BIO
David DURRANT
Canadian, Born 1956, Badin-Sollingen, DEU
Life long learner
A proud graduate of Brooklyn Elementary, Robb Road Junior Secondary, and George P. Vanier Secondary
Alma mater University of Alberta, Faculty ofPhysical Education with elective courses in Education, Science, Economics, Law, and Indigenous Studies
Graduate Capilano University, Local GovernmentCertification
Graduate Royal Roads University, Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management, specializing in local government preparedness, response, and recovery
Renewable Energy Manager with global corporations Vestas and Pattern Energy. Qualified Electrical Worker, ARC Flash, High Voltage, Substation
Founder / CEO Big Wind Energy Inc. (often cited as Canadian LoanCorporation)
Groomed through education, experience, in bothprivate and public service
Career
A career built at the intersection of government, community and innovation, from the Canadian Coast Guard and leadership roles with Lax Kwʼalaams, Cold Lake, Comox and Cumberland, to global renewable energy leaders Vestas and Pattern Energy, and as Founder and CEO of Big Wind Energy Corporation. Today, David advances ultra-low-cost, public-purpose financing that unlocks renewable infrastructure, creates new non-tax revenue streams for communities, and strengthens the financial resilience of municipalities and Indigenous Nations across North America.
Recognition
Twenty-seven accommodations
Dogwood Designation, George P. Vanier Sr.Secondary
University of Alberta, Designation
Governor General’s Designation
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St.John of Jerusalem
Mel Osborne Fellow
Citation of Outstanding Achievement, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
Award of Merit, British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association
Union of British Columbia Municipalities Award for Innovation and Best Practices
Global Safety Ambassador Award, Vestas
CanWea, Matt Holder Community Connection Award, Pattern Energy
Numerous articles published, creation of an award-winning magazine.
Community Service Highlights
Youngest elected Alderman to serve on Comox municipal council.
Director Vancouver Island Library Board
Director Snow to Surf Committee, 20 year
Helped establish the annual Comox Valley Pacific Salmon Foundation Dinner and Auction
Principal organizer in establishing the Comox Valley Charitable Bingo Palace, where over 90 Comox Valley organizations raised funds for worthy causes
Created Comox Valley Law Enforcement Person of the Year Program
Established the first RCMP sub-station in Comox
Created Comox Youth Firefighter Camp
Charter Director Comox Valley Walk of Achievement
Fund raised hundreds of thousands to build the Comox Community Centre, tennis courts, Hands on Farm, Comox Pier, Marina Park Pavilion, playground structures, purchase of sail boats, support for the dragon boat program by purchasing their trailer and safety boat
Supported Valley Meals on Wheels, to feed seniors, and the hungry.
Director Comox Valley United Way Board for 7 years, as President for 5.
When serving in the Coast Guard volunteered and helped build local Comox Coast Guard Auxiliary Bruce Brown Unit 60 program
Served on numerous Boards and Commissions, Comox Valley, and Tumbler Ridge
Supported the Arts locally and nationally, purchased works from local artists and constructed Art cabinets to create the Comox Community Centre gallery
First to create and distribute Recreation Brochures on Vancouver Island
Provided equipment to d’Esterre Senior Centre and Christian School
Wrote the bid, with General Vincent, to host the BC Special Olympics in the Comox Valley
And more
Affiliations (past and present)
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (conducts and supports research, education, and programs that advance conservation)
Georgia Straight Alliance (the only citizens’group focused on protecting the marine environment in and around the whole Strait of Georgia - Canada’s most at-risk natural environment, and the place where 70 percent of British Columbians live, work and play (Paddled across theStrait with the Alliance to bring attention to its importance)
Friends of Strathcona Park (to preserve and protect the natural beauty of Strathcona Park, British Columbia’s oldest provincial park) As an elected official hiked into Strathcona Park to investigate and report on drilling activities
Support Global Geoparks (recognized by UNESCO asinternationally significant. Paleontology, Archaeology, Wildlife, and Culture
Member of the Sierra Club of BC
ARTICLES (sample)
Above the Line: Living Above the Line is a commanding life skill, a foundation for communication and collaboration. Where, “Living below the Line” is contrary..
