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Civic & Community

Port Moody, BC

Port Moody Arts Centre

The functional program for the Port Moody Arts Centre supports cultural growth and community connection, advancing the city’s vision to celebrate arts and culture as central to civic identity and future development.

Inform Planning led the creation of a comprehensive functional program for PoMoArts, charting a path for the renewal and expansion of the organization’s long-standing home in a heritage-designated building. The plan outlines future spatial requirements, operational goals, and planning principles to align with the City of Port Moody’s long-term priorities while addressing pressing needs for accessibility, sustainability, and program expansion.

Client

Port Moody Arts Centre
Location

Port Moody, BC
Year

2025
Services

Current State Review and Needs Assessment
Interest-holder Consultation and Engagement
Functional Program Development
Accessibility and Inclusivity Planning
Documentation for Future Business Case and Capital Funding

Renderings by public architecture. Diagram by Inform Planning

A Vision for Arts and Community

The facility plan imagines a vibrant and inclusive cultural hub, designed to meet the needs of artists, learners, and the wider community. Key features include:

Expanded studios for ceramics, visual arts, and music.
Flexible multipurpose spaces and performance areas, including a theatre and rehearsal rooms with acoustic treatment.
A gallery, gathering areas, and administrative space to support programming and events.

The design emphasizes adaptability, accessibility, and environmental performance, ensuring the facility can evolve with future community needs while supporting the City’s climate action goals.

Strategic Engagement and Expertise

Central to the process was extensive engagement with PoMoArts staff, instructors, Indigenous artists, board members, City representatives, and community members. Workshops, surveys, and consultations ensured the program reflected diverse voices and aspirations.

Inform Planning provided specialized expertise in cultural facility planning, translating operational needs into clear spatial strategies. The team integrated best practices in inclusive design, sustainability, and operational flexibility, ensuring alignment with municipal priorities and industry standards.

A Foundation for Renewal and Growth

The functional program sets the stage for a landmark civic space that both honors the heritage of the existing facility and creates new opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement. By embedding inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and flexibility into the plan, the project establishes a strong foundation for future design and implementation, ensuring the Port Moody Arts Centre continues to serve as a vital cultural hub for generations to come.

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