East Gwillimbury, ON, October 8, 2026 — Brian Johns, candidate for Mayor of East Gwillimbury, today released A New Way Forward, his full platform for the next term of Council. The plan sets out 24 commitments under four pillars: Responsible Government and Fair Taxes; Smart Growth and a Stronger Economy; Community Infrastructure That Keeps Pace; and Heritage, Culture and Vibrant Villages.
"A New Way Forward is a multi-year, financially conscious strategy that recognizes not everything happens at once, but that nothing meaningful happens without direction," said Johns.
At the centre of the plan is respect for taxpayers. Johns committed to publishing a Taxpayer Impact Statement with every annual budget, showing in plain language what the budget means for the average household tax bill before Council votes on it. He also committed to multi-year capital budgets, an annual spring survey of residents ahead of each budget, and joint purchasing with the other northern York Region municipalities to lower costs.
The plan's largest projects are built to limit the cost to taxpayers. A sports dome, lit artificial turf and a multi-pad arena would be explored as public-private partnerships. Johns committed to work relentlessly to bring a public high school to East Gwillimbury and to advocate for a Catholic high school, both funded by the Province and the school boards. Southlake's second hospital site, already selected for East Gwillimbury, is a provincial and Southlake project; Johns committed to press for faster approvals and to raise the community's share through fundraising reported in the open. Faster servicing of employment lands and development charge deferrals aim to grow the commercial and industrial tax base.
"Affordability is not achieved by doing nothing," said Johns. "It is achieved by planning well, spending wisely, and making decisions that reduce long-term costs while improving service delivery."
The platform also commits to a public lobbyist registry, itemized reporting of Council expenses, and reversing the restrictions on public deputations adopted in January 2026. It freezes Town user fees for seniors' programs and services for five years, grows fire and emergency services with six new full-time firefighters a year toward 52 and a new fire hall in Sharon, and changes the by-laws so kids can play road hockey and basketball at the end of the driveway.
A New Way Forward is available at brianjohns.ca/platform.
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