Local candidate frames campaign around homes, jobs and community input
A Coquitlam resident who grew up in the city has declared candidacy for municipal council, saying her platform focuses on keeping the city livable as it grows. Rosalinda Thorleifson outlined priorities that include increasing the supply of family-sized housing, backing small businesses, and creating employment opportunities linked to transit and industrial corridors.
In a news release, Thorleifson said she will lobby for more two- and three-bedroom homes, strengthen support for small business, and pursue job creation around the Millennium Line and in industrial areas if elected.
“At my core, I’m a communicator, a team player and an advocate. That means listening closely, building consensus and learning from everyone around me. I want to champion the best ideas for Coquitlam and make sure residents are part of that conversation every step of the way.”
Thorleifson is the latest entrant in a growing field of candidates seeking council seats as Coquitlam prepares for its upcoming municipal election. The slate of people door-knocking across the city now includes, in alphabetical order, Phillip Buchan; Tali Campbell; Ali Cina; Matt Djonlic; Madhavee Inamdar; Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre; Matthew Sebastiani; Harvey Su; Kash Tayal; and Jane Thomsing.
| Position | Candidates mentioned |
|---|---|
| Council (selected list) | Phillip Buchan, Tali Campbell, Ali Cina, Matt Djonlic, Madhavee Inamdar, Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre, Matthew Sebastiani, Harvey Su, Kash Tayal, Jane Thomsing, Rosalinda Thorleifson |
Incumbent councillor Craig Hodge announced last fall he is running for mayor. Hodge seeks to succeed long-serving Mayor Richard Stewart, who is retiring from the role, creating an open mayoral contest that is reshaping the municipal race.
Policy priorities tie into broader growth pressures
Thorleifson’s emphasis on two- and three-bedroom units responds to ongoing demand for family-sized, affordable options across Metro Vancouver. Coquitlam, like neighbouring Tri-Cities municipalities, faces pressure from population growth and housing market shifts that influence local planning decisions, from zoning to transit-oriented development.
By proposing jobs near the Millennium Line and in industrial zones, Thorleifson is pointing to a strategy that links housing and employment — a frequent theme in municipal planning debates. Focusing job growth around rapid-transit corridors is intended to reduce commuting pressures and support local business, though such strategies require coordination with regional transit authorities and developers.
Her pledge to support small business echoes a recurring municipal concern: balancing economic recovery and business vitality with residential development. Small enterprises account for much of the local retail and services that shape neighbourhood character, and city policies on permits, taxes and commercial space availability can affect their survival.
Campaign engagement and next steps
Thorleifson said residents can follow her campaign through her website. Voters in Coquitlam will have opportunities throughout the campaign to vet candidates’ platforms at door-knocking events, public meetings and through media profiles as election season advances.
- Housing: Push for more two- and three-bedroom homes to meet family needs.
- Economy: Support small business and pursue job creation around transit and industrial areas.
- Engagement: Promises to build consensus and include residents in decision-making.
The municipal election will reshape council priorities and leadership in Coquitlam. As contenders mount campaigns, residents will weigh competing visions for managing growth, preserving community character and directing investment in transit and local jobs.
To stay informed on civic elections across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby and New Westminster, local outlets and candidate websites will continue to publish updates on nominations, platforms and public events.
