Mandewo announces bid for Coquitlam mayor

Two-term Coquitlam councillor Trish Mandewo has announced she is running to become the city's next mayor. Mandewo, a former president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, says the city can pursue ambitious growth while remaining disciplined about the burden placed on taxpayers.

She says the next decade will bring challenges on a different scale, including paying for infrastructure and protecting quality of life. Her priorities include a range of housing options, attracting businesses and jobs, expanding Coquitlam's commercial tax base, and ensuring development contributes fairly to infrastructure and services.

Mandewo says a growing city should bring more taxpayers to share costs rather than requiring the same taxpayers to pay more. She also supports expanding parks and trails and investing in recreation and community spaces.

She says she would advocate for stronger federal and provincial partnerships to address homelessness and street disorder, which municipalities cannot resolve alone. Mandewo has also served on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and says that experience has helped her advocate with senior governments in Victoria and Ottawa.

Earlier this year, during a discussion of housing policy, Mandewo said Coquitlam should consider policies used in other countries while accounting for livability and isolation. She warned that fewer and smaller bedrooms could squeeze people out if homes are not livable.

Mandewo has also called for tougher penalties for construction companies that discharge polluted water. In a 2024 discussion, she said she would support stop-work orders of up to 30 days for repeat offenders.

Coun. Craig Hodge and public-sector strategist Madhavee Inamdar have also announced mayoral campaigns. The election is scheduled for Oct. 17.