Residents of Port Moody Centre and Newport Village enjoy convenient access by car and a plethora of local amenities. At the hub of Port Moody, there are a number of grocery stores, several restaurants and bars, a public library, and a gym at the community centre. Moreover, there are multiple bus routes connecting to other nearby cities.
The population size of this area is 692 with a median age of 54.90. On average, households in this area have an income of $241,149 and consist of 2.22 people. Of the 312 households, 33% have children and 67% do not have children. Additionally, 32% of the population is not in the labour force.
Belcarra is surrounded by the forests of Belcarra Regional Park and the waters of Indian Arm, and is the lowest population of any independent settlement in Greater Vancouver. It’s a close-knit “island community” that has a relaxed West Coast lifestyle, with stunning views of the North Shore mountains and picturesque waters of Indian Arm. Many of the homes are situated on the water, and the majority of residents have private docks and boats, making it a serene and beautiful wooded retreat.
Most of Belcarra’s residential development has gone hand-in-hand with Bedwell Bay Road and Belcarra Bay Road, the two main roads in the area. Zoning regulations only allow for the construction of single family homes.
Property taxes in this municipality are much lower than those in neighbouring areas, and the median household income is one of the highest in the Metro Vancouver region, at $100,995.
Geography / Environment / Climate
Belcarra has a temperate, coastal climate, with mild winters and an average annual temperature of 14.4°C. It receives 1164 mm of precipitation each year.
Employment & Jobs
The largest percentage of Belcarra residents are employed in the following occupations: social science (23.5%), business, finance and administration (17.3%), sales and service (17%), and management (16%) (2006). While more and more residents are now working from home, the majority of them still work either in Downtown Vancouver or its suburbs.
Shopping
At the heart of Newport Village, the largest of the local Port Moody shopping centres with 45 stores, you’ll find Pavilion Square – a popular venue for local performances and gatherings. Other nearby centres are Suter Brook Village and Heritage Mountain Centre. If you’re looking for a larger regional mall, Coquitlam Centre is a short fifteen minutes away.
Dining & Restaurants
Within 3km, you can find a variety of options for a quick bite: Arms Reach Bistro, Village Table, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, pubs, family restaurants, and fine dining establishments. If you have a few extra minutes, you can even explore more possibilities.
In the Port Moody region, there is an abundance of various ethnic cuisines to choose from: Japanese, Mexican, Italian, British, Mediterranean, Indian, Spanish, Trinidadian, and Thai.
Transportation & |Commute
Belcarra is an ideal bedroom community due to its proximity to Vancouver, which is just 28 kilometers away from downtown. Not only is the area secluded, but it is also easily accessible. Getting to downtown by car takes about 45 minutes, and it takes less than an hour to reach Vancouver International Airport. The area is also served by the TransLink public transit system, specifically the C26 bus route.
Schools
Residents of Belcarra have easy access to two major universities, as well as three excellent schools located within a 15-minute drive: Gleneagle Secondary School, Moody Middle School and Anmore Elementary School, which are all part of School District 43.
Simon Fraser University, located in nearby Burnaby, has been rated as Canada’s best comprehensive university in the Maclean’s survey for four consecutive years. It offers a wide range of academic opportunities, with more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs, as well as over 45 graduate options.
UBC, renowned for its high-level research and learning, is consistently ranked in the top 20 universities globally. With two campuses in Vancouver, one in Downtown Vancouver at Robson Square and the other at the Point Grey Peninsula, the University of British Columbia offers an impressive array of education and research opportunities.
The Arts
Throughout the year, Port Moody offers fun for all ages with community events and outdoor festivals. Every September, the city’s Festival of the Arts brings together creative performances and exhibits, unique workshops, and hands-on activities, allowing Belcarra and Port Moody residents to experience the work of local and Canadian artists. This celebration of the region’s rich history of arts and culture lasts for ten days.
Community
The Community & Recreation Association of Belcarra (CRAB) organizes several events throughout the year, such as the Belcarra Summer Program (a day camp for children aged 6-12), a Halloween party, an Easter egg hunt for kids, Belcarra Day (a fair), as well as regular pub nights for adults.
Recreation & Sports
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in nearby Coquitlam is a great option for Belcarra golfers. There, you can enjoy 27 holes of outstanding golf, two fantastic restaurants, and a top-notch teaching academy that is nationally recognized. Besides golf, the municipality also offers tennis courts located near the head of Bedwell Bay, and the surrounding area has much more to explore.
Belcarra Regional Park is a great destination for outdoor activities! Visitors can enjoy oceanfront beaches with mudflats, a floating walkway around Sasamat Lake, and spectacular views of Deep Cove, Burnaby Mountain and Mount Seymour from Admiralty Point. Other attractions include the Jug Island Beach trail, and Buntzen Lake recreational area in neighbouring Anmore, which has a swimming beach, picnic areas, boating, fishing and hiking.
Healthcare
Belcarra has the convenience of Eagle Ridge Hospital located nearby in Port Moody, which offers 24-hour emergency service. The hospital provides a variety of facilities, including:
Investing in Belcarra Real Estate
Due to its location within a major regional park, Belcarra has not seen a great deal of growth, however, new development is centering around making the most of its spectacular views, water access, and natural environment. As it is situated at the bottom of a peninsula, its physical expansion is limited.
The Lower Mainland residential market boasts some of the highest property values and dwelling prices, and Belcarra is no exception. This desirable Metro Vancouver community is highly sought after due to its limited availability, which brings many advantages. Property values remain strong, making it an attractive investment.
