[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":651},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-list":3,"candidate-benjamin-perry":21,"parties-all":230,"candidate-neighbours-benjamin-perry":231,"tracker-benjamin-perry":337,"votes-benjamin-perry":650},[4],{"path":5,"title":6,"description":7,"date":8,"publishedAt":9,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":12,"image":16,"imageAlt":17,"imageCredit":18,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Frichard-stewart-farewell-coquitlam-council-2026-10-29","Outgoing Mayor Richard Stewart hands the gavel to Craig Hodge at Coquitlam's final council meeting","Stewart wrapped up 18 years in office at the last meeting of the term, warning his successors against zero-percent tax freezes and calling mental health a priority for the new council.","2026-10-29","2026-10-31T09:29:00-07:00","voche.me editors","Election news",[13,14,15],"Mayor","Coquitlam City Council","transition","https:\u002F\u002Fd30791g68t1h2.cloudfront.net\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002F29195514\u002F0utgoing.jpg","Outgoing Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart at his final council meeting","Tri-Cities Dispatch",null,false,{"id":22,"acclamation":19,"ballotNumber":19,"biography":23,"campaignVideo":19,"colour":30,"contentOrigin":31,"currentRole":19,"district":19,"dossier":19,"experience":32,"extension":52,"headline":53,"languages":54,"links":55,"meta":64,"name":65,"neighbourhood":19,"nomination":19,"number":66,"office":67,"palette":19,"party":19,"photos":19,"polled":19,"portrait":68,"priorities":77,"questionnaire":134,"questions":137,"sample":20,"scoreChanges":19,"searched":138,"sections":173,"slug":182,"sources":183,"stem":226,"summary":227,"unaffiliated":20,"updatedAt":142,"updates":228,"withdrawal":19,"__hash__":229},"candidates\u002Felections\u002Fbc-coquitlam-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fbenjamin-perry.json",[24,25,26,27,28,29],"Benjamin Perry was elected to Coquitlam City Council on October 17, 2026. The City of Coquitlam's official count gives him 9,604 votes, eighth of the 20 council candidates and the last of the eight seats, and the City's Chief Election Officer declared him elected on October 21, 2026. Rosalinda Thorleifson, seventh, had 9,836 votes, and Jane Thomsing, ninth, 9,303, 301 fewer than Perry, by the City's results per tabulator. The City's results print no elector organization for any candidate, and VoteMate lists him as an independent. The Dispatch reported that the newcomers to council were Matthew Sebastiani, Harvey Su, Thorleifson and Perry, and Freshet News reported that the four replaced Craig Hodge, Trish Mandewo, Brent Asmundson and Dennis Marsden.","Freshet News reported on August 21, 2026 that he was a candidate in the city's last election, works in the health-care sector, and told the paper he was campaigning to put residents first in civic policies. The paper reported that he has served on the City's universal accessibility committee and been part of Force of Nature Alliance, the Tri-Cities Pride Society and Tri-Cities Food Not Bombs, and that he is a member of the Health Sciences Association of BC's policy and governance committee. The City's page for its Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee, read on October 30, 2026, lists the committee's current members and does not name him. Freshet News's candidate profile prints his occupation as speech-language pathologist and his years in Coquitlam as 40. By his own account, on VoteMate, he grew up in Coquitlam, has worked with Force of Nature Alliance since 2015, helped found Food Not Bombs Tri-Cities and has been treasurer of the Tri-Cities Pride Society; voche.me has not checked these with those groups.","The Dispatch reported in September 2026 that he was running to protect parks, trees and natural areas, that he had criticized council for failing to adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code, and that he pledged to take no campaign donations from executives or owners of property development companies. The Dispatch quoted his campaign announcement: \"What I hear consistently is that residents want growth and change to work for them.\" His campaign site says he is endorsed by the New Westminster District Labour Council and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 386.","On February 11, 2026 the Dispatch reported that council had voted, in a split vote, against adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code ahead of the Province's schedule, on a motion by Councillor Dennis Marsden. The next day it printed a letter from Perry, described as an environmentalist and former council candidate, in which he wrote that council had missed a chance to accelerate the most practical climate measure available to the city, that City staff had said cost impacts would be minimal, and that Councillors Teri Towner, Craig Hodge, Robert Mazzarolo and Matt Djonlic had voted against the amendment to remove the accelerated timeline. His campaign site carries a petition asking council to adopt the highest level, EL-4, for all new buildings and to remove an 18-month delay for condominium buildings.","In Freshet News's candidate profile of September 30, 2026 he named liveable and affordable housing as his top issue and said that when a redevelopment is proposed, council must ask what housing is lost as well as what is added. He said Coquitlam is safe for most residents but not for targets of hate groups, women and children facing domestic violence, medically compromised people in extreme heat or people facing homelessness, and proposed better lighting on walking paths and safe housing for vulnerable residents. He named a rental replacement policy and a stronger tenant relocation policy as two ways to improve affordability, said the city cannot afford to lose more industrial land, and said he looks forward to the development of the City Centre entertainment district in the official community plan. He did not answer the Dispatch's council questionnaire of October 13, 2026.","His platform's Growth that Works for Residents page says towers belong around SkyTrain stations while other neighbourhoods add housing gradually, that transportation planning must come before development, and that he will advocate for accountability and cost