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 | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero 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 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Candidates for Coquitlam
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Craig Hodge
Mayor 21/21 Climate Policies
I grew up in Coquitlam, and worked for the local paper. I coached sports, was president of the Chamber and Heritage Society. Elected to council in 2011, I serve on the Regional Parks Committee, Zero Waste Committee & chair of National Waste Council.
Madhavee Inamdar
Mayor 21/21 Climate Policies
For over two decades, I have worked across the public sector including with Government of B.C., Surrey RCMP, BC Lottery Corporation, Fraser Health and University of the Fraser Valley. Have served on City Committees, Public Library and PAC.
Trish Mandewo
Mayor 21/21 Climate Policies
Trish Mandewo is a two-term Coquitlam Councillor, former UBCM President, entrepreneur and governance leader. A proven advocate and bridge-builder, she is running for Mayor to keep Coquitlam moving forward; responsibly, sustainably and together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End 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 |
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