East Gwillimbury, ON, June 29, 2026 — Brian Johns, candidate for Mayor of East Gwillimbury, today announced a plan to strengthen community organizations, service clubs, and non-profits by treating them as valued partners in building a stronger, more connected community.
"East Gwillimbury thrives because of the people who step forward to serve others," said Johns. "Whether it's a service club raising money for local causes, a Legion preserving our history, or a non-profit delivering essential programs, these organizations help make East Gwillimbury the community we are proud to call home. As Mayor, I want Town Hall to be a partner in their success."
To help non-profits expand and serve more residents, Johns committed to waiving development charges and building permit fees, where appropriate, for non-profit expansion projects, reducing the upfront costs that can stall community-led growth.
Johns also committed to honouring those who served. He announced plans to expand East Gwillimbury's "Lest We Forget" memorial initiatives beyond the Civic Centre to include communities across the municipality, including Queensville, Holland Landing, Sharon, and Mount Albert, and to work with the East Gwillimbury Public Library on interactive educational programs focused on veterans, remembrance, and local history. Recognizing the financial pressures volunteer-run organizations face, he also committed to exploring ways to reduce their operating costs, including adding eligible properties such as the Mount Albert Legion to municipal snow clearing and maintenance schedules where feasible.
"Our acts of remembrance should be visible throughout East Gwillimbury," said Johns. "We have an obligation to honour those who served and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices that built the freedoms we enjoy today."
Johns also announced that, if elected, he would explore a five-year pilot partnership agreement with the Mount Albert Sport Day and Spring Fair. The pilot could include municipal service support, fee waivers, and annual contributions through existing community funding programs, alongside commitments by organizers to continue investing in community assets and infrastructure. Results would be measured jointly by both parties and used to evaluate whether similar agreements should be considered for other major community events.
"Strong communities aren't built by government alone," said Johns. "They're built by volunteers, service clubs, non-profits, and residents who care deeply about where they live. My commitment is simple: let's give these organizations the support, respect, and partnership they deserve so they can continue strengthening the social fabric of East Gwillimbury for generations to come."
In addition, Johns made the following commitments today:
- Championing capital fundraising efforts for community organizations and non-profits.
- Providing grant-writing assistance, operational support, and fee waivers where appropriate to help organizations focus on serving residents.
- Waiving municipal permit fees, where appropriate, for fundraising events organized by service clubs and community organizations.
- Providing picnic tables, seating, and other basic equipment for community fundraising events at no cost where appropriate.
- Promoting volunteer opportunities and community organizations through Engage EG and other municipal communication channels.
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