Independent candidate focuses on congestion and housing affordability
As Burnaby prepares for the municipal election on Oct. 17, an independent hopeful for city council is centring his campaign on two issues that shape residents’ daily lives: traffic congestion and housing affordability.
Philip Stojanovski, who is running as an independent candidate, discussed his priorities in an interview arranged by community radio station CJSF. In the conversation, he framed his bid for a council seat around practical responses to transportation gridlock and the rising cost of homes and rentals in Burnaby.
Municipal elections in British Columbia give voters direct influence over local services and planning decisions that affect growth, mobility and neighbourhood character. In Burnaby — a city balancing rapid transit expansion, development pressure and protected greenspaces — those municipal choices often determine how people get around and whether they can afford to stay in the community.
- Traffic congestion: Identified by the candidate as a primary concern for Burnaby residents.
- Housing affordability: Highlighted as a central issue affecting families and workers in the city.
- Independent stance: Running without formal affiliation to a civic party.
Stojanovski’s interview with CJSF is part of a broader effort by local media to meet candidates ahead of the Oct. 17 vote. The station said it reached out to all those vying for Burnaby city council to give them an opportunity to outline why they deserve support.
“Ahead of British Columbia’s Local Elections on October 17th, CJSF has reached out to all candidates vying for the role of Burnaby City Councillor for an interview.”
Specific policy proposals or detailed plans were not provided in the station’s summary. The interview summary notes that Stojanovski emphasised traffic and housing as issues he hopes to address if elected. Voters looking for more detail on how he would approach those challenges should consult the full interview recording or the candidate’s campaign materials.
Local stakes: why these issues matter in Burnaby
Burnaby’s position in Metro Vancouver — bordered by Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey and hosting several rapid transit corridors — makes transportation a high-profile municipal issue. Residents and commuters frequently cite congestion on major roads and access to transit as daily concerns tied to quality of life and local economic activity.
Housing affordability is likewise a persistent challenge across the region. Decisions made by city council on zoning, density, tree protection and permits influence the supply and character of homes, from rental units and townhouses to larger developments near SkyTrain stations. For many Burnaby households, those council-level policies can determine whether they can remain in the city as costs rise.
Municipal officeholders also play a role in shaping the balance between growth and conservation — an ongoing tension in Burnaby as the city works to protect parkland while accommodating population and job growth.
| Candidate | Affiliation | Key issues (as reported) | Election date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Stojanovski | Independent | Traffic congestion; housing affordability | Oct. 17, 2026 |
With the election less than a month away, voters will see a range of candidates and platforms in Burnaby. Community-run media outlets such as CJSF are providing forums for direct candidate engagement, enabling residents to weigh proposals on transit, housing and other municipal responsibilities.
Those interested in further details about Stojanovski’s positions should consult the full CJSF interview and any campaign literature he has released. As the campaign progresses, scrutiny on specific proposals and their feasibility is likely to increase — particularly for subjects as technically complex and locally consequential as transportation planning and housing policy.
Municipal council decisions will shape Burnaby’s streets, homes and neighbourhoods for years to come. This election offers voters the chance to choose who will steward those decisions at a pivotal moment for the city.
