Scott McGillivray

Scott McGillivray
Name	Scott McGillivray
Birth date	1978
Birth place	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Real estate investor, television host, entrepreneur, contractor, author
Years active	2000–present

Scott McGillivray Scott McGillivray is a Canadian entrepreneur, real estate investor, contractor and television host known for hosting renovation and investment shows. He has built a career spanning real estate development, television production, publishing and philanthropy, working across Canadian and international markets. McGillivray's profile has intersected with mainstream media outlets, professional associations and broadcast networks.

Early life and education

Born in Toronto, Ontario, McGillivray grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and began working in construction in his teens. He pursued post-secondary studies related to business and finance while gaining hands-on experience through trade apprenticeships and contractors on projects in Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and Markham. During his formative years he encountered influences from figures in real estate such as Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump and Barbara Corcoran and studied models related to investment popularized by Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham and Peter Lynch. Educational institutions and programs associated with his training include community colleges, vocational schools and continuing education offerings in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Real estate and contracting career

McGillivray launched his contracting and renovation firm working on residential properties in the Toronto housing market and expanded to rental portfolios across Ontario and British Columbia. Early portfolio activity involved single-family homes, multiplexes, condominiums and commercial-to-residential conversions in Scarborough, North York, Hamilton, London and Kitchener. His contracting practice collaborated with suppliers, tradespeople and associations including the Canadian Home Builders' Association and local contractor networks in Calgary and Vancouver. Over time his development approach incorporated project management techniques used in construction management programs and procurement models influenced by firms operating in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami.

Television career

McGillivray rose to prominence as the host and executive producer of renovation television series broadcast on networks in Canada and internationally. He is best known for hosting shows that aired on networks such as HGTV Canada, W Network, DIY Network and international partners reaching viewers in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. His television projects included renovation competitions, buy-and-renovate formats and investment-focused programs that featured case studies in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Edmonton. Collaborations and guest appearances connected him with personalities and programs associated with Mike Holmes, Sarah Richardson, Bryan Baeumler, Property Brothers, Samantha Pynn and Emily Henderson. Production companies, directors and distributors involved in his shows included independent Canadian producers, studio crews in Los Angeles and broadcasting partners in London.

Business ventures and investments

Beyond television, McGillivray founded and operated companies focused on property renovation, rental management, education and product licensing. His ventures encompassed property management firms servicing portfolios in Calgary, Winnipeg and Halifax, renovation contracting businesses in the Greater Toronto Area and training programs for investors in partnership with financial education platforms. He authored or contributed to published guides and books that entered retail channels and online marketplaces, aligning with publishing houses and distribution networks in Toronto and New York. Strategic investment activity included joint ventures with private equity investors, syndication models in Vancouver and Toronto and participation in real estate conferences held in Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles and London.

Philanthropy and advocacy

McGillivray has supported charitable initiatives and community organizations through fundraising, in-kind donations and awareness campaigns. His philanthropic engagements included housing-related charities, food banks and disaster relief funds operating in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and across Canada. He participated in industry advocacy events alongside associations such as the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and community development groups, and contributed to initiatives emphasizing affordable housing, trades training and youth mentorship programs in urban centres including Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.

Personal life

McGillivray lives in Ontario and balances his professional activities with family life and community involvement. His personal interests include design, architecture and active participation in networks of entrepreneurs, investors and media professionals spanning Toronto, Vancouver and international business hubs such as New York City and London. He has attended industry conferences, panels and speaking engagements alongside business leaders, authors and television personalities.

Category:Canadian television hosts Category:Canadian real estate businesspeople