Outgoing Coquitlam mayor files defamation lawsuit against Metro Vancouver
Richard Stewart lawsuit claims Metro Vancouver damaged his reputation in a probe See how the wastewater dispute and board fallout are now playing out in court
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart is suing Metro Vancouver and its chief administrative officer, saying the regional district harmed his reputation during an investigation tied to a confidentiality breach involving the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The lawsuit, filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Friday, alleges officials implied Stewart was involved in the breach in 2022 even though they knew that was not true. Stewart says the investigation was biased, unfairly affected his standing, and contributed to his not being reappointed to Metro Vancouver's board.
The case stems from earlier legal disputes over the wastewater project, which has faced major cost overruns and related court battles. Metro Vancouver has not commented on the new lawsuit, saying the matter is before the courts.