Building Better Now: A Port Coquitlam Grandmother’s Vision

MATTE STORY – WORD COUNT: 719

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Authors: Ari Lord and Anna Dulisse, A Living Here Publication

For Laney Bryenton, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, has been home for 34 years.

It’s a place she cherishes dearly for the outdoor opportunities her suburban city provides.

“Port Coquitlam is right on the edge of wilderness. We have access to beautiful hiking trails, lagoons, lakes, fabulous biking and kayaking. It’s not far from the ocean where I race dragon boats,” says Laney. “I love our natural world, I am never happier than when I am spending time in it.”

While increasing development in her city is causing it to lose some of its charm, she feels for now, it still retains some of the atmosphere of the quaint town she loves.

Times They Are a Changing

Laney and Rob have nine grandchildren, all living near Port Coquitlam. She loves laughing with them, sharing her love of nature, and making them popsicles, but worries about their future. And there is one worry in particular that Laney says took root a decade ago while driving two of her grandchildren home from their cabin in B.C.’s Cariboo District.

“We couldn’t go our usual route through the Fraser Canyon because it was on fire. We went down the Coquihalla which had been ravaged the year before by a massive fire. The kids had so many questions as we drove by mile after mile of burned forests. ‘Why is this happening? Why can’t we stop it?’ We were all upset. And I struggled to help them understand how critical it was without frightening them.”

This moment of realizing there was increasing fire activity changed the way she understands carbon pollution.

“As a grandmother I am afraid for their future. I worry that we are at a tipping point that may make their future living conditions unbearable. The climate worries me enormously.”

Laney sees the impacts of carbon pollution each time she visits B.C.’s interior and she has also noticed that flood and fire risks are growing more prevalent in the news each year. But Laney, an optimist, believes people can “turn the tide” on carbon pollution by coming together and by being proactive.

TURNING THE TIDE TOGETHER

Locally, cities like Port Moody and Burnaby have adopted a Zero Carbon Step Code, a bylaw for all-electric buildings that ensures energy-efficient, clean-powered heating and cooling systems are installed in all new homes ahead of the province’s required 2030 deadline.

In nearby Coquitlam (different from Port Coquitlam), 42% of carbon pollution comes from buildings. And while the city plans to adopt the code, there is debate on its strength and timeline.

Laney believes British Columbians deserve government policies that will help protect them from disasters like wildfires and extreme heat. She hopes Port Coquitlam will follow suit and step up to adopt the strongest version of the Zero Carbon Step Code soon.

“That is just common sense,” she says. “We have to make our leaders adopt this Step Code because they won’t do it on their own. They’ll only do it if we tell them it’s important to us, and if they hear us louder and clearer than the corporate lobby.”

PUTTING HER EXPERIENCE TO GOOD USE

Laney, a long time advocate for people with disabilities, knows change happens when people unite and make their voices heard by the government.

“I work hard at writing and calling our elected officials about the choices they’re making on our behalf. It’s our job to hold them accountable.”

Laney hopes B.C. residents join forces to make sure that carbon pollution is addressed faster.

“The provincial government could do a much better job to make strides (to slow climate change).”

Laney knows that without action to reduce carbon pollution, things will worsen. However, she also believes communities have the power to make a difference.

“Collectively we can create energy for change. We all have to take this on.”

For now, Laney leans on her love of her grandchildren to find hope.

“I am committed to kindly and gently reminding my children and my grandchildren that we have a responsibility to care for our world. At times I am sure they roll their eyes behind my back (with love) but I hope that in my small way I can help us all change in a way that protects the future of our planet.”

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About Neighbours United 

Neighbours United is a community-driven charitable organization dedicated to environmental advocacy and sustainable solutions. We empower communities through leadership development, deep engagement programs, and initiatives that support renewable energy, local food security, and habitat protection. Our work has impacted over 100,000 people across 14 communities and earned national recognition, including Canada’s Clean50 Top Project Award.

As part of our commitment to fostering informed and resilient communities, we publish Living Here, an ad-free, non-profit, independent magazine that shares stories of local solutions addressing social and environmental challenges. This publication highlights inspiring narratives of individuals and groups working towards healthy, safe, and strong communities. Living Here collaborates with local media to amplify these stories, reaching a broader audience and encouraging collective action. 

We envision a future where communities unite for a sustainable and equitable world. For more information about our programs and initiatives, visit neighboursunited.org.

Contact

Montana Burgess, Executive Director
montana@neighboursunited.org
250-921-5497

Resources

LINK TO STORY: https://livinghere.ca/building-better-now-a-port-coquitlam-grandmothers-vision/

PHOTOS LINKS: All photos courtesy of Daniel Balbuena

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Caption: Laney and her husband Rob embrace the beauty of nature together, reflecting Laney’s commitment to creating a healthier community in Port Coquitlam.

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Caption: Laney cares deeply for her grandkids and worries about the future they will inherit in Port Coquitlam if the current trajectory of carbon pollution continues.

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Caption: Laney believes that by uniting as a community and advocating for stronger action on carbon pollution, Port Coquitlam can make significant progress toward a cleaner, healthier future.

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Caption: Always an optimist and dedicated to improving the lives of those around her, Laney will continue working tirelessly to make a positive impact in her community.