Economic Development in East Gwillimbury: Shifting the Tax Burden from Residential Taxpayers.

East Gwillimbury currently has a commercial tax base of 10%. That means 90% of the town’s tax revenue is coming from residential taxpayers. For me those numbers are out of whack. We need a higher commercial tax base to take the pressure off EG homeowners.

Economic Development is vital to the well-being of any municipality because it drives improvements in quality of life, enhances public services, and sustains financial stability. Through local job creation, increased commercial tax revenues, and the growth of local businesses, Economic Development fosters a thriving community that will benefit residents and businesses, while funding the roads, transit, water infrastructure, and emergency services East Gwillimbury deserves without perpetually raising residential taxes.

A thriving local economy is the foundation of everything else. I’ve spent over twenty years in the private sector, working my way up to Vice President in the insurance industry, and I’ve seen firsthand how economic development and business growth create opportunity and resilience in a community. Attracting good employers, supporting local businesses, and leveraging major investments like the new Southlake hospital to build a broader economic ecosystem, that is the work I am ready to lead!

But there is a line I will draw: I will say NO to Data Centres in EG. As Mayor, you have my commitment to keep East Gwillimbury 83% green! I will insist that an environmental lens be applied to ALL Economic Development proposals. Our forests, wetlands, farmlands, parklands and trails are what make East Gwillimbury distinct and that is why my family and I love living here!

Below are key reasons why Economic Development is crucial to the well-being of Municipalities, including East Gwillimbury:

Job Creation and Income Growth

Economic development attracts new businesses and industries, leading to job creation and a more diverse employment base. A growing local economy provides opportunities for residents to secure stable, well-paying jobs, which in turn improves their standard of living. A higher level of employment also reduces poverty, decreases reliance on public assistance, and contributes to social stability. With better job opportunities, people have more disposable income, which stimulates spending in the local economy, supporting small businesses and further fueling growth.

Increased Tax Revenues

As the local economy grows, so does the tax base. Economic development leads to higher property values, greater business activity, and increased consumer spending, all of which contribute to a larger pool of tax revenues for the municipality. These revenues are essential for funding public services, such as schools, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure development. A stronger tax base allows municipalities to invest in amenities that enhance residents’ quality of life, from parks and recreational facilities to libraries and cultural institutions. This creates a positive cycle of growth, as improved services make the area more attractive to residents and businesses.

Infrastructure Development

Economic development often necessitates improvements in public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public transit systems, water and sewer systems, and utilities. These investments enhance the municipality’s overall functionality and efficiency, making it easier for residents to commute, access essential services, and enjoy better connectivity. Modern, reliable infrastructure also attracts businesses that require well-maintained facilities and transportation networks, creating an appealing environment for entrepreneurs and investors. This further contributes to sustained economic growth and stability.

Diversification of the Local Economy

Economic development encourages diversification by attracting a range of industries, which helps reduce dependence on a single sector or industry. A diversified economy is more resilient to economic downturns or shifts in global markets, providing the municipality with a stable foundation for long-term growth. For instance, if a municipality relies too heavily on one industry, such as manufacturing, an economic decline in that sector could result in widespread job losses and reduced tax revenues. By promoting a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and retail, economic development helps mitigate these risks.

Improved Quality of Life

A key goal of economic development is to enhance the overall quality of life for residents. As businesses and industries flourish, the increased revenue allows municipalities to provide better education, healthcare, safety, and recreational opportunities. Additionally, economic growth can lead to more diverse housing options, cultural attractions, and community programs. These improvements create an environment where people want to live, work, and raise families.

Attraction of Talent and Investment

A municipality with a strong economy is more likely to attract talent, businesses, and investors. A growing population of skilled workers is essential for sustaining a competitive economy, as it supports innovation and entrepreneurship. In turn, businesses are more likely to invest in communities with a strong talent pool and a favourable business environment. The influx of investment further supports job creation, infrastructure improvements, and overall community growth, contributing to the long-term well-being of the municipality.

Social Stability and Reduced Crime

Economic development helps address issues like poverty and unemployment, which are often linked to social instability and crime. Economic development fosters a more stable and cohesive community by creating job opportunities, improving education, and providing residents with the resources they need to thrive. When residents feel financially secure and have access to upward mobility, crime rates tend to decline, leading to a safer, more peaceful environment.

Shorter Commute Time

If we can provide more local employment, it will reduce the number of residents commuting into Toronto and the GTA every day. That is good for the environment. And a shorter commute means more time to spend with your family. Reduced wear and tear on our vehicles are a good thing, and of course, less money is spent on gasoline.

Conclusion

Economic development is fundamental to the well-being of East Gwillimbury because it promotes local job creation, increases commercial tax revenue which takes the pressure off EG homeowners, enhances infrastructure, and improves residents’ quality of life. It builds a sustainable, diversified economy that can withstand economic challenges and provides the financial means to support essential public services. In turn, this leads to a more attractive, prosperous, and resilient EG community where people and local businesses can thrive.

As a councillor, I’ve been relentlessly advocating to strengthen our Economic Development for the past 8 years; as Mayor, my commitment is to shift the tax burden towards commercial, industrial and institutional development.

More Revenue to EG. Less Cost to Residents. That’s not ideology. That’s arithmetic.

Commitments

Maximize the full economic spin-off from the newly announced hospital, a generational opportunity we cannot waste.
Responsible Growth: Growth pays for Growth; developers, not residents, bear the cost of economic development, and the development charges are structured to fund infrastructure.
NO to Data Centres in EG.
Keep East Gwillimbury 83% green! I will insist that an environmental lens be applied to ALL Economic Development Proposals.
Expand the town’s Economic Development department to actively attract commercial and institutional business to town. Making sure our “Advantage EG” which is a genuine operational Town commitment is not just a slogan, but backed by staff across all departments, working at peak efficiency to attract and secure new business.
Hold ongoing Mayor’s Round Table discussions with local businesses to better understand how the town can better improve its processes when dealing with our various departments. What works, what doesn’t and what we need to change so we continuously keep improving our Town’s processes.
Continue to support Y-Space that fosters entrepreneurship within our town.
As a founding member of the original EG Chamber of Commerce, I will continue to work with the Central York Chamber to support our local business community.