25+ Years of Advocacy

A Record That Speaks for Itself

For more than 25 years, I have listened to Port Coquitlam residents, researched the issues they raised and persistently advocated for practical improvements to our community.

My advocacy over the past 25 years has focused on practical improvements raised by residents across Port Coquitlam — including community and neighbourhood safety, recreation, environmental protection, affordability and other quality-of-life issues. Some required years of persistent advocacy before action was taken, and many were ultimately implemented by the City. That record reflects a consistent approach: listening to residents, identifying worthwhile ideas and continuing to advocate when an issue deserves attention.

This record is not about claiming credit for Council’s decisions or accomplishments. Residents raised concerns, ideas were discussed and advocated for, and Council ultimately made the decisions. My Record of Advocacy demonstrates that I have listened carefully, identified practical needs and remained focused on the priorities that matter most to residents—often years before action was taken.

My Advocacy at a Glance

My advocacy over the past 25 years has focused on practical improvements raised by residents across Port Coquitlam — including community and neighbourhood safety, recreation, environmental protection, affordability and other quality-of-life issues. Some required years of persistent advocacy before action was taken, and many were ultimately implemented by the City. That record reflects a consistent approach: listening to residents, identifying worthwhile ideas and continuing to advocate when an issue deserves attention.

Recreation, Families and Community Life

  • •A recreational centre with a third sheet of ice, pool and fitness centre
  • •A multi-use complex (covered lacrosse box)
  • •Improved sports fields for baseball and soccer
  • •Enclosed Tot Lots (ideally with a washroom)
  • •Off-leash dog parks
  • •A Northside picnic shelter (Sun Valley)
  • •Washroom at Blakeburn Lagoons Park
  • •A City child-care strategy and additional daycare spaces

Neighbourhood Safety and Maintenance

  • •Flashing beacons at high-risk crosswalks
  • •Build more sidewalks
  • •Safer school zones, neighbourhood traffic calming
  • •Adopt a bear-proof bin and provide free bear locks to residents
  • •Regular repainting of road lines and crosswalk markings to make them visible in the dark and wet weather
  • •Rehabilitation of deteriorating and pothole-damaged roads
  • •Improve the Costco/Home Depot driveway intersection by aligning access points and introducing a controlled intersection

Environmental Protection and City Services

  • •Curbside glass recycling
  • •Large Item Pickup
  • •Extra holiday recycling collection
  • •A ban on plastic shopping bags
  • •Strong protection of our rivers, parks, trails and a 30% tree-canopy target
  • •Adopt a Street (Adopt-a-Spot)

Affordability, Growth and the Local Economy

  • •Keeping taxes low with responsible fiscal management by eliminating waste and finding efficiencies to ensure value for taxpayer dollars
  • •More affordable housing options and a policy to provide a variety of mixed housing options to make our city affordable to raise a family and retire
  • •Support for local businesses
  • •Increase craft brewing seating to 75
  • •Attract business opportunities to create a vibrant downtown and Northside while maintaining our small-town feel
  • •Action on longstanding transportation projects, infrastructure and services that keep pace with growth
  • •Improved transit
  • •Increase the eligibility for the Senior’s Utility Discount

These are issues I raised and advocated for as a candidate and community advocate. City Council made the decisions to implement or advance them; I do not claim credit for Council’s decisions or accomplishments.

Safety & Neighbourhoods

Flashing Pedestrian Beacons & Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Flashing Pedestrian Beacons & Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

5 Elections

2008 • 2011 • 2018 • 2022 • 2026

My Advocacy

For years, I advocated for pedestrian-activated flashing beacons and other safety improvements at dangerous crosswalks throughout Port Coquitlam. My advocacy did not stop with election campaigns. I followed up on specific locations, installation timelines and the need to move pedestrian-safety improvements ahead more quickly.

Council Action

2023–2025 — Multiple flashing pedestrian beacons were installed at locations throughout Port Coquitlam.

Neighbourhood Traffic Calming & School-Zone Safety

Neighbourhood Traffic Calming & School-Zone Safety

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

4 Elections

2011 • 2018 • 2022 • 2026

My Advocacy

I have consistently advocated for practical traffic-calming measures to address speeding and improve safety in neighbourhoods, around schools and at locations where pedestrians and vehicles interact.

Council Action

Raised crosswalks, speed humps and other neighbourhood traffic-calming measures continue to be implemented throughout Port Coquitlam.

Everyday City Services

Large Item Pickup

Large Item Pickup

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2018 • 2022

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

2021 — Pilot project launched. 2025 — Permanent curbside large-item pickup implemented.

Curbside Glass Recycling

Curbside Glass Recycling

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2018 • 2022

My Advocacy

I advocated for curbside glass collection so residents would have a more convenient way to recycle glass containers from home.

Council Action

2025 — Curbside glass recycling was introduced.

