Two mayoral candidates challenge West in Port Coquitlam

After running unopposed in 2022, Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West will have to fend off challenges from Connor Fesenmaier and Pasquale Zampieri this fall.

Brad West

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.

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

Connor Fesenmaier

Fesenmaier’s eight-point platform for Port Coquitlam starts with a plan to alleviate traffic with a focus on Shaughnessy Street and Lougheed Highway as well as Shaughnessy where it connects with the Mary Hill Bypass.

“These are major gateways through Port Coquitlam and deserve focused engineering, traffic-flow and intersection-design attention,” Fesenmaier stated.

Fesenmaier also pledged to push for more preventative maintenance on city assets to ensure: “small infrastructure problems are addressed before they become expensive failures.”

Growth in Port Coquitlam must be accompanied by infrastructure, including parking, drainage, transit connections, and emergency-service capacity.

“Growth is not the problem. Growth without supporting infrastructure is,” he stated.

Transparency should also be improved, Fesenmaier contended, with information provided about expected and actual costs.

“When a major initiative gets something materially wrong, residents should be able to see what happened, why it happened, what the consequence was and what changed afterward,” he stated.

Fesenmaier cited his history in advocacy and public debate, as well as small business and auto industry experience.

Pasquale Zampieri

No information provided.

The council candidates

There are 15 candidates running for six seats this election. All six incumbents are running for re-election.

Dawn Becker

Having served as chair of the board of directors for the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation, Dawn Becker is running to bring a “fresh perspective and proven commitment” to council.

Becker credited her work with the community foundation for helping prepare her for city council.

“I have supported local non-profits, connected donors with community needs, and helped strengthen PoCo’s volunteer network. That experience gives me practical insight into our city’s needs, opportunities, and potential,” she stated.

Becker stated the city can plan for growth while protecting community character.

“I support balanced decisions that consider community needs, business realities, environmental responsibility, and long-term affordability,” she stated.

Doug Blessin

No information provided.

Steve Darling

After two terms on council, Darling is running for re-election to keep taxes low, revitalize downtown, and “make Port Coquitlam the best sporting community in B.C.,” according to his campaign announcement.

During a discussion with Coquitlam RCMP about the rising rate of shoplifting, Darling suggested police publish a list of the Top 10 most prolific shoplifters in the Tri-Cities.

Darling also supported an application by a Prairie Mall daycare to double their capacity.

“We’re running out of space for childcare and daycares,” Darling said, explaining that simple tweaks around land use can lead to daycares opening in commercial spots as well as single-family homes.

Darling was reticent to put a five-storey warehouse/storage facility beside the Cat and Fiddle due to parking concerns, but ultimately supported the project.

A former network news anchor, Darling is an ambassador for the Canucks Autism Network.

Solomon Etuk

An advocate for public transit, Etuk is running to make Port Coquitlam more connected and more affordable.

As the affordability crisis deepened, residents were left to choose between: “limited and unaffordable detached homes, basements, a shoebox in the sky, or leaving the province,” Etuk stated.

To remedy that situation, Etuk advocated for allowing three- and four-storey walk-up apartments in more neighbourhoods, and reducing fees and fast-tracking permits for non-market housing.

On transit, Etuk said he would support transit signal priority at major intersections, starting with Shaughnessy Street and Wilson Avenue toward Port Coquitlam Station.

He also favoured improving infrastructure such as physical barriers to protect bike lanes and ensuring every bus stop in the city is well-lit with a bench and shelter.

Etuk stated he would prioritize climate resiliency by retaining mature trees and funding the goal of reaching a 30 percent tree canopy.

“I’m running to make sure others have that same chance, and the choice to stay or return. The people who keep this city running, and those who don’t see themselves reflected in politics, deserve a voice at the table,” he stated.

Mithila Karnik

Port Coquitlam’s Volunteer of the Year is looking to add some transparency to city hall.

“We know what the Leigh Square fountain cost to build. Nobody knows what it costs to run. I won’t vote yes on new infrastructure again without that number up front,” she stated in her campaign platform.

Karnik also sought to improve communication with residents, noting the number of families that use recreation financial assistance.

