Your Questions. My Positions on Community Priorities.

By Elena Gontcharova, Candidate for Ward 1 Councillor

Responsible growth. Reliable services. Stronger communication.

When we talk about East Gwillimbury’s future, we are talking about the place we call home, our neighbourhoods, our families, and the decisions that affect everyday life.

Conversations with residents and questions raised during this municipal election have touched on public participation, a local public high school, how our communities are represented, and public safety.

As a candidate for Ward 1 Councillor, I believe residents deserve clear answers. They also deserve a clear distinction between what a councillor can commit to personally and what requires consultation, Council decisions, or action from another level of government.

To make my positions accessible to everyone, I am sharing the following statements exactly as provided in my written response to a candidate questionnaire.

Public participation

I support meaningful, accessible opportunities for residents to address Council, including those expressing criticism or disagreement. I oppose unnecessary or unfair barriers to participation. Meeting rules should be reasonable, clear, and applied consistently.

A local public high school

I support advancing a YRDSB secondary school in East Gwillimbury through sustained advocacy with the school board and Province, together with timely municipal cooperation. My commitment is to advocate for progress, clear timelines, and accountability - not to promise funding or construction decisions outside Council’s authority.

Ward boundaries and representation

I support an evidence-based review of whether our ward boundaries and Council structure continue to serve residents effectively as the Town grows. A one-councillor-per-ward model can be considered alongside other options. I would not endorse a particular outcome before reviewing the evidence, costs, and residents’ input.

Public safety and integrity

I am committed to protecting public safety, serving the public interest, and acting with integrity. Personal or political advantage must not take precedence over those responsibilities.

How I would approach decisions

These statements reflect my own positions and do not endorse characterizations of other candidates’ motives or conduct. Any specific proposal would require consideration of its wording, evidence, applicable law, and effects on residents.

My focus remains on listening to residents and advancing responsible growth, reliable services, and stronger communication throughout East Gwillimbury.

A conversation about our community

Whether you agree with these positions, have a question, or see an issue from a different perspective, I welcome hearing from you. Listening carefully includes making room for disagreement and understanding how decisions affect people’s everyday lives.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my approach to representing Ward 1.

Learn more about my campaign and get in touch at VoteElena.ca.

Elena Gontcharova, Candidate for Ward 1 Councillor, East Gwillimbury