Issues for Coquitlam

Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?

This election is critical, and who we elect will shape the future of our community for decades to come. We engaged with candidates, and asked them to complete a questionnaire to find out where they stand on climate and environmental policies we care about. Coquitlam residents have expressed concern about the way new housing is being developed - it lacks sufficient input from local communities and sufficient infrastructure to ensure communities include essential amenities that make them liveable, walkable and safe. Another issue is the role of trees in mitigating temperature and cleaning the air we breathe - retaining a mature tree canopy throughout the city is important for this. Residents are also concerned about affordability which includes commuting distances for services and jobs not available close by as well as home energy costs. That is why we asked about support for policies ensuring new building approvals take into account energy source impact on emissions and climate.

What about other issues?

This site (https://www.coquitlam.ca/1205/Candidate-Summaries) has more information on the candidates and their views on housing affordability, development, transit, childcare, parking, the climate crisis, and what candidates would prioritize if they are elected. We link to this questionnaire from each candidate page.

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Policy commitments for Coquitlam

Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.

Candidate Total BuildingsClimate JusticeEcosystemsLand UseTransportWatershedsZero Waste
Candidates for Mayor
Craig Hodge 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Madhavee Inamdar 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Trish Mandewo 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Candidates for Council
Behzad Abdi 17/21 ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ~ ~
Phillip Buchan 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Tali Campbell 20/21 ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ali Cina 0/21 – – – – – – –
Matt Djonlic 20/21 ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Habib Jamshidian 0/21 – – – – – – –
Steve Kim 20/21 ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre 0/21 – – – – – – –
Cameron McBryer 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Benjamin Perry 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Shereen Samimi 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Matthew Sebastiani 0/21 – – – – – – –
Harvey Su 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Kash Tayal 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Jane Thomsing 21/21 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Rosalinda Thorleifson 16/21 ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ~ ~
Teri Towner 20/21 ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Lili Tran 20/21 ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Harry Warren 20/21 ~ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Candidates
Robert Mazzarolo 0/21 – – – – – – –
✓ Consistent support
~ Neutral or mixed response
× Consistent opposition
– No response

Candidates for Coquitlam

Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.

Candidates for Mayor

Candidates for Council

Behzad Abdi Council 17/21 Climate Policies

Dr. Behzad Abdi is an AI researcher, engineer, educator, and longtime Coquitlam community leader. He has led local nonprofit initiatives for over a decade and is running for City Council to bring practical, data-driven solutions to City Hall.

Coquitlam Westwood plateau Full profile →
Phillip Buchan Council 21/21 Climate Policies

I have lived in Coquitlam for 13 years. I work for Access Yourh Outreach Services as a bus driver.i have also worked at the Tricities Winter Shelter for the past 2 years.

Austin Heights Full profile →
Tali Campbell Council 20/21 Climate Policies

Tali Campbell is a community leader, hockey executive and candidate for Coquitlam City Council. He is passionate about youth, sport and giving back, with a focus on building a stronger, more connected Coquitlam.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Ali Cina Council DID NOT RESPOND
  Full profile →
Matt Djonlic Council 20/21 Climate Policies

Matt believes his job as your Coquitlam City Councillor is to help you get what you need from City Hall, and to make Coquitlam the best it can be.

City Centre Full profile →
Habib Jamshidian Council DID NOT RESPOND
  Full profile →
Steve Kim Council 20/21 Climate Policies

Steve Kim is a two-term City Councillor, long-time resident, entrepreneur and community leader. He believes in listening, working together and making thoughtful, responsible decisions that strengthen Coquitlam for today and future generations.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre Council 0/21 Climate Policies

Longtime Coquitlam resident, community leader, nonprofit Executive Director and food recovery advocate. Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre brings experience in finance, health care and community development, with a strong commitment to serving residents.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Cameron McBryer Council 21/21 Climate Policies

Coquitlam born and raised. Received my Bachelors in Physics from SFU. Have previously worked as Operations Manager for Real Canadian Superstore. Has been a bartender at times. Now I help customers build and design their off gird solar solutions.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Benjamin Perry Council 21/21 Climate Policies

Ben grew up in the forests of Coquitlam, raised his family here, and led a local climate action group. He has a Master of Science from UBC and over 10 years of experience in community organizing, non-profit governance, and government relations.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Shereen Samimi Council 21/21 Climate Policies

I’m originally from Winnipeg, but I’ve proudly called Coquitlam home since 2010. I’m a UVic and Harvard graduate passionate about bringing public health into local policy, and a proud mom to an 11-month-old son.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Matthew Sebastiani Council DID NOT RESPOND
  Full profile →
Harvey Su Council 21/21 Climate Policies

Harvey Su is a Coquitlam resident, business owner and community leader with 20+ years of experience. He holds an MSc from UBC and an MBA from Wharton and is committed to practical solutions and building a more livable, connected Coquitlam.

Westwood Plateau Full profile →
Kash Tayal Council 21/21 Climate Policies

Hard work, resilience and disciplined financial management to a self made entrepreneur, a family man and community volunteer, committed to fiscal responsibility supporting families, neighborhood, housing, commute, sports and smart city innovations.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Jane Thomsing Council 21/21 Climate Policies

I am a working mom of three and a longtime Coquitlam resident who cares deeply about people, community, and our natural environment. I work as an Education Assistant with School District 43 and as a residential care worker with Kinsight.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Rosalinda Thorleifson Council 16/21 Climate Policies

Lifelong Coquitlam resident from a small business family. 15+ years in marketing and strategy, now strata council president, running for City Council to champion smart growth, housing, and safety for our community.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Teri Towner Council 20/21 Climate Policies

Coquitlam resident for 27 years and City Councillor for 12, I bring experience, energy and a strong commitment to community. I am a proud mom and grandma, active volunteer and avid runner who believes in listening, showing up and getting things done.

City of Coquitlam Full profile →
Lili Tran Council 20/21 Climate Policies

I pledge to put residents' everyday concerns at the centre of local decision-making. My 10+ years of work give me practical insight into housing, infrastructure, responsible development, and the long-term cost and benefits of public investment.

Coquitlam Full profile →
Harry Warren Council 20/21 Climate Policies

Harry Warren has been a past director of the Como Watershed Group years ago and has participated with removal of invasive plants with the city of Coquitlam’s Bad Seed program. Harry is also very knowledgeable about alternative energy sources.

Coquitlam Full profile →

Candidates

How to vote

On October 17, 2026, Coquitlam voters will elect a Mayor and 8 Councillors.

Are you registered to vote?

Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register

Find out more about how and where to vote from: https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/20361/General-Voting-Day-Locations-30July2026

Voting tip

When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.

Voting opportunities

DateTypeLocationStart timeEnd time
Saturday, October 17, 2026 General Voting Day https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/20361/General-Voting-Day-Locations-30July2026 8:00am 8:00pm
Monday, October 5, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Town Centre Park Community Centre 8:00am 8:00pm
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Centennial Pavilion 8:00am 8:00pm
Thursday, October 8, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Town Centre Park Community Centre 8:00am 8:00pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Town Centre Park Community Centre 8:00am 8:00pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Centennial Pavilion 8:00am 8:00pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Victoria Community Hall 8:00am 8:00pm
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Centennial Pavilion 8:00am 8:00pm
Thursday, October 15, 2026 Advanced Voting Day Centennial Pavilion 8:00am 8:00pm

Compiled & presented by

Authorized by Force of Nature Alliance, registered sponsor under LECFA, info@forceofnaturealliance.ca

Vote4Tomorrow is an independent voter guide to evaluate where local candidates stand on climate and environmental policies that will affect our future.

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