Coquitlam mayoral candidates answer your questions

Three candidates including two city councillors are looking to become the next mayor of Coquitlam.

Longtime Mayor Richard Stewart is stepping away after this term.

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words.

Madhavee Inamdar

How long have you lived in Coquitlam?

Twenty-two years.

Is Coquitlam adding the right mix of housing? Why or why not?

No. Pushing mega-towers on one end and paved-over monster houses on the other is not a sustainable or sensible way to grow. It leaves young families squeezed out, reduces our green space, and strains our neighbourhood streets. Prioritizing diverse, low-to-mid-rise options like townhomes, family-sized rowhouses, co-ops, and non-profit rentals is the need of the hour.

Coquitlam needs a balanced, sensible plan that is not pushed by developers or wealthy residents but delivers truly affordable, livable homes for families and residents of all ages without sacrificing our green spaces and community characters. 

What’s the biggest transportation problem in the city and what should be done about it?

Traffic gridlocks and public transport connectivity issues. The biggest transportation problem is congestion on major corridors due to rapid densification, growth and lack of dependable transit connections forcing heavy reliance on cars. The real issue is unmanaged growth pushed by developers who have influenced zoning and rezoning decisions and the council neglecting infrastructural requirements.

What is one thing city council has done this past term that you would have done differently?

Confidential document leak (North Shore Wastewater Treatment Project) in 2022 and until today the mayor and the council have defended login and password sharing by Mr. Stewart. I would have taken personal accountability as a mayor and upheld public trust and governance ethics at the City Hall. I would establish an independent municipal integrity commissioner or ethics officer with powers to investigate council members and senior staff.

Do you accept campaign contributions from developers?

No.

Coquitlam recently approved a 3.37 percent tax increase. Given service levels in the city and asset maintenance requirements, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?

It is too high.
 
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?

No. Coquitlam’s Tree Management Bylaw No 4091 is considered out of date and with a number of loopholes. Developers often find it significantly cheaper to clear cut a lot completely, especially mature trees and then pay tree replacement fees. Recently 2000 salmons were destroyed and over all Coquitlam has lost 4% of green canopy, one of the highest in urban areas of BC.

How should the city address homelessness?

Emergency shelters do not solve homelessness. The city must proactively partner with BC Housing to secure land and funding for permanent supportive housing supported by healthcare and other social supports. Council should identify and dedicate city-owned land for supportive housing.

Would you support the city allowing Flock/Axon type surveillance cameras?

No. Never.

What should be council’s top priority for next term?

Three I=Infrastructure, Integrity and Information Transparency

Why should residents vote for you?

I come with zero political and developer baggage and I am a true community partner in mayor’s office working fearlessly in the interests of the communities and vulnerable populations. I bring over twenty years of public sector management experience including RCMP and I stand for ethics, accountability and true voice of the communities without any self interest.

Trish Mandewo

How long have you lived in Coquitlam?

18 Years

Is Coquitlam adding the right mix of housing? Why or why not?

Coquitlam needs a better balance of housing types to meet residents at every stage of life.

We have seen significant growth in high-density housing, but we also need more family-sized homes including 3 and 4 bedrooms, townhouses, duplexes, and other missing-middle options that allow young families to establish roots and seniors to downsize without leaving their communities.

I am encouraged by the steps we took when I was on Council including adopting a Housing Unit Mix Policy in July 2026 to encourage more family-sized apartments and expanding opportunities for small-scale housing, and as Mayor, I’ll make this a priority.

What’s the biggest transportation problem in the city and what should be done about it?

Coquitlam’s biggest transportation challenge is ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with rapid population growth. We must address traffic congestion, transit gaps and road safety through:

Improved traffic flow: Upgrade key roads and intersections to reduce congestion.

Better public transit: Advocate for increased bus frequency, expanded routes and stronger regional connections.

Safer streets: Improve sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and cycling infrastructure.

Connected neighbourhoods: Close gaps in transportation networks and improve access to SkyTrain stations.

Responsible growth: Ensure transportation infrastructure keeps pace with housing development.  Work with Port Coquitlam to get the Freemont Connector done.

What achievement are you most proud of from the previous term?

Personal 

I brought Equip Sport to Coquitlam, establishing 16 locations offering free sports equipment to residents.  

I successfully advocated to bring the Caribbean Festival to Coquitlam

I raised Coquitlam’s profile provincially, nationally and internationally through speaking engagements 

As UBCM President, I championed priorities for Coquitlam 

Council 

Advanced Burke Mountain Athletic Park, Town Centre Park improvements and the Burke Mountain Community Centre 

Expanded housing choices, including missing-middle housing.

Supported investments in parks, urban forests, trails and green spaces, while advancing climate resilience and responsible growth.

