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    Coquitlam, BC 2026 Municipal Election Candidates

    An open race with Mayor Richard Stewart retiring: Craig Hodge, Madhavee Inamdar and Trish Mandewo are contesting Coquitlam's mayoralty, all running as independents.

    Election daySaturday, October 17, 2026
    Candidates profiled3
    Mayoral race3 candidates

    All Coquitlam candidates

    Craig Hodge

    MayorIndependentCandidateCentre-right (7/10)
    • Public safety / crime: Crackdown on crime as gang shootings increased in the fast-growing city; supports more RCMP foot patrols, dedicated gang resources, and increased police presence at SkyTrain stations. Considers funding policing agencies a top priority.
    • Growth and neighbourhoods: Manage population growth (expected ~50% increase) through neighbourhood plans; protect the environment, keep commuter traffic off residential streets, ensure new homes fit neighbourhood character, preserve heritage areas, and secure parking, open space and amenities from developers.
    • Taxes: Control expenses and challenge expenditures so taxes don't rise faster than residents' ability to pay; ensure highest value for each tax dollar.

    Lean assessment: Running as an Independent. Tough-on-crime platform (more RCMP foot patrols, dedicated gang enforcement), tax-restraint messaging, and endorsement by retiring mayor Richard Stewart; long record with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and heritage/business community boards.

    Madhavee Inamdar

    MayorIndependentCandidateCentre-left (4/10)
    • Growth and infrastructure: 'Growth with Guarantees': publish an annual infrastructure-capacity scorecard; require major growth proposals to identify infrastructure timing, funding and service impacts; advocate for provincial/regional funding where municipal tools fall short.
    • Housing: Demand below-market rental housing from developers; prioritize townhomes, co-ops, rental and family-sized units alongside high-density; evidence-based rental policy with feasibility review before municipal rental top-ups.
    • City Hall accountability: Independent value-for-money review within the first 100 days (final report and council response within 12 months); budget transparency so residents see where tax dollars go; every program with a public purpose, cost, owner and measurable result.

    Lean assessment: Running as an Independent. Platform emphasizes below-market rental mandates on developers, a living-wage employer commitment for the City, a 'Sue the Big Oil' class action, childcare and equity focus, and public-sector/ethics background.

    Trish Mandewo

    MayorIndependentCandidateCentre-right (6/10)
    • Fiscal responsibility / taxes: Growth without raising taxes; make growth pay for growth rather than leaving existing taxpayers with the bill; review the capital budget, separate essential projects from those that can wait, and scrutinize costs affecting taxpayers.
    • Growth and infrastructure: Growth on Coquitlam's terms, not just the province's timeline; new housing and population growth must be accompanied by roads, utilities, recreation and other infrastructure to create complete communities.
    • Housing: A diverse range of housing options across life stages - seniors downsizing, young people, and the 'missing middle' working households; push developers for more affordable units as a percentage of development; continued purpose-built rentals.

    Lean assessment: Running as an Independent. Serial entrepreneur and board professional; campaign centres on fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes down and 'growth pays for growth'. Praised by retiring mayor Richard Stewart and seen as part of his governing coalition.

    Income & assets: 2026 financial disclosure statements are filed with Elections BC about 90 days after election day, so figures are not yet available. Those statements disclose campaign financing, not personal wealth.

    Frequently asked questions

    Who is running for mayor of Coquitlam in 2026?

    The declared mayoral candidates in Coquitlam are: Craig Hodge, Madhavee Inamdar, Trish Mandewo. Profiles, issue positions and left-right lean ratings for each are listed above and in the interactive comparison tool.

    When is the Coquitlam municipal election?

    Coquitlam voters go to the polls on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as part of BC's general local elections. Advance voting dates vary by municipality — check your city's election page.

    How do Coquitlam candidates lean politically?

    Candidates are rated on a 1–10 left-right scale based on party affiliation and platform. In Coquitlam, the field spans: Centre-right (2), Centre-left (1). Use the interactive tool above to compare any two candidates side by side.

    Other BC cities voting in 2026

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