control from Metro Vancouver. Freshet News and the Dispatch reported that the new council is sworn in on November 9, 2026.","rose","editorial",[33,40,47],{"period":34,"title":35,"description":36,"source":37},"Now","Speech-language pathologist","Freshet News's candidate profile prints his occupation as speech-language pathologist, and its report of his launch says he works in the health-care sector. His campaign site says he supports children and families.",{"label":38,"url":39},"Freshet News · Benjamin Perry, Coquitlam city council candidate, September 30, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Fbenjamin-perry\u002F",{"period":41,"title":42,"description":43,"source":44},"2022","Candidate for Coquitlam City Council","Freshet News reported that he was a candidate in the city's last election, and his VoteMate biography names his 2022 campaign for council.",{"label":45,"url":46},"Freshet News · Perry puts name forward for Coquitlam council, by Janis Cleugh, August 21, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Fperry-puts-name-forward-for-coquitlam-council\u002F",{"period":48,"title":49,"description":50,"source":51},"By his own account","Member, City of Coquitlam's accessibility committee; Health Sciences Association of BC policy and governance committee; treasurer, Tri-Cities Pride Society","Freshet News reported these roles from his campaign. The City's page for its Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee, read on October 30, 2026, does not list him among the current members, so the service was in an earlier period or under the committee's earlier name. voche.me has not checked the other roles with those bodies.",{"label":45,"url":46},"json","Elected to Coquitlam City Council on October 17, 2026, with 9,604 votes, eighth of 20 council candidates and the last of the eight seats, after running in 2022. A speech-language pathologist and community organizer, he ran with no elector organization on growth matched by roads, schools and parks, protecting mature trees and streams, the highest zero-carbon building standard, renter protection when buildings are redeveloped, and a council that consults residents before deciding.",[],[56,60],{"label":57,"url":58,"kind":59},"Benjamin Perry campaign site","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002F","website",{"label":61,"url":62,"kind":63},"Benjamin Perry campaign platform","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fplatform-2\u002F","document",{},"Benjamin Perry","","Councillor",{"src":69,"smallSrc":70,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":73,"credit":74,"sourceUrl":75,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fbenjamin-perry-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fbenjamin-perry-320.webp",640,800,"Benjamin Perry, from Benjamin Perry for Coquitlam 2026.","Benjamin Perry for Coquitlam 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fabout-benjamin-perry\u002F","50% 30%",[78,86,93,101,108,116,124,129],{"title":79,"summary":80,"details":81,"source":83},"Growth matched by roads, schools, parks, clinics and child care","His platform says new zoning and housing should meet identified community needs and be matched by roads, schools, parks, medical space, child care and other services, with towers around SkyTrain stations and gradual change elsewhere, and that transportation planning must come before development.",[82],"On VoteMate he promises long-term planning for infrastructure with responsible use of reserves, and more housing near transit without chasing maximum height and density.",{"label":84,"url":85},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Growth that Works for Residents","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fgrowth-that-works-for-residents\u002F",{"title":87,"summary":88,"details":89,"source":90},"Safer streets: dangerous crossings, traffic enforcement and walking and cycling routes","His platform promises traffic planning before major growth, action on dangerous intersections and crossings, less congestion near schools and growing areas, and safe choices for people who drive, walk, bike, roll or take transit.",[],{"label":91,"url":92},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Safer Streets and Managed Traffic","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fsafer-streets-managed-traffic\u002F",{"title":94,"summary":95,"details":96,"source":98},"Mature trees, streams, green space and climate resilience","His platform promises stronger protection for mature trees, streams and natural areas, more parks and public spaces as the city grows, and practical climate action that reduces heat and improves energy efficiency. The Dispatch reported that he was running to protect parks, trees and natural areas.",[97],"On VoteMate he promises a bylaw to prevent harmful AI data centres and a plan for hotter summers, wildfire smoke and flooding.",{"label":99,"url":100},"Benjamin Perry campaign · A Green and Liveable City","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fgreen-liveable-city\u002F",{"title":102,"summary":103,"details":104,"source":105},"The highest zero-carbon building standard","His campaign site's petition asks council to adopt the highest level of the Zero Carbon Step Code, EL-4, for all new buildings and to remove an 18-month delay for condominium buildings. His letter to the Dispatch in February 2026 criticized council's vote against an accelerated timeline.",[],{"label":106,"url":107},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Coquitlam: Tell Council to choose the highest zero-carbon standard","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fzero-carbon-step-code-coquitlam-2026\u002F",{"title":109,"summary":110,"details":111,"source":113},"Family-sized and below-market homes, and protection for renters","His platform promises more family-sized and below-market units, zoning for medium-density apartments, stronger renter protection and property tax increases kept as low as possible. On VoteMate he promises inclusionary zoning, public land for non-profit and co-op housing, and rental replacement with relocation support when buildings are redeveloped.",[112],"He told Freshet News that a rental replacement policy and a stronger tenant relocation policy would improve affordability.",{"label":114,"url":115},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Housing