Invested in roads, bike lanes, utilities and community facilities.

Supported responsible budgets while maintaining essential services.

Do you accept campaign contributions from developers?

I remain hands-off when it comes to campaign donations, with my financial agent responsible for managing all contributions and ensuring compliance with Elections BC regulations.

I do not accept donations from developers; I do however, accept contributions from personal friends and connections.

It is also important to put fundraising into perspective. In the last two election cycles, I raised among the lowest amounts of all candidates – second-lowest in 2018 and the lowest in 2022.

Coquitlam recently approved a 3.37 percent tax increase. Given service levels in the city and asset maintenance requirements, is that too high, too low, or reasonable? 

Approximately 42% of that increase is attributable to RCMP contract costs alone. Police and fire services together account for $64 of the average household’s $137 combined tax and utility increase. So given the pressures on essential services and infrastructure maintenance, I believe the 3.37% tax increase is reasonable.

However, I recognize the financial pressures facing families, seniors and businesses. My commitment is to keep future property tax increases as close to inflation as possible while protecting core services, maintaining infrastructure and demanding accountability for every tax dollar spent.

Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?

Coquitlam has made important strides in protecting our natural environment, but there is always room to do more, particularly as our city grows.  Growth and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand.

My priorities include:

Protecting mature trees: Strengthen tree retention and replacement efforts, particularly in areas experiencing significant development.

Safeguarding waterways: Protect streams, riparian areas and fish habitats through responsible development and effective stormwater management.

Expanding green spaces: Ensure parks, urban forests and green corridors keep pace with population growth.

Climate resilience: Invest in natural infrastructure to reduce flooding, manage extreme heat and protect biodiversity.

How should the city address homelessness?

Homelessness is a complex issue requiring compassion, accountability and collaboration. My priorities include:

Hold the Province accountable for adequate supportive housing, mental health and addiction treatment services.  Continue to collaborate with Kwikwetlem First Nation on winter shelter.  

3030 Gordon: Advocate for increased on-site mental health care, addiction treatment, outreach and wraparound health supports 

Explore innovative programs like the Red Shirt Program, to improve community safety and connect vulnerable individuals with jobs and services.

Collaboration: Work with Fraser Health, BC Housing, service providers and neighbouring municipalities on coordinated solutions.  

Would you support the city allowing Flock/Axon type surveillance cameras?

I am open to considering surveillance technologies that enhance public safety and support law enforcement, but protecting residents’ privacy and civil liberties is equally important.  I would not support indiscriminate surveillance of our residents.

Before supporting Flock or Axon-type cameras, I would want to ensure:

Public Safety – Clear evidence that the technology helps prevent or investigate crime.

Privacy Protection – Full compliance with BC privacy legislation and appropriate safeguards for personal information.

Accountability – Strict controls on data collection, storage, retention and access.

Community Consultation – Meaningful public engagement before implementation.

Cost Effectiveness – Demonstrated value for taxpayers.

What should be council’s top priority for next term?

Council’s top priority should be managing growth responsibly while protecting affordability and quality of life for Coquitlam residents.

This means focusing on four key areas:

Fiscal Responsibility: Keep property tax increases as close to inflation as possible, manage debt and protect core services.

Infrastructure: Ensure roads, utilities, recreation facilities and community amenities keep pace with growth.

Livability: Provide diverse housing choices while protecting parks, green spaces and neighborhood character.

Community Safety: Strengthen public safety, emergency preparedness and advocacy for mental health and addiction services.

Why should residents vote for you?

I bring eight years of Council experience, proven leadership as UBCM President, and strong provincial and federal relationships to deliver results for Coquitlam.

My priorities are clear:

Affordability: Keep taxes and debt in check while supporting seniors and families.

Responsible Growth: Expand housing choices and ensure infrastructure keeps pace.

Economic Prosperity: Attract businesses and grow our commercial tax base.

Livability: Protect green spaces, improve transportation and strengthen community safety.

Accountability: Demand transparency, responsible spending and reform at Metro Vancouver.

I bring experienced, collaborative leadership and the courage to stand up for Coquitlam.

Craig Hodge

How long have you lived in Coquitlam?

Coquitlam has been my home for nearly 60 years. I grew up here, attended Centennial Secondary, raised my family here and have had the privilege of serving on city council for the past 15 years. I’ve watched Coquitlam grow from a smaller community into the vibrant, diverse city it is today. I’m proud of our history, our neighbourhoods and the people who make this community special. Coquitlam isn’t just where I live. It’s my home, and I’ve dedicated much of my life to helping make it a great place to live.

Is Coquitlam adding the right mix of housing? Why or why not?

