I’m new to elected office,
but I’m not new to serving Guelph
Derek McCaughan
Candidate for Guelph City Council — Ward 4
Spend what is necessary, Invest where it matters, Measure results — and act on them.
Why I’m running
Guelph has given me a great deal – a career, a place to raise our family and a community I’m proud to call home.
I’m running because I believe my experience can help Council make thoughtful, practical decisions that deliver results residents can see and feel. That means protecting the services people rely on, ensuring residents pay no more in taxes than necessary to provide them, making the investments needed to keep Guelph affordable, prosperous and well-positioned for the future.
Spend what is necessary. Invest where it matters. Measure results — and act on them.
What I’ll focus on
I have three priorities: Responsible Spending, Reliable Services and Accountable Decision-Making.
These priorities are about making sure residents receive value for the taxes they pay, that City services are delivered effectively and consistently, and Council makes well-informed decisions about how limited public resources are used.
They also recognize that Guelph will continue to grow and invest in its future – while keeping affordability in view today.
Experience That Matters
I spent 34 years working for the City of Guelph, concluding my career as Executive Director of Operations, Transit and Emergency Services and a member of the City’s Executive Team.
That experience taught me how decisions made by Council become budgets, projects and the everyday services residents experience. It also gave me a practical understanding of how a municipality works — what it takes to turn decisions into results.
Since retiring from the City organization, I’ve also been called upon by other Ontario municipalities during periods of leadership transition, supporting councils and senior staff and helping organizations address operational challenges.
Let’s Talk
Good decisions start with listening. I want to hear what’s working in Ward 4, what isn’t, and what you think Guelph should be doing differently.
Want to Help?
A strong campaign is built one conversation at a time. If you’d like to help — whether by delivering literature, putting up a sign at your home or lending a hand in another way — I’d be glad to hear from you.
Support Derek’s Campaign
Campaigns have costs. If you’d like to help with signs, literature and other campaign materials, your support would be greatly appreciated.