East Gwillimbury, ON, October 7, 2026 — The East Gwillimbury Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 4985, has endorsed Brian Johns for Mayor of East Gwillimbury in the 2026 municipal election.
"Our decision reflects Brian's documented record on fire-service issues and his current platform's commitment to community infrastructure that keeps pace with East Gwillimbury's growth, including fire services," the Association said in its endorsement.
The Association noted that Johns has publicly called for increased full-time firefighter staffing and the resources firefighters need to work safely and effectively, and has advocated for evidence-based, data-driven evaluation of fire-service delivery. "Brian's consistent support and public advocacy for public safety and the fire service during his time on Council reflect those priorities," the endorsement reads.
"I'm honoured to have the endorsement of the members of Local 4985," said Johns. "These are the people who show up when it matters most, and they know better than anyone what a growing community needs from its fire service. Their support comes with a responsibility. As East Gwillimbury grows, our fire and emergency services have to grow with it."
The endorsement follows Johns' plan for fire and emergency services, released October 5. The plan commits to hiring six full-time fire suppression staff each year of the term, working toward an initial target of 52, and to building a new fire hall in Sharon to reduce response times across the Town's dispersed communities. It also commits to keeping fire apparatus, vehicles and equipment modern, and to continuing capital improvements at existing fire halls. Staffing and facilities would grow under an annual review and a multi-year investment plan, in step with population growth and risk assessment.
"Our members are committed to serving this community professionally, safely, and with pride," the Association said. "We want to see that same focus on the long-term strength of emergency services reflected at the Council table."
"When you call for help, response time is everything," said Johns. "Our firefighters do a demanding job and they do it well. My commitment is to make sure they have the people, the equipment and the facilities they need to keep our community safe as it grows."
Brian Johns will release his full platform, A New Way Forward, on Thursday, October 8.
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