Working with integrity, and being open and honest with processes and how decisions are made.
Making decisions grounded in what's best for families, neighbourhoods, and the community.
Community-First Leadership
Honesty and Openness
Everyone has something to contribute. It is only through listening and mutual understanding that careful decisions can be made.
My Values
Building a stronger community, together.
Thoughtful and Empathetic
Sustainability
Sustainable decision making is the bedrock of good government. Long-term thinking that balances economic, environmental and cultural/social needs.
About Derek
For the past 15 years, I’ve worked in local government across British Columbia, helping communities grow and adapt through thoughtful policy and program development. My work has focused on community and economic development, and climate action, always with the goal of creating positive, practical change for the people I serve.
One of my favourite things about living in Colwood is the immediate access to the outdoors. We're an avid hiking family, and some of our favourite weekend hikes include the trails at Royal Roads like Charlie's Trail, East Sooke Park, or in the Sooke Hills Wilderness park. I'm an outdoor recreation enthusiast; I love mountain biking, backcountry camping, kayaking, and spend much of the summer camping and exploring the Island. Family life is busy! My young children are into climbing, Girl Guides, piano, soccer, and Beavers where I help out as a Scout Leader.
My wife and I have always believed in building sustainable, connected lives, and have planted gardens and fruit trees wherever we’ve lived. I've always been attracted to volunteer work, and as my children have got a bit older, I have started to get back into it with the Colwood Garden Society working to build community gardens in Colwood Creek Park.
I grew up on a hobby farm in Qualicum Beach, and I’m grateful to be here on Vancouver Island raising my family in a place we’re proud to call home.
