Alumni Office Hour: Lessons from Decades of Environmental Consulting

Thursday, March 23, 2023 1:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Derek Coleman

Derek Coleman is a PhD graduate (1974) from the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning. A pioneer in environmental policy in Ontario Planning, Derek started one of the first environmental consulting firms in the province in 1972- Ecologistics Ltd. Since then, he has completed more than 1,000 projects in Ontario and six other provinces over five decades.

Register today to learn from Derek’s lessons on starting a consulting firm, experience from giving testimony before tribunals, and the importance of wellness practices and supportive relationships that can support you as a professional. 

Join us Thursday March 23, 2023

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EST

Teams - link will be provided upon registration 

Submit your questions for Derek when you register or ask them during the event.

Derek Coleman (PHD '74)

President, Ages Consultant Limited

Derek Coleman is a PhD graduate (1974) from the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning. A pioneer in environmental policy in Ontario Planning, Derek started one of the first environmental consulting firms in the province in 1972- Ecologistics Ltd. Since then, he has completed more than 1,000 projects in Ontario and six other provinces over five decades. Today he is the semi-retired President and Principal Consultant of Ages Consultants Limited where he focuses on methodologies for ecological planning and environmental impact assessment. This includes forestry management and protection and ecosystem approaches to natural heritage system identification. Beyond his work as a consultant, Derek and his wife, Kay are generous supporters of the Faculty of Environment, with a long history of enabling experiential learning opportunities for students. Through his Ages Foundation, Derek and Kay support organizations with a focus on education, environment, and youth, such as rare Charitable Research Reserve, the Food Bank, the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) Planning Student Trust Fund, and the University of Waterloo.


This is a limited space event. If you register and are no longer able to attend, please notify the advancement office so we may offer your spot to another person. Failure to comply with this policy will result in not being able to attend the next two Alumni Office Hour events. ALUMNI OFFICE HOURS, A Leadership Series Event. Hosted on ENV Connect, powered by Ten Thousand Coffees.