Tri-City residents will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2022 municipal elections in less than four months.
To help the public make a decision on the city council it wants to see, a slate of debates has been announced for Coquitlam, Port Moody and Port Coquitlam in the weeks leading up to voting day.
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) is set to host an all-candidates debate in each of the three communities.
The organization — which oversees and guides more than 900 businesses, non-profits and home-based entrepreneurs in the region — says local voters will get the chance to ask questions to those running for mayor and council during the sessions.
Debates are scheduled between Sept. 22 and Oct. 3, and are be completely free to attend with no registration required.
The 2022 local general election is set for Oct. 15.
The TCCC's schedule is as follows:
Coquitlam
- Thursday, Sept. 22
- 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way)
Port Moody
- Wednesday, Sept. 28
- 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.)
Port Coquitlam
- Monday, Oct. 3
- 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Riverside Community Church (2329 Fremont Connector)
Thus far, three known candidacies have been formally announced for civic elections in the Tri-Cities this year.
Matt Djonlic was the first to put his name forward on April 5, and this is his first time contending for a spot on Coquitlam city council.
Gleneagle Secondary teacher Ali Tootian is also running for a councillor's seat in the fall.
In Port Coquitlam, Erik Minty threw his hat in the ring for council on May 6.
As well, PoCo is hosting an information session on Thursday (June 23) for those interested in running for the offices of mayor, councillor or school board trustee.
The session will be held in city hall's council chambers (2580 Shaughnessy St.) from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
