2020 City of Vaughan Lunar New Year Celebration
Of all the traditional Asian festivals that are celebrated around the world, the Lunar New Year is one of the most elaborate, colourful and important in the Asian community. It is a time to congratulate each other on having completed another year, and a time to part with the old and welcome in the new. The celebration will include a traditional lion dance, eye-dotting ceremony and other cultural performances.
The 2020 City of Vaughan Lunar New Year Celebration will take place on:
Sunday, February 2nd, 2020
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room
Official Welcome at
2:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit
here.
To view the official invite, please visit
here.
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The 31st annual award-winning Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest event presented by TD and Event Sponsor Tim Hortons will feature free fun-filled first-class entertainment, indoor & outdoor activities, meet & greets, a free pancake breakfast (while supplies last), face painting, horse-drawn carriage rides and so much more!! There will also be a performance by
Pinkfong and Baby Shark
!
Sunday, February 9, 2020
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vellore Village Community Centre
Getting to the Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest
(NOTE: no parking at event site)
Park & Walk:
Fossil Hill Public School - 2 Firenza Road
St. Veronica Catholic Elementary School - 171 Maria Antonia Road
Park & FREE Shuttle Bus:
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive West
Emily Carr Secondary School
4901 Rutherford Road
Accessible Parking:
St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School
2 Davos Road
Visit our Facebook Page
here
for 2019
photo
highlights!
For event details, view the Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest brochure
here
!
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Vaughan Recognizes Black History Month
Black History Month provides an opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions and achievements of peoples of African and Caribbean ancestry. This commemorative month was initiated in Canada by the Ontario Black History Society, which was founded in 1976. Black History Month was introduced in 1995, following a House of Commons motion by the first Black-Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.
The City of Vaughan, in partnership with the Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association (TACCA) and the Vaughan African Canadian Association (VACA), recognize and celebrate Black History Month during the entire month of February. A series of activities is planned to provide opportunities for residents and the community to observe, learn and be inspired by Black-Canadian culture and heritage.
Black History Month 2020 Observance Ceremony, presented by TACCA
Sunday, Feb. 23
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., official welcome at 2:30 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, Atrium, Level 100
Presented by TACCA, the event will feature former cabinet minister Mary Anne Chambers, and a special reading of an original poem will be performed by author and poet Nadine Williams entitled “Palm to Pine, Motion, and BE the Change.” There will be an opportunity to enjoy cultural food, handcrafted displays and live music with the TACCA steel drum band.
Black History Month Displays at Vaughan City Hall
Saturday, Feb. 1 to Saturday, Feb. 29
Level 200, Vaughan City Hall
A variety of handcrafted items will be on display for the month of February at Vaughan City Hall including sculptures and photographs related to Black History Month. Books specially curated by Vaughan Public Libraries will also be on display.
Vaughan Public Libraries Black History Month Programming
Black History Month readings with Jamaican-Canadian poet, author and art educator Nadine Williams in an interactive session of storytelling, poetry and songs.
Location: Bathurst Clark Resource Library
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 18
Time: TBD
Author Nadia L. Hohn is also booked for three visits across Vaughan Public Libraries beginning Friday, February 14. Performance dates and times are still to be determined. For more information, visit
vaughanpl.info.
For more information on the City of Vaughan's Black History Month events, please visit
here.
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2020 Annual Vaughan Business Expo
Join us on
February 11, 2020
for the
18th Annual Vaughan Business Expo
presented by BMO. Network with Vaughan businesses and discover opportunities for 2020 and beyond. Your Vaughan Business Expo 2020 participant ticket will allow you to visit these four zones:
- INNOVATORS ZONE presented by My Blue Umbrella → Connect with technology focused firms building the smart cities of tomorrow
- YORK REGION FOOD MOVERS, MAKERS, AND SHAKERS ZONE presented by Mentor Works Ltd. → Get a taste of the food, advanced manufacturing and key supply chain players in York Region
- CULTURE CREATORS ZONE presented by Arcadia Live! Productions → Network among creative entrepreneurs and firms in industries such as media, design, and visual arts who are impacting and shaping culture
- BUSINESS BUILDERS ZONE presented by Ablii by nanopay → Find solution providers and business-to-business firms to help take your business to the next level
Plus – don’t miss
ZONE2041 presented by Millennial’s Choice
!
This feature zone in the Expo’s lobby will highlight Vaughan’s future with an opportunity for interactive engagement.
OFFICE HOURS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
At the Expo, get access to the right experts to help your business grow and participate in Office Hours throughout the day:
GO GLOBAL (10 - 11 AM)
→ Find out how to get your story heard globally with experts in importing and exporting topics
TELL YOUR STORY (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
→ Get the scoop on how tell your story from experts in sales, marketing, branding and more
MAKE YOUR STORY HAPPEN (1 - 2 PM)
→ Learn how to make your story happen from experts in funding and financing
Attend and network with Vaughan’s business community. Registration is required. Cost:
$50 + taxes and fees
**Additional participants are welcome, please have them register a participant ticket.
Breakfast and lunch is included for all registered participants.
