Two candidates challenge Brad West for Port Coquitlam mayor

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West will face Connor Fesenmaier and Pasquale Zampieri this fall after being elected without opposition in 2022. West, a former three-term city councillor, said his priorities are keeping costs low, investing in core services and maintaining clean, safe neighbourhoods. He cited large-item pickup, glass recycling, park investments and free outdoor-pool access for Port Coquitlam residents while maintaining low property taxes. Council also added new zoning for townhouses during the term.

Fesenmaier’s eight-point platform begins with traffic improvements focused on Shaughnessy Street, Lougheed Highway and the Shaughnessy Street connection to the Mary Hill Bypass. He called for more preventative maintenance of city assets, infrastructure to accompany growth, and more transparency on projected and actual costs of major initiatives. He cited experience in advocacy, public debate, small business and the auto industry.

Zampieri criticized West for speaking on provincial, national and international issues, including Canada’s relationship with China, and said he would focus on local issues if elected. He also raised the absence of a rainbow crosswalk in Port Coquitlam. Zampieri operates a towing business. In 2018, B.C.’s Vehicle Safety Authority found that he rolled back odometers on vehicles later sold; Zampieri denied the allegation and said he was never convicted of an odometer-related offence.

Fifteen candidates are running for six council seats, with all six incumbents seeking re-election. Dawn Becker said her work as chair of the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation board prepared her for council and supports planning for growth while protecting community character. Incumbent Steve Darling is seeking re-election on a platform of low taxes, downtown revitalization and sports; he has also supported expanding childcare capacity.

Solomon Etuk is campaigning for more housing choices and transit improvements, including more walk-up apartments, faster permits for non-market housing, transit signal priority, protected bike lanes and better-equipped bus stops. Mithila Karnik is calling for greater city hall transparency, improved access to recreation assistance, more childcare options in new condominium developments, and flood-resilience measures following the 2024 storm.

Incumbent Nancy McCurrach cited work on curbside glass collection, flood protection, the Kingsway multi-use path, affordable housing, parks, trails and sports facilities, and said she would focus on affordability, connectivity, safety and environmental responsibility. Darin Nielsen is advocating for housing choices, safety, transportation improvements and infrastructure that keeps pace with development. Longtime councillor Darrell Penner emphasizes responsible growth, budgets, taxes, housing and public safety. Paige Petriw, seeking a second term, helped develop Port Coquitlam’s first accessibility action plan and cited city investments in roads, parks, childcare spaces and housing.