Listening to Residents. Getting the Basics Right. — Darin Nielsen for Port Coquitlam City Council 2026
25+
Years Listening & Advocating
Proven
Record of Advocacy
Practical
Results-Focused Approach
Strong Voice
For Port Coquitlam
Track Record
A Record of Advocacy
For more than 25 years, I have listened to residents, looked into issues and persistently advocated for practical improvements that could improve quality of life in Port Coquitlam. In a number of cases, Council later considered these issues and took action. That same approach continues today. Residents often know first where improvements are needed. I want to hear what matters in your neighbourhood, what could work better and what changes you believe should be pursued. By listening, investigating and advocating, we can continue shaping a stronger Port Coquitlam together. Port Coquitlam is where my life began, and where Carla and I are raising our family. I love this city and will always speak up for Port Coquitlam and the people who call it home. I am asking for your vote so I can serve our community, keep listening to residents and help keep PoCo Moving.
Flashing Pedestrian Beacons & Pedestrian Safety
My Advocacy
For years, I advocated for pedestrian-activated flashing beacons and other safety improvements at dangerous crosswalks throughout Port Coquitlam. I followed up on specific locations, timelines and the need to move safety improvements ahead more quickly.
Council Action
Multiple flashing pedestrian beacons and related pedestrian-safety improvements were installed at locations throughout Port Coquitlam.
Neighbourhood Traffic Calming & School-Zone Safety
My Advocacy
I consistently advocated for practical traffic-calming measures to address speeding and improve safety in residential neighbourhoods and around schools, parks and pedestrian crossings.
Council Action
Raised crosswalks, speed humps, flashing beacons and other neighbourhood traffic-calming measures have continued to be implemented throughout Port Coquitlam.
Large Item Pickup
My Advocacy
I advocated for a convenient curbside large-item pickup service so residents would have a practical way to dispose of furniture and other bulky household items.
Council Action
A pilot large-item pickup program was launched in 2021, and permanent curbside large-item pickup was implemented in 2025.
Curbside Glass Recycling
My Advocacy
I advocated for curbside glass collection to make recycling more convenient for Port Coquitlam residents.
Council Action
Curbside glass recycling was introduced in 2025.
Extra Holiday Recycling Pickup
My Advocacy
After residents raised concerns about overflowing recycling during the holiday season, I advocated for an additional collection to better meet the increased seasonal demand.
Council Action
Additional holiday recycling pickup was implemented in 2020.
New Recreation Centre — Including a Third Sheet of Ice
My Advocacy
Beginning in 1999, I advocated for construction of a new recreation centre with expanded aquatic, fitness and recreation facilities, including a third sheet of ice, to meet the needs of a growing community.
Council Action
The Port Coquitlam Community Centre opened in 2019 with major new recreation amenities, including the third sheet of ice I had long advocated for.
Third Sheet of Ice
My Advocacy
I advocated for a third sheet of ice because Port Coquitlam families needed more local ice time. When my own children played hockey, their "home" ice was in Pitt Meadows because there was not enough ice capacity in Port Coquitlam. I wanted local kids and families to be able to play, practise and compete in their own community.
Council Action
A third sheet of ice opened as part of the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre in 2019.
Covered Multi-Use Sports Facility — Including Lacrosse
My Advocacy
I persistently advocated for a covered multi-use sports facility that could provide year-round space for lacrosse, ball hockey and other dry-floor sports and community activities.
Council Action
Council approved the facility in 2024, with opening planned for 2027.
Artificial Turf Fields
My Advocacy
I advocated for additional artificial turf fields to provide more dependable, year-round playing opportunities for local sports organizations, families and athletes.
Council Action
Additional artificial turf fields have continued to be developed in Port Coquitlam.
Craft Brewery Seating Capacity
My Advocacy
I advocated for increasing the permitted indoor seating capacity for Port Coquitlam craft breweries to 75 seats, providing local businesses with greater opportunity to grow and serve customers.
Council Action
Indoor craft brewery seating capacity was increased to 75 seats in 2024.
Adopt-a-Street / Adopt-a-Spot
My Advocacy
I proposed an Adopt-a-Street program that would give residents, neighbourhood groups and community organizations a practical way to help care for local streets and public spaces.
Council Action
Port Coquitlam later introduced its Adopt-a-Spot program.
Bear Lock Program — No Cost to Residents
My Advocacy
I advocated for improved wildlife-resistant garbage-cart locks and for residents to receive a bear lock at no cost.
Council Action
The City introduced and later improved its bear-lock program, with the first lock made available to residents at no charge.
Terry Fox Hometown Square
My Advocacy
I proposed in 2018 a public plaza at the new Community Centre in honour of Terry Fox and his extraordinary connection to Port Coquitlam.
Council Action
Terry Fox Hometown Square opened at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre in 2021.
Enclosed Tot Lots
My Advocacy
I advocated for enclosed tot lots to provide safer play spaces for young children and greater peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
Council Action
Enclosed tot lots were built at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre and Elks Park.
Track Record
My Advocacy Record at a Glance
Many of these priorities began with residents raising concerns or sharing ideas while I was knocking on doors, attending sporting events, visiting parks and trails, or participating in conversations on social media.
The years shown below identify the election campaigns in which I advocated for each issue.
Recreation, Families and Community Life
Neighbourhood Safety and Maintenance
Environmental Protection and City Services
Affordability, Growth and the Local Economy
Several of these priorities were later implemented or advanced by City Council. I do not claim credit for Council's decisions. This record demonstrates the issues I listened to residents about, researched and persistently advocated for—sometimes across several elections.
What Matters to You?
Port Coquitlam's future should be shaped by the people who call it home. As our community grows, I will keep listening, remain focused on residents' priorities and advocate for practical action.
What is working? What needs attention? What idea could improve your neighbourhood or our community? I want to hear from you.
Share Your Ideas2026 Platform
My 2026 Priorities
Port Coquitlam is already a community residents are proud to call home. The job of a Councillor is to protect what residents value, listen carefully to where improvements are still needed, and work to get those improvements completed.
Transportation & Infrastructure — Action for a Growing City
Growth should not outpace the transportation infrastructure needed to support it.
Read moreHousing Options & Responsible Growth
Young people should have a realistic opportunity to build their future here. Families should be able to put down roots here. And longtime residents should have housing choices that allow them to downsize and remain in the community they love.
Read moreResponsible Spending & Metro Vancouver Accountability
Careful City spending and much stronger accountability for regional spending decisions affecting Port Coquitlam taxpayers.
Read moreSafe, Well-Maintained Neighbourhoods
Getting the basics right: roads, potholes, sidewalks, road markings, intersection safety, traffic calming and reliable City services.
Read moreParks, Sports, Arts & Community Life
Recreation facilities, sports fields, parks, arts and community amenities — including helping seniors remain active and connected.
Read moreRivers, Trees & Environmental Protection
Protecting Port Coquitlam's rivers, streams, parks, tree canopy and natural areas as the city grows.
Read more
About Darin
A Port Coquitlam Resident Who Does the Homework
For more than 25 years, I have listened to residents, researched issues and advocated for practical improvements that I believe could make Port Coquitlam an even better place to live, work, raise a family and retire.
My approach is straightforward: listen carefully, do the homework, focus on practical solutions and persistently advocate for action.
I'm running for council because I believe residents deserve a representative who shows up, does the homework, and works hard to be a strong voice for Port Coquitlam.
Learn More About DarinGet in Touch
What Matters to You?
I want to hear your concerns, ideas and priorities for Port Coquitlam.
Show Your Support
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