My Story

Hi! I’m Patrick Merlihan. I forged my own career more than twenty-six years ago in our community. I am married, have two kids, coached, mentored staff and successfully ran for office twice. Between my job, family and political life, I have been learning and adapting to change my entire adult life.

My life-long connection to Elmira and Woolwich Township has made me the person I am today. Growing up here, working here and raising my family here, has provided me insight that empowers me to make decisions that benefit the public good. 

In 2014 I decided to run for Woolwich Township Council and try to make a difference in my community. My career in local media prepared me for this public service role. Being the Ward 1 Councillor for Elmira has given me opportunities to meet people and assist with navigating the intricacies of local government. It's been a rewarding experience that I have enjoyed. 

My day job is at The Observer — I'm incredibly proud of the accomplishments that my staff have achieved year-after-year. This newspaper has earned numerous industry accolades and recognized consistently in the top three in the province, and Canada. Since founding the paper in 1996, I managed the print, design and digital assets for The Observer. I have recently taken a new role as Digital Strategist to oversee the digital and marketing enterprises of the corporation. This role will allow me a more flexible schedule to further pursue local politics.

When I'm not working, sitting in a meeting or reading Council meeting packages, I read novels, play basketball, cycle rail trails with my wife, attend concerts and music festivals, watch plays, travel, hang out with my awesome kids, fiddle with gadgets, video and photography and teach myself new skills.

My wife Heather is a high school teacher in the life skills program at John F. Ross in Guelph. My oldest son Parker is attending school in Toronto. My youngest son Finn graduated EDSS and is working at an industry in Elmira for the next year before attending college. We have a super cute dog named Billy.

Employment History

Owner / Founder - Cathedral Communications Inc., Publishing and communications enterprise founded in 1996 - co-ownership with Joe Merlihan.

Print / Web Manager, The Observer - 
1996-2022 - Manages production department, graphic designer, web developer, and media specialist. 

Digital Strategist - The Observer - Position to further develop digital communications and marketing for company. Newly developed position May 2022.

Board Experience

Board Member - 2014-2022 - Woolwich Healthy Communities.

Political Director - 2016-2019 - Ontario Municipal Water Association - OMWA
Communications Chair

Imprint Director - 2015-2017 - University of Waterloo student newspaper. Was the first outside professional to join board as a voting member.

Reconstruction Project Team Member - 2014-2022 - Region of Waterloo - Elmira Reconstruction Projects, including Elmira projects Church St. E., Arthur St. N., Church W., Downtown Elmira.

Education

• EDSS
  
• St. David's Catholic School, Waterloo
• University of Waterloo

Awards

Numerous personal advertising design, newspaper production and website newspaper industry awards earned at the national and provincial levels.