East Gwillimbury population set to hit 127,000 by 2051 in new official plan
Critics point out there is no plan in place currently to provide servicing for this growth

Yorkregion.com
July 11, 2022
Simon Martin

East Gwillimbury council adopted the town’s updated official plan last month, setting the vision and policy framework to guide growth and development to the year 2051.

East Gwillimbury’s population is expected to grow to over 127,600 residents by 2051.

The process began in 2020 with numerous virtual and in-person engagement events held for stakeholders to participate and share their feedback. The town hosted more than 30 community engagement sessions, including visioning workshops, open houses and public meetings.

“According to the 2021 Census, East Gwillimbury is the fastest growing municipality in Canada. We have a responsibility to our residents, businesses and the entire community to ensure we manage growth and do so in a responsible way,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “The updated official plan ensures that growth in East Gwillimbury is managed proactively, responsibly and sustainably.”

Even with the large population growth slated to come, the town said more than 83 per cent of land will remain green space.

'This is insanity': East Gwillimbury grapples with 120,000 growth target and sewer delay

Not everyone was happy with outlined plan. Bill Foster, East Gwillimbury resident for 33 years and chair of Forbid Roads Over Green Spaces, is astounded by extensive development expected to continue in East Gwillimbury into the future.

“We don’t know how or if we will be able to provide wastewater servicing for these planned new homes,” Foster said. “Council is playing a gigantic game of Jenga. Absent proper foundational blocks, such as waste water servicing and affordable houses, over time, the entire infrastructure will simply collapse upon itself.”