East Gwillimbury, ON, July 13, 2026 — Brian Johns, candidate for Mayor of East Gwillimbury, today announced a commitment to protect the Town's existing green space while expanding and connecting its trail network, giving residents of all ages and abilities safe ways to walk, cycle, and move through their communities.
"Green space and trails are what make a growing town feel like home," said Johns. "They keep us active, they connect our neighbourhoods, and they protect the natural areas that make East Gwillimbury what it is. As we grow, these can't be an afterthought."
Johns committed to implementing the recommendations of the Town's Active Transportation & Trails Master Plan, expanding multi-use trails, sidewalks, and cycle tracks, and connecting key destinations, community centres, and neighbouring municipalities. He committed to incorporating new trails where growth and development occur, including proposed routes along hydro corridors and arterial roads.
On green space, Johns committed to preserving natural areas and public parks as part of municipal planning, and to integrating trail networks with those spaces to maximize both recreational and environmental benefit.
Johns emphasized that trails must be built to a standard that serves everyone. He committed to maintaining high-quality infrastructure, including boardwalks, multi-use paths, and pedestrian bridges, and to using design guidelines that accommodate people of all ages and abilities, with safe slopes, signage, and crossings for trail users.
To fund the work, Johns pointed to a partnership approach, leveraging provincial, regional, and federal funding alongside the Town's existing growth-related revenues, and working with York Region, Metrolinx, school boards, conservation authorities, and community groups on implementation and long-term stewardship.
"This is about building a town where a kid can bike to a community centre safely, and where the green space we have today is still there for the next generation," said Johns.
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