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1. How long will I hold my position in Office?

Four (4) years. General Local Elections will be held on the third Saturday in October every four years following the previous general election.

2. What is the salary for Members of Council?

Please find a table of previous remuneration for Members of Council in the City of Coquitlam 2021 Statement of Financial Information (PDF) (Page 37).

3. What is the time commitment required of a member of council or School Trustee?

• Regular Council Meetings are generally held three Mondays a month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Coquitlam City Hall. 
• Council-in-Committee, a Standing Committee of Council, meets at 2 p.m. on Monday afternoons on the same day as Regular Council Meetings. 
• In-Camera Meetings are “closed” meetings held in the absence of the public. In-Camera Meetings are generally held in the afternoon immediately following Council-in-Committee Meetings.
• Public Hearings are generally held on the 4th Monday of each month in the Council Chambers at Coquitlam City Hall and are immediately followed by a Regular Council Meeting at which Council will give consideration to items on the Public Hearing Agenda, as well to any other items brought before Council at that time.
• Board of Education (School District No. 43) meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month except for March, July and August.  Regular Public Board Meetings commence at 7 p.m. Special Public meetings commence at 6:30 p.m.  In-camera meetings are held before Regular Meetings.  Meetings are generally held at the School Board Office located at 550 Poirier Street, Coquitlam. In 2017, there were approximately 71 meetings of the Board.

4. What other commitments are there for Council Members that I should be made aware of?

Council Members are often appointed to external committees and bodies.  In addition, Council Members are appointed to act as the Chair or Vice Chair of the City’s advisory committees and boards which tend to meet in the evening from 7-9 p.m.

5. What other commitments are there for School Trustees that I should be made aware of?

Trustees are assigned to a group of schools in which they are expected to visit and engage.  Trustees are also nominated to a number of other external committees as representatives of the School Board.

6. What if I decide I don't want to run for office after I've submitted my nomination papers?

You may withdraw as a candidate until 4 p.m. on the 29th day before General Voting Day (Friday, Sept.16, 2022). If you want to withdraw after that deadline, the Chief Election Officer must notify the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and the Minister will decide whether or not the candidate may withdraw.

7. When can I start campaigning?

Whenever you like.  Just ensure you record all campaign related expenses and contributions as they are incurred. See Elections BC’s Guide to Local Elections Campaign Financing in B.C. for more information.

8. Can I place an advertisement in a monthly newspaper/magazine?

Yes, as long as the publication date is not the date of General Voting Day (as there is a prohibition against advertising on General Voting Day).

9. Can I place an advertisement in a newspaper that is published on a Friday but may get delivered on a Saturday?

Yes, as long as the publication date is not the date of General Voting Day (as there is a prohibition against advertising on General Voting Day).