This candidate feature is based on Trish Mandewo’s responses to Apna Media Group’s complimentary candidate questionnaire for the BC Local Elections 2026. Bio and platform details below are drawn from her responses.
COQUITLAM: Trish Mandewo, a two-term Coquitlam City Councillor, is running for Mayor of Coquitlam on a platform centred on fiscal responsibility, responsible growth and community safety, her campaign told Apna Media Group.
Mandewo says her background spans microbiology and embryology, award-winning entrepreneurship and more than 15 years of public service. She has served two terms as President of the Union of BC Municipalities, sat on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board, and contributed to more than 25 boards and organizations. Her honours include the BC Business Woman of the Year Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She has lived in Coquitlam for over 15 years.
Her campaign lists 10 priorities, Mandewo says: supporting seniors, supporting parents and families, fiscal responsibility and accountability, local business and economic growth, transportation and traffic safety, responsible housing and development, youth investment, environment and green spaces, transparency and accessibility, and community safety. She also names four leadership commitments: fiscal stewardship, accountability, collaborative leadership and strong advocacy.
As a news hook, Mandewo announced she has signed the Metro Vancouver Accountability pledge, a charter launched earlier this year calling for reforms to regional compensation, transparency and governance at Metro Vancouver. The pledge’s October 8 media release confirms her signing, noting she joins a coalition that includes the mayors of Vancouver and several 2026 mayoral candidates across the region.
Coquitlam’s general local election is set for Saturday, October 17, 2026, when voters will elect one mayor, eight councillors and four school trustees.
Apna News is covering the BC Local Elections 2026. Campaigns interested in participating can contact Apna News.
(Source: trishmandewo.ca; Metro Vancouver Accountability pledge release, October 8, 2026)
