After nearly a decade of service, Claire Malcolmson is stepping down as Executive Director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC), at the end of August.
A well-known voice for Lake Simcoe, Claire has led the Coalition with persistence, integrity, and purpose through some of the most challenging environmental and political moments in the region’s recent history. Her tenure leaves a lasting mark on both the organization and the broader movement to protect Ontario’s largest inland lake.
Claire helped bring scientific credibility and public accountability to the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, built effective coalitions across municipalities and sectors, and elevated the Coalition’s role as a watchdog, educator and catalyst for change. She also served as Chair of the provincially appointed Lake Simcoe Coordinating Committee.
“Claire has been the moral and strategic compass of the Coalition for nearly ten years,” said Board Chair Jennie Ucar. “She has kept Lake Simcoe on the map—politically and environmentally—when it would have been easy for decision-makers to look away. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to a complex, beloved watershed.”
While Claire is stepping away from day-to-day leadership, she remains a committed advocate for Lake Simcoe and plans to continue contributing her expertise and passion in new ways.
“We are deeply grateful to Claire,” said Ucar. “Her voice has shaped not only our organization but also how an entire region thinks about environmental responsibility. She made it her mission to speak up for the lake—and in doing so, she reminded the rest of us to do the same.”
A separate announcement will be made about the Coalition’s leadership transition in the weeks ahead.