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Loralea Carruthers Ward 1
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Delivering results for residents is always a team effort - nothing happens in isolation. Loralea is proud to have planted some seeds and provided support in meaningful ways to move these initiatives forward throughout her time on Council.

Where Promises Meet Results

“This is what we can accomplish when we work together”

“My delivered results are my promise to you - a platform built on action, not words.”

Results  Delivered:  Affordability

  • Maintained the lowest relative property taxes in York Region

  • Successfully brought forward budget cuts at each annual budget to keep property taxes low

  • Modernized budget process to increase oversight and transparency

  • Ensured each budget included mandatory in-year savings targets to maintain a staff focus on continual cost savings

  • Increased services for residents including public amenities such as trails, boardwalks, parks, and a new community centre and pool

  • Introduced pilot program for windrow removal for seniors

  • Improved access to free Wi-Fi in public spaces

  • Permanently removed fines at East Gwillimbury Public Library

  • Expanded access to monthly food pantry and biweekly dry pantry. 

  • Expanded library collection so residents can enjoy free access to:

    • Ontario Park Permits

    • early literacy and sensory kits

    • light therapy lamps

    • loanable technology

    • cameras

    • drills

    • sporting equipment

    • books for all ages

    • movies, video games

    • puzzles & games

    • musical instruments

    • Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, and many other international magazines and newspapers

    • online learning subscriptions such as LinkedIn Learning and Transparent Languages

  • The Library also offers

    • Free use of computers with no-cost printing for resumes and cover letters and low printing fees for everything else

    • Study spaces with Wi-Fi at affordable rates

    • DIY projects at an affordable cost in Makerspaces and Design Studio.

    • No-cost to low-cost programming for all ages, from early literacy Storytimes to STEM programs, to book clubs, and adult learning workshops

Affordability

Affordability starts with keeping taxes low, but it also means making smart municipal investments that help families in their daily lives. When the Town delivers services and infrastructure that residents rely on, efficiently and responsibly, it can reduce costs, improve quality of life, and support households in meaningful ways while keeping living expenses manageable.

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Results Delivered:  Increased Services for Residents

  • Delivered new Healthy Active Living Plaza (HALP) community centre, featuring EG’s first pool, gymnasium, indoor playground, community kitchen, and library

  • Expanded parks and trails networks across the community

  • New Ward 1 amenities include:

    • Oriole Drive – Doane Road Bridge Boardwalk

    • Simcoe Trail and Boardwalk

    • Soldiers Bay Waterfront Park and Educational Pier

    • Anchor Park Pickleball Court Construction

    • Holland Landing Community Centre Park Tennis Court Reconstruction

    • Harvest Hills Playground Replacement

    • Nokiidaa Trail Resurfacing

    • Valmaderra Trail

    • Emily Park Playground replacement

    • Beechwood Park

    • River Drive Parkette Reconstruction

    • Silk Twist Parkette

    • Nokiidaa Trail Parking Lot Expansion

    • Valleybrook Trail Phase 1

    • and a new multi-use path on Yonge Street complete with a hydration station, benches, bike repair, streetscape beautification including flower baskets, public art, and decorated crosswalks

Increased Services for Residents

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Investing in the things that make East Gwillimbury a great place to live: from parks and recreation to community spaces and local programs, these investments strengthen quality of life and ensure residents have access to the services and amenities that support a vibrant, connected community.

Community Safety

Community safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. By strengthening emergency services, enhancing enforcement, and introducing proactive safety measures, East Gwillimbury is making sure residents feel supported and protected. This includes historic investments in Fire and Emergency Services as we grow.

Results Delivered:  Community Safety

  • Increased investment in Fire and Emergency Service to meet the needs of a growing community and strengthen emergency response capacity.

    • Expanded the Fire and Emergency Services operating budget by over 50%, from $4.8M in 2022 to $7.3M in 2026, including the addition of 10 full time firefighters

    • Committed $4.5M in capital investments, including nine vehicles and significant upgrades to firefighter protective equipment

    • $1M for a full renovation of the Holland Landing fire station to modernize facilities and improve service readiness

    • Began planning for East Gwillimbury's fourth fire station to support future growth and ensure timely emergency response across the Town

  • Doubled the number of by-law officers so residents have greater support and faster response to community concerns

  • Implemented the "40 is the New 50" Safer Streets Initiative to improve road safety and create calmer, more livable neighbourhoods

  • Established Community Safety Zone in the Park Ave and Sand Road subdivision

  • Introduced a Short Term Rental By-law to establish clear rules, protect neighbourhood character, and support responsible operation of rental properties

  • Implemented of Encampment on Town Property protocol in collaboration with York Region Outreach and York Regional Police  

  • Implemented an Administrative Penalty System (APS) which will help enforce by-laws more efficiently and cost effectively 

