The City of Port Moody in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is at the southeast inland end of the Burrard Inlet, on which Vancouver stands where the inlet meets the sea. Port Moody adjoins the cities of Coquitlam on the east and south and Burnaby on the west. The city derives its name from Colonel Richard Clement Moody, 19th-Century commander of the Royal Engineer detachment at New Westminster.
Port Moody has the largest Korean contingent of any Canadian town of more than 10,000 residents, 6.6 percent of the population. In the 2006 Census, the City of Port Moody had 27,512 inhabitants, a 15-percent increase from 2001. Thirty percent identify themselves as immigrants, somewhat more than the 27-percent Canadian average. Median family income is $70,239; Eagle Ridge Hospital is the leading employer in number of workers.
History
Two events shaped the early history of the Port Moody: the 1858 gold rush on the Fraser River and the 1886 arrival of the first transcontinental train. In the first event, the need for a rear-guard defense for New Westminster, the colonial capital, caused the Royal Engineers to clear a trail to the Burrard Inlet to allow ships to unload military personnel and supplies if New Westminster were attacked from the south. After 1859, the town grew rapidly following land grants to many of Moody’s Royal Engineers.
In the second event, construction of a transcontinental railroad induced British Columbia to enter into confederation with Canada in 1871. Then the Canadian Pacific Railway announced in 1879 that the small town would be its western terminus. Population grew quickly through the early 1880s. There were high hopes that Port Moody would become a major west coast metropolis. The first scheduled passenger transcontinental train arrived in July 1886. Land prices soared skyward but soon fell back to earth when a line to Vancouver opened in 1887. Incorporation as a municipality came in 1913, when the Port Moody City Council met for the first time in April.
A deep-water bulk loading terminal, two petrochemical distributors, a large manufacturer of finished wood products, and a thermal electric generating station represent traditional, heavy industries operating in Port Moody. Crafts and cultural businesses are also common, and there is a growing healthcare and social services economic sector.
Port Moody’s economic growth and development in recent years have been in the arts and culture sector manifested by the promotional slogan “City of the Arts.” About six percent of employment is in arts and culture, one of the highest concentrations of such jobs in Metro Vancouver.
The Oil Industry at Port Moody
In the early 20th century, employment opportunities in oil refining at Port Moody increased steadily. The Imperial Oil Company commenced operations in 1915 on the north shore of Burrard Inlet. By 1919, the refinery processed 2,000 barrels increasing to as many as 25,000 barrels of crude a day after a 1952–’53 retrofit. In 1921, the company built an adjacent town of 83 houses, a post office, two stores, a school, two churches, a community hall, tennis courts, and a sports field. This site served the plant workers, their families, and sailors of docked tankers. After the refinery closed in 1995, the town site became a heritage conservation area for preservation.
Luxurious & Spacious 2 Bedroom plus den, view home at "The Grande". This desirable 1200 sqft modern, air conditioned condo is beautifully located just steps to sky train, shopping, bus and recreation. Only lived in for 6 months, it is like new and beautifully decorated throughout, featuring 9 ft ceilings & endless windows to drink in the magnificent view of the Inlet and Mountains. There are 6 appliances included with upgraded washer/dryer, blinds on all windows and a gourmet kitchen with marble counters and large island. The Primary bedroom has a W/I closet and sumptuous ensuite with soaker tub and heated floors. 2 side by side EV parking and 2 storage lockers included. The Grande Health and Fitness club is world class with concierge included. This is Port Moodys most desirable address!More details
Welcome to this stunning three-level townhome in Prime Port Moody Centre! Enjoy the amazing rooftop patio with gorgeous mountain & inlet views. Featuring two bedrooms, a full bath, and a versatile room on the lower level - perfect for a home office or gym - this home offers flexibility for any lifestyle. The main floor boasts a spacious kitchen, living, and dining area, seamlessly flowing onto a double garage for added convenience. Retreat to the top floor's primary bedroom with a sprawling walk-in closet and separate access to your exclusive rooftop deck, perfect for dining alfresco and hosting family and friends. Conveniently located near Rocky Point Park, Moody Centre Skytrain, and various shops and cafes. School catchments include Moody Elementary, Ecole Moody Middle, and Port Moody Secondary. Experience convenient living in beautiful Port Moody!More details
GORGEOUS, 4 BEDROOM, END UNIT TOWNHOME WITH PRIVACY AND A/C! This unique, 12 unit complex is tucked away on a quiet street, and is walkable to shopping, restaurants, Breweries, Skytrain and WestCoast Express! Entry level has a bedroom, full bath and access to Double Garage. Main level boasts high ceilings, new paint, vinyl plank flooring and open plan living with tons of windows and natural light! Kitchen features oversized entertaining island..perfect for family gatherings. White cabinetry, quartz counters, upscale KitchenAid and Blomberg appliances. Up are 3 generous bedrooms...the Primary has a huge walk-in closet and a gorgeous ensuite! Close to all 3 levels of great schools! Newly added Heat pump and EV charger. Enjoy the Port Moody urban lifestyle!More details
"THE QUEST' located in most desirable HERITAGE WOODS built by Parklane. This Gorgeous TOWNHOME with generous sized south facing sundeck, looks out to a lush permanent GREENBELT. Plenty of space for a growing family, with 3 bedrooms up include a large master with 4 piece ensuite and an additional full bath to accompany the other 2 bedrooms, below main floor offers den or easily convert to 4th bedroom. Large, open & spacious modern kitchen with island & granite countertops, 9' ceilings, powder room on main, recently upgraded STAINLESS STEEL fridge & built-in above the range microwave, solid bamboo hardwood flooring throughout main including stairs leading upstairs to bedrooms, cozy GAS FIREPLACE with upgraded stone surround & built-in entertainment unit, travertine heated tile floor in foyer, loads of storage under stairs & in your full size side by side double garage, hot water tank just replaced, security system, roughed in vac. Walking distance to Aspenwood Elementary & close to Heritage Woods High.More details
Welcome to Umbra at Portwood, Port Moody's newest 23acre master plan community! 219 homes coming Spring of 2026. Our townhomes are fully concrete, 3bedroom, 3bathrooms with multiple outdoor spaces. 9ft ceilings on both levels and air conditioned! Our Inform kitchens include: fully integrated Fulgor Milano appliance package, quartz countertops and back splash, pantries and large islands. This home comes with parking, a storage unit and bike space. Portwood is located minutes from Downtown Port Moody, close to Rocky Point Park, the breweries, the skytrain. Also to complete in Spring 2026, is the Joinery; 14,000 sqft of retail space that will include a grocery, daycare and much more. 10% deposits and large credits available on all homes. Visit us at 1190 Cecile Drive!More details
Listed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. and Rennie Marketing Systems