Looking ahead to another exciting year in East Gwillimbury

Progress made last year will continue in 2019, writes Mayor Virginia Hackson

YorkRegion.com
January 4, 2019
Virginia Hackson

Happy 2019! I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season.

Ringing in the new year provides an opportunity for us to reflect back on the many achievements of the past year and to look forward to the exciting year ahead of us.

As we embark on a new term of council, things will look different than they have in the past. During the 2018 election, the town introduced a new ward system and added two council members, to respond to the needs of residents.

I am confident that your new council will bring new perspectives and ideas to the council chambers, and will work together to continue the positive work of the past term of council.

We have all had conversations with many residents and have heard what topics are of interest to the community, including where you see things that are working well, and where you may want to see improvements. We are committed to bringing those items forward for review and discussion, as we move forward.

The town’s 2019 business plan and budget process continues on Jan. 15, with the first of three public sessions. These meetings will be an opportunity to discuss priorities and begin making decisions for the coming year. This year’s proposed budget focuses on managing growth while maintaining our core program and service levels. There will also be discussion on providing enhanced services related to community safety and about a new aquatics facility.

I encourage the public to come and engage in these public sessions. If you would like to learn more, visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca/budget.

To stay up to date on the budget process and all town news, sign up for our weekly email updates at www.eastgwillimbury.ca/eNews.

--Virginia Hackson is the mayor of East Gwillimbury.