Built on Expertise & Care

  Derek Sifton is the President & CEO of Grand Harbour, bringing a values-driven leadership style rooted in long-term stewardship, community connection, and operational excellence.

As past president and CEO of the Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, Derek managed one of Canada largest privately owned airports ranking consistently within the top 10 busiest along with managing one of the largest flight training schools at the time.  In its glory days, the airport was home to 200-300 aircraft and employed 300 people.  Derek believes his past experience and his customer focused attention will be helpful in restoring Grand Harbour back to its Glory Days.

With a deep appreciation for waterfront destinations and lifestyle-focused's assets, Derek is committed to restoring and elevating Grand Harbour as a premier harbour experience—one that balances refined service with authenticity, care, and a strong sense of place.

Beyond his professional leadership, Derek is widely respected for his longstanding commitment to animal welfare, including hands-on work with animals and dedicated support of horse management.  Dedication to compassion and responsibility carries through to his approach at Grand Harbour, where people, community, and thoughtful investment are central to every decision. Under his leadership, Grand Harbour is entering a new chapter—one defined by trust, quality, and a renewed vision for elevated waterfront living.

  Tyler Sifton brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a customer-first mindset to his role at Grand Harbour Marina. With a background spanning operations, finance, and client-focused environments, Tyler contributes a well-rounded perspective to supporting marina guests and day-to-day operations.

Tyler studied at both Western University and Georgian College, building a foundation in analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. He is currently employed at Blue Ridge Investments, where he works as a Financial Analyst, applying his skills in financial analysis, organization, and strategic planning. These strengths translate seamlessly into his work at the marina, where reliability and precision matter.

He is a graduate of St. Andrew’s College, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and leadership that continues to guide his professional approach.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, especially when it involves being outdoors or near the water. He values community, family, and creating positive experiences — principles that align closely with the atmosphere at Grand Harbour Marina.

Tyler is proud to be part of the team and looks forward to helping make every visit to the marina a great one.

CJ Sifton  brings a strong foundation in real estate development, investment, and capital markets to Grand Harbour. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Western University and the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation from BOMI International. CJ began his career as a Research Associate at Toronto-based private equity firm VRG Capital, where he also completed the Canadian Securities Course. He later joined CBRE’s Capital Markets team as a licensed Real Estate Broker with the Toronto Real Estate Board. Today, CJ serves as Director of Business Development at the Sifton Family Office, Armadale Group.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, CJ is deeply committed to community involvement and philanthropy. A long-standing advocate for animal welfare, he actively supports both canine and equine rescue organizations. He also plays a leadership role in his family’s signature charitable initiative, Polo for Heart, benefiting the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and is a proud supporter of Southlake Regional Health Centre. A fifth-generation boater, CJ grew up spending summers on the St. Lawrence River—an experience that fostered a lifelong connection to boating, waterfront living, and the communities that surround them.

 Michael Pitcher serves as Harbour Master of Grand Harbour, bringing a distinguished background in ultra luxury hospitality, marina operations, and complex waterfront community leadership. Mike played a key role in supporting the successful disposition of the former Lagoon City Marina through Timbercreek Financial, a publicly traded company, and has been instrumental in guiding the property’s transition and rebrand into what is now Grand Harbour.

Holding an MBA and multiple professional designations, Mike’s career spans some of the world’s most respected luxury, real estate, and lifestyle brands. He has held senior executive leadership roles within Marriott International’s Luxury Division—including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels—as well as with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where he helped redefine service excellence within branded residential and maritime environments and recipient of multiple awards during his tenure including the prestigious Forbes Five-Star for recognition of the worlds most legendary resorts.

Mike also held a senior executive role with SmartCentres. 

His marina and resort expertise is further defined by his leadership at Friday Harbour Resort, where he was involved from project inception—working closely with the executive team through design development, operational planning, launch, and the transition and turnover of condominium communities. His role encompassed luxury marina operations, integrated resort services, and the delivery of a landmark, mixed-use waterfront destination.

Known for his strategic leadership, operational discipline, and hospitality-driven mindset, Mike brings a steady, guest-focused vision to Grand Harbour—ensuring the harbour operates with precision, warmth, and a clear commitment to elevated waterfront living.

 Vanessa M. Van Dette serves as Director of Property Operations at Grand Harbour, bringing decades of senior executive experience across marina operations, luxury hospitality, and complex waterfront and mixed-use asset management. Known for her disciplined leadership style, operational precision, and unwavering commitment to service excellence. Vanessa’s tenure includes senior executive roles across some of the most respected organizations in property management and hospitality. She previously served as Vice President of Operations a national property management company, where she led large, multi-jurisdictional portfolios throughout Ontario, overseeing financial controls, governance, capital planning, reserve fund oversight, and operational risk management.  Earlier has also held senior executive roles with Marriott International, overseeing operations within its ultra-luxury portfolio, including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels. Managing some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, she developed a hospitality-first approach grounded in service culture, operational excellence, and elevated guest experiences—principles that remain central to her leadership at Grand Harbour.