We’re making progress, but we need more housing options for people at every stage of life. That means townhomes for growing families, rental housing for young people, accessible homes for seniors and opportunities for first-time buyers. We also need to ensure that growth is supported by schools, parks, recreation facilities, transportation and other essential infrastructure. Housing affordability isn’t just about building more homes. It’s about building complete communities where people can afford to live, raise a family and grow older without having to leave Coquitlam.

What’s the biggest transportation problem in the city and what should be done about it?

Our biggest transportation challenge is ensuring our roads and transit keep pace with population growth. Residents are experiencing increasing congestion, particularly along major routes and we need to make sure that it doesn’t spill into residential neighbourhoods. I will lobby TransLink and senior governments to recognize Coquitlam’s growth and improve transit service, expand connections to underserved areas and invest in road improvements. Additionally, I will advocate that the provincial government fix the Brunette Interchange and the federal government and Port Authority build a railway underpass on Westwood Street. Transportation planning must be coordinated with housing growth so residents aren’t left waiting years for the infrastructure they need.

What achievement are you most proud of from the previous term?

As a longtime member of council, I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the investments to improve the quality of life in our city – decisions that will benefit Coquitlam residents for generations.

I’m particularly proud of the work to protect Coquitlam’s natural environment and expand our parks and green spaces. This includes helping secure approximately 150 acres of environmentally significant land near Minnekhada Regional Park, creating eight pickleball courts at Bramble Park, opening a temporary park on Brunette Avenue and opening two artificial turf fields at Centennial School and Bruke Mountain Secondary School in partnership with the school district. My record shows I’ve been a strong advocate for community facilities and protecting the character of our neighbourhoods.

Do you accept campaign contributions from developers?

I have a wide range of contributors to my campaign including from individual people who work in the construction industry. With respect to all contributions for all candidates – I believe residents deserve transparency about who supports candidates and how campaigns are funded. All contributions must comply with B.C.’s campaign financing laws, which prohibit corporate and union donations and limit individual contributions. I believe decisions at City Hall must always be made in the public interest, based on what’s best for Coquitlam residents, regardless of who supports a campaign.

Coquitlam recently approved a 3.37 percent tax increase. Given service levels in the city and asset maintenance requirements, is that too high, too low, or reasonable?

Residents value and rely on quality city services, and we have a responsibility to maintain our infrastructure and plan for the future. But in these challenging economic times, we also need to recognize the financial pressures facing families, seniors and businesses. Every dollar matters. I believe we must carefully manage expenses, find efficiencies and ensure we’re getting the best value for taxpayers. My focus is on keeping property taxes affordable while protecting the essential services and infrastructure our community depends on.

Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?

Coquitlam has made important progress, but there’s always more we can do. I’ve been a strong advocate for protecting our natural environment, including securing parkland, protecting salmon-bearing streams and strengthening environmental protections. I’ve supported improved water discharge regulations and technology to prevent pollutants from entering our waterways. I also worked with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation on the salmon hatchery near Coquitlam Dam. As our city grows, we must continue protecting mature trees, wildlife habitat, streams and green spaces. Growth and environmental protection need to go hand in hand.

How should the city address homelessness?

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires compassion, accountability and cooperation between all levels of government. The city has an important role in community safety, but housing, mental health and addiction services require meaningful provincial and federal support. We need to work with service providers to connect vulnerable people with appropriate housing and treatment while ensuring our parks, streets and public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone. I support strengthening community safety resources, increasing police visibility and working with our partners on practical, long-term solutions such as reopening Riverview.

Would you support the city allowing Flock/Axon type surveillance cameras?

No, but I’m open to exploring technology that can help police investigate crime, recover stolen vehicles and improve public safety, but any proposal must include strong privacy protections, clear oversight and appropriate limits on how information is collected, stored and used. Residents deserve both safe neighbourhoods and protection of their personal privacy.

What should be council’s top priority for next term?

Our top priority should be managing Coquitlam’s growth responsibly while protecting the quality-of-life residents value. That means keeping property taxes affordable, ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace with development, improving community safety and creating more housing options for families, young people and seniors. We also need to invest in recreation facilities, protect our parks and natural spaces and advocate for the schools, health services and transportation improvements our growing city needs. Above all, council must remain focused on practical solutions and responsible spending.

Why should residents vote for you?

I’ve called Coquitlam home for nearly 60 years, spent decades as a community volunteer and advocate and for the past 15 years I have proudly served on city council. I know our neighbourhoods, understand the challenges we’re facing – but more than that I have a track record of bringing ideas forward and working with residents, community organizations and other levels of government to get things done. I believe in practical solutions, responsible spending, safe neighbourhoods and protecting the quality of life that makes Coquitlam special. I’m committed to bringing experience, steady leadership and a collaborative approach to the mayor’s office, with a focus on Coquitlam’s future.