot, we made a number of tweaks in response to user comments, and are now exploring a resident parking pass.
In summer of 2025, we introduced new options for active transportation throughout the city, so getting around without a car is now easier. There are now almost 50 e-bike and e-scooter locations across the city, providing most residents access within a five- to 10-minute walk from their homes.
In November of 2025, I brought forward a motion for a comprehensive review of traffic amelioration improvements. And in June of this year, our Council voted unanimously to add a second left-hand turn lane at Ioco and Barnet to ease eastbound traffic during rush hour!
3. MORE GREEN SPACE AND PARKLAND
I promised an expansion and focus on improving our neighbourhood parks and we were able to deliver this. Not only have we added parkland in Moody Centre, we have new Master Plans for our two biggest parks, and we have significantly upgraded our playgrounds, green space and trails city-wide.
4. NEW AND IMPROVED CITY AMENITIES AND RECREATION
While the last Council suggested a $2million repair of our inadequate and crumbling Kyle Centre, I ran on building a new one. We have just begun round 2 of engagement for this project - it's going to be a beautiful new facility for our community! Given the demand and waitlist for community gardens in our City, I will also advocate for a new community garden on this expanded site.
We have also added basketball, pickleball, a new soccer field, a new Shoreline Boardwalk, and soon we'll have a new fieldhouse at our new Bob Favelle Soccer Field! We have also begun planning recreation expansion city-wide.
5. RESTORE GOOD GOVERNANCE
During the 2018-2022 term, Council meetings often ran way past midnight, resulting in significant overtime costs for staff. Councillors were permitted to bring forward pet projects paid for by consultants, they could waste time entertaining non-jurisdictional matters whenever they wanted, meetings could be ended by a single vote, and bad faith dealings with community stakeholders ran rampant. It was incredibly inefficient and very little work was accomplished during that term. Thanks to a motion I brought forward with a colleague, Council is now better positioned to stay in its own lane, and keeping our residents and businesses united.
Port Moody was the first municipality in BC to adopt a code of conduct following a rocky 2018-2022 Council term. Being the first meant that our Code had several blind spots. In particular, our original Code language - and others like it in BC - failed to filter out unmerited or personal complaints, leading to a huge spike in vexatious complaints and legal costs by those municipalities.
This Council amended the code to require that new complaints be formally brought forward by a “sponsoring” Councillor. Once received, complaints are now first reviewed for merit by the City Manager before forwarding to legal for an assessment. Today, Council only weighs in on Code of Conduct complaints if/when a full investigation by outside legal Counsel has completed and determined that a breach occurred. It is then up to Council, by majority vote, to determine whether/how to censure the offender.
Finally, following years of strained relations with our neighbours, our Council committed to regular joint meetings with the Tsleil-Waututh and we re-established regular joint meetings with SD43 and our neighbouring council colleagues in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra. We're now working TOGETHER on shared interests and challenges.
I'm proud to say good governance has been making a comeback in Port Moody. Let's keep it that way.
6. STABILIZE AND SHORE UP CITY FINANCES
As we all know, the Council of 2018-2022 completely gutted the City budget during Covid, resulting in an unsustainable and artificially low tax level. They didn't tell you that those events, positions and programs would all have to be added back post-Covid. We did the unpopular work of rebuilding the budget after 2022 which means higher taxes than I would have liked for the first few years, but we're now on a great path for sustainability and even reductions as we've added new revenue sources! Times have been tough for everyone, and I'm proud we've prioritized the appropriate services and infrastructure renewal.
While I was Chair of Finance in 2025, I responded to the Province's decision to re-classify its lands to reduce its taxes by bringing forward a motion to cap our tax rate of BC Hydro's remaining lands on our north shore to recoup most of the funds they were clawing back. This passed unanimously.
7. OPPOSE EXPROPRIATION OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS BY SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
I have consistently pushed back on the expropriation of residential, business and City lands by special interest groups; so far with success. Given increased Provincial waffling regarding land rights, it is more important than ever that property rights be respected.
Property owners have the right to make decisions for their own lands. In 2026, I was the only Councillor to ask staff about potential implications for property rights when our new Official Community Plan included language on UNDRIP.
The previous Council agreed to give the Province a city lot to build supportive housing next to our police station without any public consultation. A majority of this Council rescinded that offer and I will continue to fight for resident input for significant decisions like this.
8. CITY OF THE ARTS
When I was elected, one of my main priorities was to reorganize the City's art reserves so that public art funds collected from new developments could be used more dynamically. Rather than focus those funds on static pieces of art that require repair and maintenance, they should be used to fund murals, artist spaces, art events, festivals, and other initiatives inviting tourists to visit our "City of the Arts"!