Extra Holiday Recycling Pickup

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2011 • 2018

My Advocacy

After residents raised concerns about overflowing recycling during the holiday season, I advocated for an additional recycling collection to better meet the increased seasonal demand.

Council Action

2020 — Additional holiday recycling pickup was implemented.

Bear Lock Program — No Cost to Residents

Bear Lock Program — No Cost to Residents

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2008 • 2011

My Advocacy

I called for a city-wide bear-proofing garbage program to reduce wildlife access to household waste, including improved cart-locking measures and providing residents with their first bear lock at no cost. I believed that if residents were being asked to help reduce wildlife attractants, the City should make the necessary equipment practical and accessible.

Council Action

2009 — Bear Lock Program introduced. 2013 — Improved bear-lock system introduced.

Adopt-a-Street / Adopt-a-Spot

Adopt-a-Street / Adopt-a-Spot

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

1 Election

2011

My Advocacy

I proposed an Adopt-a-Street program that would allow residents, neighbourhood groups and community organizations to take a hands-on role in helping keep local streets and public spaces clean.

Council Action

2019 — Port Coquitlam introduced its Adopt-a-Spot program.

Recreation & Sports

New Recreation Centre — Swimming Pool, Fitness Centre & Third Sheet of Ice

New Recreation Centre — Swimming Pool, Fitness Centre & Third Sheet of Ice

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

4 Elections

1999 • 2000 • 2008 • 2011

My Advocacy

Beginning in 1999 until 2011, I advocated for a new recreation centre that would include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness centre and a third sheet of ice, expanding recreation opportunities for Port Coquitlam residents. As our community grew, I believed residents deserved modern recreation facilities here in Port Coquitlam rather than having to travel elsewhere for activities our own city could provide.

Council Action

2019 — The Port Coquitlam Community Centre opened with a leisure pool, fitness centre and major new recreation amenities.

Third Sheet of Ice

Third Sheet of Ice

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

4 Elections

1999 • 2000 • 2008 • 2011

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

2019 — A third sheet of ice opened as part of the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

Covered Multi-Use Sports Facility — Including Lacrosse

Covered Multi-Use Sports Facility — Including Lacrosse

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

4 Elections

2008 • 2011 • 2018 • 2022

My Advocacy

Across four election campaigns, 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. Port Coquitlam has a strong sports community, and I believed our athletes and families deserved a facility that could be used throughout the year.

Council Action

2024 — Council approved the facility. 2027 — Opening is planned.

Artificial Turf Fields

Artificial Turf Fields

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

3 Elections

2008 • 2011 • 2018

My Advocacy

For three elections, I advocated for additional artificial turf fields to provide local sports organizations, athletes and families with more reliable year-round playing opportunities. Artificial turf allows fields to accommodate greater use and helps reduce cancellations caused by poor field conditions.

Council Action

2019–Present — Additional artificial turf fields have continued to be added in Port Coquitlam.

Covered Picnic Area — Northside

Covered Picnic Area — Northside

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

1 Election

2022

My Advocacy

I advocated for a covered picnic area on the Northside of Port Coquitlam so families, seniors and community groups would have a sheltered place to gather regardless of the weather.

Council Action

A covered picnic area is proposed for Sun Valley Park, with completion planned for 2027.

Enclosed Tot Lots

Enclosed Tot Lots

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2018 • 2022

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

2019 — Community Centre Tot Lot opened. 2025 — Elks Park Tot Lot opened.

Housing & Quality of Life

Affordable & Family Housing Options

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

5 Elections

2008 • 2011 • 2018 • 2022 • 2026

My Advocacy

Across five election campaigns, I have advocated for a greater range of housing choices so young people, families, seniors and longtime residents have more opportunities to find a home that meets their needs and budget. Housing choice should also allow longtime residents who are ready to downsize to remain in Port Coquitlam — the community they have spent years helping build.

Council Action

2018 — Port Coquitlam adopted a Family-Friendly Housing Policy supporting a greater mix of housing options for families.

Environment

Tree Canopy — 30% Target

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2011 • 2018

My Advocacy

I advocated for protecting and expanding Port Coquitlam's urban tree canopy as our city grows. Trees contribute to neighbourhood character, shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air and overall quality of life. I supported establishing a measurable long-term tree-canopy target so environmental protection remained part of City planning.

Council Action

2021 — Port Coquitlam adopted a 30% tree-canopy target through the Urban Forest Roadmap.

Local Business

Craft Brewery Seating Capacity

Craft Brewery Seating Capacity

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

1 Election

2022

My Advocacy

I advocated for increasing the permitted indoor seating capacity for Port Coquitlam craft breweries to 75 seats. It was a practical change that could help successful local businesses grow while contributing to a vibrant local economy.

Council Action

2024 — Indoor craft-brewery seating capacity was increased to 75 seats.

