Dog daycares — along with fitness centres — will now be allowed to open along the Murray Street corridor in Port Moody, as council tries to revitalize the area.
Photograph by: Dreamstime , NOW
With overwhelming support from the business community, both workout gurus and doggies are now welcome in an industrial part of Port Moody.
On Tuesday, city council unanimously passed a zoning amendment to expand the types of businesses that can set up shop along the Murray Street corridor to include athletic centres and animal daycares.
That vote included a change of heart by a couple of councillors.
In September, Couns. Rick Glumac and Gerry Nuttall both voted against sending the motion to a public hearing for debate.
Glumac argued at the time the city was still working on a visioning study for the corridor, and the work needed to be complete before modifying zoning in the area.
The councillor changed his mind, noting he's talked to business owners and understands there is a need for space in the short term.
However, Glumac argued the city still needs to clarify a vision for the corridor.
Coun. Diana Dilworth suggested the zoning would help grow the city's reputation as a health and wellness hub, while Coun. Zoe Royer argued it made no sense to keep the spaces vacant if gyms and animal daycares are ready to move in.
Before council gave the amendment the nod, about a half dozen business owners, some looking to set up shop along the corridor, also spoke in favour of the change.
Many of the speakers suggested the former zoning rules made them feel unwelcome in the city and forced to look at other communities to open their businesses.
The area in question is currently zoned light industrial or M1. Last month, a staff report noted while not explicitly listed as a permitted M1 use, animal daycares are considered to be similar to veterinary hospitals, which are allowed in the area.
