A City Where Everyone Belongs
Julie Sherwood for City Councillor and School Trustee in Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam should be an inclusive, diverse and welcoming community where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have a voice.
Our Shared Vision
Affordable & Attainable Housing
Every family deserves a place to call home in the city they love.
I will support practical approaches to making housing more attainable while ensuring Port Coquitlam remains a livable community.
I will work to:
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Support a mix of housing options for different income levels and stages of life.
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Encourage efficient approval processes for projects that meet community needs.
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Work with the province on housing solutions while ensuring Port Coquitlam residents have a genuine voice.
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Work with non-profit and community housing partners.
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Support housing options for families, seniors and newcomers.
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Consider the impact of growth on infrastructure, transportation and quality of life.
Standing Up Against Domestic Violence
Everyone deserves to live free from abuse, threats and violence.
I will advocate for stronger access to domestic-violence resources for women, men, Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and families.
Our community needs access to emergency shelter and transitional housing for people fleeing violent relationships.
That includes recognizing an important reality:
Pets are family too.
Some people delay leaving an abusive relationship because they cannot leave their pets behind. I support exploring housing and shelter options that can accommodate people and their pets
Community Safety
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, on their streets and in our parks.
Community safety requires more than reacting to problems after they happen. It requires strong frontline services, prevention, outreach and connected communities.
I will support:
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Strong first-responder services.
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Traffic-calming and road-safety improvements.
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Safer streets, sidewalks and public spaces.
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Programs addressing mental health and addiction as community health issues.
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Outreach and prevention initiatives.
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Well-maintained parks and public spaces where people feel safe.
Safety and compassion do not have to be opposing ideas.
We can protect our community while treating people with dignity.
Supporting Local Business & Creating Jobs
Port Coquitlam needs a strong local economy.
As a business owner, I understand the challenges of licensing, regulations, financing, employees, payroll, marketing, budgeting and finding opportunities to grow. My business experience includes working directly with government organizations and successfully navigating the licensing process with the Passenger Transportation Branch.
I want City Hall to be business-friendly without losing sight of residents.
I will advocate for:
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Incentives that attract businesses and jobs to Port Coquitlam.
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Opportunities for local film and production.
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Faster and clearer processes where appropriate.
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Stronger connections between local employers and Port Coquitlam residents.
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A way for local businesses to share employment opportunities with residents through City Hall and community channels.
When local businesses succeed, our community benefits.
Connecting Generations
I believe one of the greatest resources in our community is the knowledge and experience of our older residents.
Imagine high school students sitting down with seniors to prepare a healthy meal, have a conversation, learn local history or hear stories from another generation.
Imagine students helping seniors learn how to use their phones and computers.
Imagine students reading with younger children, including newcomers who may need additional support with reading and writing.
These aren't just volunteer hours.
They are opportunities to build community.
I want to advocate for incentives such as school credits, volunteer recognition and potential scholarship partnerships that encourage young people to give back.
Complete Communities
A complete community is one where people can live, work, play, age and participate without having to leave their neighbourhood to meet their basic needs.
I will advocate for:
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Accessible and affordable recreation.
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Strong youth and after-school programs.
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Programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
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More opportunities for community volunteering.
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Safe, accessible sidewalks and pathways.
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More benches and places to rest.
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Protection of parks, trails and natural areas.
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Investment in roads, sidewalks, water and sewer infrastructure.
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Responsible growth that considers existing residents and future generations.
I personally enjoy walking the beautiful trails, paths and dykes of Port Coquitlam, and I want to help preserve the outdoor spaces that make this city special.
Homelessness: Dignity, Compassion & Action
People experiencing homelessness are still members of our community.
I support connecting people directly with outreach workers and social-service professionals who can help identify their needs and connect them with housing, health services, identification, income supports and other resources.
My approach is simple:
Treat every person with dignity, empathy and human respect while working toward practical solutions.
We may not solve homelessness overnight, but we can choose to engage rather than ignore.
Fiscal Responsibility
Residents work hard for their money.
City Council has a responsibility to spend wisely, plan for the future and be transparent about how public dollars are used.
I will support:
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Responsible property-tax management.
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Seeking provincial and federal grants wherever possible.
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Transparent reporting.
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Long-term infrastructure planning.
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Partnerships with community organizations.
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Finding creative ways to deliver services efficiently.
We can invest in our community without losing sight of affordability.
Better Transportation & Future Transit
Port Coquitlam deserves to be part of the region's long-term transportation vision.
I will advocate for improved transit connections and work toward bringing SkyTrain to Port Coquitlam and eventually toward Pitt Meadows and beyond.
I also want us to think about where future stations could help support responsible growth, connect residents to employment and recreation, and showcase our city's incredible parks, trails and natural spaces.
Transit planning should be about more than getting from one station to another.
It should connect people to opportunity.
Dignity & Accessibility for Seniors and People with Disabilities
No one should feel trapped in their home because they cannot drive or access affordable transportation.
I will advocate for a community shuttle program for seniors and people with disabilities, helping residents get to community centres, recreation programs, medical appointments, social activities, religious services and events throughout Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities.
A bus pass is only useful if people can actually get where they need to go.
I also want to explore more benches along our beautiful trails and pathways, better lighting during the darker winter months and programs that encourage residents to walk, visit and connect with people who may otherwise experience isolation safely.
Our city should make it easier for people to get outside, stay active and stay connected.
Port Coquitlam’s heritage buildings, historic sites, and stories are an important part of what makes our community unique. I believe we have a responsibility to protect these connections to our past while thoughtfully planning for our future.
I would support stronger efforts to preserve significant heritage buildings and advocate for additional funding for heritage research, archives, and public education. By investing in our history today, we can ensure future generations understand and appreciate the people, places, and stories that helped build Port Coquitlam.
Preservation of Heritage and Culture in Port Coquitlam
A VOICE FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
From children learning to read, to teenagers discovering the value of volunteering, to young families searching for an attainable home, to seniors who want to remain active and connected — every stage of life matters.
I want a Port Coquitlam where a senior can get to a community program.
Where a person with a disability can participate fully and flourish in the community.
Where a young person can volunteer to gain wisdom, life skills, and historical perspective from our seniors, while providing them with vital companionship.
Where a family can find a place to call home.
Where a person experiencing homelessness is treated with dignity.
Where someone fleeing violence can find a safe place to go.
Where local businesses can grow and create jobs.
And where residents know that City Hall sees them, hears them and cares about them.
A CITY FOR EVERYONE
I am ready to fight for a Port Coquitlam that is inclusive, accessible, compassionate, financially responsible and connected.
A city where everyone belongs.
A city where everyone has dignity.
A city where everyone can participate and flourish.
A city that cares at every stage of life.
A City for Everyone.
