Based on his achievements over eight years of legislative activity, he is running for a third term in the October 17 election. “Dedicated to housing stability,…
![[Interview] Coquitlam Councillor Steve Kim, 'Third Term' in Sight… “Proven 8 Years, I Will Build a Completed Coquitlam”](https://pub-7c30bf53af234e8292c8a3d8df0166de.r2.dev/articles/cms8gxgs9000004lcu0o8rm6v/1791962252289-a24add71-0d9c-42a2-bb3c-50852a2938ea.jpg)
The local elections on October 17 are just around the corner. In Coquitlam, which has rapidly grown into a central city of Metro Vancouver with a population exceeding 170,000, Councilman Steve Kim, who has steadfastly dedicated himself as a two-term councilman for the past eight years, is running for a third term in this election. In a special interview with HanaTV, Councilman Kim shared his achievements over the past eight years and his vision for the next four years. He appealed for active support and voter turnout from the Korean community and voters, stating, "As a proven worker, I will lead Coquitlam's uninterrupted development."
Q. You have led Coquitlam as a two-term city council member for the past eight years. With the election just around the corner, you must have some unique thoughts.
Assemblyman Steve Kim:Serving for two terms on the Coquitlam City Council was the greatest honor and privilege of my life. The eight years passed in the blink of an eye. Coquitlam is my hometown, where I was born and raised. Therefore, the very fact that I was able to return to the city where I grew up to serve and contribute to the community again was incredibly meaningful and something I am deeply grateful for.
Looking back, we have made numerous significant decisions that have driven the city's development. In particular, we have made groundbreaking investments in public facilities and park infrastructure directly linked to the quality of life for residents, including the construction of the Mundy Park swimming pool, the establishment of the Maillardville Community Center, the expansion of the Town Center Park Community Center, and the creation of a temporary park in Brunette Park, Maillardville. I feel a deep sense of pride in these achievements, which were made together with the citizens.
Q. As Coquitlam's population surges, the urban environment is changing rapidly. What are your current top legislative priorities?
Assemblyman Steve Kim:The population of Coquitlam has now exceeded 170,000. As the city grows rapidly, the core task I take most seriously is ‘close communication with residents.’
With the recent amendment of B.C. law, mandatory public hearings for city council matters that do not involve changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) have been removed. This has institutionally reduced opportunities for residents to speak directly and communicate with the city council.
Therefore, I have adhered even more strictly to on-the-ground communication. I toured every corner of the neighborhood to meet residents in person, and I participated in various small gatherings and meetings to listen attentively to their voices. As institutional channels diminish, there is a desperate need for grassroots politics that brings us one step closer to the residents, and this principle will remain unchanged throughout my upcoming term.
Q. What are your key pledges and municipal priorities for your third term bid?
Assemblyman Steve Kim:The city administration's top priority is creating a tangible "livable city environment" (Livability) for citizens. And the starting point for this lies in alleviating the burden of housing costs (Affordability). We must expand practical, customized housing options so that not only the elderly and families, but also students and young adults can firmly settle down here without leaving Coquitlam.
At the same time, we must absolutely not overlook the task of minimizing the tax burden on citizens. I introduced a ‘Tax Stabilization Program’ at the City Council to systematically manage the extent of property tax increases and preemptively prevented sudden tax spikes in the future. Furthermore, through long-term facility asset management, I have secured sufficient budgets and funds to immediately address the issue of aging or replacement of public facilities without incurring additional financial burdens.
Furthermore, I will build a strong and diversified local economy to create an environment where residents can work and live close to home. This is the most certain way to not only reduce commuting times but also alleviate the actual financial burden on residents.
Q. Coquitlam is one of the leading areas in Canada with a high concentration of Korean residents. Do you have any message you would like to convey to Korean voters?
Assemblyman Steve Kim:Coquitlam is home to the largest Korean population in all of Canada. To make this place a better place to live, active participation in voting by the Korean community is of the utmost importance.
Only when we actively exercise our right to vote can we participate proactively in Canada's political process and demonstrate "Korean Power"—the underlying strength of our Korean community—to mainstream society. Korean politicians must remain in their positions within the government system, extending from municipal to provincial and federal governments, for the vivid voices and life experiences of our community to be fully reflected in actual policies and budgets. The power to safeguard the representation of the Korean community comes from your vote.
Q. The election is now just two days away. Please share a final message for the voters.
Assemblyman Steve Kim:A city council member is someone who sits at a conference table establishing the city's vision and strategy and creating ordinances that enable public officials to work, but the essence of the role is always to be on the ground, breathing and working together with residents, business owners, and non-profit organizations.
Based on my consistently proven experience and expertise over the past eight years, I aim to build a Coquitlam over the next four years that is livable, vibrant, and affordable for everyone. Please cast your valuable vote for the future of Coquitlam on October 17th. I will undoubtedly repay your support and trust in Steve Kim with tangible results. Thank you.
Interview: Editor-in-Chief Bae Hana, Student Reporter Song Jimin