Needs and Fair Costs","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fhousing-needs-fair-costs\u002F",{"title":117,"summary":118,"details":119,"source":121},"Industrial land, small business and jobs","On VoteMate he promises to protect industrial and employment land, add job space in new town centres, create more space for food vendors, markets and pop-up shops, expand intermunicipal business licensing and make City purchasing easier for small businesses.",[120],"He told Freshet News the city cannot afford to lose any more industrial land and should require more commercial space in new developments.",{"label":122,"url":123},"VoteMate · Benjamin Perry, independent for Coquitlam Council, 2026 BC Local Elections (the biography and promises he gave)","https:\u002F\u002Fvotemate.org\u002Fbc2026\u002Fcandidates\u002F13591?riding=799",{"title":125,"summary":126,"details":127,"source":128},"A council that consults earlier and publishes its votes","On VoteMate he promises earlier public consultation on neighbourhood plans and rezonings, easier ways to speak at council, and an easy way for the public to view council voting records and explanations of financial decisions.",[],{"label":122,"url":123},{"title":130,"summary":131,"details":132,"source":133},"Arts spaces, the entertainment district and heritage","On VoteMate he promises more City space for local artists, building out the City Centre entertainment district, smaller cultural events across the city and better recognition of Indigenous history, Maillardville and the Persian, Korean and Chinese communities.",[],{"label":122,"url":123},{"status":135,"answers":136},"not-contacted",[],[],[139,145,150,155,159,163,168],{"step":140,"label":141,"date":142,"result":143,"note":144,"url":62},1,"His own campaign website","2026-10-30","found","Read every page in the menu of benjaminperry.ca: home, Platform and its four priority pages (growth, safer streets, green city, housing and costs), Endorsements, About, Donate, Support, Contact, Resources (guides) and the zero-carbon petition page. The platform points to his VoteMate page for the full list of promises. He ran with no elector organization, so there is no party platform.",{"step":146,"label":147,"date":142,"result":148,"note":149},2,"His public social media accounts","unreachable","His campaign site links a Facebook page, an Instagram account and a TikTok account. All three showed a login page to scripts, so no post was read.",{"step":151,"label":152,"date":142,"result":143,"note":153,"url":154},3,"The City's candidate list and official results","The City's declaration of October 21, 2026 and its results per tabulator give him 9,604 votes, eighth of 20 council candidates, and print no elector organization. The City took its candidate pages down after the vote; the biography he gave is shown on VoteMate.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coquitlam.ca\u002FDocumentCenter\u002FView\u002F20767\u002FDeclaration-of-Official-Election-Results",{"step":156,"label":157,"date":142,"result":143,"note":158,"url":39},4,"Candidate questionnaires and all-candidates meetings","Read Freshet News's candidate profile (September 30, 2026) and his VoteMate promises. He is not among the candidates whose answers the Tri-Cities Dispatch printed on October 13, 2026. No report of a 2026 all-candidates meeting quoting him was found.",{"step":160,"label":161,"date":142,"result":143,"note":162,"url":46},5,"A name search with Coquitlam and 2026, then with the office and a topic","Found Freshet News's report of his launch on August 21, 2026, the Dispatch's roundup of September 13, 2026, his letter in the Dispatch of February 12, 2026 and the Dispatch's report of February 11, 2026 on the council vote it answers. The Tri-City News archive (403) and the Tri-Cities Community TV videos were not used.",{"step":164,"label":165,"date":142,"result":143,"note":166,"url":167},6,"News reports of the result and his first statements","Read Freshet News's and the Dispatch's reports of election night. Neither quotes him; both count him among the four new councillors.","https:\u002F\u002Ftricitiesdispatch.com\u002Fhodge-lurbiecki-west-win\u002F",{"step":169,"label":170,"date":142,"result":143,"note":171,"url":172},7,"The public record of any public role","He has held no elected office, so there are no minutes or recorded votes. The City's page for its Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee was read for the committee service his campaign names; it lists the current members and does not name him.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coquitlam.ca\u002F709\u002FAccessibility-and-Inclusion-Advisory-Com",[174],{"id":175,"kicker":176,"title":177,"paragraphs":178,"links":181},"research-status","Research status","What voche.me has checked",[179,180],"Researched on 2026-10-30 through the seven search steps listed below: the City's declaration, results per tabulator and voting-night release, every page in the menu of his campaign site (home, Platform and its four priority pages, Endorsements, About, Donate, Support, Contact and Resources, plus the zero-carbon petition page), his VoteMate page, the City's page for its Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and reporting by Freshet News and the Tri-Cities Dispatch.","His campaign's account of his profession, his committee service and his community roles is the campaign's own; Freshet News reported the committee service and the community groups, and the City's committee page does not list him among the current members. His Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts were not read, because they show only a login page to scripts. The Tri-City News archive on vancouverisawesome.com answers 403 to scripts, so its 2022 profile of him was not read, and the Tri-Cities Community TV interviews are video and were not watched. His 2022 vote count was not found in a source this site can read. He has held no public office, so there is no council record to read.",[],"benjamin-perry",[184,186,189,193,195,197,199,200,201,202,203,204,207,208,210,211,212,215,218,220,223],{"label":185,"url":154,"checkedAt":142},"City of Coquitlam · Declaration of Official Election Results, October 21, 2026",{"label":187,"url":188,"checkedAt":142},"City of Coquitlam · Results per Tabulator, 2026 