Session 2: Municipal TENs

Derek is the Associate Director for the City of Vancouver’s Neighbourhood Energy Utility, where he leads the expansion, operation, and decarbonization of a district heating network that is redefining how we view waste—transforming sewage into a source of low‑carbon heat for some of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. With a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and gritty determination, Derek is driven to decarbonize buildings at scale, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience and technical expertise to help the City he loves unlock hidden waste heat resources and accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon future.

As the Director of Environment and Climate for Durham Region Ian’s role is to champion the implementation of climate action and sustainability initiatives within the corporation, and across the wider community. Ian works as a partnership broker, working internally across departments and externally with local municipalities, utilities, academic institutions and others to and develop projects and programs and attract the investment needed to make them happen. Ian leverages his knowledge and experience across a wide range of domains, including business and economics, climate science, and public policy, gained through more than 15 years of professional work at all levels of government (Export Development Canada, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, and municipal government) as well as corporate sustainability consulting experience. Ian holds a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University

Sonja Wilson is a Principal with Reshape Strategies, a Vancouver-based consulting firm that specializes in low-carbon energy system development and low-carbon energy transition strategies. Sonja is a Professional Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Resource Management and Environmental Studies, and over thirteen years of experience in the field of district energy (DE). Her DE experience ranges from planning and feasibility studies through to detailed design and construction projects. Sonja’s practice at Reshape includes the development of regional/city-wide DE plans as well as supporting DE project implementation from the feasibility study phase into internal business case development, ownership/business strategies and commercial agreement negotiation.