Coquitlam City Councillor Steve Kim at event wearing I Love BC shirt - photo taken by Steve Kim Medias team, 2026Two-term councillor points to parks and…
Coquitlam City Councillor Steve Kim at event wearing I Love BC shirt - photo taken by Steve Kim Medias team, 2026
Coquitlam City Councillor Steve Kim announced Tuesday that he will seek re-election to City Council in the October 17 municipal election, aiming to secure a third term representing the city he has called home since childhood.
Kim, first elected in 2018, pointed to eight years of work on parks and recreation upgrades as he made his case to voters. He also highlighted expanded housing options and continued support for local businesses. Among the other accomplishments he cited from his time on Council were improvements to community safety and the rollout of the city's child care strategy. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to modernize municipal services.
"When I first asked for your support in 2018, I made a simple commitment to listen, work collaboratively, and make thoughtful decisions that balance current priorities with the long-term interests of our community," Kim said in a statement announcing his campaign. "Those values continue to guide me today."
Looking ahead, Kim laid out a broad platform built around fiscal planning and economic growth. He said he wants to keep investing carefully in the city's infrastructure and core services. Kim added that parks funding will remain a priority as well, alongside Coquitlam's existing tax stabilization plan and asset management approach, an effort he framed as balancing today's budget with tomorrow's needs.
On the economic front, Kim said he would push to build on the city's economic development strategy to draw new investment and support entrepreneurship. He pointed to festivals and cultural events as tools for bringing residents together. He said neighbourhood initiatives of this kind also give local businesses room to grow.
Councillor Steve Kim with a scooter at the "Future Home of Burke Mountain Community Centre" site in Coquitlam, BC - Image taken by Steve Kim media team, 2026
Kim also named community safety and environmental stewardship as priorities for his next term. He said maintaining Coquitlam's parks and natural spaces will remain a focus, alongside continued investment in emergency preparedness. Traffic safety is another area he flagged, citing the rising use of e-scooters and e-bikes across the city. Kim added that he intends to keep supporting local sports groups. He also pledged continued backing for arts and cultural organizations in the city.
Kim said a central part of his platform will involve pressing the provincial and federal governments for Coquitlam's fair share of funding as the city continues to grow. He pointed to expanded schools and hospitals as key needs. Kim also said he would advocate for capital funding for parks and facilities, along with transportation upgrades he says would improve daily life for residents.
"I remain fully committed to Coquitlam and its future," Kim said. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, but I believe there is important work still ahead. I'm asking residents for your support so I can continue to provide a balanced approach to decision-making on Council, build on the progress we've made, and help shape a strong and prosperous future for Coquitlam."
Kim's family arrived in the Lower Mainland in 1968 as early Korean immigrants, and he moved to Coquitlam with his family in 1981 at the age of eight. Three generations of his family now call the Tri-Cities home, where they live and work. Before joining Council, Kim built a career in business and marketing, working with tech start-ups and local organizations across British Columbia. He also spent years in communications roles supporting community groups. For the past two years, he has served as Executive Director of Access Youth Outreach Services, a Tri-Cities charity that has supported at-risk youth and families since 1993.
More information on Kim's campaign and platform is available at www.stevekim4council.ca.