When the findings from the Arts & Business Task force found that it would make sense to reorganize our reserves, I was hopeful that we were on the right track. However, I was disappointed by staff's recommendation when it came back to Council, as the changes now FURTHER restrict how public art funds can be used in the city. As work on the recommendations has continued, it looks like there will be another opportunity to revise our policies on this front - I would like to be front and centre in bringing those changes to fruition.
9. CREATE NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SENIORS
This is unfortunately the one goal I was unable to advance. It requires a majority of Council voting together to bring in senior housing, and I'm sorry to say that when the opportunity arose, I was the only Councillor committed to bringing a seniors housing development proposal forward to public hearing so that our seniors would get a say. Many of you have told me how disappointed you were by this, and I hear you. I'm going to redouble my efforts on this front if re-elected.
Efforts by this Council in the last four years to bring in affordable seniors housing on both a piece of City land and on the Eagle Ridge lands were unfortunately met with opposition from the Province. We will continue to advocate for it; we need housing for seniors all along the income spectrum.
In addition to all of the above, I spent the last four years spearheading multiple initiatives, including motions aimed at protecting our wildlife, protecting our existing tree canopy, publicly releasing discussions regarding supportive housing from Closed meetings, and reducing the provincial tax burden on municipal services.
The Platform for 2026 And Beyond...
Better Business Environment
The 2018-2022 Council witnessed the loss of the Flavelle mill and several small and medium-sized businesses in Moody Centre. This was attributed to a weak environment for investment in our community. When a Council refuses to densify near transit or in its core so that people can live, work and play in the same city, businesses take note, and move elsewhere.
Current Council has done much to restore investor confidence in the future of Port Moody, including developing a land management strategy in 2024 and an industrial land management strategy in June 2026. The following are my main priorities for business:
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Bring an industrial park to Moody Centre. Current Council has been working very hard to bring light and medium-industry businesses back to Port Moody and discussions are already taking place. An industrial park would shore up our business tax base and reduce the burden on residents.
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Implement the recommendations of our Task Force on Arts and Business and the Arts & Business pilot. I was the Vice Chair of this Task Force and after the recommendations were delivered, we commenced a one-year pilot to implement those recommendations and provide proof of concept. The final report is coming back in September and we've already seen encouraging results. Bringing the full vision to life will require a familiar hand to redevelop Port Moody's policies to guide our arts and business communities to increased visibility, profitability, and success.
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Should Council choose the path of providing resident passes for pay parking, I will advocate that it be extended to all property owners, not just residents. Businesses in those areas would then also be entitled to discounted parking spaces.
Good Governance
While this Council has made great strides in improving governance over the last term, I believe we can do better. In particular, I'm going to work to improve transparency and accountability by:
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Ensuring that all appointees and Chairs to internal task forces and external Metro Committees are decided by Council as a whole. All Councillors should have equal opportunities and the public deserves to know how appointments are made.
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Revising the appointment of Finance Chair and Vice-Chair to ensure that a consistent team sees the annual budget through from beginning to end. Last term I worked for months on the budget only to be replaced halfway through the process to coincide with other Committee appointments. The process is disjointed and information gets missed. Finance should be treated separately to ensure a steady and informed hand is at the wheel for the entire budget.
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Ensuring that any conversations about supportive or shelter housing, particularly on City land, take place in open, regular Council meetings, allowing residents to share their input BEFORE decisions are made.
Protecting Property Rights
Property rights continue to be a point of contention in Port Moody and the province as a whole. Residents should not be forced to fight City Hall to implement basic improvements to their property, and private landowners deserve to know that the City will NEVER attempt to expropriate their land without cause.
I am concerned by voices in the community who think differently on this matter - society deserves certainty on property rights.
Family Life
As a working parent raising t/ween daughters, I understand the importance of keeping Port Moody an affordable, safe, healthy and comfortable place to live. I'm thrilled with our progress on neighbourhood parks and have brought forward several motions aimed at protecting our wildlife and natural environment. We're bringing in new options for groceries, daycares, youths and even dogs throughout the city.
Above all, I am committed to listening to residents and businesses share what they like and don't like about our city. It's my job to make Port Moody the best it can be for all families, no matter what that family looks like!
Public Safety
When this Council was elected, we were surprised to learn that the previous Council had approved donating a lot of City land on St. Johns St. to BC Housing for a Supportive Housing facility, only blocks from a planned daycare and two schools with zero supportive services nearby. More shockingly, this "agreement" included a significant, ongoing financial commitment from the City. The Province has shown that it cannot be relied upon for support once these facilities are built.
This decision was made entirely in Closed meetings, without resident input. Residents would only have been "advised" of the decision after the deal was done. Council reversed that decision and I will fight to ensure that any future conversations about supportive housing on City land include robust resident input at the very beginning.
