Derek Brick acclaimed for another term on Wellesley council

Ward 3 Coun. Derek Brick has been acclaimed to serve a second term on Wellesley council after the Oct. 26 municipal election. Photo courtesy of Derek Brick

By Galen Simmons

After spending his first term learning the ins and outs of municipal government, Wellesley Coun. Derek Brick says he is looking forward to building on that experience over the next four years.

Brick, who has been acclaimed for another term on Wellesley Township council as the only candidate who submitted papers for his Ward 3 seat, said he has enjoyed his time around the council table and feels he is hitting his stride in the role just as several projects and initiatives he is interested in are moving forward.

“I feel like I have just become comfortable in the position and that we are moving ahead items in the community of interest to me,” Brick said. “I was interested in being a part of the interesting upcoming projects for another term.”

Brick described his first two years on council as a “whirlwind” with a steep learning curve as he became familiar with municipal processes, responsibilities and decision making.

“You learn so much in those first few years,” he said. “I feel like it prepares you for the future and you want to build off of that and represent the community better each year I am able to serve.”

Outside council chambers, Brick works for the City of Waterloo, experience he said gives him another perspective on municipal government and an understanding of the challenges and successes facing neighbouring communities. He is also heavily involved in Wellesley Township and said staying connected with residents is an important part of representing them effectively.

Looking ahead to the next term, Brick said one of the most significant issues facing Wellesley is how the township manages future growth.

He pointed to the township’s new official plan as providing a roadmap for that growth but said it will be important to ensure development happens in a way that works for the community.

“I think how we grow as a community is important,” Brick said. “Our new official plan lays out a good roadmap for that, but it is important that we get it right for the community.”

Brick would also like to see greater investment in Wellesley’s downtown cores. While the township already has strong businesses, he said attracting additional businesses would help maintain vibrant downtowns.

He plans to support recommendations contained in the official plan where appropriate and encourage the use of the township’s community improvement plan as a tool for attracting investment.

For Brick, serving as a councillor ultimately comes down to listening to residents and bringing their perspectives to the council table.

“The role of the councillor is to hear the members of the community and represent them as best as possible in the council chambers,” he said. “It is important to bring as many perspectives to the table to make informed decisions.”

While being acclaimed means Brick will not have a traditional election campaign, he said he remains interested in hearing from residents and plans to follow the mayoral race closely to better understand what the community wants from its next council.

Residents can approach Brick when they see him in the community or reach out by phone or email. He is also willing to meet residents at their homes to discuss their concerns.

“I am excited for another term serving the community,” Brick said. “There are many interesting things happening in the next four years that will make this a great term of council.”