Anmore faces sharp division over a massive growth plan that could triple its population and reshape the village’s rural charm into urban living.
Small Village, Big Changes: Anmore’s Population Could Triple
The quiet village of Anmore, nestled in Metro Vancouver, is at the centre of a heated debate as it considers a development proposal that could triple its population and transform its semi-rural character.
What began in 1987 as a move to maintain a peaceful, rural community has now evolved into a tug-of-war between preservation and progress. The catalyst? A proposal known as Anmore South, pitched by developer Icona Properties.
2,200 Homes Could Redefine the Village Landscape
Icona’s proposal targets a 151-acre plot currently zoned for one-acre single-detached homes. The developer wants to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP) to allow for 2,200 new residential units, ranging from detached homes to mid-rise apartments.
In addition to housing, the plan includes commercial spaces, recreational fields, and the long-awaited connection of Anmore to Metro Vancouver’s wastewater system, replacing the community’s reliance on septic tanks.
If approved, it could rapidly transform Anmore into a much denser, suburban-style municipality — a change that many residents aren’t ready for.
Residents Rally to Preserve Anmore’s Rural Identity
Local resistance is being led by the Anmore Residents Association, whose members argue the proposal threatens the essence of what makes their village unique.
“I always wanted to move up here because I like the rural ambiance and the quiet,” said Neil Lyons, a director with the association. “Once we start down that road of urbanization, it’s just a matter of time before we’re like Port Moody.”
Signs reading “Rural to Urban? Go to Referendum” have become a common sight outside Anmore’s municipal hall, as residents push for greater public say in the decision-making process.
Developer and Mayor Push for Inclusive Growth
From the developer’s standpoint, the proposal is part of Anmore’s natural evolution within a growing Metro Vancouver region.
“We’ve all grown as a region,” said Greg Moore, Icona CEO and former mayor of Port Coquitlam. “Anyone in this region has to expect to grow.”
Anmore Mayor John McEwen agrees that the community must diversify. With the average home price hovering around $2.8 million, he sees the new development as a way to introduce housing options for young families and longtime residents priced out of their own hometown.
“There needs to be diversity here to make it a complete community,” McEwen said.
Tension Builds as Council Decision Nears
Despite the strong opposition, the village council — which saw minimal competition in the last election — is leaning toward supporting the plan. A vote on the OCP amendment could happen as early as next month.
Councillor Kim Trowbridge acknowledged the split opinion in the village. “It’s split. There’s no question it’s split,” she said. “As council members, we have to think about what’s good for the community long-term.”
Some argue that Anmore is already more suburban than rural, dominated by luxury homes on oversized lots. Still, the question remains: Should the village embrace growth or protect what’s left of its tranquil roots?
A Community at a Crossroads
No one denies that Anmore is unique — a holdout of pastoral charm amid Metro Vancouver’s sprawling growth. What’s unclear is whether that identity can survive in a region under mounting housing and infrastructure pressure.
As the village braces for a pivotal decision, one thing is certain: Anmore’s future is no longer just a local matter — it’s a symbol of the wider tension between rural heritage and urban necessity.