General Local Election, October 21, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coquitlam.ca\u002FDocumentCenter\u002FView\u002F20771",{"label":190,"url":191,"checkedAt":142,"listOnly":192},"City of Coquitlam · Unofficial Election Results: Coquitlam Mayor, City Councillors and School Trustees, October 17, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.coquitlam.ca\u002FCivicAlerts.aspx?aid=2066",true,{"label":194,"url":58,"checkedAt":142},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Benjamin Perry for Coquitlam 2026 (home)",{"label":196,"url":62,"checkedAt":142},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Platform",{"label":198,"url":75,"checkedAt":142},"Benjamin Perry campaign · About Benjamin Perry",{"label":84,"url":85,"checkedAt":142},{"label":91,"url":92,"checkedAt":142},{"label":99,"url":100,"checkedAt":142},{"label":114,"url":115,"checkedAt":142},{"label":106,"url":107,"checkedAt":142},{"label":205,"url":206,"checkedAt":142},"Benjamin Perry campaign · Endorsements","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.benjaminperry.ca\u002Fendorsements\u002F",{"label":122,"url":123,"checkedAt":142},{"label":209,"url":172,"checkedAt":142},"City of Coquitlam · Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee",{"label":45,"url":46,"checkedAt":142},{"label":38,"url":39,"checkedAt":142},{"label":213,"url":214,"checkedAt":142},"Freshet News · Hodge clinches mayor's chair, incumbents re-elected, by Janis Cleugh, October 18, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Fhodge-clinches-mayors-seat-incumbents-re-elected\u002F",{"label":216,"url":217,"checkedAt":142},"Tri-Cities Dispatch · Three candidates vying to be Coquitlam's next mayor, by Jeremy Shepherd, September 13, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Ftricitiesdispatch.com\u002Fthree-candidates-vying-to-be-coquitlams-next-mayor\u002F",{"label":219,"url":167,"checkedAt":142},"Tri-Cities Dispatch · Hodge, Lurbiecki and West win, by Jeremy Shepherd, October 18, 2026",{"label":221,"url":222,"checkedAt":142},"Tri-Cities Dispatch · Letterbox: Coquitlam's delay hurts climate goals, sacrifices livability, by Benjamin Perry, February 12, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Ftricitiesdispatch.com\u002Fletterbox-coquitlams-delay-hurts-climate-goals-sacrifices-livability\u002F",{"label":224,"url":225,"checkedAt":142},"Tri-Cities Dispatch · Coquitlam decides not to advance energy efficiency requirements for new builds, by Jeremy Shepherd, February 11, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Ftricitiesdispatch.com\u002Fstep-code-sync-province\u002F","elections\u002Fbc-coquitlam-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fbenjamin-perry","Benjamin Perry was elected to Coquitlam City Council on October 17, 2026, with 9,604 votes in the City's official count, declared by the Chief Election Officer on October 21, eighth of 20 candidates and the last of the eight seats. The City's results print no elector organization for any candidate, and VoteMate lists him as an independent. The Tri-Cities Dispatch counted him among the four newcomers to council. Freshet News reported that he was a candidate in the 2022 election, works in health care, and announced his 2026 campaign on August 21, 2026 with a pledge to take no donations from executives or owners of property development companies. In February 2026 the Dispatch printed his letter criticizing council's vote against adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code ahead of the Province's schedule. His platform has four main sections, growth that works for residents, safer streets, a green and liveable city and keeping Coquitlam affordable, and his VoteMate page lists promises from a bylaw against harmful data centres to inclusionary zoning, public washrooms and a public record of council votes.",[],"pZ3vKZhuxAiu-g1AMpg-iwOK0VbHMsdYzF78WUoA2gw",[],[232,243,246,255,263,272,282,292,301,310,318,328],{"slug":233,"name":234,"office":235,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":236,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":237},"candace-knoll","Candace Knoll","School Trustee","blue",{"src":238,"smallSrc":239,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":240,"credit":241,"sourceUrl":242,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcandace-knoll-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcandace-knoll-320.webp","Candace Knoll, from Freshet News.","Freshet News","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Fcandace-knoll\u002F",{"slug":244,"name":245,"office":235,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":30,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":19},"chuck-denison","Chuck Denison",{"slug":247,"name":248,"office":13,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":236,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":249},"craig-hodge","Craig Hodge",{"src":250,"smallSrc":251,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":252,"credit":253,"sourceUrl":254,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcraig-hodge-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcraig-hodge-320.webp","Craig Hodge, from Elect Craig Hodge for Mayor of Coquitlam.","Elect Craig Hodge for Mayor of Coquitlam","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.craighodge.ca\u002Fachievements",{"slug":256,"name":257,"office":235,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":30,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":258},"craig-woods","Craig Woods",{"src":259,"smallSrc":260,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":261,"credit":241,"sourceUrl":262,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcraig-woods-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fcraig-woods-320.webp","Craig Woods, from Freshet News.