Neighbourhood Series: Small business is booming in Port Moody

Ask Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay why small businesses are attracted to his city, and he’s got a simple answer.

“It’s just a real sort of community feel, I think, that we built around.”

Take a visit to Port Moody’s St. John’s Street, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by string of thriving “mom and pop” shops: a florist, a salon, an Italian deli — even a tattoo parlor.

So what’s the secret recipe that allows small independent operators to survive in the city?

“We’re a smaller city, so we don’t tend to have giant tracts of land,” said Clay.

View image in full screen

“So it’s so difficult if you’re a Walmart or a Costco to try to set up here because you just don’t have enough room.”

But geography is just one aspect, with city council playing its own role in the equation.

Clay said it’s been a focus, and something of an unwritten policy by the city to try and favour independent local businesses over the big box stores.

But ultimately, Clay said, it’s the people of Port Moody who make small business here possible.

“Most of the people that run the small businesses here live in the community, they work here, and their kids go to school here,” he said.

“So, there’s a real attachment there and people support them for that reason. And then they want to, even if they’ve had a business somewhere else, they get to be like, ‘Hi, I moved to Port Moody and I want bring my business there as well.'”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

One industry that’s been surprisingly thriving in Port Moody is microbrewing.

On Murray Street you’ll find four small breweries along a short stretch of road commonly known as “Brewers Row.”

Near the Murray Street overpass and across from Rocky Point Park you’ll find Parkside Brewing.

“First off, the city has been very cooperative as far as getting things done around permitting and whatnot,” said Parkside brewmaster Vern Lambourne.

“They are very welcoming, so that always helps when you’re trying to set up a business somewhere.”

Parkside is the newest brewery to open up on Brewers Row, alongside Twins Sails, Moody Ales and Yellow Dog Brewing.

“You know, they already had three breweries down here and it’s quite nice a scene,” said Lambourne.

“And we thought there’s room for more, you know, why not make it a destination by adding another one? So we took the chance and we were right.”

It’s been a learning experience for many in the city, said Clay — who added that when Yellow Dog first opened in the area, he had no idea craft beer even was.

“I didn’t know that this is something we needed or wanted, but it’s been embraced by our entire community. They are the four busiest businesses in the city,” Clay said.

Clay calls Brewers Row’s success a “perfect storm” of conditions for successful business: from the industrial zoning next to the popular Rocky Point Park, to the walkability of the area and its status as an up-and-coming hip neighbourhood.

“People can walk there. No matter what part of the city you’re in, it’s right in the middle,” he said.

“Then, these four business owners they all get along, they all work together, they do joint marketing, they do joint products. And I think they really caught on to what plays with people and how to get them really embracing your business.”

He added that on top of good branding, product and patios the real key has been how the breweries have made an effort to be an active part of Port Moody.

“They’re active in the community, and that’s what you get in a small town I think. I think that’s why they’re successful in Port Moody because they fit in the way our city already works.”

Moving forward, Clay said the city will continue to partner with store owners and small business owners to promote small business in Port Moody.

He said the city recently held its first “Car Free Day,” emulating the popular street festivals that have been a boon for small businesses in several Vancouver neighbourhoods.

“That was all about highlighting our local businesses and getting the community out, and we have a ton of people even still in the community that’ve said ‘I didn’t know that store existed, and I drive by here every day,'” he said.

“But now that they do, they met the owner, they got a personal connection, they love it, and they’re gonna be back. And I think the other huge benefit of the small operators is that you can see them. You know, ‘I’m looking for something and you don’t have it,’ so they go get it or they find it or they make it for you.”

It’s the kind of experience Clay said shoppers can’t get at the big chains, and that the more people engage with it the more they like it — even if sometimes it costs a little more.

So next time you’re in Port Moody, take advantage of some of the many services offered at a variety of small local businesses… or maybe even swing by Brewers Row for one of Port Moody’s famous craft beers.