Several residents shared that they have felt less safe in our community in recent years. This is not acceptable. Port Moody Police and Fire Rescue are among the best in Metro Vancouver, and have kept our City one of the safest. They should be supported appropriately so we can keep it that way.
Traffic and Infrastructure Improvements
I'm proud that getting around and parking in Port Moody has improved under this Council, and now it's time to take the next step. I am committed to improving rush hour commuting time, but WITHOUT turning our City into an even busier thoroughfare for neighbouring communities. Simply adding lanes is not the solution. We need built-in-Port-Moody solutions FOR Port Moody residents and I'm looking forward to an impending report from staff as a response to my amendment to a November 12, 2025 motion as to how we might do this.
If re-elected, I will prioritize two new major infrastructure projects: the relocation of our Works Yard, and a new Central Library. Our Works Yard outgrew its location at 3250 Murray long ago, and the buildings are in degraded condition. We have identified a new location on the outskirts of the City, freeing up valuable land in our core and remove much of the fleet traffic from that neighbourhood. Our community has also outgrown our lovely library in City Hall - it is a valuable third space that could and should accommodate much more programming for our residents. I envision a new Central library on the old Firehall lands, ideally sharing space with a new seniors living facility.
Prioritize Fiscal Restraint & Affordability
This past term I've frequently found myself in the minority when it comes to decisions on spending. Whether I was voting against a pay increase for ourselves, opposing the spending of $38,000 to "Sue Big Oil", questioning the costs of pricey but unnecessary capital expenditures, pushing Council to reconsider less expensive ways to meet our climate goals, raising the alarm about project budgets being exceeded, or just raising concerns about whether our policies are harming affordability, I've typically been on the losing side of the votes.
While losing these battles can be frustrating, I will continue to advocate for prudent spending and the election of Councillors who share my concerns about overall affordability.
Prioritizing our Seniors
We need to do better for our seniors. There is no excuse for not advancing our only application for a multi-stage senior care facility to public hearing last year. I will push for the following:
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Prioritize applications for senior facilities and fight to obtain input from our seniors earlier in the engagement process.
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Continue to advocate to senior levels of government to bring affordable seniors housing to both 45 Mary Street (the old Canada Post building) and in a mixed-use development on the old firehall lands.
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Reduce the "Super Seniors" age from 85 to 80 in Prt Moody, providing these residents with free access to recreation centre programs. Staff have indicated that this will cost the City about $8,000 per year, and I am committed to this on behalf of our seniors.
Community Volunteering
As someone who is deeply in love with Port Moody, I am passionate about supporting our community through a variety of volunteer avenues:
Theatrix YouthTheatre Society - Board Member
Rotary Club of Port Moody - Volunteer
Golden Spike Days Society - Volunteer
Port Moody Parks and Recreation Commission - Previous member at large
Easthill Residents – Organizer and founder of community events in my neighbourhood
Glenayre Elementary - PAC volunteer for school events
College Park Community Association - Member and volunteer
Port Moody Foundation - Volunteer
Operation Red Nose Tri Cities - Volunteer Driver
Founder and Administrator of TCMG Veg’n
Endorsements
Trusted by Community Leaders
Kyla is proud to be supported by individuals and organizations who share her vision for a stronger Port Moody.
" Kyla Knowles has consistently shown up for Port Moody—not just as an elected official, but as a genuinely engaged and community-minded leader. She brings a thoughtful, balanced approach to every decision, grounded in care for residents, local businesses, and the long-term health of the city.
During my time as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, I saw firsthand Kyla's ability to truly listen and work collaboratively toward solutions that support both economic vitality and community well-being. She approaches complex issues with integrity, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose.
Kyla leads with heart and accountability, always focused on building a strong, inclusive future for Port Moody. I'm proud to support her in the 2026 election. Join me in voting for Kyla Knowles."
Leslie Courchesne
Former CEO, Chamber of Commerce
"Kyla Knowles brings integrity, preparation, and a strong community focus to the Port Moody City Council table. She shows up informed, asks thoughtful questions, and approaches decisions with fiscal care and long-term vision. She listens respectfully and ensures community voices are reflected in the outcome. I’m proud to support her re-election for a second term."
Daphne Herberts
Port Moody Foundation · British Columbia Library Trustees Association · Port Moody Library Board Chair 2021-2025 · Pleasantside/Ioco Community Association · Creational Dock Owners Society · CKPC Train Advisory Committee Member · City of Port Moody Land Use Committee
"I am proud to support Kyla Knowles personally, as a local business owner, and through my work with the Asian Arts and Culture Society. As a lifelong Port Moody resident and Founder of the Asian Arts and Culture Society and the BC Dumpling Festival, I have had the privilege of working with many community leaders throughout the Tri-Cities. Kyla has consistently stood out as someone who genuinely cares about the people, organizations, and initiatives that help strengthen and connect our communities.
