Lou Sekora, one of Coquitlam’s most recognisable and influential civic figures, has died. He passed away on Aug. 1 after a prolonged illness. He was 94.
From school board to city hall — a long civic career
Sekora’s public life began on the District of Coquitlam school board, from which he moved into municipal politics, winning a seat on council in 1972. He went on to serve as mayor for 14 years, from 1983 until 1997, a period that saw significant civic expansion and cultural investment across the community.
- Mayor of Coquitlam: 1983–1997
- Elected as Liberal MP for Port Moody–Coquitlam in a 1998 federal by-election
- Appointed a citizenship judge by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien after losing his seat in the 2000 general election
- Returned to Coquitlam city council in 2005 and later campaigned for mayor in 2014
Municipal colleagues and local historians point to Sekora’s role in guiding Coquitlam through its transition from a district to an incorporated city — a milestone officially recognised on Dec. 1, 1992. That change in civic status came at a time when foundational decisions were being made about the shape of a new City Centre, including plans for a new city hall, police station and early work on Town Centre Park.
“He was proud to be the mayor during Coquitlam’s centennial year in 1991,”
Coquitlam Coun. Craig Hodge, who remembers Sekora from his days as a local newspaper reporter, said the former mayor pushed for visible celebrations and projects during that period. Hodge credited Sekora with advocating for the city to host the BC Summer Games — a move that contributed to the construction of Percy Perry Stadium — and for supporting the growth of local arts infrastructure.
Arts, sport and community legacy
Under Sekora’s leadership, Coquitlam saw the opening of flagship cultural venues that continue to serve the community: Place des Arts and the Evergreen Cultural Centre. He was also an early supporter of the Coquitlam Foundation, which has become a local vehicle for philanthropy and community grants.
Born in Hafford, Saskatchewan, Sekora was the second youngest of 15 children. He later moved to Vancouver where he managed Aristocratic Restaurants Vancouver. Outside politics, he was involved with the Gizeh Shriners of B.C., being elected potentate in 1984 and becoming a lifetime member.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Elected to Coquitlam council |
| 1983–1997 | Served as mayor |
| 1991 | Coquitlam centennial celebrations |
| 1992 | Municipality designated as a city (Dec. 1) |
| 1998 | Elected as Member of Parliament (Port Moody–Coquitlam) in a by-election |
| 2000 | Lost seat in general election; later appointed citizenship judge |
| 2005 | Returned to city council |
After his federal tenure, Sekora was appointed a citizenship judge by then-prime minister Jean Chrétien, returning later to municipal politics and remaining active in civic debates and campaigns, including a 2014 bid for mayor in which he was defeated by Richard Stewart.
Colleagues and community members remember Sekora as unabashedly vocal and deeply committed to Coquitlam’s growth. His supporters point to the tangible infrastructure and cultural institutions developed during his years in office; critics sometimes recalled his brash style. The nickname “Loud Lou” reflected a persona that was plain-spoken and always visible in community affairs.
As Coquitlam continues to expand, projects and institutions associated with Sekora’s era remain prominent fixtures in the city’s landscape and civic life. City leaders and local organisations have been notified of his passing; tributes and remembrances are expected as details around memorial plans are announced.
This report is based on information released by local sources and archival records of Sekora’s public service. Further particulars concerning survivors or funeral arrangements have not been provided at this time.
