East Gwillimbury recognized for work on 404 employment corridor

Bradfordtoday.ca
April 25, 2022

The Town of East Gwillimbury received top honours from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) for its Highway 404 Employment Corridor Secondary Plan and from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Financial Report for the year ending December 31, 2020.

Council adopted the Highway 404 Secondary Plan on July 28, 2020. The Plan is used to guide the development of the employment corridor north of Green Lane near Highway 404 and ensure that employment targets set out by the provincial Growth Plan, are met. EDCO evaluated the project for its clarity, comprehensiveness, public engagement, uniqueness, and ability to provide a return on investment. This project will support the attraction of 5000 new jobs through new investment opportunities, while ensuring the Town remains economically resilient and balanced as it grows.

Another key aspect of growth and planning for East Gwillimbury’s future is through financial reporting and the development of transparent and engaging documents to help the community understand EG’s financial story. One key document is the Year End Financial Report. East Gwillimbury received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for its 2020 Year End Financial Report.

“I’m very proud of our staff team and the work that they continue to do to guide development and plan for the future of our Town,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “By planning for employment growth such as the Woodbine 1 Project, we are demonstrating that we are future ready for jobs, for people and for complete communities. Telling our story is important and I applaud our staff for their award-winning efforts through the 2020 Year-End Financial Report.”

Both awards signify the Town’s commitment to planning for the future, while creating balanced communities with employment investment opportunities and programs and services close to home.

The Town of East Gwillimbury is Canada’s fastest growing municipality (with more than 5,000 residents) according to 2021 Census Canada data. The Town provides several programs and services to approximately 36,000 residents, while maintaining more than 80 percent of its green space. To learn more about the Town, visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca