Derek Hanna—Candidate for Nanaimo City Council · REAL Nanaimo Team
Derek Hanna has proudly called Nanaimo home for over 34 years. Since relocating to the west coast in 1987, he chose Nanaimo for its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and access to opportunity.
Over the years, Derek has raised his family here while enjoying the many benefits Nanaimo offers—from its waterfront parks and trail systems to its growing and diverse local economy.
With roots in industries such as forestry, manufacturing, and engineering, Derek has witnessed firsthand the city’s transformation from a resource-based economy into a growing and evolving urban center.
As Nanaimo continues to expand, Derek understands both the opportunities and the pressures that come with growth—particularly the strain on infrastructure, services, and affordability.
Why Derek's Running
Derek is running for Nanaimo City Council because he believes the city is at a critical turning point.
In recent years, residents have faced:
- Rising taxes
- Increasing cost of services
- Growing concerns around affordability
Derek believes these challenges are being driven by a lack of fiscal discipline and oversight.
He is committed to bringing a balanced, practical approach to council—ensuring that growth is managed responsibly and aligns with the needs of residents.
Derek also believes that council must act independently, free from undue influence by special interest groups, NGOs, or external government pressures, and instead focus on representing the people who live and pay taxes in Nanaimo.
Key Priorities
Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief—Advocating for responsible spending, improved oversight, and reducing the burden of rising taxes on residents.
Infrastructure & Sustainable Growth—Ensuring infrastructure and city services keep pace with population growth while maintaining long-term affordability.
Public Safety & Community Well-Being—Addressing increasing concerns around crime and homelessness through responsible planning and resource allocation.
Independent Decision-Making—Ensuring council decisions reflect the needs of Nanaimo residents—not external pressures or agendas.
Accountability in Spending & Borrowing—Improving transparency in financial decisions, including borrowing practices and long-term budget impacts.
What Derek Brings to the REAL Slate
Derek brings a strong technical and analytical background to the table.
He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, supported by hands-on experience managing complex projects in industrial environments.
During his 16-year career at Harmac Pacific pulp mill, Derek:
- Led equipment and infrastructure projects
- Improved operational reliability
- Enhanced environmental performance
- Managed budgets and project execution
His experience in engineering and project management has required:
- Practical decision-making
- Budget accountability
- Long-term planning
These skills translate directly into evaluating municipal projects, managing public funds responsibly, and ensuring decisions are grounded in logic and real-world outcomes.
Commitment to REAL Nanaimo
Derek is proud to be part of REAL Nanaimo—Responsible, Ethical, Accountable Leadership.
He believes local government should:
- Focus on practical solutions
- Remain transparent and accountable
- Prioritize residents over politics or ideology
Derek values collaboration and believes a unified team with shared principles will be more effective in restoring trust and improving outcomes for the community.
What REAL Stands For
- Responsible decision-making
- Ethical leadership
- Accountability to residents
- Team-based governance
REAL focuses on practical solutions rather than ideology, outside agendas, or special interests. The team supports responsible growth that respects neighbourhoods, prioritizes infrastructure, and avoids legacy projects that burden future generations with unnecessary debt.
Closing Statement
Derek Hanna is committed to bringing practical experience, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense decision-making back to Nanaimo City Council.
With decades of experience living and working in Nanaimo, he understands the challenges residents face and is ready to advocate for responsible growth, affordability, and accountability.
In October 2026, Derek asks for your support and your vote as part of the REAL Nanaimo team—so together, we can restore balance, strengthen our community, and ensure a sustainable future for Nanaimo.