In 2024, 144 workers in Coquitlam earned more than $150,000, showing a notable rise in city salaries compared to previous years. This comes as the city’s debt dropped and tax revenue increased, reflecting a stronger financial position.
Among the highest-paid city officials was Chief Administrative Officer Raul Allueva, whose total pay, including expenses, reached $422,803. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Hunt earned $373,507, also including expenses. Mayor Richard Stewart received $232,602 last year, which is roughly $13,000 more than his 2023 earnings.
City councillors earned $84,072 on average in 2024, up from $78,311 in 2023. Their benefits totaled $7,279. Expenses reported by councillors varied, with Robert Mazzarolo spending $675 and Teri Towner $7,724. Steve Kim and Trish Mandewo reported expenses of $890 and $960, respectively. Mayor Stewart’s expenses came to $8,438. These costs mainly cover travel and participation in events or conferences representing Coquitlam.
The total wages and salaries paid by the city in 2024 amounted to $158 million. This is nearly $11 million more than in 2023 and $50 million higher than in 2020. The city employed 1,401 workers last year, including members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Financially, Coquitlam saw its external debt decrease from $68 per person in 2023 to $59 per person in 2024. Meanwhile, cash reserves jumped from $172 million in 2023 to $271 million in 2024, showing improved liquidity.
Tax revenue also increased, rising from $185 million in 2023 to $204 million in 2024. Of this, $153.8 million was collected on behalf of other governments, while the remainder was used for city services and projects.
The city’s largest corporate taxpayer was Pensionfund Realty Ltd., which paid $6.2 million. Fraser Mills Properties Ltd. paid $4 million, while Loblaw Properties West Inc. contributed $3 million in taxes. Anthem Soco Developments Ltd. paid $1.5 million on vacant land.
Other significant taxpayers included Ikea Properties with $1.2 million and Onni Whiting Way Holdings, which paid $1.18 million for miscellaneous properties. Among the top eight taxpayers, five are owners of shopping centres.
Coquitlam’s major employers are mostly retail businesses. These include Superstore, Save-On-Foods, Ikea, Walmart, and T&T. Chain restaurants like McDonald’s and Tim Hortons also contribute significantly to employment.
Additionally, large employers in other sectors include Great Canadian Casino Vancouver and WN Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Industrial employers such as GFL Environmental Inc. and Superior Poultry Processors Ltd. also play key roles in the local economy.
Overall, Coquitlam’s rising salaries and tax collections, combined with a drop in debt, paint a picture of a city that is growing financially stronger while maintaining a stable workforce.