  • Piloted East Gwillimbury's first On-Street Parking Strategy

  • Enacted Vacant Building Bylaw to better monitor safety issues associate with vacant properties

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Results Delivered:  Infrastructure

  • Approved a new Asset Management Plan (AMP) to guide long-term decision-making around the maintenance and replacement of municipal infrastructure

  • Ensured that financial obligations under the AMP are met annually

  • Opened a new Operations Centre to strengthen the Town's ability to efficiently maintain roads, parks, and other essential services as the community grows

  • Delivering on Holland Landing downtown revitalization, including upgrades to underground services, road improvements, a new multi-use trail, and streetscape beautification (it will be beautiful when completed later this fall)

  • Updated the Development Charges Bylaw to ensure that growth continues to pay for growth

  • Worked with other levels of government to deliver the infrastructure our growing community needs, including a new hospital, four new elementary schools, and important road and bridge repairs

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is the foundation of a strong and sustainable community. It is about planning ahead, maintaining what we have, and building for the future so residents can count on reliable services, safe roads, and the community assets that support everyday life. East Gwillimbury is on track with an asset management plan that secures our future.

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Environment

  • Advanced the Town's Climate Action Plan to guide practical, measurable steps toward reducing emissions and building long-term environmental resilience

  • Established a dedicated Climate Change Reserve to ensure funding is available for future sustainability initiatives and climate-related priorities

  • Implemented a Green Fleet Strategy to modernize municipal vehicles and reduce the environmental footprint of Town operations

  • Collaborated with York Region and non-profit organizations to develop battery, textile, and electronic recycling programs, making it easier for residents to dispose of materials responsibly

  • Developed an award-winning Salt Management Plan that protects local waterways and ecosystems while maintaining winter road safety

  • Approved an updated Official Plan that protects East Gwillimbury's natural heritage, ensuring that even at full build-out, 83% of the community will remain green

  • Strengthened environmental stewardship through a Tree Protection By-law that helps preserve the Town's tree canopy and supports long-term ecological health

  • Invested in energy-efficient lighting upgrades for Town facilities, reducing energy use and lowering operational costs over time

  • Implemented multiple sustainability initiatives in the building of the HALP community centre to ensure that we are protecting our environment and keeping long term costs down for residents

  • Developed a Corporate Energy Plan,  Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and studies related to tree canopy, carbon sequestration, and urban heat island. 

  • Developed program to support community clean up events 

  • Collaborated with Indigenous Communities, Georgina Island First Nation environmental steward contract

  • Updated Thinking Green Development Standards 

  • Committed to the 30x30 global protection initiative 

  • Awarded funding for the Climate Adaptation Plan ($70,000) and municipal climate action ($20,000)

  • Ongoing public awareness initiatives for invasive species, native plant, pollinator gardens, No Mow May, Leave the Leaves, Earth week/month etc. 

Protecting our environment means taking practical action today while planning responsibly for the future. Through targeted policies, strategic investments, and community partnerships, we are advancing sustainability, preserving natural assets, and ensuring growth happens in a way that respects the environment and supports long-term resilience.

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Results Delivered:  Environment

Inclusion & Accessibility

  • Established East Gwillimbury's first Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Committee to ensure broader community voices help shape local priorities and decision-making

  • Installed a Community Flagpole to recognize and celebrate the many cultures, causes, and communities that contribute to East Gwillimbury's identity throughout the year

  • Introduced East Gwillimbury's first Pride Crosswalk, with plans for additional installations to further demonstrate support for inclusion and belonging

  • Established both the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework and the Indigeneity, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IIDEA) Action Plan to guide long-term progress and accountability

  • Free feminine hygiene products in all Town facilities to support dignity, accessibility, and basic needs for residents and visitors

  • Improved accessibility at the Holland Landing Community Centre through upgrades to the elevator

  • Reconstructed the accessible ramp at River Drive Park to ensure safer, more inclusive access for all users

  • Completed construction of an accessible walkway at Emily Park, improving mobility and enjoyment of public spaces

  • Enhanced trail safety and accessibility through new wayfinding and safety signage, making outdoor spaces easier to navigate for everyone

  • Accessibility improvements of the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex funded by grants

  • Created and updated the Multi-year Accessibility Plan   

  • Added Customer Service help desk at the HALP– to expand points of service for the municipality  

  • Translation services now available to help improve our services to residents  

  • Expanded library collection to include materials in various languages including French, Chinese, Russian, and Farsi.

Building an inclusive and accessible community means ensuring that every resident feels welcomed, represented, and able to fully participate in community life. While flags and rainbow crosswalks are a visual reminder of our commitment to equity and inclusiviity, the real work happens behind the scenes.

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Results Delivered:  Inclusion and Accessibility

For more information on delivered results, please visit: 

and click on "2022-2026 Term in Review" and "2018-2022 Term in Review".

 eastgwillimbury.ca/StrategicPlan 

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