The Town of East Gwillimbury (EG) is committed to creating an accessible, equitable, and inclusive municipality. On this page you will find events, updates, information, and resources related to the Town's work as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This includes the Town's work on Truth and Reconciliation. To learn about the Town's work as it relates to compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), visit here.

Land Acknowledgement

The Town of East Gwillimbury recognizes and acknowledges the lands originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, and on behalf of the mayor and council, we would like to thank them for sharing this land. We would also like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as East Gwillimbury’s closest First Nation community and recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and we join them in these responsibilities.

Upcoming Events

The following is a list of events being held by the Town that are related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation:

 Events
 
Upcoming Events
Event NameLocationDetails
Installation of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN) Flag

The event will begin at the community flag pole outside of the EG Civic Centre (19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, ON)

Date and Time: Thursday July 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description: East Gwillimbury (EG) will install the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN) flag in its Council Chambers at the EG Civic Centre. Following a ceremony led by a GIFN member at the community flag pole, attendees will move indoors to EG's Council Chambers in the Civic Centre. The flag installation reflectthe Town’s commitment to truth, reconciliation and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities. The event will also be livestreamed on EG's Facebook page. 

Newcomer Welcoming Week in East Gwillimbury The Canada Hall room of the EG Sports Complex (1914B Mount Albert Road, Sharon, ON)

Date and Time: Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Description: This family-friendly evening at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex is a fantastic opportunity for all residents to connect, celebrate diversity, and learn about our community. We're excited to offer engaging activities and booths designed to welcome children and families and foster an inclusive atmosphere for everyone. More details to follow!

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Event TBD More details to follow.

Action Plan and Commitments

Approved by EG Council in October 2024, the IIDEA Action Plan identifies 73 internal and external-facing initiatives that will guide the Town’s work and contribute to a community where diversity is celebrated, programs, spaces, and services are accessible and equitable, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. EG is also proud to be a signatory of the York Region Inclusion Charter, and takes action to uphold the Inclusion Charter commitments both within our organization and in the community. These commitments are part of the Town's foundation.  

Read EG's 2024-2027 IIDEA Action Plan Read the York Region Inclusion Charter

Inclusion Charter

Background

The York Region Inclusion Charter was signed by the Town of East Gwillimbury on April 10, 2019. The Inclusion Charter was developed in conjunction the York Region Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG) which includes twenty member organizations. Co-Chaired by York Region and York Regional Police, MDIG is a community collaboration brings together municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies with a common commitment to welcoming and inclusive communities.

 

Inclusion Charter Commitments

The Inclusion Charter outlines our commitment to welcoming and inclusive communities and workplaces and includes: 

  • Sharing the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community;
  • Creating an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live, and play here;
  • The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation;
  • Outlining our commitment to action with other participating organizations;
  • Providing a framework for promoting programs, services, facilities, and workplaces; and,
  • Affirming commitment to inclusion.

 

Colourful waves on black background
IIDEA Action Plan

EG’s 2024-2027 Indigeneity, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IIDEA) Action Plan

Pride flag
Pride
June is dedicated to celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Accessibility icon
Accessibility
Discover the ways EG is making a more accessible community.
Different skin tones made of paper
Black History Month
Every February, Canadians can participate in activities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians.
black birds flying out of orange feather
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the history of residential schools.
collage of various flag raisings in EG
Community Flagpole Raising
Requests to raise flags on the community flagpole will be considered on a first come first serve basis.
Back of people with arms around each other
Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC)
DIAC promotes community engagement and inclusivity while celebrating uniqueness.
Orange, blue, green and navy colours in waves
EG's EDI Framework
A roadmap for building an inclusive community that celebrates diversity December 2021.

Inclusive Language Guide and Diversity Calendar

As a member organization of the York Region Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG), East Gwillimbury contributed to the development of MDIG's Inclusive Language Guide. Readers can use the Guide to navigate inclusive language questions and challenges at work, school and home. Additionally, to create a more inclusive and welcoming community through promoting awareness and dialogue, York Region has made the Multifaith Action’s Society’s diversity calendar electronically available.

  View MDIG's Inclusive Language Guide  Visit Multifaith Action Society's Diversity Calendar

Note: an alternative format of the guide can be requested through York Region

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in a Small Municipality

Check out the October 2021 issue of Municipal World, featuring an article written by EG's General Manager of Corporate Services. The article highlights the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion and what EG is doing to increase awareness and diversity within our communities.

An alternative format for PDF's are available upon request.