Opportunities for Change: Opportunities for change are all around us. Past practices need not dictate our future...
The Black Swan: The unexampled events, the outliers; things that have never happened before, inculcating a deeper sense of responsibility that unforeseen does not mean unforeseeable...
Why Traffic Circles (roundabouts) are Problematic: Not designed for surge evacuation flow roundabouts rely on steady, continuous traffic gaps. In a disaster, traffic becomes “all-at-once,” which overwhelmsthat design…
Protect What Cannot Be Replaced: A Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), our Provincial Flower, at that same diameter is not incidental growth, it is a mature, often an exceptional specimen, reaching 15 to 25 metres (49- 82 feet) in height. The Western Red Cedar, our Provincial tree, at 60 cm is not old, it is just beginning its longlife, capable of centuries of growth and ecological service…
The Participatory Community: thrives on open dialogue, active listening, and inclusive decision-making, where every voice is valued. Residents are not just observers but contributors, bringing ideas, energy, and care to their community…
UNESCO Global Geoparks: sites and landscapes of international geological significance that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. The bottom-up approach of combining conservation and sustainable development coupled with local community and Indigenous People involvement…
Stop Building Communities on the Backs of Future Generations: Development Cost Charges, Amenity Cost Charges, Community Amenity Contributions, Density Bonus Contributions, Parcel Taxes, Local Area Service Charges, Latecomer Agreements, Development Application Fees, and the growing web of development-related charges are often justified under the principle that growth should “pay its fair share… in practice it shifts the financial burden of community expansion onto the very people trying to build homes, start families, and establish roots…
A Lifetime of Service
David Durrant is a lifelong Comox resident, community builder, entrepreneur and former elected councillor who has spent more than six decades living, working and volunteering in the Comox Valley. From community projects and emergency services to local government, renewable energy and environmental initiatives, David has built his life around service and getting things done.Today, he remains deeply engaged in Comox’s future, advocating for responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, community character and a stronger local voice. His message is simple: listen to residents, protect what makes Comox special, and leave the community better than you found it.
David DURRANT
Canadian, Born 1956, Badin-Sollingen, DEU
Life long learner
A proud graduate of Brooklyn Elementary, Robb Road Junior Secondary, and George P. Vanier Secondary
Alma mater University of Alberta, Faculty ofPhysical Education with elective courses in Education, Science, Economics, Law, and Indigenous Studies
Graduate Capilano University, Local GovernmentCertification
Graduate Royal Roads University, Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management, specializing in local government preparedness, response, and recovery
Renewable Energy Manager with global corporations Vestas and Pattern Energy. Qualified Electrical Worker, ARC Flash, High Voltage, Substation
Founder / CEO Big Wind Energy Inc. (often cited as Canadian LoanCorporation)
Groomed through education, experience, in bothprivate and public service
Career
A career built at the intersection of government, community and innovation, from the Canadian Coast Guard and leadership roles with Lax Kwʼalaams, Cold Lake, Comox and Cumberland, to global renewable energy leaders Vestas and Pattern Energy, and as Founder and CEO of Big Wind Energy Corporation. Today, David advances ultra-low-cost, public-purpose financing that unlocks renewable infrastructure, creates new non-tax revenue streams for communities, and strengthens the financial resilience of municipalities and Indigenous Nations across North America.
Recognition
Twenty-seven accommodations
Dogwood Designation, George P. Vanier Sr.Secondary
University of Alberta, Designation
Governor General’s Designation
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St.John of Jerusalem
Mel Osborne Fellow
Citation of Outstanding Achievement, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
Award of Merit, British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association
Union of British Columbia Municipalities Award for Innovation and Best Practices
Global Safety Ambassador Award, Vestas
CanWea, Matt Holder Community Connection Award, Pattern Energy
Numerous articles published, creation of an award-winning magazine.
Community Service Highlights
Youngest elected Alderman to serve on Comox municipal council.
