Record
When I see something that isn’t working, I try to figure out why and then fix it. That’s what engineers do. I’ve brought forward policy solutions on housing, economic development, recreation, revenue diversification, and more.
Not every idea was mine. The best ones come from listening to neighbours like you. But every single resolution was about making Port Moody better for the people who live here.
Media articles can be found at the bottom of the page.
Housing & Health
LMLGA Resolution – Updating Strata Property Act
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
February 28, 2023: RC23/036
Tags: housing, climate adaptation, human health
THAT the following resolution regarding Updating the Strata Property Act to Include Allowances for Heat Pumps and Other Mechanical Cooling Systems be endorsed by the City of Port Moody Council and that submitted to the 2023 LMLGA convention:
AND THAT staff be directed to forward copies to the Premier of British Columbia, the Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction, and Minister of Health as recommended by the report dated February 14, 2023 from Councillor Samantha Agtarap and Councillor Amy Lubik regarding LMLGA Resolution – Updating Strata Property Act;
WHEREAS climate change is worsening conditions, increasing daytime and nighttime temperatures and other vulnerabilities for low-income residents of multi-unit residential buildings;
AND WHEREAS the current Strata Property Act permits Strata Councils to enact bylaws that permit or restrict the addition of mechanical cooling to an individual unit within a strata property, and therefore this restriction creates an unsafe interior environment in the case of heat domes and other high temperatures;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province of BC amend the Strata Property Act to allow the addition of heat pumps or other efficient mechanical cooling systems without the need to amend individual Strata corporation bylaws.
LMLGA Resolution – Requirement for Cooling in Rental Units
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
February 28, 2023: RC23/036
Tags: rental housing, climate adaptation, human health
THAT the report dated February 14, 2023 from Councillor Samantha Agtarap and Councillor Amy Lubik regarding LMLGA Resolution – Requirement for Cooling in Rental Units be received for information;
AND THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA for the 2023 convention:
WHEREAS climate change is worsening conditions and increasing vulnerabilities in the built environment, and the majority of heat dome deaths were in low-income and multi-unit residential buildings that lacked access to cooling;
AND WHEREAS the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety, and housing standards required by law, including heat but not cooling;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province make the necessary changes to the RTA to require cooling in rental units and buildings to ensure the health and safety of all British Columbians.
LMLGA Resolution - Incentives for Heat Pumps and Other Climate Resilience Retrofits in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)
Councillor Agtarap
February 28, 2023: RC23/036
Tags: housing, climate adaptation, human health
THAT the report dated February 25, 2023 from the office of Councillor Samantha Agtarap regarding incentives for heat pumps and other climate resilient retrofits in multi-unit residential buildings be received for information;
THAT staff be directed to forward copies to the Premier of British Columbia, the Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction and Minister of Health as recommended by the report dated February 17, 2023 from Councillors Samantha Agtarap;
AND THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA for the 2023 convention:
WHEREAS climate change is worsening conditions and increasing vulnerabilities in the built environment, and existing multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) are some of the most vulnerable and housing the most vulnerable populations;
AND WHEREAS the CleanBC Better Homes program provides incentives and rebates for some, but not all, dwelling types, excluding MURBs (such as high-rises and apartment buildings) yet over 30% of British Columbians reside in these dwellings;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province make the necessary changes to the CleanBC Better Homes program to ensure that all dwelling types are eligible for incentives and rebates for retrofits to ensure the health and safety of all British Columbians, particularly the most vulnerable, while working towards the Province’s GHG reduction targets.
Supporting Affordable Rental Housing Action
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
May 23, 2023, RC23/126 to 127
Tags: affordable housing, rental protection
THAT staff report back on the status of rental replacement, renter protection/displacement, and rental only zoning policies and bylaws laid out in the 2022 Affordable Housing Action Plan and the 2020 Affordable Housing Task Force Report for consideration of strengthening and supporting progress;
AND THAT staff be directed to reach to our MP and MLAs offices and non-profit housing providers to identify and preserve existing rental stock;
AND THAT the City of Richmond and New West staff be invited to present to council about their experiences with rental only zoning.
Integration of Housing Needs Considerations into Civic Building Planning
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
September 26, 2023, RC23/231
Tags: affordable housing
THAT a policy be developed such that opportunities for transition, low-income seniors, Indigenous or other supportive housing options be considered in all expansions, renovations, retrofits or newly constructed civic, fire or public safety related buildings.
AND THAT such a policy be developed in discussion with staff and first responders.
Naloxone Training for Front Line City Staff
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lurbiecki
May 9, 2023, RC23/100
Tags: human health
THAT staff investigate options and costs for training front line City staff and the provision of Naloxone kits at all City-owned facilities.
