East Gwillimbury homeowners will see a 3.85 per cent property tax increase in 2026, amounting to roughly $92 more for the average household. Despite the hike, the town continues to hold the lowest property tax rate in York Region. In a statement, Mayor Virginia Hackson said the budget balances community needs with affordability, keeping the monthly increase to under $8 for most residents. She emphasized that the budget supports essential investments in infrastructure, community safety, and local services, ensuring the town continues to “invest responsibly in what matters most.”
Next year’s budget includes funding for four new firefighters, the replacement of a pumper truck, and a study to determine the optimal location for a future fourth fire station. Other key investments include $1.8 million for road rehabilitation, support for the Safer Streets Program—which will introduce a radar speed board, replace traffic signage, and add a pedestrian crossover near Vivian Creek Park—and the final year of multi-year funding for the Health and Active Living Plaza operations.
The town is also bolstering its asset management program by making annual contributions that help build a sustainable reserve for future infrastructure repairs and replacements, reducing the burden on future taxpayers. Additional funding is directed toward repairing the Holland Landing Community Centre tennis courts, upgrading playground structures in Vivian Creek and Harvest Hills Parks, and installing new pickleball courts in Anchor Park. Technology upgrades, including a full website replacement to improve resident engagement, are also part of the plan.
Not all councillors supported every aspect of the budget. In a blog post, Coun. Brian Johns raised concerns about converting the “People and Belonging — Accessibility, Indigeneity, and Equity Coordinator” role from a pilot project to a permanent full-time position beginning at the end of 2026. He argued that the shift moves spending from the capital budget to the operating budget and creates an automatic tax increase of about 0.33 per cent in 2027 without deliberation from the next council. Johns said he believes long-term staffing commitments should be weighed more carefully against core priorities such as fire and emergency services.
Johns also disagreed with council’s decision to discontinue municipal capital funding for the Mount Albert Sports Day and Spring Fair, a volunteer-run event that marked its 100th anniversary this year. While the town will still provide non-financial support, Johns said he preferred to maintain funding due to the event’s importance to community identity and connection. He thanked the volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to the celebration each year.
