Council approves East Gwillimbury's Climate Adaptation and Community Energy Plans

On September 9, 2026, East Gwillimbury (EG) Council approved the Town’s Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) and Community Energy Plan (CEP), marking a significant milestone in the Town’s response to climate change and its commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future for EG. The plans build on Council’s 2023 Climate Emergency declaration and the Town’s Thinking Green Environmental Strategy, which is available at eastgwillimbury.ca/Environment.

Together, the two plans provide a framework that will improve the Town’s response to climate change. The plans outline practical actions to protect residents, infrastructure, natural heritage, and the local economy while supporting sustainable growth. 

“These plans represent an important achievement for our community and reflect the extensive collaboration that went into their development. They provide us with a practical, long-term roadmap while recognizing the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with the needs of a growing community. I’m proud of the work that Council, staff, and our community partners have done to bring these plans forward and look forward to seeing their actions come to life in the coming years,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. 

Climate Adaptation Plan

The CAP outlines how the Town can support the community, prepare for the impacts of climate change, and highlights opportunities for related programs and partnerships. The CAP identifies practical actions to strengthen municipal infrastructure, protect natural assets, improve emergency preparedness, and reduce climate-related risks to residents and businesses. For example, one identified action is to create materials and resources to help educate residents on ways to protect themselves from extreme heat events, such as staying hydrated, recognizing the signs of heat-related illness, locating cooling centres, and keeping homes cool during periods of extreme heat.

The CAP was shaped by engaging with local and regional partners, including York Region, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and members of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, as well as community organizations, Town staff, and residents. The project was made possible through a $70,000 grant funded by the Government of Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF) with its Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative. 

Community Energy Plan

The CEP will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainable growth in our community. The CEP could reduce community emissions by 34 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2040, and 90 per cent by 2050 while helping residents save on energy costs and improving community resilience to climate change. Given EG’s natural heritage protection and enhancement goals, EG could become a net-zero community by 2050. Net-zero means the community reduces greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum and any remaining amount is captured by nature. For example, residents can reduce emissions by choosing heat pumps when upgrading their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Heat pumps can significantly improve home energy efficiency and reduce energy bills while providing consistent, year-round comfort.

Endorsing these plans does not commit the Town to immediate spending. Instead, it is an opportunity to connect residents with current and future programs, support grant submissions, and highlight partnerships while supporting residents with education about energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and ways to be better prepared for changing and unpredictable weather patterns. One program currently available to residents is the Home Solar Accelerator promoted by the Atmospheric Fund. Residents who access this program can receive guidance and support with researching, purchasing, and installing rooftop solar systems, helping them reduce household energy costs, increase energy resilience, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.