Update to Rental Protection Policies
Councillors Lubik and Councillor Agtarap
February 13, 2024, RC24/032
Tags: housing, rental
THAT the update to the Rental Protection Policy, and other associated policies and bylaws, include provisions to ensure that there is no net loss of secondary rental stock from significant land assemblies and redevelopment projects.
LMLGA & UBCM Advocacy - Updating the Provincial Minimum Standards of Maintenance
Councillors Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
February 13, 2024, RC24/038
Tags: housing, rental, maintenance
THAT the memo dated February 13, 2023 from the offices of Councillors Agtarap and Lubik regarding updates to the BC Standards of Maintenance Guide for rental units be received for information.
AND THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA and UBCM for the 2024 conventions:
WHEREAS climate change is worsening conditions and increasing vulnerabilities in the built environment, especially for low-income renters, and the majority of 2021 heat dome deaths were in low-income and multi-unit residential buildings that lacked access to cooling, and poor building maintenance contributes to poor occupant health, and;
AND WHEREAS The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) states in general terms that landlords must comply with health, safety, and housing standards required by law, including heat but not cooling, and the Province of BC enables local governments to enact standards of maintenance to enforce basic levels of maintenance for rental accommodation but many municipalities either do not have bylaws or bylaws that are inadequate in a changing climate;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province make the necessary changes to the Standards of Maintenance Guide to align the BC Building code regulations for maximum and minimum temperature standards and ensure that considerations of health and climate hazards such as mould, precipitation, extreme heat and cold conditions, are included.
AND THAT the guidance be converted to regulation, with associated regional and/or provincial supports for investigation and enforcement such that communities of every size have protection for renters.
Revenue Diversification & Local Economy
LMLGA Resolution – Casino Revenue Sharing in Metro Vancouver
Councillor Agtarap
February 28,2023, RC23/036
THAT the report dated February 15, 2023 from Councillor Samantha Agtarap regarding LMLGA Resolution – Casino Revenue Sharing in Metro Vancouver be received for information;
AND THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA for the 2023 convention:
WHEREAS the original intent of solely sharing casino revenue with host communities was to offset the perceived and projected negative impacts of hosting a casino, and according to the Province, most communities have experienced minimal, if any, negative financial consequences as a result of hosting such a facility and are using the revenue they receive for other, locally determined priorities, and;
AND WHEREAS there has been a precedent set with the Town of View Royal for partial regional casino revenue sharing, and residents from all communities throughout a region contribute to the revenue of a casino but do not receive the benefits, and therefore this creates an inequitable distribution of funds which could and should benefit residents of the entire Regional District;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province make the necessary legislative changes to ensure equitable distribution of casino revenue within Regional Districts.
Engagement with Businesses at Risk of Displacement
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Morrison
November 28, 2023, RC23/283
Tags: local business
THAT the Manager of Economic Development work with businesses, developers and/or landowners to ensure business owners operating in areas designated for redevelopment are engaged to lessen uncertainty that businesses may be facing prior to development applications being presented to any City Council or civic committees;
AND THAT the Sustainability Report Card be updated to reflect these requirements.
LMLGA & UBCM Advocacy - Youth Climate Corps
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
February 28, 2024 RC24/039
Tags: youth employment, climate action
THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA and UBCM for the
2024 conventions:
WHEREAS municipalities recognize the urgent need to address climate
change and the impact that climate change is having on communities
through extreme weather such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, which is
causing major infrastructure damage and loss of life to residents; and
WHEREAS there is a need to engage young people by local governments,
and train the next generation of low carbon sector workers and leaders;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT LMLGA and UBCM advocate to the
Province of British Columbia for an expanded Youth Climate Corps that will
provide green living wage jobs and training to young adults to support
important work on climate adaptation and mitigation projects in their own
communities, such as wildfire mitigation, building retrofits, ecosystem
restoration and community engagement.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Province work with local
governments, Indigenous communities and nations, youth groups,
industry, union associations and environmental organizations to scale up,
design programming and provide resources for a BC-wide Youth Climate
Corps.
LMLGA & UBCM Advocacy - Equitable Distribution of Gaming Revenue
Councillor Agtarap
May 28, 2024 RC24/132
Tags: gaming revenue
THAT Council advance the following resolution to UBCM for the 2024 convention:
WHEREAS the City of Port Moody advocated for more equitable distribution of gaming revenues, and was subsequently asked by the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General to provide viable options for the Ministry’s review and consideration to remedy significant funding inequities created by revenue sharing agreements with local governments hosting casinos;
AND WHEREAS more broadly and equitably sharing gaming revenue with
municipalities will reduce the financial inequity that has been inadvertently
created by providing significant revenue windfalls to host municipalities and
support non-host communities in enhancing the livability of their communities across the province:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province amend
gaming revenue distribution policies to include advancing equity;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Province establish a working group
with Port Moody and other non-host communities to discuss gaming revenue
sharing and equity policy changes.