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Fcraig-woods\u002F",{"slug":264,"name":265,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":236,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":266},"harvey-su","Harvey Su",{"src":267,"smallSrc":268,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":269,"credit":270,"sourceUrl":271,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fharvey-su-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fharvey-su-320.webp","Harvey Su, from Elect Harvey Su for Coquitlam City Council.","Elect Harvey Su for Coquitlam City Council","https:\u002F\u002Fharveysu.com\u002F",{"slug":273,"name":274,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":275,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":276},"matt-djonlic","Matt Djonlic","teal",{"src":277,"smallSrc":278,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":279,"credit":280,"sourceUrl":281,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fmatt-djonlic-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fmatt-djonlic-320.webp","Matt Djonlic, from Re-Elect Matt Djonlic for Coquitlam City Council.","Re-Elect Matt Djonlic for Coquitlam City Council","https:\u002F\u002Fmattdjonlic.ca\u002F",{"slug":283,"name":284,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":285,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":286},"matthew-sebastiani","Matthew Sebastiani","fern",{"src":287,"smallSrc":288,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":289,"credit":290,"sourceUrl":291,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fmatthew-sebastiani-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fmatthew-sebastiani-320.webp","Matthew Sebastiani, from Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council.","Matthew Sebastiani for Coquitlam City Council","https:\u002F\u002Fmatthewsebastiani.ca\u002F",{"slug":293,"name":294,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":275,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":295},"robert-mazzarolo","Robert Mazzarolo",{"src":296,"smallSrc":297,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":298,"credit":299,"sourceUrl":300,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frobert-mazzarolo-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frobert-mazzarolo-320.webp","Robert Mazzarolo, from Mazzarolo for City Council.","Mazzarolo for City Council","https:\u002F\u002Frobertmazzarolo.com\u002F",{"slug":302,"name":303,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":30,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":304},"rosalinda-thorleifson","Rosalinda Thorleifson",{"src":305,"smallSrc":306,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":307,"credit":308,"sourceUrl":309,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frosalinda-thorleifson-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frosalinda-thorleifson-320.webp","Rosalinda Thorleifson, from Rosalinda for Coquitlam City Council.","Rosalinda for Coquitlam City Council","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.rosalindaforcouncil.ca\u002F",{"slug":311,"name":312,"office":235,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":30,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":313},"rosey-manhas","Rosey Manhas",{"src":314,"smallSrc":315,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":316,"credit":241,"sourceUrl":317,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frosey-manhas-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frosey-manhas-320.webp","Rosey Manhas, from Freshet News.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.freshetnews.ca\u002Frosey-manhas\u002F",{"slug":319,"name":320,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":321,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":322},"steve-kim","Steve Kim","plum",{"src":323,"smallSrc":324,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":325,"credit":326,"sourceUrl":327,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fsteve-kim-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fsteve-kim-320.webp","Steve Kim, from Re-Elect Steve Kim for Coquitlam Council.","Re-Elect Steve Kim for Coquitlam Council","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.stevekim4council.ca\u002F",{"slug":329,"name":330,"office":67,"number":66,"ballotNumber":19,"colour":285,"palette":19,"sample":20,"portrait":331},"teri-towner","Teri Towner",{"src":332,"smallSrc":333,"width":71,"height":72,"alt":334,"credit":335,"sourceUrl":336,"position":76},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fteri-towner-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fteri-towner-320.webp","Teri Towner, from Teri Towner, Coquitlam City Council 2026.","Teri Towner, Coquitlam City Council 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fteritowner.ca\u002F",{"id":338,"checkedAt":142,"extension":52,"meta":339,"promises":340,"race":647,"slug":182,"stem":648,"__hash__":649},"trackers\u002Felections\u002Fbc-coquitlam-2026\u002Ftracker\u002Fbenjamin-perry.json",{},[341,353,363,372,380,388,395,402,410,418,425,433,440,448,458,466,473,483,491,498,508,515,522,530,538,545,553,561,568,576,584,592,600,609,617,625,633,640],{"id":342,"title":343,"pledge":344,"topic":345,"scope":346,"sources":347,"status":351,"evidence":352},"growth-matched-by-services-complete-communities","Match new housing with roads, schools, parks, medical space and child care","His platform says new zoning and housing should be matched by roads, schools, parks, medical space, childcare and other services, that major development should provide space for clinics, child care, parks and affordable housing, and that growth should be coordinated with provincial planning for schools. On VoteMate he promises that growth should pay for infrastructure and services.","Community facilities","own",[348,349,350],{"label":84,"url":85},{"label":196,"url":62},{"label":122,"url":123},"not-started",[],{"id":354,"title":355,"pledge":356,"topic":357,"scope":346,"quote":358,"sources":359,"status":351,"evidence":362},"transportation-planning-before-density","Require transportation planning before approving major growth","His platform says that if the transportation network cannot support a proposed density it should not be approved, and that major redevelopment should not be approved without clear transportation planning.","Transportation","If the transportation network cannot support the proposed density, it should not be approved.",[360,361],{"label":84,"url":85},{"label":91,"url":92},[],{"id":364,"title":365,"pledge":366,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":368,"status":351,"evidence":371},"density-near-skytrain-gradual-elsewhere","Put towers around SkyTrain stations and add housing gradually elsewhere","His platform says towers should be around SkyTrain stations while other neighbourhoods add housing