Seniors & Affordability

Seniors Utility Discount

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

2 Elections

2018 • 2022

My Advocacy

I advocated for increasing the utility discount available to qualifying low-income seniors. For seniors living on fixed incomes, rising household costs can have a significant impact. I believed the City could provide greater assistance to residents who needed it most.

Council Action

2025 — The seniors utility discount was increased to 50%.

Fiscal Responsibility

Keeping Taxes Low

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

5 Elections

2008 • 2011 • 2018 • 2022 • 2026

My Advocacy

Across five election campaigns, I have consistently advocated for keeping property taxes as low as reasonably possible while maintaining the core services residents depend on. Fiscal responsibility means establishing priorities, scrutinizing spending and making sure taxpayers receive good value for every dollar.

Council Action

Port Coquitlam continues to have among the lowest average residential property taxes in Metro Vancouver — a record Council deserves recognition for.

Community Identity

Terry Fox Hometown Square

Terry Fox Hometown Square

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

1 Election

2018

My Advocacy

I proposed naming a plaza or public square at the new Community Centre in honour of Terry Fox and his extraordinary connection to Port Coquitlam. Terry Fox is part of our community's identity, and I believed a prominent public gathering place should recognize his legacy.

Council Action

2021 — Terry Fox Hometown Square opened at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

Parks & Amenities

Blakeburn Lagoon Washroom

Blakeburn Lagoon Washroom

Election campaigns I advocated this idea

1 Election

2022

My Advocacy

I advocated for a public washroom at Blakeburn Lagoon so residents and families using the park would have access to a basic, practical amenity.

Council Action

2024 — A public washroom was constructed at Blakeburn Lagoon.

The Work Isn't Finished

The priorities facing Port Coquitlam—including affordability, responsible spending, community safety, recreation, seniors and quality of life—are priorities I have advocated for over many years. My Record of Advocacy demonstrates that this focus is not a new campaign promise. I have consistently listened to residents, investigated practical solutions and advocated for action. If elected, I will bring that same community-focused approach to Council while helping complete longstanding transportation, infrastructure, safety, environmental and accountability priorities. My Record of Advocacy also includes important priorities that have not yet been completed. In 2026, I remain focused on securing action on longstanding transportation, core infrastructure, neighbourhood safety, environmental protection and regional-accountability issues. Stay focused. Follow through. Finish the work.

Advocating since 2011

Fremont Connector

Negotiate with Coquitlam to implement this long-overdue regional connection to provide traffic relief for north-side Port Coquitlam, including Coast Meridian, Prairie and Cedar.

Advocating since 2008

Lincoln Avenue Connector

Working with Coquitlam to set a target for this long-discussed transportation connection from planning toward implementation.

Long-planned project

CP Rail Overpass

Advance this long-planned project to reduce congestion while improving rail and road movement through the city.

Advocating since 2018

Mary Hill Bypass Safety Improvements

Keep pressing the Provincial Government for the approvals and funding needed to improve Kingsway, Broadway, Pitt River Road and Shaughnessy for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.

Advocating since 2008

Safe, Well-Maintained Neighbourhoods

Keep neighbourhoods clean; maintain roads and trails; add sidewalks, install flashing beacons at crosswalks near schools, parks, and shopping;  repaint road lines and crosswalk markings use traffic calming where needed

Advocating since 2008

Fire & Rescue, Policing & Bylaw Services

Ensure public-safety services have the staffing, equipment, training and resources required to serve a growing city effectively.  Evaluate whether the Northside requires additional or expanded fire hall capacity to maintain strong emergency response times and adequate coverage.

Advocating since 2008

Parks, Trails, Trees & Rivers

Protect and enhance the natural spaces that contribute so much to Port Coquitlam's quality of life.    Stay on target of 30% tree canopy.

Advocating since 2008

Metro Vancouver Accountability

Push for stronger transparency, accountability and oversight of regional spending and decisions that directly affect Port Coquitlam ratepayers.

Listening to Residents. Advocating for What Matters. Getting the Job Done.

For more than 25 years, I have continued to raise issues that I believe can improve life in Port Coquitlam — whether I was in an election campaign or not. That record demonstrates the approach I would bring to City Council: listen to residents, do the homework, advocate persistently, make decisions and work to get the job done within a reasonable period of time. I'm asking for your vote so I can bring that record of advocacy and be a strong voice for Port Coquitlam residents on City Council.

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Darin Nielsen

Port Coquitlam City Council 2026

Listening to residents. Getting the basics right. Delivering practical results for Port Coquitlam.

Contact Darin

darinn [at] telus.net604-671-4580

Authorized by the Financial Agent

for Darin Nielsen

darinn [at] telus.net

© 2026 Darin Nielsen. All rights reserved.

Authorized by the Financial Agent for Darin Nielsen