Incumbent highlights housing, parks and safety as she seeks re-election
Coquitlam — Coun. Teri Towner has formally launched her campaign for another four-year term on Coquitlam council, saying she remains committed to local work that improves residents’ daily lives.
In a news release issued Aug. 17, Towner pointed to her track record during more than a decade at the council table, including efforts under the city’s Housing Affordability Strategy, investments in parks and recreation, and moves to expand public safety and environmental resources. The announcement places her in a increasingly busy municipal contest as several incumbents and new entrants prepare to vie for seats.
“I care deeply about Coquitlam and remain as committed as ever to its future. I believe real impact happens at the local level, and I want to keep putting my experience, energy and enthusiasm toward meaningful work that makes residents’ lives better.”
Towner’s declaration follows news that Coun. Matt Djonlic is also campaigning for re-election. Voters in the city will now see a broad list of candidates door-knocking across neighbourhoods as the Oct. municipal election approaches.
Who is running — and who is stepping back
The field now includes a mix of sitting councillors, former candidates and first-time challengers. According to the campaign roll reported with Towner’s release, the contenders currently active in Coquitlam include:
- Phillip Buchan
- Tali Campbell
- Ali Cina
- Matt Djonlic (incumbent)
- Madhavee Inamdar
- Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre
- Matthew Sebastiani
- Harvey Su
- Kash Tayal
- Jane Thomsing
- Rosalinda Thorleifson
- Teri Towner (incumbent)
The announcement also reiterates earlier developments in the mayoral contest: Coun. Craig Hodge declared last fall he will run for mayor to succeed Richard Stewart, who is retiring. Two sitting councillors, Brent Asmundson and Dennis Marsden, have indicated they will not seek another term.
| Position | Status |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Craig Hodge running; Richard Stewart retiring |
| Councillors | Teri Towner and Matt Djonlic running; Brent Asmundson and Dennis Marsden not seeking re-election |
Local context: housing, amenities and growth pressures
Towner’s platform highlights issues that have defined Coquitlam’s recent policy debates: housing supply and affordability, parks and recreation investment, environmental stewardship and public safety resources. These are also the priorities municipal candidates across the region have emphasised as the Metro Vancouver area wrestles with growth tied to transit expansion, changing housing demand and commercial development.
Incumbents often run on the record of council decisions and partnerships formed with businesses and community groups; challengers frequently campaign on adjustments to density, housing type mix and local job creation, particularly near the Millennium Line and in industrial areas. Those dynamics are evident in the candidate statements circulated so far.
What’s next for voters
Residents wanting to review campaign platforms can find Towner’s materials through the campaign website noted in her release. The city’s municipal contest will intensify as more candidates finalise platforms and engage neighbourhoods in the weeks ahead.
To track developments across the Tri‑Cities, Burnaby and New Westminster, local election coverage tools and the Election tab on regional news sites will continue to update candidate lists and key announcements.
Coquitlam voters will be watching whether incumbents can translate their council records into renewed mandates or whether fresh voices will reshape municipal priorities as the city grows.