in ways that change their density and character gradually. On VoteMate he promises more housing near transit and services without making maximum height and density the goal.","Housing",[369,370],{"label":84,"url":85},{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":373,"title":374,"pledge":375,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":377,"status":351,"evidence":379},"infrastructure-plan-before-density","Long-term infrastructure planning with responsible use of reserves before added density","On VoteMate he promises to support long-term planning for roads, utilities, parks, recreation facilities and other infrastructure, with responsible use of reserves so needed projects go ahead before they cost more.","City services",[378],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":381,"title":382,"pledge":383,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":384,"status":351,"evidence":387},"earlier-public-consultation","Earlier and more meaningful public consultation on neighbourhood plans and rezonings","On VoteMate he promises to push for earlier and more meaningful public consultation on major neighbourhood plans, rezonings and other decisions, while there is still a real chance to shape the outcome. His platform says residents deserve meaningful chances to shape significant redevelopment proposals before decisions are made.",[385,386],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":84,"url":85},[],{"id":389,"title":390,"pledge":391,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":392,"status":351,"evidence":394},"easier-to-speak-at-city-hall","Make it easier to speak at council, with clearer notice and meeting times that work for people who work days","On VoteMate he promises more accessible ways for residents to take part in council and public meetings, including clearer notice of major decisions, meeting times and formats that work for people who work during the day, and chances to speak before decisions are made.",[393],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":396,"title":397,"pledge":398,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":399,"status":351,"evidence":401},"public-council-voting-records","An easy way for the public to view council voting records and explanations of financial decisions","On VoteMate, under Good Governance, he promises to create an easy way for the public to view voting records from council and detailed explanations of financial decisions.",[400],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":403,"title":404,"pledge":405,"topic":406,"scope":346,"sources":407,"status":351,"evidence":409},"metro-vancouver-accountability","Advocate for accountability and cost control from Metro Vancouver","His platform, under Growth that Works for Residents, says he will advocate for greater accountability and cost control from Metro Vancouver and support responsible financial management throughout local government.","Taxes and spending",[408],{"label":84,"url":85},[],{"id":411,"title":412,"pledge":413,"topic":406,"scope":346,"sources":414,"status":351,"evidence":417},"keep-property-taxes-affordable","Keep property taxes as low as possible, with growth paying for infrastructure","On VoteMate he promises a detailed look at budgets and financial planning, property taxes kept as low as possible, and growth paying for infrastructure and services. His platform's housing page promises responsible budgeting, cost control and fair property taxes.",[415,416],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":114,"url":115},[],{"id":419,"title":420,"pledge":421,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":422,"status":351,"evidence":424},"construction-bylaw-enforcement","Strong enforcement of noise, traffic, dust and safety bylaws near construction","His platform says residents living near construction deserve strong enforcement of bylaws on noise, traffic, dust, safety and other impacts.",[423],{"label":84,"url":85},[],{"id":426,"title":427,"pledge":428,"topic":357,"scope":346,"sources":429,"status":351,"evidence":432},"dangerous-intersections-crossings","Fix dangerous intersections and crossings and enforce traffic rules","His platform, under Safer Streets and Managed Traffic, says City Hall should act on unsafe crossings, speeding and dangerous intersections before serious injuries happen, and that more enforcement of traffic rules and better pedestrian infrastructure are needed in problem areas.",[430,431],{"label":91,"url":92},{"label":196,"url":62},[],{"id":434,"title":435,"pledge":436,"topic":357,"scope":346,"sources":437,"status":351,"evidence":439},"congestion-near-schools-growing-areas","Focus traffic planning on congested routes near schools, major roads and growing areas","His platform says traffic planning should focus on the routes and neighbourhoods where congestion already affects daily life, especially near schools, major roads and growing areas.",[438],{"label":91,"url":92},[],{"id":441,"title":442,"pledge":443,"topic":357,"scope":346,"sources":444,"status":351,"evidence":447},"safe-walking-cycling-transit-choices","Safe and realistic choices for people who drive, walk, bike, roll or take transit","His platform says people should have safe and realistic options whether they drive, walk, bike, roll or take transit, with safer walking and cycling routes.",[445,446],{"label":91,"url":92},{"label":196,"url":62},[],{"id":449,"title":450,"pledge":451,"topic":452,"scope":346,"sources":453,"status":351,"evidence":457},"protect-mature-trees-canopy","Stronger protection for mature trees and a plan to grow the tree canopy","His platform says Coquitlam should strengthen protections for healthy mature trees wherever possible. On VoteMate he promises stronger protection for mature trees and a clear plan to grow the tree canopy as the city develops. The Dispatch reported that he was running to protect parks, trees and natural areas.","Environment",[454,455,456],{"label":99,"url":100},{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":216,"url":217},[],{"id":459,"title":460,"pledge":461,"topic":452,"scope":346,"sources":462,"status":351,"evidence":465},"protect-streams-wetlands-habitat","Protect streams, wetlands and wildlife habitat, with enforcement and restoration","On VoteMate he promises stronger protection, better enforcement and restoration for salmon