Director Vancouver Island Library Board
Director Snow to Surf Committee, 20 year
Helped establish the annual Comox Valley Pacific Salmon Foundation Dinner and Auction
Principal organizer in establishing the Comox Valley Charitable Bingo Palace, where over 90 Comox Valley organizations raised funds for worthy causes
Created Comox Valley Law Enforcement Person of the Year Program
Established the first RCMP sub-station in Comox
Created Comox Youth Firefighter Camp
Charter Director Comox Valley Walk of Achievement
Fund raised hundreds of thousands to build the Comox Community Centre, tennis courts, Hands on Farm, Comox Pier, Marina Park Pavilion, playground structures, purchase of sail boats, support for the dragon boat program by purchasing their trailer and safety boat
Supported Valley Meals on Wheels, to feed seniors, and the hungry.
Director Comox Valley United Way Board for 7 years, as President for 5.
When serving in the Coast Guard volunteered and helped build local Comox Coast Guard Auxiliary Bruce Brown Unit 60 program
Served on numerous Boards and Commissions, Comox Valley, and Tumbler Ridge
Supported the Arts locally and nationally, purchased works from local artists and constructed Art cabinets to create the Comox Community Centre gallery
First to create and distribute Recreation Brochures on Vancouver Island
Provided equipment to d’Esterre Senior Centre and Christian School
Wrote the bid, with General Vincent, to host the BC Special Olympics in the Comox Valley
And more
Affiliations (past and present)
Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (conducts and supports research, education, and programs that advance conservation)
Georgia Straight Alliance (the only citizens’group focused on protecting the marine environment in and around the whole Strait of Georgia - Canada’s most at-risk natural environment, and the place where 70 percent of British Columbians live, work and play (Paddled across theStrait with the Alliance to bring attention to its importance)
Friends of Strathcona Park (to preserve and protect the natural beauty of Strathcona Park, British Columbia’s oldest provincial park) As an elected official hiked into Strathcona Park to investigate and report on drilling activities
Support Global Geoparks (recognized by UNESCO asinternationally significant. Paleontology, Archaeology, Wildlife, and Culture
Member of the Sierra Club of BC
ARTICLES (sample)
Above the Line: Living Above the Line is a commanding life skill, a foundation for communication and collaboration. Where, “Living below the Line” is contrary..
Opportunities for Change: Opportunities for change are all around us. Past practices need not dictate our future...
The Black Swan: The unexampled events, the outliers; things that have never happened before, inculcating a deeper sense of responsibility that unforeseen does not mean unforeseeable...
Why Traffic Circles (roundabouts) are Problematic: Not designed for surge evacuation flow roundabouts rely on steady, continuous traffic gaps. In a disaster, traffic becomes “all-at-once,” which overwhelmsthat design…
Protect What Cannot Be Replaced: A Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), our Provincial Flower, at that same diameter is not incidental growth, it is a mature, often an exceptional specimen, reaching 15 to 25 metres (49- 82 feet) in height. The Western Red Cedar, our Provincial tree, at 60 cm is not old, it is just beginning its longlife, capable of centuries of growth and ecological service…
The Participatory Community: thrives on open dialogue, active listening, and inclusive decision-making, where every voice is valued. Residents are not just observers but contributors, bringing ideas, energy, and care to their community…
UNESCO Global Geoparks: sites and landscapes of international geological significance that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. The bottom-up approach of combining conservation and sustainable development coupled with local community and Indigenous People involvement…
Stop Building Communities on the Backs of Future Generations: Development Cost Charges, Amenity Cost Charges, Community Amenity Contributions, Density Bonus Contributions, Parcel Taxes, Local Area Service Charges, Latecomer Agreements, Development Application Fees, and the growing web of development-related charges are often justified under the principle that growth should “pay its fair share… in practice it shifts the financial burden of community expansion onto the very people trying to build homes, start families, and establish roots…
A Lifetime of Service
David Durrant is a lifelong Comox resident, community builder, entrepreneur and former elected councillor who has spent more than six decades living, working and volunteering in the Comox Valley. From community projects and emergency services to local government, renewable energy and environmental initiatives, David has built his life around service and getting things done.Today, he remains deeply engaged in Comox’s future, advocating for responsible growth, fiscal responsibility, community character and a stronger local voice. His message is simple: listen to residents, protect what makes Comox special, and leave the community better than you found it.
