A True Man of Vision...
A 3rd generation British Columbian, this youthful 45 years old is a member of BC’s prominent Trethewey family. He is the fifth youngest son of Alan and Vivian Trethewey. Alan was a well respected businessman in oil, mining, hydro & one of Canada's largest rancher's. Alan's legacy continues through Derek as he strives to create exciting properties for years to come.
Derek is a true entrepreneur and we all know that all successful entrepreneurs are not adverse to risk taking, and Derek is no exception to this! Derek has been the visionary and engine behind numerous entrepreneurial projects, starting with a rather head turning ad agency which he started in his early 20’s . Never content with one (or even 10) things on the go, with partners, Derek made the vision and concept of a Marketplace - especially branded and targeted to children – and turn it into a reality. It is non other than the now famous Granville Island landmark – Vancouver Kids Market. Derek has a long time successful involvement in BC real estate and development including award winning projects in West Vancouver and Vancouver, Pemberton, Lions Bay, Kamloops, Saltsping and Vancouver Island.
In 2002 Derek’s company donated a protecting covenant to preserve important fishery values on the Fulford Creek, one of the most endangered creeks in BC. It also donated land and standing timber in excess of $1million CDN to the North Saltspring Waterworks district to protect and preserve key watershed. A larger that life, much loved & well respected, solutions oriented man –Derek worked closely with all parties to the Saltspring Island project, whether they were on the ‘Pro’ side or the ‘Con’ side or somewhere in the middle of that continuum. He always brought all the parties together. His natural ability to win friends and influence people has benefited so many who know Derek. He has a long record of philanthropy in his numerous communities. Since he himself was a teenager, Derek has supported charitable organizations including ‘The Face the World Foundation’ (Co-Founded by Derek and Jacquie Cohen), ‘BC Woman’s & Children’s Hospital’ , ‘The Canadian Cancer Society’ , ‘The Heart and Stroke Foundation’ , ‘Pacific Riding for the Disabled’ , ‘Arts Umbrella’ , ‘Science World’ , 'Ducks Unlimited’ and 'The National Trust of BC'. Just to name a few. Derek has just completed the two finest resorts in the Okanagan - The Cove Lakeside and The Outback Resorts. As well as working on his master plan community project called The Lakes, Derek is working on family owned property of 60 years called Vicarro Ranch. The proposed master plan community will involve 1300 units and will leave an excess of 50% of the land in it's natural setting.
Derek Trethewey is an honored and respected member of our community. His valiant efforts in shaping and forging new roads for future generations to follow is outstanding and timeless. We are all looking forward to what he has in store as he continues to push the boundaries of sophisticated land development and community generosity.
