Meet Jan

Jan has lived in Waterloo for the past twenty years. He is married to Alannah and is the father of two boys, Jan (21) and Hendrik (18), who attended local public schools. His son Hendrik, who lives with Jan, will finish high school this year and his oldest son Jan is completing a BA in Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo.

Jan is Commodore of the Conestoga Sailing Club and an avid sailor. He learned to sail in Holland with his uncle, who was a participant in the World Championships with the Flying Dutchman. He also enjoys cross country skiing and in his youth skied competitively. As Jan likes to stay active, he also finds time to tend to his garden and his pond, an activity that reminds him of the importance of being a good steward of the environment.

Many people have asked about the name Jan d'Ailly. Jan is Dutch and pronounced "yon." d'Ailly is a French name and means "from the town of Ailly," a town in the Northeast of France. d'Ailly is pronounced "Dye-ee." The double L is silent.

Jan was born in the USA to Dutch parents, his family then lived in Mexico before moving to Calgary. From Calgary they moved to Montreal where he completed a BA in Honours Economics at McGill University.

Jan then worked in Australia, South Africa and Taiwan to build his international business skills and to experience other cultures. Upon returning to Canada, Jan completed an MBA at the Richard Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario and moved to Waterloo in 1991 after he took a position with Babcock and Wilcox. He has resided in this community ever since.

Experience for Waterloo

Jan’s extensive experience both in the public and private sector will bring strong leadership to the Mayor’s Office. From strategic planning to management, and his seven years as Councillor, he has what it takes to lead City Hall.

BA, Honours Economics, 1982 McGill University
MBA, 1987 The Richard Ivey School of Business
20 years of Business Experience: General Electric, Babcock and Wilcox
Business Owner, Organic Energy (energy from waste)

Two Term City Councillor

On council Jan has been a leader who listens to the concerns of the community and acts to address the issues that matter to his fellow citizens. He is known to take the time to understand the facts and the issues before making a decision.
Elected in the wake of the RIM Park fiasco, he chaired the Finance Committee that brought the city’s fiscal situation back under control. He has worked to ensure stable funding for neighborhood associations and has been the advocate for a comprehensive long term solution to the student housing issues.

In the west end, he led the effort to protect 5,500 acres of the moraine from development and has been a strong advocate of environmental sustainability.

Jan has been an active and contributing member on the following boards and committees.

Current Member:

Councillor Liaison to Development Services
Trails and Transportation Committee
Uptown Vision Committee
Municipal Heritage Committee
Liaison to the Board, Clay and Glass Gallery
Clair Lake and North Clair Creek Class Environmental Assessment Committee
Town and Gown Committee
Board Member, Town and Gown Ontario
Waterloo Economic Development Committee

Past Member:

Chair, Finance & Strategic Planning Committee (2003- 2008)
Audit Committee (2003- 2008)
Community Cash Grants Committee (2003 - 2008)
Erb Street Reconstruction Project Team (2006 - 2009)
Westmount Road to Fischer-Hallman Road Project Team (2003 - 2006)
KW Oktoberfest Advisory Council
Liaison, KW Symphony Board of Directors (2003 - 2006)
Regional Pesticide Committee (2003 - 2008)
Liaison, Waterloo Landfill Committee (2003 - 2006)
Ambassador Committee (2003 - 2008)