Council Members

Mayor Virginia Hackson

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext.3800
Email 

Virginia is the sixth mayor of East Gwillimbury since 1970, and the second woman to hold this position.

Virginia is passionate in her position of Mayor, understanding the importance of providing quality Town services for all citizens. The Town of East Gwillimbury was identified as one of Ontario’s fastest growing municipalities under Ontario’s “Places to Grow”. In response to this, Mayor Hackson utilizes her expertise and skills to balance growth while preserving the Town’s natural environment and cultural heritage. It is under the strong leadership and direction of Mayor Hackson that the Town of East Gwillimbury is proud to have a strong financial position, with the lowest relative taxes in York Region, while also being a debt-free municipality.

Mayor Hackson represents the Town on York Region Council and is a member both the Region’s Broadband Strategy and Senior’s Housing Strategy Task Forces. In addition, Virginia is a member of the Board for Housing York Region, Cedar Centre, and Royal Oak Seniors Board. Mayor Hackson served on the York Regional Police Services Board for nine years. She was appointed in 2012 and served as Chair of the Board from 2017 to 2021, when her appointed term ended. 

Virginia has been recognized for her significant contributions to the community including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to community service, In Celebration of Women Award, as well as the Rural Government Award.

Prior to Mayor Hackson choosing a career in municipal politics, she spent 30 years in municipal management. It was upon her retirement that she turned her focus to community service and in 2001 was elected as Town Councillor and proceeded to serve three terms. She then successfully pursued the position of Mayor in 2010 and is currently in her fourth term as Mayor of East Gwillimbury.

Virginia is a lifelong learner, committed to continuous improvement through personal growth. She holds a BA from the University of Waterloo, as well as a B.Ed, a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Management from York University and a Recreation Diploma from Conestoga College.

Councillor Loralea Carruthers

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3808
Email 

Councillor Loralea Carruthers has represented constituents in East Gwillimbury since 2003, first as our Public School Board Trustee and since 2018, as Councillor for East Gwillimbury Ward One.

During the past term of Council, Councillor Carruthers served as Council Liaison to several Town committees, including the Environmental Advisory Committee, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Holland Landing Community Group.  She also acted as Chair to the Town’s Community Infrastructure and Environmental Services department.

This term Councillor Carruthers serves as Council Liaison to the Library Board, the Active Trails and Transportation Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee, Farmers’ Market Working Group and the Holland Landing Community Group. She is also Chair of the Town’s Corporate Services department.

Prior to being elected to Council, Loralea served as Chair of the Public School Board, where she won a Human Rights Award for her leadership. Councillor Carruthers is also a former Vice-President of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association.

Loralea is an environmental and consumer activist, including having worked as a consumer advocate for new homeowners on the Tarion Home Warranty Board, serving as a Director and Chair of the Consumer Committee.  

Living in rural Holland Landing for over 30 years, Councillor Carruthers is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and French, and earned a Master's of Education degree in Digital Technology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Councillor Carruthers is a graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and French, and earned a Master's of Education degree in Digital Technology from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

As a trained Mediator, Councillor Carruthers has received an Executive Certificate in Conflict Management from University of Windsor Faculty of Law and is an approved member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario.

Loralea is a proud mom of two adult children, a new grandma, and a trained silversmith. 

Message to residents

As our town grows, my priority will always be balancing our quality of life with affordability. That means working to keep our taxes low while not sacrificing the programs and services that makes EG a great place to live. I will continue to work hard to earn your confidence and serve our community openly and responsively. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with your comments, ideas, and concerns. I look forward to continuing to serve you. 

Councillor Terry Foster

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3806
Email

Terry is a lifelong resident of Holland Landing and is proud to call East Gwillimbury home.

Terry is married to Patti, and they have two sons, Ryan and Jordan.

Having spent 35+ years with East Gwillimbury Emergency Services, Terry retired in 2016. As both a part time/paid on call and career firefighter Terry served in many roles- Firefighter, Captain, Senior Command Officer, District Chief and Training Officer.

Terry also spent 20 years in the automotive collision industry as an Assistant Manager and a Damage Appraiser.

Throughout his different careers, Terry maintained a strong relationship with customers and the people he served showing a strong commitment to customer and public service.

Over the years, Terry has been involved with many community efforts, EG Think Rink Committee, teaching fire safety for Red Cross Babysitting courses in East Gwillimbury, many fundraising ventures supporting Southlake Regional Health Centre, Blue Door Shelter through Coldest Night of the Year, Muscular Dystrophy, Myoblast for Muscular Dystrophy, MS, Lupus, sponsorships for local minor sports teams to name a few.

East Gwillimbury should be the best of both worlds, as a place to live, raise a family, work and play.

For the current term of council, Terry serves as Chair of Fire and Emergency Services and is Council Liaison for the Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Ward One community groups in Holland Landing and River Drive Park.

During the previous term of council, Terry served as Chair of Legal and Council Support Services, Council liaison with the Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, community groups in Holland Landing and River Drive Park and the East Gwillimbury Car Show group.

After many years of public service, Terry is proud and excited to serve the residents of Ward One and all of East Gwillimbury during his second term as a Town Councillor.

Terry is married to Patti, they have two sons, Ryan and Jordan and recently became proud grandparents. 

Councillor Brian Johns

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3801 
Email

Brian Johns is serving his first term as Councillor for East Gwillimbury.  

Brian was born and raised in East Gwillimbury and attended Mount Albert Public School while growing up outside of Holt. Brian and his wife Mariangela and their two young children, Vittoria and Luca, call Sharon their home. 

A businessman and entrepreneur, Brian serves as the CEO of Water Ambassadors Canada, a charity that works to deliver access to clean water internationally to those in need. For 15 years prior, Brian was a managing partner in the Vince's Market chain, and is excited about bringing his business and entrepreneurial experience to Council. 

A Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal recipient for his work in the community, Brian has supported numerous causes from Easter Seals to entrepreneurial mentorship/incubation projects. 

In his spare time, Brian loves going for runs or walks with his family through the neighbouring trail systems and into the conservation areas. 

Councillor Tara Roy-DiClemente

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3803
Email 

Councillor Tara Roy-DiClemente is an experienced business professional and leader. She started her career as an insurance company manager. She then moved to the publishing industry, where she worked in editorial, sales, distribution, and product management for Canadian and international publishers. Passionate about strategic, innovative business practices, she is proud to put her local, national, and international business and leadership expertise to work for the residents of East Gwillimbury.

Councillor Tara was first elected to East Gwillimbury Council in 2010, after having volunteered in the community. During her time in office, she has served as liaison to several town committees, as well as worked on a provincial task force for Economic Development.  She has been a Public Library Board Trustee and served on the Board of the E.G. Chamber of Commerce and the Sharon Temple. She has chaired many key Town departments: Emergency Services, Corporate & Financial Services, Community Infrastructure & Environmental Services and Community Parks, Recreation & Culture.  She has championed initiatives such as the new Health & Active Living Plaza in Queensville, and our Thinking Green Development Standards‎.  She is also proud to have served as Liaison & mentor to the newly created Arts & Culture Advisory Committee of Council.

Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen's University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Publishing from Ryerson, and a Certificate in Horticulture from the University of Guelph. She is also a licensed real estate sales representative with Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. Her husband Michael is a teacher with the York Region District School Board, and they are the proud parents of three children. 

Message to residents

I am proud and excited to have been elected for a fourth term to Council in East Gwillimbury! As we grow together, I want to help shape a Town we will all be proud of. I will continue to represent you with energy, creativity, professionalism, and integrity. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. 

One of the things I have committed to doing for the residents of East Gwillimbury was that I would always strive for transparency and accountability. I am therefore sharing the details of my 2023 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses. I welcome any comments or questions you may have.

*If you require a document in an accessible format, please email the Town.

Councillor Scott Crone

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3802
Email 

Scott Crone is currently serving his second term as Councillor for East Gwillimbury, bringing over 20 years of corporate business expertise to the role.

Scott’s extensive experience in the insurance industry includes managing multi-million-dollar budgets and overseeing nearly half a billion dollars in capital and assets as part of an executive leadership team. Starting his career as an insurance agent, Scott rose to become Vice President of Underwriting & Distribution, where he led business development, marketing, and strategic risk management.

A lifelong resident of East Gwillimbury, Scott was born and raised in Mount Albert, where he learned the importance of hard work and community from an early age. His family has deep roots in the region, spanning six generations. Scott's professional experience ranges from local Main Street businesses to the corporate heart of Bay Street.

Through his business connections, Scott played a key role in attracting the DUCA Credit Union to Mount Albert, strengthening local economic growth.

In addition to his corporate career, Scott is deeply committed to community service. He spent seven years as a volunteer board member for the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region, serving two terms as Board Chair. He has also championed various local initiatives over the years.

In his free time, Scott enjoys traveling, watching movies, and volunteering with community organizations. He lives on the Ninth Line in Mount Albert with his wife, Saleena, and their daughter, Kayla.

Councillor Susan Lahey

Phone: 905-478-4283 ext. 3804 
Email 

Councillor Susan Lahey is a successful business owner with local, national, and international experience as an award-winning certified appraiser of Asian art.  She is a published author and popular public speaker at conferences. Working in the auction industry, she led the Asian art department of two major Canadian art auction houses, organizing and managing numerous multi-million-dollar sales.  Susan understands the challenges of small business owners in a fast-paced and changing market and is a strategic problem-solver with a track record of excellent client relationships.

Susan has public funds management and extensive policy development experience, having represented national organizations in senior leadership roles, including as President of the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers.  As a Director on the Ontario Arts Council, she approved more than $130M in provincial public awards and grants throughout the province.

As an active volunteer in Mount Albert and throughout East Gwillimbury, Susan has served on numerous Town boards and committees: 

• Inaugural Chair of the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
• Board Member of the EG Public Library
• Mount Albert Downtown Revitalization Committee
• Mount Albert United Church Food Pantry
• Board Member of the Women’s Centre of York Region

In recent years, Susan volunteered as a Lion in the Mount Albert Lions Club and believes in the importance of their mission of leadership and service.

Councillor Lahey is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Honours BA), the University of British Columbia (MA), and the University of London, England, School of Oriental and African Studies (post-graduate diploma with distinction).

Growing up in neighbouring Newmarket, having lived and studied in other regions of Canada, Europe and Asia, Susan chooses to make Mount Albert her home, bringing a unique perspective to her Councillor position.  Susan is multi-lingual, and in addition to Mandarin Chinese, has a working knowledge of French.  She is an avid reader, plays the piano, attends live theatre and enjoys walking the beautiful trails of EG with her dog Henry. 

Currently, Councillor Lahey serves as Chair of the Town’s Engineering and Public Works Department; Council Liaison to the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and is the former Council Liaison to the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce.  She is also proud to serve on the Southlake e-Newsletter Editorial Committee and volunteers at other local events such as the Mount Albert Sports Day Weekend and the Lunar New Year Celebration.  

Message to residents: 

Elected in Ward 3 Mount Albert and the rural area, I am committed to serving my community, asking the tough questions and standing up for what is best for residents.  My priority is listening to and working for taxpayers to achieve positive results for all East Gwillimbury as the municipality grows. As a leader, it brings me great pleasure working as a team with staff, stakeholders and other levels of government to improve our quality of life, now and for future generations.