Defining the Financial Impact of Legislative Tax Rate Caps on Taxpayers
Councillor Agtarap
November 18, 2024 FC25/091
Tags: revenue
THAT staff be directed to estimate the revenue that the City is foregoing due to federal and provincial legislation capping or otherwise limiting the ability of the City to independently levy taxes.
AND THAT staff include in the review a summary of all properties that are not being taxed at highest and best use, to provide a complete review of property taxation and identify under-taxed parcels;
AND THAT pending the results of the analysis, staff be directed to prepare an invoice to be delivered to the Provincial and Federal governments for their share of port taxes.
UBCM Advocacy - LGCAP Funding Renewal in BC
Councillor Agtarap
June 9, 2026 FC25/091
Tags: revenue, grants
THAT the following resolution be submitted to UBCM for consideration at the annual convention as recommended in the memo dated June 9, 2026, regarding LGCAP Funding Renewal in BC – UBCM Advocacy Motion from Councillor Samantha Agtarap:
WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia established the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) in 2022 to provide stable, formula-based funding to local governments and Modern Treaty First Nations for climate action and resilience initiatives;
AND WHEREAS no provincial funding commitment for LGCAP beyond 2026 has been confirmed, creating uncertainty that limits local governments’ ability to plan and deliver multi-year climate initiatives:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to commit to the continuation and long-term renewal of the Local Government Climate Action Program for a minimum of five years beginning in 2027 and to incorporate LGCAP as a core implementation mechanism within the CleanBC strategy.
Liveability
Trial Off-Leash Hours in Bert Flinn Park
Councillor Agtarap
May 9, 2023, RC23/101
Tags: recreation, parks, people & dogs
THAT staff report back with a proposal for a trial off-leash hours in Bert Flinn Park.
Gardening on Boulevards
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Lubik
May 23, 2023, RC23/128
Tags: placemaking
THAT staff investigate developing guidelines for gardening on City boulevards similar to the City of Vancouver programs and identify grassy boulevards and similar underused public spaces that can be planted with native and drought-tolerant plant species, including species that support pollinators and/or non-bear attractant foods, and/or provide program ideas to meet a similar intent. Investigation could include conversation with the Tri-Cities Grow Local Society;
Provincial Noise Camera Pilot Project
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Dilworth
May 28, 2024, RC24/133
Tags: liveability, noise
THAT Council advance the following resolution to UBCM for the 2024 convention:
WHEREAS noise pollution has wide-ranging and well documented negative effects on public health and well-being and social connectedness, and vehicular noise pollution, from such sources as aftermarket exhaust systems are a particularly acute source of noise pollution, and these impacts disproportionately affect residents living near major thoroughfares, which are often more affordable housing types;
AND WHEREAS many jurisdictions have sought to address the numerous challenges to the effective monitoring and enforcement of existing vehicular noise regulations through conventional law enforcement approaches by deploying noise cameras;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM ask that the Province of British Columbia explore the feasibility of using noise cameras to effectively enforce vehicular noise regulations through the creation of a noise camera pilot project for municipalities to opt into.
Publicly Accessible Playground Replacement Grant Program
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Morrison
July 22, 2025, RC25/158 to RC25/159
Tags: park, playground
THAT staff report back on opportunities and criteria for a City grant program to support strata complexes in upgrading their publicly accessible playgrounds that have reached end of life.
LMLGA & UBCM Advocacy - Increased Funding for Libraries
Councillor Agtarap
February 24, 2026, RC26/056
Tags: library, funding, advocacy
WHEREAS Public Libraries in British Columbia are primarily funded by local governments, and the Province’s $14 million in core funding for BC’s 71 library systems has not increased since 2010, even as both the population and inflation have grown dramatically over the years;
AND WHEREAS libraries continue to shoulder growing expectations without the necessary provincial support and libraries have taken on an ever-expanding role in advancing provincial objectives for community well-being;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT that LMLGA and UBCM call on the provincial government to immediately increase the annual core funding for public libraries to $30 million, and to index that amount to cost-of-living and inflationary pressures in future years, as recommended by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and repeatedly requested by the BC Public Library Partners;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT LMLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to establish both a dedicated capital funding program to assist local governments in upgrading, expanding, and constructing library facilities, and an advisory body under section 52(1) of the Library Act to review the provincial library funding model in consultation with local governments and First Nations.
