(August 18, 2026) TRI-CITIES This fall, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is taking civic engagement beyond the traditional debate stage and into the heart of our communities.
In partnership with the Coquitlam Farmers Market, Port Moody Farmers Market, and Port Coquitlam Farmers Market, the Chamber is proud to present a series of Candidate Meet & Greets prior to this year's municipal election. These informal events will give residents, business owners, and visitors the opportunity to meet the candidates running for council, ask questions, and have meaningful one-on-one conversations in a welcoming community setting.
The Chamber has long believed that strong businesses create strong communities, and that meaningful dialogue is the foundation of effective local leadership. Farmers markets embody those same values. Every week, our local markets bring together farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, families, neighbours, and visitors to celebrate everything that makes the Tri-Cities unique. They are vibrant gathering places where people connect, discover local businesses, support regional agriculture, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. Much like the Chamber, farmers markets create opportunities for relationships to grow, ideas to be shared, and local prosperity to flourish.
Hosting candidate meet and greets within these community hubs creates a natural environment for authentic conversations. Rather than formal speeches or podium presentations, residents will have the opportunity to engage directly with the people seeking to represent them, discussing the issues that matter most to their neighbourhoods, businesses, and families.
As a non-partisan organization, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is committed to ensuring the business community has access to informed decision-making while encouraging civic participation across our region. By partnering with our local farmers markets, we are creating accessible spaces where democracy happens through conversation, connection, and community.
"The best conversations happen when people feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected," says Jennifer McKinnon, CEO of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. "Our local farmers markets represent everything that makes the Tri-Cities such a special place to live and do business. They bring together entrepreneurs, local producers, families, and community leaders every week. By hosting our candidate meet and greets in these spaces, we're creating opportunities for genuine conversations that help residents get to know the people who want to shape the future of our communities."
The partnership also highlights the important role farmers markets play in supporting local economic development. Beyond providing fresh, locally grown food, these markets serve as launchpads for small businesses, incubators for entrepreneurs, and destinations that encourage residents to shop local and invest in their community.
"Our markets have always been about building community," says Tabitha McLoughlin, Executive Director, Grow Local Society. "Every market day creates opportunities for neighbours to connect, local businesses to thrive, and visitors to experience the incredible talent and diversity our region has to offer. Welcoming municipal candidates into that environment encourages open dialogue and helps strengthen the relationship between residents and the people seeking to represent them."
The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market shares that same vision of creating spaces where community comes first.
"Farmers markets are where community naturally comes together," says Jennifer Hientz, Executive Director Fraser North Farmers Market Society. "People come to support local businesses, enjoy fresh food, and connect with one another. Hosting candidates alongside that energy provides an approachable way for residents to engage in the election and have conversations that can help shape the future of Port Coquitlam."
Whether you're a business owner, a long-time resident, or new to the Tri-Cities, these events offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the individuals seeking elected office while enjoying everything our local farmers markets have to offer.
We encourage everyone to visit their local market, support our incredible vendors, and take the opportunity to meet the candidates who hope to help lead our communities into the future. After all, strong local government, thriving local businesses, and vibrant community spaces all begin with meaningful connections.
Coquitlam Farmers Market: Sunday, September 27 | 9AM – 1PM
Port Coquitlam Farmers Market: Thursday, September 10 | 3PM – 7PM
Port Moody Farmers Market: Sunday, September 20 | 3PM – 7PM
Below, you’ll find links to election information for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. The city election pages also provide important information for voters, including how to register, advance voting dates and locations, and other key election details.
City of Coquitlam
City of Port Coquitlam
City of Port Moody
Village of Anmore
Village of Belcarra
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer McKinnon, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com