“Nobody tracks how many eligible families never applied because they didn’t know, couldn’t navigate it, or hit a language barrier. I’ll fix that gap.”

Karnik pledged to prioritize more childcare options in new condo development. She also noted that council initially voted down a 65-space childcare on Grant Avenue before reversing course.

Citing the effects of the 2024 storm, Karnik stressed the need for year-round watershed maintenance, real-time flood alerts for low-lying areas and a dedicated resilience reserve fund so storms don’t force sudden rate hikes.

“I’m not here to shout about the fires we keep fighting. I’m here to build the kind of city that stops lighting them,” she stated. “It is time for Port Coquitlam to have a paradigm shift; to move from complacency and reactionary measures to proactive proficiency.”

Besides organizing the Diwali Gala in 2022, Karnik has worked as a DEI strategist. She previously ran for council in 2022.

Nancy McCurrach

After serving two terms, Port Coquitlam Coun. Nancy McCurrach is looking to keep her seat at the table, citing her work on council projects ranging from curbside glass collection to flood protection work and the opening of the Kingsway multi-use path.

“While I am proud of what we have accomplished together and the ideas I have helped bring forward, I believe there is still so much more to do,” McCurrach stated in a press release.

McCurrach also listed the construction of affordable housing projects, putting money toward parks and trails, building outdoor multi-sport facilities while keeping Port Coquitlam property taxes among the lowest in Metro Vancouver.

If re-elected, McCurrach pledged to focus on practical solutions to: “keep Port Coquitlam affordable, connected, safe, and environmentally responsible.”

McCurrach advocated for complimentary period products to be provided in civic facilities, and worked on providing free recreation for seniors 80 and older.

Darin Nielsen

After having campaigned for council several times, Darin Nielsen is back in the running with an emphasis on more housing choices and improved safety.

“There is tremendous opportunity to build a safer, more connected, walkable, cyclable and vibrant community,” he stated.

Nielsen’s priorities include traffic calming and improved transportation.

He also stated infrastructure should be in place before development, “so roads, utilities and public services keep pace with growth.”

Nielsen stated he would prioritize supporting local businesses.

“We should continue to strengthen Historic Downtown as a vibrant place to shop, gather and spend time, while reinforcing its character through heritage-inspired design, including brick and railway-era architectural elements that reflect Port Coquitlam’s history as a railway community,” he stated.

Nielsen stated that he would support free or expanded recreation access for children and youth, “without income-testing or stigma.”

Darrell Penner

Longtime councillor Darrell Penner is up for re-election with an emphasis on responsibility.

Penner’s priorities include responsible growth and keeping taxes responsible.

“I will continue supporting responsible budgets that focus spending on essential services, infrastructure and facilities residents use every day. The goal is to maintain the quality of life people expect while keeping municipal taxes and utility fees responsible,” Penner stated.

The city needs a “thoughtful mix” of housing options, according to Penner.

“I will support responsible housing options for families, seniors, young adults and residents who want to remain in Port Coquitlam as their needs change.”

Penner has been critical of the 3030 Gordon Avenue homeless shelter, which he called: “a government-funded crack house” during a 2024 council meeting.

“If 3030 Gordon never existed, I would say that most of those problems would not be there,” Penner said at the time.

Public safety is part of Penner’s platform.

“I will continue supporting the police, fire, emergency and municipal services that protect our community and help prevent problems before they grow.”

Paige Petriw

After successfully running in 2022, Paige Petriw is campaigning for her second term on council.

As council’s designate for events and inclusion, Petriw guided the development of Port Coquitlam’s first accessibility action plan.

Petriw noted that the city maintained low property tax rates while investing in roads and parks, while also approving childcare spaces and housing.

Petriw was dismissive of the requirement that Port Coquitlam supply a housing progress report to the province.

“It’s just a make-work project as far as I’m concerned,” Petriw said at the time.

Petriw expressed enthusiasm about a the city allowing more rowhouses to be built.

“I think this form of housing is super important for Port Coquitlam,” she said during a council meeting. “I hope the rowhomes pick up.”

Glenn Pollock

Longtime councillor Glenn Pollock is running for re-election on a platform that includes keeping property taxes to a minimum and bringing more family doctors to the city.

