Investing in East Gwillimbury’s Future: Building a Thriving, Sustainable, and Safe Community through Budget 2025

The Town of East Gwillimbury is undergoing our annual budget process, a unique opportunity to make impactful investments that will shape the future of our community. With our rapid growth, it’s crucial that we focus on initiatives that not only address today’s needs but also anticipate the future, ensuring East Gwillimbury remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and play.

Here are the areas where I am championing new investments to drive our community forward:

Investments in Fire Services: Preparing for Emergencies

As our town grows, so does the need for a well-resourced fire department. Strategic investments in fire services will ensure we’re ready to respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently:

Four Additional Full-Time Firefighters: Expanding our firefighting team increases response capacity and keeps residents safer.
New Replacement Tanker Truck: A replacement tanker truck will enhance our ability to deliver water in areas without hydrant access, increasing the effectiveness of our firefighting operations.
Conversion of Holland Landing Fire Hall to Support Full-Time Operations: Modifying the fire hall to support 24/7 staffing strengthens our emergency response capabilities.
New Protective Gear and Defibrillators: Ensuring our firefighters have state-of-the-art protective gear and life-saving equipment is a direct investment in their safety and preparedness.

Net Zero: Building a Sustainable Future

Our commitment to a sustainable future means we must take bold steps today. Several key investments support our journey to achieving Net Zero:

Replacement Vehicle EV Transition: Methodically transitioning our municipal fleet to have increased electric vehicles (EVs) represents a long-term commitment to reducing our environmental impact, saving fuel costs, and improving air quality.
Fleet Rapid Charger Installation (Partially Grant Funded): Installing EV chargers at the Civic Centre and Operations Centre will help power our EV fleet and demonstrates a commitment to accessible infrastructure for a sustainable future.
Tree Planting (Development Charge-Funded): Adding more trees to our landscapes enhances biodiversity, provides shade, and contributes to carbon reduction—key goals for a greener East Gwillimbury.
Arborist Staffing Lead: With a dedicated arborist, we can better care for our green spaces and strategically plant and maintain trees across the community, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
LED Street Lighting Conversion: Converting streetlights to LED is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption and improve visibility, benefiting both the environment and public safety.

Community Safety: Protecting Our Residents

Safety is essential for a thriving community, and we’re dedicated to providing the resources necessary to ensure it:

Additional By-Law Officers: More officers will allow for enhanced enforcement of community standards, ensuring a respectful, orderly town for all residents.
Additional School Crossing Guards: Our children’s safety is paramount, and adding crossing guards ensures safe routes to school for young students, supporting families across East Gwillimbury.

Active Lifestyle: Creating Spaces for Health and Recreation

An active community is a healthy one. Investing in recreational facilities fosters well-being and encourages social connection among residents:

New Pickleball and Beach Volleyball Courts: These additions provide more options for residents to stay active and build connections through sports.
Nokiidaa Trail Parking Expansion: By expanding parking, we’re making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy our beloved trails.
Brownhill/North Union Playground Improvements: Upgrading playgrounds means safer, more enjoyable spaces for children and families to gather and play.

Improving Water Quality: Investing in Our Vital Resource

Water quality is a top priority, and we’re implementing measures to ensure that our water remains safe and clean for everyone:

New Water Quality Analyst: With a dedicated analyst, we can proactively monitor water quality and address potential issues before they arise.
New Water Rehabilitation Fund: This fund will allow us to maintain and enhance water infrastructure, protecting our community’s water resources for years to come.
New Water Quality Partnership Project with York Region: Collaborating with York Region strengthens our efforts to safeguard our water and improve standards across the board.

Road Improvements: Enhancing Our Transportation Infrastructure

Quality roadways are vital to a well-connected town. Our road improvement projects will support smoother commutes, safer driving, and better access:

Road Resurfacing in Mt. Albert, Sharon, and Holland Landing: Resurfacing key roads, including Mt. Albert’s Main Street, Sharon’s Morton Avenue, and French Crescent in Holland Landing, will create safer and more efficient routes.
Design Improvements on Centre Street and Queensville Sideroad: These planned upgrades will address current design issues, making roads safer for all users.
Bridge Replacement and Repairs: Following last year’s budget allocations, we are prioritizing the replacement and repair of aging bridges. This investment in our infrastructure will ensure safer crossings and longer-lasting bridges for years to come.

Support for Youth: Empowering the Next Generation

Investing in our youth means investing in East Gwillimbury’s future:

Youth Advisory Committee Support: Supporting this committee empowers young people to have a voice in shaping the town, fostering civic engagement.
New Children and Youth Programming: Expanding programming for children and youth promotes positive development, learning opportunities, and safe spaces for young residents.

Focusing on Cost Savings: Reducing Expenses Thoughtfully

While we are dedicated to growth, we’re also committed to responsible budgeting. By making strategic cuts, we can free up resources for priority investments:

Not Paving the Operations Works Yard: This saves $550,000 without sacrificing essential services.
Forgoing Renovations of Council Chambers: Postponing this project saves $330,000 while still providing adequate space for council activities.
Extending Vehicle Life Cycles: By extending vehicle life cycles by one to two years, we save between $60,000 and $430,000—a thoughtful approach to vehicle management.

Each of these investments and strategic cuts reflects our dedication to a vibrant, sustainable, and safe East Gwillimbury. By embracing this opportunity, we’re ensuring that our community remains a welcoming and dynamic place for all residents. The future looks bright for East Gwillimbury, and I am proud to champion these initiatives to keep us moving forward!