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Coquitlam Advisory Committee and Public Library Board Volunteer Recruitment
Help Shape Coquitlam’s Future: Volunteer for a Board or Committee
The City is seeking volunteers from the public with fresh perspectives and ideas to serve on these boards:
Library Board (4 seats, 2-year term): Help shape the future of Coquitlam’s libraries and support their mission to connect and inspire the community.
Board of Variance (2 seats, 3-year term): Bring balance and fairness to land-use decisions, considering both neighbourhood needs and City policies.
Economic Development Advisory Committee (1 seat, 1-year term): Share your insight to help strengthen local businesses and support Coquitlam’s growing economy.
Coquitlam City Council is currently seeking four volunteers from the public to serve as citizen representatives on the Coquitlam Public Library Board.
The Coquitlam Public Library Board is established pursuant to the Library Act and is responsible for the provision of public library services in Coquitlam. The library’s mission is to nurture joy in discovery by providing inviting, innovative spaces and services that promote learning and knowledge and engage all of Coquitlam’s diverse communities.
Learn more about the Coquitlam Public Library Board
Questions?
Email the Coquitlam Public Library Office Manager or call 604-937-4137.
Mandate: The Board of Variance considers applications from property owners who feel that enforcing a zoning bylaw, subdivision bylaw, or tree/protection bylaw would cause them undue hardship. Typical responsibilities include but not limited to are as follows:
- Granting small relaxations of zoning regulations (e.g., setbacks, building height, site coverage) if enforcing them creates hardship.
- Allowing minor variances in siting, size, or dimensions of buildings/structures.
- Considering relaxation of certain subdivision servicing requirements.
Mandate: To advise Council and staff on economic development and investment related issues and opportunities. Advice may be sought on items such as the following:
- Address priorities that relate to economic development, tourism and the visitor economy, film and corporate partnerships.
- Provide advice on how to advance the implementation strategies and work in collaboration to move forward to the Economic Development Strategy.
- Identify economic development impediments and opportunities for the City.
- Advise on business attraction, retention and expansion activities.
- Advise on ways to provide information about business to the general public.
- Attend to economic development matters which may be referred to the Committee by Council or other standing committees of Council.
Learn more about the Economic Development Advisory Committee
How to Apply
Applications are now closed. All applicants will receive a letter in late 2025 advising of the appointment decisions.
- Applicants for the Public Library Board must meet the following criteria:
- May not be officers or employees of the City of Coquitlam or the Coquitlam Public Library
- Must reside in Coquitlam (or otherwise be an elector of the municipality)
- Demonstrate community involvement, knowledge of the Board mandate, and interest and/or experience with the subject matter of the Board such that they could contribute meaningfully
- May not serve more than eight (8) consecutive years on the Public Library Board
Applicants for the Board of Variance/Advisory Committee must meet the following criteria:
- May not be officers or employees of the City of Coquitlam
- Reside in Coquitlam (preferred)
- Demonstrate community involvement, knowledge of the Board/committee mandate, and interest and/or experience with the subject matter of that Board/committee such that they could contribute meaningfully
For all positions, applicants of any age, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neighbourhood, and income level are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Serve the full term of their appointment by attending scheduled meetings
- Prepare for each meeting, which includes reading the agenda package
- Among other tasks, contribute by conducting research and reporting the findings at meetings and participating in discussions
- The Public Library Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., except in March, August, and December. Appointment terms are for a two-year period.
- The Board of Variance meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month except for August, December, and any other month in which there are no applications to be heard. The meetings take place at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Coquitlam City Hall. Appointment terms are for a three-year period.
- The Economic Development Advisory Committee meets quarterly (four meetings annually) according to a schedule determined by City Council each year, but typically does not meet in August or December. The meetings take place at 7:00 p.m. in Coquitlam City Hall Council Committee Room. The current appointment term is for a one-year period.
As these are volunteer positions, successful candidates serve without remuneration.
Appointments are made by City Council. Applicants will receive a letter from the City in late November 2025 advising of appointment decisions.
As a part of the application process, the Library Board and staff or City staff may interview prospective candidates. Prospective candidates may be required to provide additional information at the time of the interview and consent to do so by signing the consent statement that is included with this application.
The Strategic Plan provides a decision-making framework, strategic priorities, and vision for our city in 2023. Applicants must be committed to working to achieve this vision and these priorities.
Vision for 2032: Coquitlam: Sustaining a high quality of life for current and future generations, where people choose to life, learn, work and play.
Strategic Priorities:
- Community Safety
- Environmental Sustainability
- Workplace and People
- Financial Excellence and Operational Efficiency
- Economic Vitality
- Housing
- Critical Infrastructure
- Community Amenities
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Reconciliation, and Social Cohesion
Learn more about Coquitlam's 2024 – 2027 Strategic Priorities
Questions?
Contact the Legislative Services Division for more information:
- Email the Committee Clerk
- 604-927-3010