Pollock also stated that council should continue to “provide and protect” affordable housing while bringing good jobs to the city.

Other priorities include supporting sports and recreation and advocating for pedestrian safety through intersection improvements.

Besides helping establish a rent bank in the Tri-Cities, Pollock has been a board chair for the People’s Pantry and was a proponent of bringing the Mobile Integrated Crisis Response to the Coquitlam RCMP.

Pollock also joined council in voting to allow a Tesla facility at Nicola Avenue.

“I think the best thing is 80 good-paying jobs,” Pollock said at the time, calling it a “great use of the property.”

Julie Sherwood

Besides affordable housing and safer streets, political newcomer Julie Sherwood is advocating for greater resources for victims of domestic violence.

“Our community needs access to emergency shelter and transitional housing for people fleeing violent relationships,” she stated.

Sherwood also emphasized that homeless people are still members of the community and deserving of dignity and respect.

“We may not solve homelessness overnight, but we can choose to engage rather than ignore,” she stated.

Sherwood’s vision of a complete community includes programs for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as accessible sidewalks and more benches.

As a councillor, Sherwood stated she would work to make the city safer by a variety of measures including programs that address mental health and addiction.

“Safety and compassion do not have to be opposing ideas,” she noted.

Sherwood also prioritized boosting the city economy by looking for more opportunities for local film production and faster and clearer processes for businesses when appropriate.

“I want city hall to be business-friendly without losing sight of residents,” she stated.

Carmen Smith

Carmen Smith is running for council on a platform that prioritizes supporting seniors and ensuring density respects neighbourhoods and keeps pace with infrastructure.

“I’m running because I believe we can protect what makes Port Coquitlam special while planning responsibly for the future,” she stated.

Smith favoured helping local businesses succeed, “making Port Coquitlam a destination, not just a place people drive through.”

Smith also stated she supported investing in community policing and emergency services to help residents feel safe.

“Planning our growth wisely isn’t optional; it’s how we build and protect this community for the future,” she stated.

Dehara Thompson

A former professional soccer player, Dehara Thompson is running on a platform of affordable housing, community safety, complete communities, and fiscal responsibility.

Smart density should be located near transit and along the West Coast Express corridor, according to Thompson. That growth should be paced to match the community’s schools, roads, and services.

Thompson also emphasized the importance of community safety, explaining she would advocate for: “well-resourced RCMP working alongside Fraser Health outreach to treat mental health and addictions as health issues first.”

A former high level soccer player and coach, Thompson now serves as executive director of the She Plays Sports Society, which is dedicated to creating opportunities for women and girls in sports.

As a city councillor, Thompson stated that she would want to see parks, sport, and recreation treated as core infrastructure.

“I’m not running against anyone,” Thompson stated. “I’m running to add my voice, my experience, and my perspective to a council table that will shape this city’s next decade.”

Dean Washington

Longtime councillor Dean Washington is set to be back on the ballot this fall.

“For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape the future of a community that I care deeply about,” Washington stated in a press release announcing his candidacy. “I’m running again because I believe my experience, energy and commitment can help us make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Washington listed responsible financial management, thoughtful growth, as well as the city’s revitalization and economic development as key priorities.

Having led the Port Coquitlam’s budget process since 2013, Washington noted the city’s tax rate, which increased 1.95 percent in 2026.

“We haven’t relied heavily on [development cost charges] as have a lot of the communities that surround us that have had tremendous growth,” Washington said during a budget discussion earlier this year.

Washington’s campaign announcement also emphasized the importance of the city’s downtown.

“I want to keep that momentum going and continue creating a downtown where people want to live, open businesses, invest and spend time,” he stated in the release.

During a 2024 discussion with Coquitlam RCMP, Washington raised the issue of homelessness downtown, adding that he’d seen people taking drugs in “broad daylight on Shaughnessy Street.”

In his campaign announcement, Washington emphasized the need for more housing in the city.

“I support responsible development and want our city to be known as a place that works constructively with people who are prepared to invest in our community,” he stated, adding that growth must accompanied by an investment in infrastructure and services.