Listening to Residents. Getting the Basics Right. — Darin Nielsen for Port Coquitlam City Council 2026

Community Safety & Well-Maintained Neighbourhoods

Getting the basics right: roads, potholes, sidewalks, road markings, intersection safety, traffic calming and reliable City services.

Safer Streets & Crosswalks At the doors, residents most often raise the need for more sidewalks, marked crosswalks, flashing pedestrian beacons and speed humps to slow neighbourhood traffic. E-Scooter Safety Residents are raising concerns about unsafe e-scooter use, including excessive speed, cutting into traffic and putting pedestrians at risk on sidewalks and trails. I support clear rules, rider education and enforcement of dangerous riding so everyone can use our streets and paths safely. Mental Healthcare & Addictions Recovery Residents also raise concerns about mental health and addiction, and the need for better access to treatment. I support developing Riverview into a centre of excellence for mental healthcare and addictions recovery, including secure care when medically necessary, so people in crisis and their families have somewhere to turn. Keeping Taxes Low & Planning Ahead Residents want property taxes kept as low as reasonably possible while ensuring the City remains well maintained and prepared for infrastructure repairs and upgrades. I support careful spending that meets today's needs and plans responsibly for the future.

Transportation & Infrastructure — Let's Get PoCo Moving

Residents need progress on traffic congestion across Port Coquitlam. Long-discussed projects such as the Fremont Connector and improvements to the Mary Hill Bypass need clear decisions, funding plans and timelines. I would work with Council to advance these priorities in cooperation with Coquitlam, TransLink, and the provincial and federal governments, while improving safety and transit reliability. Residents deserve to know what is holding projects up and what steps will be taken to get them moving. As our community grows, roads and infrastructure must keep pace. That means maintaining roads, improving walking and cycling connections, and planning for parking and access. Water, sewer, drainage and flood-protection systems also need timely maintenance and planned upgrades to reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs.

Rivers, Trees & Environmental Protection

Our rivers, streams, trails and trees are part of what makes Port Coquitlam home. I support protecting these natural areas as the city grows, preserving healthy mature trees where practical and planting more shade trees in parks and neighbourhoods. Environmental commitments need follow-through: a clear plan toward the City's tree-canopy target, measurable progress and attention to eroding creek banks and sensitive habitats. Community efforts such as tree planting, invasive-species removal and neighbourhood cleanups give residents meaningful ways to help.

Housing Options & Responsible Growth

Young people should have a realistic opportunity to build their future here, families should be able to put down roots, and longtime residents should have options to downsize without leaving their community. I will advocate for accessible housing and seniors’ living options that help residents stay in Port Coquitlam, including downtown near shops and services. I also support inclusive housing for adults with developmental disabilities, including opportunities within new condominium developments through partnerships with housing providers and support organizations. Growth should be planned alongside transportation, utilities, parks and community services. Residents deserve a meaningful voice in how their neighbourhoods change, with new housing supported by the infrastructure and amenities needed to make those neighbourhoods work well.

Parks, Sports, Arts & Community Life

As Port Coquitlam grows, recreation and community amenities need to keep pace. I support planning for sports fields, artificial turf where appropriate, and facilities that accommodate different activities and age groups, guided by community demand and responsible budgeting. Well-maintained parks, playgrounds and green spaces matter alongside organized sports. So do arts, cultural activities and welcoming places to gather. My focus is on affordable opportunities for all residents of PoCo from children and families, accessible facilities, and programs that help seniors stay active and connected to the residents that do not have a family to raise and are not a senior.