Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West launches re-election campaign

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West announced Tuesday that he is seeking re-election for another four-year term. The two-term mayor said he is asking residents for support to continue serving the community and moving the city forward. The election is scheduled for Oct. 17.

West, who previously served three terms as a city councillor, said his campaign will focus on keeping costs low, investing in core services and maintaining clean, safe neighbourhoods. He said the commitment he made when first seeking voters’ trust—to work hard, focus on what matters in daily life and deliver results—has not changed.

He pointed to the introduction of large-item pickup and glass recycling, investments in parks, and free outdoor-pool swimming for Port Coquitlam residents while keeping property taxes low. West said the city had shown it could use taxpayers’ money responsibly while investing in services and facilities that make a difference in residents’ lives.

After his 2022 inauguration, West said council would work to make downtown a venue for festivals and events, giving residents more reasons to visit and remain downtown. He said at the time that he wanted Port Coquitlam to be known as the fun city in Metro Vancouver.

During the current term, council added new zoning for townhouses, which West described as a longstanding mainstay of housing in Port Coquitlam. Council also lifted long-standing city prohibitions on nightclubs, cabarets, pool halls and video game arcades in an effort to encourage businesses to establish themselves in the city.

West also joined the other Tri-Cities mayors in asking the province to repeal new housing legislation. He characterized the legislation as among the province’s most poorly conceived policy initiatives.

West was acclaimed in 2022. He said Port Coquitlam is where he grew up and where he and Blaire are raising their boys, adding that he wants to continue working to improve the community.