About Derek
I’ve called Guelph home for most of my adult life. It’s where my wife and I raised our family, and where I spent 34 years working for the City of Guelph.
Over the course of my career, I worked in a wide range of municipal services and concluded my time with the City as Executive Director of Operations, Transit and Emergency Services and as a member of the City’s Executive Team. That experience gave me a practical understanding of how decisions made at Council become budgets, projects and the services residents experience every day.
Since retiring from the City, I’ve been called upon by other Ontario municipalities during periods of leadership transition, supporting councils and senior staff to address operational challenges. Those experiences broadened my perspective and reinforced something I learned through my career: good municipal government depends on clear priorities, sound information, respectful relationships and accountability for results.
Guelph Is Home
My connection to Guelph goes well beyond my career. My wife and I raised our family here, and Ward 4 has been home for almost three decades. I’ve watched the City grow and change, and I understand both the opportunities that growth creates and the pressures residents feel when change happens quickly.
As Guelph continues to grow, I want it to remain a city of strong, connected neighbourhoods — a place where people can live, enjoy the natural areas and community amenities that contribute to our quality of life, and continue to feel that Guelph is home.
Away from City Hall
The best part of retirement is having more time for the people and things I enjoy. My wife Kim and I have been together for more than 20 years, and she’s still the person I’d pick first for my team. Three of our children continue to call Guelph home, while our youngest son lives in Edmonton.
Then there’s Murphy, our laid-back Golden Doodle. Twice a day, like clockwork, Murphy and I head out for a walk through a nearby wooded area. He gets his walks, I get my steps, and we both seem pretty happy with the arrangement.
About eight years ago, Kim and I discovered RV life somewhat by accident. What began as curiosity about Pike Lake became our home away from home - a place for quiet mornings on the deck with a coffee, playing my guitar occasionally, and getting in a round of golf while continuing my unsuccessful quest to become a better golfer.
And when the weather cooperates, you may find me behind the wheel of my 20 year old Mazda Miata with the top down. Sometimes there’s something to be said for putting everything else aside, enjoying the fresh air and simply taking in the countryside around Guelph.