Mayor Brad West is running for re-election in Port Coquitlam

Brad West is looking to keep his seat for four more years.

Port Coquitlam’s two-term mayor officially announced his re-election campaign on Tuesday.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I’m even more excited about what we can accomplish next,” West stated in a press release. “I’m asking for the support of Port Coquitlam residents to continue serving our community and moving our city forward.”

West, who also served three terms as city councillor, promised to focus on keeping costs low, investing in core services, and maintaining clean and safe neighbourhoods.

“When I first asked people for their trust, I promised to work hard, stay focused on what matters in people’s everyday lives and deliver results,” West stated. “That commitment hasn’t changed.”

West noted the city introduced large-item pickup and glass recycling, invested in parks, and made swimming at outdoor pools free for Port Coquitlam residents all while maintaining low property taxes.

“We’ve shown that you can be responsible with taxpayers’ money while still investing in the services and facilities that make a real difference in people’s lives,” West stated.

Following his inauguration in 2022, West said council would aim to turn the city’s downtown into a venue for festivals and events, giving residents: “more reason to come downtown and stay downtown,” West said at the time.

“We are going to leave no doubt that, when it comes to Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is going to be the fun city.”

Over this term, council added new zoning for townhouses, which West called: “the bread and butter of Port Coquitlam housing for many, many years.”

Council also overturned longstanding city prohibitions on nightclubs, cabarets, pool halls, and video game arcades as part of an effort to persuade businesses that Port Coquitlam is a place to: “put down roots,” West said.

West also joined other Tri-Cities mayors in asking the province to repeal new housing legislation, which West called: “one of the most ill-conceived, poorly thought-out policy initiatives that this province has ever suffered under,” he said.

West ran unopposed in 2022.

“This city has always been home. It’s where I grew up, where Blaire and I are raising our boys, and where I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving as Mayor. I love Port Coquitlam, and I want to continue working every day to make our community even better.”

The election is scheduled for Oct. 17.