The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Scott as its new Executive Director. A long-time environmental advocate and public policy leader, Jonathan brings a deep record of community service, environmental leadership and strategic communications to the role.
“Jonathan understands both the science and the politics of watershed protection,” said Jennie Ucar, Chair of the RLSC Board of Directors. “He has proven experience getting things done—whether it’s advocating for infrastructure, organizing communities or pushing for better policy. We’re thrilled to welcome him at this moment of renewal for our organization.”
Jonathan Scott is a Councillor in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, where he has led transformative efforts to protect our natural environment. His advocacy helped secure over $40-million investment to build a phosphorous reduction facility, $2.9 million to build a snow filtration system to remove contaminants, the installation of litter traps in older stormwater basins and nature-based solutions in partnership with local farmers. In 2024, Bradford’s Green Initiatives Advisory Committee, which he chairs, received the Lake Simcoe Watershed Heroes Award for advancing practical, community-based environmental solutions.
He serves as Chair of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and was Vice-Chair of Conservation Ontario, where he helped navigate major governance and policy shifts affecting Ontario’s conservation authorities. As a consultant, he has worked with environmental NGOs to support their advocacy efforts and operational improvements.
A former Director of Communications for the Ontario government caucus at Queen’s Park, Scott brings strong experience in legislative affairs, stakeholder engagement and government relations—skills that will support the Coalition’s renewed focus on local action and policy impact. He holds both an MBA and a law degree.
Scott takes the helm following the departure of Claire Malcolmson, whose decade-long leadership helped build RLSC into a leading voice for Lake Simcoe.
“Claire leaves a legacy that commands respect,” said Scott. “She helped hold governments accountable and showed how grassroots groups can influence big decisions. I feel incredibly honoured to build on that work.”
Looking ahead, Jonathan will lead a strategic pivot toward empowering municipalities, residents and local groups to take tangible action: reducing phosphorus pollution, advancing climate adaptation and protecting shoreline health.
“There’s no shortage of concern for Lake Simcoe,” said Scott. “What we need now is to turn that concern into collective action. That means meeting people where they are by helping municipalities and residents take the next step toward healthier water and more resilient communities.”
The RLSC will continue its advocacy for the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan while growing its capacity to support on-the-ground solutions across the watershed.
“We know this lake, and we know what’s at stake,” said Scott. “I’m excited to work with partners across the region to protect what we love, and to prove that local action can still make a difference.”