Vanessa has also held senior leadership roles with Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities, an organization that previously owned and operated marinas now branded under Maple Leaf Marinas. This experience further strengthened her expertise in marina operations, waterfront infrastructure, and lifestyle-driven community management.

An alumna of the University of Fredericton, Vanessa completed both her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and Master’s degree, reflecting her commitment to academic rigor and evidence-based leadership. She also holds multiple professional designations in both Canada and the United States, underscoring a career defined by continuous learning, governance excellence, and professional accountability.

Jody Graves is the Chief Marine Engineer at Grand Harbour and a Full Red Seal Marine Technician, bringing more than 25 years of hands-on marine engineering and service experience to the organization. Widely respected within the marine industry, Jody is known for his technical precision, depth of knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Prior to joining Grand Harbour, Jody built a distinguished career at Crate’s Marine, where he earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and capable marine technicians in the region. He holds advanced certifications with Mercury and Volvo, positioning him as an expert across a broad range of propulsion systems and complex mechanical platforms.

Jody’s expertise spans engine diagnostics and optimization, launch and haul-out operations, preventative maintenance programs, electrical and hydraulic systems, and advanced troubleshooting of critical marine infrastructure. His meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach ensure vessels and marina systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

In his role at Grand Harbour, Jody oversees all marine engineering functions, working closely with the operations and dock teams to maintain peak performance across the marina’s assets. He is instrumental in long-term asset planning, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness, safeguarding both the marina and the boating community it serves.

Respected by colleagues and boaters alike, Jody combines technical mastery with a collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for marine service. His presence reinforces Grand Harbour’s commitment to operational excellence and elevating the overall boater experience.

Your boat deserves the best—and at Grand Harbour, it’s in expert hands.

 Meet Angela Beaty is the visionary behind Fairwinds Concierge Services, bringing a refined sense of luxury, personalization, and five-star hospitality to the heart of Grand Harbour. As Executive Concierge, Angela curates white-glove experiences for boaters, cottage owners, and seasonal residents—transforming the ordinary into the exceptional with grace, discretion, and meticulous attention to detail.

Drawing on her extensive background in home staging, hospitality, and client services, Angela founded Fairwinds to address a clear gap in the market: the need for high-end, lifestyle-driven concierge solutions tailored specifically to the unique rhythms of waterfront and seasonal living.

From pre-arrival provisioning, personalized welcome setups, and weekly housekeeping, to laundry service, party planning, and tailored recommendations—Angela’s mission is simple: to ensure every arrival feels like a true retreat. Whether it’s a weekend visit or a full-season stay, Fairwinds clients enjoy seamless comfort and unmatched service.

Angela’s approach blends the warmth of a trusted host with the precision of a seasoned professional. Her deep understanding of what discerning clients expect—paired with her passion for hospitality—has made her an integral part of the Grand Harbour experience.

Tim Harrison brings many years of hands-on experience in the marine industry, and is the go-to expert for all things parts and service at Grand Harbour as our Client Experience Specialist, Tim oversees the procurement of parts, and coordination of critical service components that keep our marina—and our boaters—running smoothly.

Known for his technical knowledge, solution-oriented mindset, and exceptional customer service, Tim plays a key role in ensuring that repairs and service requests are handled with precision and speed. From sourcing hard-to-find OEM parts to coordinating service schedules with mechanics and vendors, he’s the driving force behind our seamless maintenance operation.

Tim’s background includes years of working with top-tier marine brands and supporting large-scale marina operations, giving him deep insight into the seasonal demands of boating life. Whether it’s preparing for launch and haul-out, organizing winterization programs, or troubleshooting equipment concerns, Tim brings professionalism, honesty, and deep industry knowledge to every interaction.

At Grand Harbour, Tim is a trusted resource and a cornerstone of our commitment to reliable service and operational excellence.

 The Heart of the Marina

Don’t forget to say hello to the friendly faces that keep Grand Harbour running smoothly—our amazing support staff, dock hands, and gas dock attendants!

Always ready to greet you with a smile, this hardworking crew is here to assist with everything from docking and fueling to keeping our grounds clean, safe, and welcoming. Their dedication, energy, and positive attitude are a big part of what makes our marina feel like home.

Next time you're on the docks, give them a wave—they’re always happy to help!