Although the BC Dumpling Festival takes place in Coquitlam, the Asian Arts and Culture Society has strong roots in Port Moody, and community support across the Tri-Cities has always been incredibly important to the work we do. Kyla has been a strong supporter of arts and culture, local events, small businesses, and grassroots community initiatives. She takes the time to attend events, engage with residents, and support the many volunteers and organizations that work hard to build inclusive and vibrant communities.
What I appreciate most about Kyla is her authenticity, professionalism, and commitment to public service. She leads with kindness, integrity, and a collaborative spirit, and she understands the importance of community connection and inclusivity. Her support for multiculturalism, the arts, and local initiatives has made a meaningful impact on so many people and organizations throughout the region.
As someone who has spent my life in Port Moody and dedicated a lot of time to community building, I am grateful for leaders like Kyla who continue to champion and support the people who make our communities stronger. I am excited to personally support Kyla Knowles and her continued leadership and service to the City of Port Moody."
Gina Chong
Executive Director, Asian Arts and Culture Society, Port Moody Business Owner (Butter Studios), Founder, BC Dumpling Festival
" Over the last four years on council, Kyla has consistently shown support for public safety and as such, Port Moody Firefighters Local 2399 is proud to support Councillor Knowles in the upcoming municipal election."
Port Moody Firefighters
Local 2399
" I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Kyla Knowles for her continued service to the community of Port Moody. Over the years, Kyla has generously given her time and energy to many events throughout our city. Her willingness to support community initiatives has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the people of Port Moody.
In particular, I would like to recognize her support of our Rotary RIBFEST. This year, when volunteers were needed, Kyla was the very first person to respond to my request for help. Her immediate willingness to step forward speaks volumes about her commitment to community service and her genuine desire to contribute wherever she can. "
Linda Balzer
Rotary Club of Port Moody
" It is my sincere pleasure to offer my endorsement of Councillor Kyla Knowles as she seeks re-election to Port Moody City Council.
I have known Kyla since 2019 - not only as a Councillor, but as a neighbour, friend, and fellow parent. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand her integrity, work ethic, and deep commitment to our community. As a single mother raising two strong and creative young women, she understands the realities families face in our city and leads with both compassion and strength.
What distinguishes Kyla is her clear-minded, evidence-informed approach to decision-making and her meticulous attention to detail and proper protocol. She does her homework. She asks thoughtful, sometimes difficult questions. She weighs immediate needs against long-term consequences and consistently considers the broader picture of where our city is headed. Port Moody benefits from leaders who think beyond the moment - and Kyla brings that steadiness and macro-level vision to the Council table.
Equally important is her courage. Kyla does not shy away from complex or controversial issues. She is unafraid to confront what she believes in, and she does so with conviction, passion, and respect for democratic process. At a time when we are witnessing elsewhere how democratic institutions can erode through political passivity, polarization, and the bystander effect, her willingness to engage thoughtfully and stand firmly in her principles matters deeply. Even when perspectives differ, she chooses integrity, evidence and clarity over avoidance. That kind of principled leadership is not always easy - but it is essential.
As a local business owner, and a devoted volunteer and philanthropist in this community since 2009, I deeply value thoughtful governance that supports arts, culture, economic vitality, and responsible growth. Kyla understands that a thriving city requires both vision and discipline - supporting vibrant public spaces while ensuring careful stewardship of public resources.
Port Moody deserves representatives who are principled, prepared, and willing to stand firmly for what they believe while remaining open to dialogue. I am proud to support Kyla Knowles and encourage residents to do the same. "
Roshni Naik
Resident, Local Business Owner and former Vice-Chair of PoMo Arts
" I am proud to support Kyla for re-election to Port Moody City Council. She is a dedicated advocate for Port Moody Students, and a consistent supporter of School District 43. "
Michael Thomas
Board Chair, School District 43
New Westminster & District Labour Council
NWDLC is a community-based central labour organization representing 60,000 trade union members in 14 municipalities, 7 school districts, 11 Federal ridings, and 25 Provincial Ridings in the Lower Mainland
" The New Westminster & District Labour Council is pleased to endorse Kyla Knowles for re-election to Port Moody City Council in 2026. "
" Kyla is an outstanding candidate who considers all aspects of an issue without adhering to a set rhetoric. She is not afraid to ask difficult questions or make decisions that, while they may not please a vocal minority, ultimately serve the entire community.
Serving as a city councillor is demanding work that requires significant personal sacrifice, taking time away from family, work, and personal relationships. Kyla has done an excellent job during her first term, and I confidently endorse her for re-election. "
Port Moody Foundation, Former Port Moody City Councillor
Jo-Anne Parneta
......More to Come!