This Tuesday, East Gwillimbury Council will consider a motion that supports something simple, joyful, and deeply Canadian: more opportunities for kids to play outside in their own neighbourhoods.

At the heart of this motion is a goal that many families in our community have shared—making it easier for children to shoot hoops or play road hockey close to home. These aren’t just pastimes—they’re traditions. Road hockey and basketball are as Canadian as maple syrup and Saturday mornings at the rink. For generations, they've brought kids together, built friendships, and shaped the fabric of our communities.

We’re fortunate in East Gwillimbury to have a beautiful and growing network of parks and recreation spaces. But we also know that spontaneous, unstructured play just steps from home is an essential part of healthy childhood development and strong neighbourhoods. Whether it’s a quick game after school or kids gathering on a weekend afternoon, these moments are part of what makes a community feel connected and alive.

Across Ontario, municipalities have modernized their by-laws to reflect this reality—creating safe, flexible rules that encourage active living while still prioritizing safety. East Gwillimbury can do the same.

Our 2022–2026 Strategic Plan lays the foundation for this kind of progress. It emphasizes building a livable town, updating policies to meet residents’ needs, and ensuring everyone can participate fully in community life. This motion supports those goals and reflects the kind of town we’re proud to call home.

I’m excited to bring this motion forward and begin the process of reviewing our current by-laws. Together, we can create a more welcoming framework that encourages kids to be active, supports families, and celebrates the best of Canadian neighbourhood life.

Let’s take this positive step together. Let’s support outdoor play, close to home.

Let the kids play.