Category: Local Governance

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.

As York Region’s housing crisis continues to escalate, a new Housing and Homelessness Committee has been formed to lead a more comprehensive response to the growing emergency.

PPC candidate René de Vries is campaigning on a platform focused on fiscal restraint and immigration reform. He’s positioning himself as someone ready to challenge political and governmental norms.

Stouffville closed 2024 with a modest $29,500 operating surplus, reflecting both higher-than-expected expenditures and overall revenue. While Development Charge revenue fell short, 109 capital projects were completed.

Small business owner Patricia Conlin is running as the People’s Party of Canada candidate in York–Durham. Their platform emphasizes reducing immigration, cutting taxes, and working with the United States instead of against them.

Green Party candidate Matt Pearce brings small-business experience and deep regional ties to the York–Durham ballot. Focusing on bold infrastructure investments, his first-time campaign blends reassessed trade policy, climate action, and affordability reforms.

Liberal candidate Robert Grossi has returned to the political arena in York–Durham. Drawing on decades of municipal experience, Grossi says he’s ready to support a Mark Carney-led vision for a more secure and inclusive Canada.

York Region Transit saw record-setting ridership in 2024. Regional leaders are now pushing for permanent adoption of the One Fare Program and continued investment in sustainable transit expansion.

Following an approved amendment from Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt, York Region is set to allocate the majority of its $71.4 million 2024 year-end operating surplus to support community housing initiatives.

While much of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s land area has been reassigned to a new riding, most residents will continue voting in the familiar Markham-Stouffville electoral district.