streams, wetlands and other natural areas. His platform says natural areas should be protected through strong planning, enforcement and stewardship.",[463,464],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":99,"url":100},[],{"id":467,"title":468,"pledge":469,"topic":452,"scope":346,"sources":470,"status":351,"evidence":472},"development-protects-green-space","Make new development protect more trees, natural areas and usable green space","On VoteMate he promises more attention to trees, natural areas and usable green space in new development instead of treating them as an afterthought.",[471],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":474,"title":475,"pledge":476,"topic":452,"scope":346,"quote":477,"sources":478,"status":351,"evidence":482},"zero-carbon-step-code-el4","Adopt the highest zero-carbon standard, EL-4, for all new buildings with no delay for condominiums","His campaign site's petition asks council to adopt EL-4 of the Zero Carbon Step Code for all new buildings, remove the 18-month delay for Part 3 buildings and approve a clear implementation plan. On VoteMate he promises stronger building standards that cut energy use and emissions. In his letter to the Dispatch of February 12, 2026 he wrote that council's vote against an accelerated timeline was a costly mistake.","Adopt EL-4 for all new buildings (not EL-3).",[479,480,481],{"label":106,"url":107},{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":221,"url":222},[],{"id":484,"title":485,"pledge":486,"topic":452,"scope":346,"sources":487,"status":351,"evidence":490},"prepare-heat-wildfire-extreme-weather","Plan for heat, wildfire smoke and flooding, with more shade and cooling","On VoteMate he promises that the City should plan for hotter summers, wildfire smoke, flooding and other climate risks, with more shade, better emergency planning and infrastructure that can handle extreme weather. His platform promises access to cooling for all residents and climate action that reduces heat and improves air quality.",[488,489],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":99,"url":100},[],{"id":492,"title":493,"pledge":494,"topic":452,"scope":346,"sources":495,"status":351,"evidence":497},"bylaw-against-harmful-data-centres","Support a bylaw to prevent harmful AI data centres","On VoteMate he promises to support efforts to create a bylaw to prevent data centres that are unnecessary and harmful for the environment, society or political freedom.",[496],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":499,"title":500,"pledge":501,"topic":502,"scope":346,"sources":503,"status":351,"evidence":507},"protect-expand-parks-recreation","Protect existing parks, add park space and recreation facilities as the city grows","On VoteMate he promises to protect existing parks, add park space where growth puts pressure on them, and add community and recreation facilities as the population grows. His platform says parks and recreation spaces need to keep pace. He told Freshet News the city should keep up with residents' recreation needs, from sports fields to pools and trails.","Parks and recreation",[504,505,506],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":99,"url":100},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":509,"title":510,"pledge":511,"topic":502,"scope":346,"sources":512,"status":351,"evidence":514},"public-washrooms-seating-shade","More public washrooms, seating and shade in busy parks and public areas","On VoteMate he promises more public washrooms, seating, shade and places to rest in busy parks and public areas.",[513],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":516,"title":517,"pledge":518,"topic":345,"scope":346,"sources":519,"status":351,"evidence":521},"accessible-public-spaces","Make parks, libraries and recreation facilities easier to use for seniors and people with disabilities","On VoteMate, under Accessibility, he promises that parks, libraries and recreation facilities should be easier to use for seniors, people with disabilities, families with children and people using mobility devices.",[520],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":523,"title":524,"pledge":525,"topic":526,"scope":346,"sources":527,"status":351,"evidence":529},"space-for-local-artists","More City space for local artists, musicians and performers","On VoteMate he promises more space for local artists, musicians and performers to use City spaces, take part in events and sell or show their work.","Arts and culture",[528],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":531,"title":532,"pledge":533,"topic":526,"scope":346,"sources":534,"status":351,"evidence":537},"city-centre-entertainment-district","Build out the City Centre entertainment district","On VoteMate he promises to help turn the planned entertainment district into a destination with restaurants, live music, arts and nightlife. He told Freshet News he looks forward to thoughtful development of the district, which is in the official community plan.",[535,536],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":539,"title":540,"pledge":541,"topic":526,"scope":346,"sources":542,"status":351,"evidence":544},"smaller-cultural-events-neighbourhoods","Make it easier for local groups to hold smaller festivals and events across the city","On VoteMate he promises to make it easier for local cultural groups to hold smaller festivals and events in neighbourhoods across the city, beyond Town Centre Park.",[543],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":546,"title":547,"pledge":548,"topic":526,"scope":346,"sources":549,"status":351,"evidence":552},"heritage-full-story-maillardville","Better recognition of Indigenous history, Maillardville and the city's Persian, Korean and Chinese communities","On VoteMate he promises better recognition of Indigenous history, Maillardville and the communities that shaped modern Coquitlam, including its Persian, Korean and Chinese communities. He told Freshet News the city should protect and enhance heritage neighbourhoods such as Maillardville and Austin Heights.",[550,551],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":554,"title":555,"pledge":556,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":557,"status":351,"evidence":560},"inclusionary-zoning-affordable-housing","Require affordable housing in major developments through