UBCM Advocacy - Regulating Electric Dirt Bikes
Councillor Agtarap
June 9, 2026, RC26/113
Tags: electric motorcycles, road safety
THAT the following resolution be submitted to UBCM for consideration at the annual convention as recommended in the memo dated June 9, 2026, regarding regulating electric dirt bikes – UBCM Advocacy Motion from Councillor Samantha Agtarap:
WHEREAS the Motor Vehicle Act defines a motor vehicle as “a vehicle, not run on rails, that is designed to be self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires,” and defines motor assisted cycle (e-bike) as a device with pedals:
AND WHEREAS electric dirt bikes exceed the restrictions of motor assisted cycles and default to unregulated status for on-road use, making them uninsurable and prohibited from operating on roadways, sidewalks, multi-use paths, or bike lanes:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to amend the Motor Vehicle Act and other applicable regulations to regulate the sale of these types of bikes and increase consumer awareness, including implementing minimum age requirements, mandatory point-of-sale disclosures regarding operational legalities, and clear disclaimers on permissible usage areas.
Governance
LMLGA Resolution – Public Funding of Municipal Election Campaigns
Councillor Agtarap and Councillor Knowles
February 28, 2023, RC23/040 to 043
Tags: governance, equity
THAT the report dated February 20, 2023 from Councillor Samantha Agtarap and Councillor Kyla Knowles regarding LMLGA Resolution – Public Funding of Municipal Election Campaigns be received for information;
AND THAT Council advance the following resolution to LMLGA for the 2023 convention:
WHEREAS Elections BC made changes to donation rules for municipal candidates to reduce perceived influence of corporations and unions, and while this has helped to increase participation in democracy, participation in municipal elections is still limited by ability to participate financially through access to personal wealth and connections, rather than ideas and candidate skill set;
AND WHEREAS there has been increased scrutiny of endorsements and donations, and this has further divided communities and highlighted inequities in the electoral system;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Province consider public funding of municipal election campaigns that includes ensuring equitable access and participation in municipal electoral campaigns for a more diverse range of candidates;
AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Province investigate election measures such that all candidates have equitable access to endorsements.
Ceasing Use of the Social Media Platform X (Twitter)
Councillor Agtarap
January 13, 2026, RC26/013
Tags: governance
THAT staff be directed to cease the use of social media platform X (Twitter) effective immediately, except in the case of an emergency;
AND THAT staff be directed to find a suitable emergency notification system within six months;
AND THAT this be released to the public, effective immediately, with a list of alternate platforms that can be used for City information such as the City’s website and Facebook;
AND THAT a public statement be immediately issued, advising that public notifications will now be available through the City’s website and Facebook.
Media
Letterbox: ‘Ridiculous’ underfunding at Eagle Ridge Hospital exacerbates staff shortages
Eagle Ridge Hospital serves the second fastest growing region in Fraser Health. The demand at Eagle Ridge Hospital is outstripping its capacity, not only beds but staff capacity along with increasingly sicker patients arriving at hospital doors. The systemic failure of provincial investment is nowhere more obvious than healthcare. Read more.
Letterbox: Women and children who need housing can’t wait for B.C.’s next budget cycle
May 7 was the day that some of the city council learned, not from the province, that funding for the Act2 women’s transition housing had been pulled. This critical housing for women and children fleeing violence was quietly defunded months earlier. Beedie and Act2 were notified in early March. B.C. Housing notified Port Moody city staff on May 8. Those months could have been used to find alternative solutions; instead, we are scrambling. Read more.
Letterbox: Hoping for an equitable split of casino cash? Don’t bet on it
Your tax bill is influenced by more than just your city council. Policies, set by senior levels of government, advantage some communities over others. Provincial policies on gaming revenue (net revenue from lottery, betting and casinos) and selective property tax caps on specific property classes have created an unfair system of “have” and “have-not” communities. Read more.
Port Moody’s Agtarap ‘99 per cent sure’ about re-election bid
May 1, 2026 – Coun. Samantha Agtarap says she hasn’t made a final decision about running in October’s municipal election, noting an announcement is coming soon regardless of her choice.
Tri-Cities TV Interview
Recently, Cathy Cena of Tri-Cities Community TV sat down with Port Moody Councillor Samantha Agtarap to discuss her decision to seek re-election and her vision for the city’s future.
Agtarap shared that her love for Port Moody and her commitment to the community are what motivated her to run again. Having served on council, she is proud of the work that has been accomplished and wants to continue building on that momentum. She believes there is still important work ahead and is eager to help guide Port Moody through its next phase of growth. Watch here.
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Questions for me? Or interested in hosting a small get-together and chatting about the future of Port Moody? Send me a note.