Derek Koel’s councillor candidate biography
Hi, I am Derek Koel, you may recognize me from my many years working at the family business, The Shed Outdoor Store. I am a local commercial and residential landlord, totally vested in our Community. Maybe we have had the pleasure of working together at one of our North Island Hospitals, I am a Power Engineer and have been leading VIHA’s North Island Facilities, Maintenance and Operations crew for over 15 years. I feel this experience is an asset as we sort out our Town’s various facility and infrastructure issues. We need to plan for growth and ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of maintaining and renewing our existing infrastructure.
Raised on the Island, in the Parksville area, I had the privilege of serving on various Council and Regional District appointed committees, creating and organizing non-profit societies and events.
For over 18 years I have followed Port McNeill municipal politics and affairs closely. From day one, asking the tough questions, demanding answers, attending council meetings.
Locally, I have sat on the Board of Variance, Planning Advisory Committee, Chamber of Commerce Board, Cannabis Advisory Committee and the North Island Community Forest Board of Directors. I am very excited to be part of a hard-working team that will bring us The Change We Need. Please vote for Derek Koel, Falyn Lynch and Matt Martin, together for council.