Three candidates seek to become Coquitlam’s next mayor

Coun. Craig Hodge, Madhavee Inamdar and Coun. Trish Mandewo are seeking to succeed retiring Coquitlam mayor Richard Stewart. Hodge has presented himself as a continuity candidate focused on public safety, supporting more RCMP foot patrols, community safety officers and dedicated resources to address gang activity. He said the city’s crime rate remains among the region’s lowest, while residents feel less safe as street disorder increases in cities across Canada.

Inamdar, a public-sector strategist, has called for change, saying growth must be matched by infrastructure, accountability and compassion. Her proposals include a property-tax support package for low-income seniors and a citywide value-for-money review of spending. Mandewo said the next decade will bring challenges on a different scale. Her platform includes more housing choices, attracting businesses and jobs, expanding the commercial tax base, and ensuring development contributes fairly to infrastructure and services.

Experienced councillors Dennis Marsden and Brent Asmundson are also leaving city hall. Twenty candidates are competing for eight council seats. Engineer, educator and Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society head Behzad Abdi has called for an efficiency review, greater public access to budget and delay information through an online dashboard, improvements at high-risk intersections and an annual road-safety map.

Phillip Buchan supports a stronger Urban Forest Management strategy, affordable housing and declining campaign donations from developers. Coquitlam Express president and general manager Tali Campbell lists safe neighbourhoods, responsible growth, stronger service options and fiscal responsibility as priorities. SFU student and security consultant Ali Cina is campaigning on affordability, transparency, lower municipal taxes for residents and small businesses, simpler permitting and more advance notice of neighbourhood-changing projects.

Matt Djonlic supports a library branch in Burquitlam, investment in sports fields and ice rinks, and subsidized housing on city land built with non-profits. He has also advocated for more bus service and an Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Coquitlam. Incumbent Steve Kim, seeking a third term, emphasizes investments in parks, recreation and infrastructure while maintaining the city’s tax-stabilization and asset-management efforts.

Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre has emphasized collaboration among residents, council, city staff, community organizations, businesses and other governments. Robert Mazzarolo supports family-sized housing, increased transit and medical services; he previously argued that two- and three-bedroom units should make up 60 per cent of new development and studios should be capped below 10 per cent. Benjamin Perry is campaigning to protect parks, trees and natural areas, keep infrastructure in step with growth, and make local government more accessible.

Shereen Samimi wants a health-based approach to planning, linking housing, transportation, environment, social connection and community spaces to well-being. Matthew Sebastiani supports economic diversification, varied housing options, an Urgent and Primary Care Centre and a long-term solution for 3030 Gordon Ave. Harvey Su is focused on local business, public safety and community infrastructure. Tech entrepreneur Kash Tayal supports reducing municipal red tape, faster permits and multi-bedroom family housing. Habib Jamshidian and Cameron McBryer provided no information.