My opening and closing statements from the Chemainus All Candidates’ meeting hosted by the Chemainus Residents Association, held at Chemainus Secondary School on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. A link to the recording of the meeting has been posted on the CRA’s website.
My opening statement:
Good evening. I’m Derek Masselink. Thank you to the Chemainus Residents Association for hosting this evening’s event. I want to acknowledge that we’re meeting on the traditional and unceded territories of the Hulquimanim speaking people. Every day, my wife Michelle and I are grateful to call this place home.
We live on Ultreïa Farm, located just below Fuller Lake at the corner of Crozier and Cottonwood. I have a background in ecology, agriculture, landscape architecture and planning and have spent most of my 30 year career working here in BC and on the Island. I currently teach leadership, governance and sustainability science at Royal Roads University.
I first came to Chemainus in 1998 as a landscape architecture student. Our class had been asked to provide community design and planning ideas to the Municipality. The experience, though brief, left quite an impression: Chemainus was clearly a beautiful community. Unlike most industry towns, it had successfully maintained its small town character.
Learning how you did this was inspiring – in the midst of a very challenging time. you seized upon and took an unconventional approach – turning to the arts and tourism to become the “Little Town that Did.” You didn’t choose the status quo. You chose a new path.
Seeing this was motivating. It changed the course of my studies and my life.
A year later found me attending meetings, challenging UBC’s plan to develop their Farm – the last farm in the city of Vancouver. Recalling Chemainus, I presented an alternative, unconventional approach that, in the end, made more sense than the university’s plan. Almost 3 decades later, UBC Farm remains and is an acknowledged and much lauded gem of UBC and the city.
Chemainus shows that another way is always possible: when people come together to tackle tough challenges, work hard across differences –– and are supported by involved, thoughtful, and supportive leadership, they come up with brilliant, long-lasting solutions.
We need to draw from your wise example.
What you achieved here should inspire and guide us as we tackle significant challenges once again
Thank you for what you have done. For what you have stood for and protected.
I’m thrilled to now live here – a place that embodies who I am and what I believe.
On October 17th elect a council that is as good as this place.
I’d be honoured to have the opportunity to represent you.
My closing statement:
Thank you again to the organizers.
One of the benefits of standing for office is that you get a more complete picture and understanding of your community.And – if you are lucky, you have an opportunity to give back.
Today we are once again facing a number of significant and growing challenges.
Recalling your brilliance, creativity and determination. Your rejection of business as usual and status quo approaches.
For your wisdom.
We have the opportunity to choose a council that reflects who we are – who can address our needs, embody our brilliance, help make this place and our lives better and more resilient.
Chemainus has shown what is required and what can be achieved. We need a council that reflects and enables this ability.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to your support.