Category: Local Governance

Stouffville is calling on residents to participate in shaping the 2026 municipal budget through a multi-stage engagement process.

A mature sugar maple saved from a nearby development is an important feature of Stouffville’s newest community park. The transplant reflects the Town’s commitment to preserving its tree canopy amidst continued growth.

Stouffville’s Council voted 4-3 to request expanded housing and planning permissions from the Province for protected lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt. Critics warn it would undermine conservation efforts, triggering greater land speculation and “green sprawl.”

Stouffville’s Council will consider asking the Province to provide greater housing permissions on protected lands within the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine. The proposal also calls for broader planning reforms to give municipalities more flexibility within the conservation areas.

Stouffville and York Region could move forward with a long-sought transportation study to address safety issues in the Musselman’s Lake area. However, the Town will only proceed if York Region covers all associated costs.

Stouffville is expanding its Automated Speed Enforcement system with four new cameras. While the Town awaits more data before issuing a formal performance report, the program has already sparked significant community debate and Council discussion.

The Ontario Superior Court has dismissed a $39.1 million lawsuit over the proposed sale of Bethesda Sports Fields Park, which accused the Town and senior Stouffville officials of breaching a conditional and controversial purchase agreement.

In a pre-budget submission, Mayor Lovatt urged Queen’s Park to provide greater financial support to small, high-growth municipalities like Stouffville. His letter outlines funding shortfalls and calls for revenue-sharing and investment in essential services.

Voters in Markham–Stouffville and York–Durham split their choices in Monday’s election, sending one Liberal and one Conservative to Ottawa. While Helena Jaczek returns with an experienced hand, Jacob Mantle brings a new opposition voice to the House of Commons.

With mandatory tax transfers to the Region and Province continuing despite shortfalls in local collections, Stouffville is preparing to ramp up efforts to recover millions in unpaid property taxes through the use of tax sales.

Early voter turnout across Canada has reached record-breaking levels, with 7.3 million electors casting ballots ahead of the 2025 federal election.