Situated on Burrard Inlet and surrounded by forested mountains, Port Moody has a beautiful natural environment. Living in a city surrounded by wilderness means that we need to take extra precautions to develop with care around Environmentally Sensitive Areas, manage wildlife interactions, remove invasive plants, and help protect streams and the marine environment.

Working Together

To get involved with environmental initiatives in Port Moody, check out upcoming Environment Events & Volunteer Opportunities below. You can register for activities through our Recreation department.

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Coming soon: EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 2025

To learn more about best practices and key environmental topics, visit our Monthly Tips for a Sustainable Future page.

Monthly Environment Tips
In this section you will find valuable resources and information on how to make a positive impact on the environment in your everyday life. From tips on how to coexist with bears to managing invasive plant species, we are committed to providing you with practical and informative content. Check back at the beginning of each month with new updates and expert insights. Together, we can protect our environment and create a sustainable future.

Managing Invasive Plants

Did you know that invasive plant species can spread rapidly and reduce biodiversity? Not only that, but they can also be costly and intensive to control. Invasive species in our city include scotch broom, ivy, holly, knotweed, yellow-flag iris, Himalayan balsam, and lamium.

Although most invasive species can be disposed of using your green waste cart, Knotweed is a particularly troublesome species that poses a threat to the environment and is listed under provincial regulations. To address this issue, the Pesticide Use Control Bylaw permits the use of herbicides on knotweed under certain conditions.

To help prevent the spread of invasive plants, it's important to manage them on your property. For landscaping ideas, refer to the the City’s Preferred Plant List. You can also check out the Grow Me Instead guide for aesthetic alternatives to typical ornamental species.

If you're interested in getting involved in the community, you can join the City’s Invasive Plant Removal events in fall or winter (check the Community Calendar or Recreation Services). Let's work together to keep our city healthy and beautiful! Visit portmoody.ca/invasives for more information and best management practices. 

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are natural areas where City works and development must proceed with care. We have Development Permit Guidelines to guide development in and adjacent to ESAs. Tree and vegetation removal is restricted in ESAs. Riparian management setbacks are specifically identified in the Zoning Bylaw to keep development activities away from sensitive riparian environments around streams and watercourses. In Port Moody, we promote the Naturescape B.C. program to support healthy streams and wildlife habitat on private and public property through Naturescaping.

Protect our Streams

To protect the environment prohibited substances must not be discharged into City storm sewers, which drain into streams or oceans. Responsible lawn, garden and property care practices help prevent discharges to streams. Substances that are prohibited under our Stream and Drainage Bylaw from entering City storm sewers or streams include:: chlorinated water, dirt, oil and grease, paint, fuel, solvent, and soaps.

To increase public awareness of stormdrains and their direct link to fish habitat, you can sign out a stormdrain-marking kit from the municipal Works Yard. This simple kit includes all the equipment you need to install yellow fish decals on pavement to highlight where stormdrains are located. Note that these special decals are being offered in place of yellow paint and stencils. To sign out a stormdrain-marking kit for yourself or your volunteer group, email environment@portmoody.ca.

You can dispose of leftover paints, solvents, flammable liquids, pesticides, and gasoline at the Port Coquitlam Return-It Depot, located at 2577 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam.

Reporting Pollution

To report an environmental emergency such as a spill, chemicals being washed into a storm drain, or a contaminated stream, contact Environment and Parks at 604-469-4574 or environment@portmoody.ca.

Coexisting with black bears in Port Moody is important to keep both ourselves and the bears safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

·         Secure your garbage and green waste

·         Respect their space (e.g. practice ethical photography)

·         Minimize other attractants like pet food or bird seed

Under the BC Wildlife Act and City bylaws, it’s illegal to feed bears, so please don’t leave any unsecured attractants accessible to them. If you encounter a bear, stay calm and don’t run away. Raise your arms to look big and speak calmly to identify yourself as non-threatening. Back away slowly. Please report any human-bear conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277. Let’s do our part to keep ourselves and the bears safe. Visit portmoody.ca/bears for more information.