BARRIE, ON – June 22, 2026 – The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition elected a renewed Board of Directors following its Annual General Meeting, welcoming accomplished leaders from across the Lake Simcoe watershed and beyond as the organization continues a period of growth, renewal and increasing impact.
The appointments bring together expertise in public policy, environmental advocacy, municipal leadership, climate resilience and community engagement.
Newly elected directors include:
- Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora), former Member of Parliament for Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill. During her time in Parliament, she served on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, as well as the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Prior to entering politics, she built a successful career in business.
- Geoff McKnight (Markham), the recently retired Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury and a professional planner with decades of experience in municipal leadership, strategic planning and community development.
- Elizabeth Simpson Hillis (Bradford West Gwillimbury), a municipal sustainability professional and Vice-Chair of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s award-winning Green Initiatives Advisory Committee, with expertise in climate action, environmental policy and community resilience.
- Kumar Patel (Vaughan), a climate resilience researcher pursuing doctoral studies in hydrometeorology at the University of Waterloo and a former Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition summer student whose research has directly informed the Coalition’s policy and advocacy work.
Returning directors include:
- Jennie Ucar (Chair) – Innisfil/Toronto, a retired teacher and principal and long-time environmental advocate;
- Claire Malcolmson (Secretary) – Innisfil/Scarborough, environmental consultant and former Executive Director of Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition;
- MJ Hanley – Georgina, scientist, environmental consultant and community advocate; and
- Gail White – Oro-Medonte, retired community planner and long-time supporter of Lake Simcoe protection efforts.
The appointments follow a transformative period for the organization.
During 2025 and 2026, Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition released its landmark Protect Our Plan: From Good Goals to Practical Progress report at Queen’s Park, launched a new visual identity and redesigned website, expanded its public profile, secured significant new funding commitments and began implementing governance reforms designed to support the organization’s continued growth.
Executive Director Jonathan Scott said the strengthened Board reflects both the growing complexity of the challenges facing Lake Simcoe and the Coalition’s ambition to meet them.
“Protecting Lake Simcoe requires scientific expertise, policy insight, governance experience and strong community relationships,” said Scott. “The calibre of individuals willing to lend their time and talent to this organization speaks to both the importance of this work and the momentum Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition has built. This Board brings together leaders from across sectors who share a commitment to practical, evidence-based solutions for the watershed, and I am excited to work alongside them in the years ahead.”
About Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition
Founded in 2003, Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition is a registered charity dedicated to protecting and restoring Lake Simcoe through advocacy, education and community action. The organization works collaboratively with residents, municipalities, environmental organizations and decision-makers to improve water quality, strengthen environmental protections and safeguard the watershed for future generations.