Port Moody approves permits for 150-space child-care conversion at historic Ioco School

Port Moody council unanimously approved permits July 28 that move School District 43 closer to converting the historic Ioco School and its gymnasium at 101 First Ave. into a 150-space child-care centre. The district can now proceed toward a building permit after receiving heritage alteration and environmental development permits.

The renovation is to preserve the 1921 building’s wood-frame structure and defining exterior features while upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, seismic safety and accessibility. Plans include outdoor and covered play areas, an accessibility ramp and 20 parking spaces, including two accessible stalls and four electric-vehicle charging spaces.

The centre is planned to have 36 infant-and-toddler spaces, 66 spaces for children aged three to five and 48 before- and after-school spaces. A non-profit operator will run it, and families will be able to access provincial affordability programs. The province announced $13.9 million for the project last September through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, with federal support under the Canada–British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Ioco School opened in 1921 as Imperial Oil developed a company town near its refinery and later served as an elementary and alternate school before closing in 2005. It is a protected heritage property within the Ioco Townsite Heritage Conservation Area, and a heritage consultant will continue to oversee work during construction.

The district will also build a multi-use path along First Avenue, alongside a city project on Ioco Road. A traffic impact assessment and transportation demand management plan are to be completed at the building-permit stage. Public consultation drew 75 responses, chiefly from Port Moody and Coquitlam residents, and city staff said the most common question was when the centre would open. No firm opening date has been announced.