Dear friends and neighbours,
Thank you again for signing the petition calling for transparency and accountability at Port Moody City Hall.
More than 750 people have signed because they believe local government should serve the public interest, and that elected officials must be held to a high standard when it comes to conflicts of interest and public trust.
At the heart of this matter is a concern that has been raised since 2023: Councillor Diana Dilworth serves simultaneously as a City Councillor and as Director of Government Relations for the Home Builders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN), where she is a registered lobbyist. Despite this dual role, she has continued voting on development proposals involving HAVAN members and clients — raising serious questions about conflict of interest under the Local Government Act and the Lobbyists Registration Act.
Residents have pursued every available channel to have this addressed. The City Manager has acknowledged the concern but has taken no meaningful action, citing solicitor-client privilege and the absence of any policy requiring a timeline for response. The Office of the Ombudsperson acknowledged these concerns and committed to assigning an investigator — yet months later, residents are still waiting for any meaningful action. The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists for British Columbia confirmed that "activities performed by elected municipal officials fall outside the jurisdiction of the ORL" — leaving residents without recourse through the very bodies designed to provide it.
Community members are therefore taking the next step: a legal challenge.
This is about more than just Port Moody or one council vote. The outcome of this case could have implications across British Columbia by helping set a precedent for meaningful enforcement around conflicts of interest, transparency, and public confidence in local government.
Residents supporting this effort have already contributed more than $1,500 — a clear sign of how deeply people care about accountability in local government. Legal action, however, is costly, and we need your support to continue. Even a contribution of $20 will make a meaningful difference.
This initiative is being funded entirely by ordinary community members.
Thank you for standing up for transparency, accountability, and public trust in Port Moody.
Sincerely, Port Moody Residents for Civic Integrity