Ian McDougall for Mayor of Scugog

Meet Ian

Scugog is home.

I am a lifelong Scugog resident, husband and father of four, Professional Engineer, builder and business owner.

I have spent my life solving problems, building things and turning ideas into something real—whether with my hands, through engineering, through business or in public service.

Why I’m running

Ian McDougall canoeing with family — Paddling the lake

The McDougall family cycling beside Lake Scugog — Riding the shoreline

Ian McDougall windsurfing on Lake Scugog — Windsurfing Lake Scugog

Ian McDougall working on a timber-framed construction project — On site

Why I’m running

Scugog can accomplish more.

I am not willing to spend another term in Council Chambers without seeing more accomplished. Public service takes time away from family, business and the rest of life, and I believe that time should lead to meaningful results for the community.

My children are older now, and I am at a point in my life where I can give the Mayor’s role the time, energy and attention it deserves.

Why Ian

Practical experience. Proven leadership.

Dad

A lifelong resident, husband and father of four with a personal stake in Scugog’s future.

Engineer

A licensed Professional Engineer who understands problems before building solutions.

Builder

A carpenter, contractor and business owner experienced in turning plans into results.

Councillor

Thirteen years of public service, including eight years on Township and Regional Council.

Experienced enough to know how things work. Independent enough to know they need to work differently.

The plan

Build a Better Scugog

Building better does not simply mean building more. It means protecting what makes Scugog special while making decisions that will still make sense years from now.

01

Financial sustainability

Understand what Scugog costs to sustain and build a credible long-term plan that protects taxpayers.

02

Roads & infrastructure

Prioritize good maintenance while aggressively pursuing every available provincial and federal grant for roads, bridges and culverts.

03

Recreation & public spaces

Start with pickleball courts, parks and trails, while exploring a field house, skatepark, pump track and lights at soccer fields. Work with the Port Perry Agricultural Society to develop a fairgrounds lease and make modest, incremental improvements—including tree planting.

04

Lake & environment

Reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants entering Lake Scugog—work the Township can control—while advocating to senior governments on the federally regulated waterway.

05

Safer, connected communities

Advocate for the return of GO Transit to Scugog while improving road safety, active transportation and connections among neighbourhoods and villages.

06

Villages & local business

Support farms, local businesses and village centres through practical services, partnerships and economic development.

07

Responsible growth

Add the housing Scugog needs while maintaining our authentic character and charm. Build on the history, lake, parks, villages and agricultural landscape that make Scugog attractive.

Ian McDougall at an accessibility community event

The record

A record of getting things done.

Ian has worked with residents and community organizations to deliver practical improvements throughout Scugog.

Led a successful motion opposing Whitby’s proposal to relocate the Highway 7/12 Brooklin Bypass to Townline Road—at the top of the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the heart of the Greenbelt
Brought a motion to Metrolinx advocating that Scugog retain the 81 and 81A GO bus routes after more than 20 years of steady growth in ridership and trip frequency
Advocated for and helped deliver accessible shoulders and safety improvements on Highway 7A from Port Perry to Highway 57—a multimillion-dollar investment in Scugog to improve accessibility and help prevent fatal and serious-injury collisions
Increased investment in Ward 1 gravel roads
Greenbank pedestrian crosswalk
R.H. Cornish Community Safety Zone
Beach-water testing for eastern Scugog
Appropriate double high-float road treatment

Community voices

What people say about Ian.

He would make an outstanding mayor.

I have known Ian McDougall for many years and have seen first-hand the persistence and professionalism he brings to public issues. Through our work and at municipal forums, I watched him advocate consistently for safety improvements on Highway 7A, helping bring attention to concerns that ultimately led to significant provincial investments benefiting motorists and vulnerable road users alike. Ian is a professional engineer and experienced municipal leader who asks thoughtful questions and works to get results. Above all, his commitment has always been to making Scugog safer and stronger for families. I believe he would make an outstanding mayor!

The Hon. Eleanor McMahon

Former Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Scugog needs a Mayor who respects both the town and the countryside.

My name is Zac Cohoon and I am a lifelong resident of the Township of Scugog, I am pleased to endorse Ian McDougall for Mayor of Scugog.

My family has known Ian for many years. Our connection goes back to when Ian was a teenager, through farming, community, local business, and the kind of hands-on work that builds trust in a small town.

Ian knew my parents, Bill and Whitney Cohoon, and has known our family through different stages of life in Scugog. Over the years, I have watched Ian embrace this community from the ground up: the farms, the roads, the businesses, the families, and the long-standing relationships that make Scugog work.

Through my work with the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee, as Chair, I have seen how important it is for municipal leaders to understand agriculture, rural infrastructure, land use, transportation, drainage, and the pressures facing farm families and rural businesses.

These issues are not abstract policy debates. They affect real farms, real families, and the future of our community.

Ian brings practical experience as a Professional Engineer, business owner, builder, and councillor. He understands how municipal and regional decisions are made, and he understands where the system needs to work better.

Scugog needs a Mayor who respects both the town and the countryside, listens to people who know the land, and makes informed, practical decisions.

I believe Ian McDougall has the experience, independence, and judgment to lead Scugog forward. He has my support for Mayor.

Zac Cohoon

Chair, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee
Twin Erin Farms

Ian has what it takes.

I’ve known Ian for many years as both a neighbour and a professional. He’s a devoted dad, and in my own work with him, I’ve seen his practical approach to problem solving. As a mayor of Scugog for 10 years, I know what this job demands. Ian has what it takes. I’ll be voting for Ian.