COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 30, 2022 – The nomination period is now open for people planning to run in the general local election in Coquitlam this fall.
Anyone running must file nomination papers in person between 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9.
What Positions are Available?
In the 2022 Coquitlam general local election, voters will elect:
- One mayor
- Eight councillors
- Four school board trustees for School District 43
To be eligible to run as a candidate for the office of Mayor, Councillor or School Trustee, a person must meet the requirements of the Local Government Act at the time of nomination. To see the list of requirements, visit www.coquitlam.ca/candidates.
All About Nomination Packages
Nomination packages are available:
- In person from the City Clerk's Office on the second floor of City Hall (3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, B.C.), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- Online at www.coquitlam.ca/candidates
Candidates should book a brief 10-minute appointment with either the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer to review and file their nomination documents when they are ready. Appointments may be made by emailing elections@coquitlam.ca, or by calling 604-368-7189.
Candidates must make a solemn declaration regarding their eligibility to run in the election, their intent to accept the office if elected, and their intent to comply with local election financing rules. The declaration can be taken by a lawyer, notary or Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for British Columbia, but is most commonly taken by the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer at City Hall at the time the nomination papers are filed.
*Emailed or faxed nomination papers must include the completed solemn declaration and the fax or email must be received by the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Originals of the faxed or emailed documents must then be received by the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 in order for the nomination to be considered valid.
New Benefits to Remove Barriers for Council Candidates
Coquitlam is one of the first communities in B.C. to adopt new leave procedures for Council members that aim to remove systemic and financial barriers for equity-deserving groups wishing to participate in public office. These new measures reflect Coquitlam’s focus on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the City’s work and community. As of 2023, the City will also offer a pension benefit to Council members to further reduce potential financial barriers for those running for office.
Get out and Vote
On Saturday, Oct. 15 eligible voters will elect one Mayor, eight Councillors and four School Trustees for the next four years. Information on when and where to vote will be available at www.coquitlam.ca/elections; closer to the voting period in October information will also be mailed to Coquitlam households, as well as shared with media, e-news subscribers and social media followers.
Stay up to date on elections news: follow @cityofcoquitlam on social media, or sign up for email updates at www.coquitlam.ca/elections.
Media contact:
Katie Karn
Chief Election Officer
City of Coquitlam
elections@coquitlam.ca