Yuna Fahim
Coquitlam City Council Candidate
Listening first.
Explaining decisions clearly.
Serving Coquitlam thoughtfully.
Why I’m running
I’m running for Coquitlam City Council because I believe good local government starts with listening — early, carefully, and with respect.
I’m not running to replace what works.
I’m running to contribute thoughtfully to it.
People deserve to understand how decisions are made, to feel heard before decisions are finalized, and to know their perspectives are respected — even when opinions differ.
What Coquitlam Means to Me
To me, Coquitlam is where I’ve come to feel a strong sense of belonging.
For some, belonging comes from having deep roots here — years of memories, relationships, and shared history. For others, it grows through learning about the community, contributing to it, and respecting the values that make it work.
For me, Coquitlam means home. And with that comes responsibility.
It means understanding what people value and working to protect it.
It means contributing thoughtfully to the future we are shaping together.
Belonging isn’t about how long you’ve lived somewhere — it’s about showing up, respecting what already exists, and taking responsibility for the place you call home.
That’s how I live in Coquitlam, and that’s how I would serve on City Council.
Who I Am
I moved to Coquitlam about six years ago, built my life here, and came to understand this city by listening — not assuming.
Coquitlam is where my family’s life unfolds. One of my children graduated from high school here and now studies at Douglas College in Coquitlam. The other is currently attending high school in Coquitlam. Like many families, we care deeply about education, safety, and the kind of community we are building for the next generation.
For more than 23 years, I’ve worked as a teacher at schools, colleges, and universities in both Iran and Canada. Teaching shaped how I listen carefully, explain complex issues clearly, and create space for different perspectives to be heard respectfully.
In Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities, I’ve also worked closely with the community through Tri-Cities Community TV, serving as a board member, producer, director, and local journalist. That work gave me a front-row seat to local stories — the everyday concerns, achievements, and conversations that don’t always make headlines but matter deeply to residents.
Across classrooms, community media, and volunteer leadership roles, my approach has been consistent: listen first, ask thoughtful questions, explain decisions clearly, and treat people with dignity.
Community Service & Leadership
I’ve been trusted with responsibility in community media, long-standing local festivals, and not-for-profit organizations, including:
Board member, producer, director, and local journalist with Tri-Cities Community TV
Board member of Golden Spike Days
Director of CloseUp film festival
Board member of the Short Film Conference (international not-for-profit)
Jury member at international film festivals
Former Vice-President of the Asian Sport Climbing Federation
Volunteer with seniors’ community groups
These roles taught me how to balance diverse perspectives, work within budgets, and make decisions responsibly — skills that matter in municipal governance.
Reconciliation
Coquitlam is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the Kwikwetlem First Nation.
I believe reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility — grounded in humility, listening, learning, and respect — reflected in how decisions are made and voices are included.
How I Approach Council Work
🟦 Listening Before Deciding
I believe good decisions start by hearing from people early — not after plans are finalized.
🟦 Clear Explanations
Even when people disagree, they deserve to understand why decisions are made.
🟦 Respect for All Residents
Long-time residents and newcomers both care deeply about this city.
🟦 Calm, Thoughtful Leadership
Municipal politics works best without shouting or division.
What I’m Hearing from Residents
• Concerns about growth and infrastructure
• Desire for clearer communication from City Hall
• Appreciation for community spaces and safety
• Different opinions — shared care for Coquitlam
Values That Unite Coquitlam
Coquitlam is built by people who have lived here for decades and by those who chose to make it home more recently.
Belonging comes from respecting the values that make this city work — caring for neighbourhoods, listening to one another, and approaching change thoughtfully.
People don’t need to agree on everything to move forward together. They need to feel heard and respected.
Yuna Fahim
Why I’m Running
I’m running for Coquitlam City Council because I believe good local government starts with listening — early, carefully, and with respect.
I’m not running to replace what works.
I’m running to contribute thoughtfully to it.
People deserve to understand how decisions are made, to feel heard before decisions are finalized, and to know their perspectives are respected — even when opinions differ.
Who I Am
I moved to Coquitlam about six years ago, built my life here, and came to understand this city by listening — not assuming.
Coquitlam is where my family’s life unfolds. One of my children graduated from high school here and now studies at Douglas College in Coquitlam. The other is currently attending high school in Coquitlam. Like many families, we care deeply about education, safety, and the kind of community we are building for the next generation.
For more than 23 years, I’ve worked as a teacher at schools, colleges, and universities in both Iran and Canada. Teaching shaped how I listen carefully, explain complex issues clearly, and create space for different perspectives to be heard respectfully.
In Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities, I’ve also worked closely with the community through Tri-Cities Community TV, serving as a board member, producer, director, and local journalist. That work gave me a front-row seat to local stories — the everyday concerns, achievements, and conversations that don’t always make headlines but matter deeply to residents.
Across classrooms, community media, and volunteer leadership roles, my approach has been consistent: listen first, ask thoughtful questions, explain decisions clearly, and treat people with dignity.
Community Service & Leadership
I’ve been trusted with responsibility in community media, long-standing local festivals, and nonprofit organizations, including:
Board member, producer, director, and local journalist with Tri-Cities Community TV
Board member of Golden Spike Days
Director of CloseUp film festival
Board member of the Short Film Conference (international nonprofit)
Jury member at international film festivals
Former Vice-President of the Asian Sport Climbing Federation
Volunteer with seniors’ community groups
These roles taught me how to balance diverse perspectives, work within budgets, and make decisions responsibly — skills that matter in municipal governance.
Reconciliation
Coquitlam is located on the traditional and unceded territories of the Kwikwetlem First Nation.
I believe reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility — grounded in humility, listening, learning, and respect — reflected in how decisions are made and voices are included.
How I Approach Council Work
🟦 Listening Before Deciding
I believe good decisions start by hearing from people early — not after plans are finalized.
🟦 Clear Explanations
Even when people disagree, they deserve to understand why decisions are made.
🟦 Respect for All Residents
Long-time residents and newcomers both care deeply about this city.
🟦 Calm, Thoughtful Leadership
Municipal politics works best without shouting or division.
What Residents Are Telling Me
• Concerns about growth and infrastructure
• Desire for clearer communication from City Hall
• Appreciation for community spaces and safety
• Different opinions — shared care for Coquitlam
Values That Unite Coquitlam
Coquitlam is built by people who have lived here for decades and by those who chose to make it home more recently.
Belonging comes from respecting the values that make this city work — caring for neighbourhoods, listening to one another, and approaching change thoughtfully.
People don’t need to agree on everything to move forward together. They need to feel heard and respected.