inclusionary zoning","On VoteMate he promises to move away from density bonusing toward inclusionary zoning, so major new developments must include affordable housing instead of getting extra height and density in exchange. His platform promises to require more family-sized and below-market units.",[558,559],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":114,"url":115},[],{"id":562,"title":563,"pledge":564,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":565,"status":351,"evidence":567},"public-land-nonprofit-coop-housing","Long-term leases of public land for non-profit and co-op housing","On VoteMate he promises to use long-term leases on suitable public land to help non-profit and co-op housing providers build homes that stay affordable.",[566],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":569,"title":570,"pledge":571,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":572,"status":351,"evidence":575},"rental-replacement-tenant-relocation","Replace rental homes and protect tenants when rental buildings are redeveloped","On VoteMate he promises that when rental buildings are redeveloped, existing rental homes should be replaced and tenants should get strong relocation support and fair treatment. He told Freshet News a rental replacement policy and a stronger tenant relocation policy would improve affordability.",[573,574],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":577,"title":578,"pledge":579,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":580,"status":351,"evidence":583},"family-sized-missing-middle-seniors-young","More family-sized and missing-middle homes, and homes seniors and young people can afford","On VoteMate he promises more townhomes, multiplexes and larger affordable apartments for families, and more housing choices so seniors can downsize in their community and young people and first-time buyers can afford a home. His platform promises zoning for medium-density apartment buildings.",[581,582],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":114,"url":115},[],{"id":585,"title":586,"pledge":587,"topic":367,"scope":346,"sources":588,"status":351,"evidence":591},"homelessness-housing-support-safe-spaces","Expand housing and support for people who are homeless, with the Province and health agencies","On VoteMate he promises that the City should work with the Province, health agencies and local groups to expand housing and support for people who are homeless, while keeping parks and public spaces safe and usable. He told Freshet News the city needs safe housing for vulnerable residents.",[589,590],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":593,"title":594,"pledge":595,"topic":596,"scope":346,"sources":597,"status":351,"evidence":599},"lighting-walking-paths-safety","Better lighting on walking paths and community safety initiatives","He told Freshet News that public safety should be addressed in many ways, from better lighting on walking paths to community safety initiatives, and that those who commit violence must be kept off the streets.","Public safety",[598],{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":601,"title":602,"pledge":603,"topic":604,"scope":346,"sources":605,"status":351,"evidence":608},"protect-industrial-employment-land","Protect industrial and employment land from being lost to other uses","On VoteMate he promises to protect industrial and employment lands from being slowly lost to other uses. He told Freshet News the city cannot afford to lose any more industrial land.","Business",[606,607],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":610,"title":611,"pledge":612,"topic":604,"scope":346,"sources":613,"status":351,"evidence":616},"jobs-space-in-new-town-centres","Require enough office, retail and other job space in new town centres and large developments","On VoteMate he promises that new town centres and large developments should include enough office, retail and other job space to support a growing city. He told Freshet News the city should require more commercial space in new developments.",[614,615],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":618,"title":619,"pledge":620,"topic":604,"scope":346,"sources":621,"status":351,"evidence":624},"space-for-vendors-markets-small-business","More space for food vendors, markets, pop-up shops and accessory business space","On VoteMate he promises more spaces for food vendors, markets, pop-up shops and other small businesses, and to look at allowing more accessory business space in suitable areas. He told Freshet News the city should increase public vendor opportunities and explore accessory commercial units.",[622,623],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":626,"title":627,"pledge":628,"topic":604,"scope":346,"sources":629,"status":351,"evidence":632},"intermunicipal-business-licensing","Expand intermunicipal business licensing so contractors can work across more cities","On VoteMate he promises to expand intermunicipal business licensing so contractors and other mobile businesses can work across more Lower Mainland cities without a separate licence in each. He told Freshet News the city should join the metro-west business licence program.",[630,631],{"label":122,"url":123},{"label":38,"url":39},[],{"id":634,"title":635,"pledge":636,"topic":604,"scope":346,"sources":637,"status":351,"evidence":639},"small-business-city-contracts","Make City purchasing easier for small businesses, with local purchasing rules where allowed","On VoteMate he promises to make City purchasing easier for small businesses to take part in and to use local purchasing rules and community benefit criteria where they are allowed.",[638],{"label":122,"url":123},[],{"id":641,"title":642,"pledge":643,"topic":376,"scope":346,"sources":644,"status":351,"evidence":646},"consistent-policy-global-issues","One consistent policy when council recognizes global issues","On VoteMate, under Human Rights Abroad, he writes that Coquitlam should show solidarity with all people facing violence or natural disaster, or keep to a policy that is equitable across people and nations, and should apologize for inequities during previous council terms.",[645],{"label":122,"url":123},[],"councillor","elections\u002Fbc-coquitlam-2026\u002Ftracker\u002Fbenjamin-perry","Bl2gtGhhV7m5t87tf2BTBONN57A3dvwAhjU98HKgEpQ",[],1793466029594]