For more information click
here
.
Space is limited. Visit
here
to register!
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Attend a Public Open House to Review the Second Draft of the City-wide Comprehensive Zoning By-law
The City of Vaughan is undertaking a comprehensive
city-wide review of the Zoning By-law
.
The purpose of this review is to implement Vaughan’s Official Plan in accordance with provincial legislation; to create a more progressive Zoning By-law that continues to position the City as a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and play; to respond to emerging urban issues related to land use; and to produce an accessible and inclusive by-law that supports providing a high quality of life for residents while creating a barrier-free community. Public open houses will be held across the city and citizens are invited to review the second draft of the City-wide Comprehensive Zoning By-law:
Ward 4 Meeting:
Tuesday, February 18
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
North Thornhill Community Centre
Activity Room B
Other Meeting Dates:
- Monday, Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, Activity Room 2
- Thursday, Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vellore Village Community Centre, Activity Room 2
For more information, click
here
.
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Let's Play Ball
The City of Vaughan is launching a new
Vaughan Sports Leagues
for adults to provide the opportunity for players of all skill levels and experience to play organized sports right in their community. An officiated adult slow-pitch softball league will start Friday, May 1. The season will last 15 weeks with games played on Friday and Sunday evenings.
For more information and to sign up, please visit
here.
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Visit the Vaughan City Playhouse Theater this February
Welcome to the City Playhouse Theatre where excitement, entertainment and education meet in your own backyard. The multipurpose 386-seat theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a live performance, explore performing arts through Academy programs, or host your own event.
Upcoming Events:
City Playhouse Presents: Junie B. Jones - The Musical. Performed by Electric Moon Theatre Co. on Family Day
February 17 - Time: 11:00 AM
Tickets: $20 inclusive
City Youth Players & Electric Moon Theatre Co. Presents: The Addams Family
February 21- 8:00 PM
February 22- 1:30 PM & 8:00 PM
February 23- 1:30 PM
Tickets: Adults $29 plus taxes and fees, Students/Seniors: $25 plus taxes and fees, Children 12 and under $22 plus taxes and fees
For more information and to view more events, please visit
here.
To purchase your tickets online, please visit
here
, call 905-303-2000 Option 4, or visit the Box Office.
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Vaughan Drinking Water Received a 100% Rating
Replace if needed. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has just released its Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report for the 2018-2019 fiscal year and the City of Vaughan has received a 100% rating for its drinking water system.
This prestigious ranking is enjoyed by less than three quarters of the nearly 660 municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.
This is exciting news and is a direct result of the City's commitment to ensure that our drinking water system is, and continues to be, safe. Making this vital service available to our residents and businesses twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on demand. A link to the MECP’s report can be found
here.
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Purchase your Licence to Operate a Short-Term Rental
The City of Vaughan requires
residents who rent all or part of their home for short-term rentals
to have a
Municipal Accommodation Tax number
and be licensed. Licences can be purchased from the City in-person at the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services counter at Vaughan City Hall, and must be renewed annually. Visit
vaughan.ca/ShortTermRentals
for everything you need to start operating a short-term rental in your home.
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Feasibility Study for a Cultural Arts Centre in the VMC
During our most recent meeting of the VMC Sub-Committee, our working group voted to move ahead with further exploring the building of a cultural arts centre in our emerging downtown core. Cultural hubs are amenities that create community, social and economic benefits including city building and placemaking; investment attraction; job creation; tourism attraction; academic and social innovations; and civic pride.
The Feasibility Study concluded that market demand and community need is evident to support a cultural hub in Vaughan’s downtown given the critical mass of high-order transit and highway infrastructure, open spaces, and ongoing population and employment growth in the VMC. Further, the Study suggested that two paths have typically led to new facility development: a desire for positive economic development impacts, and a commitment to generating specific community benefits. Partnership is key to the successful development of this space.
Collaboration may engage universities, City agencies, private developers, and area not-for-profits each with unique skills and capacity to drive the development process. The Study advises that cultural capital funding comes from every level of government, and there is a trend toward increased private sector contributions. On operating funding, the Study indicates that support comes from a mix of public and private sources, with public subsidy complemented by earned revenue and private sector support. In order to continue the momentum, City staff are recommending that the Cultural Arts Centre project moves forward to implementation phases focused on site selection within the VMC Secondary Plan Area, planning and urban design matters, senior government funding, and detailed business planning (i.e., governance, management operations, programming, capital and operating budget).
Read the entire report
here.
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Pet-ential New Off-Leash Dog Areas in Vaughan
The City of Vaughan recognizes the value off-leash dog parks bring to dogs and their families. To ensure the City clearly understands and responds to the needs of residents, a review of off-leash dog areas throughout Vaughan is underway.
The City is continuing to explore additional spaces for pets to roam free. What does your ideal local off-leash dog area look like? What location, features and amenities would you and your pup like?
An online survey is available to collect input on local off-leash dog park needs, including issues, opportunities and desired outcomes.
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Transforming Transportation Together
in Vaughan
The City of Vaughan is dynamic and is growing quickly. More residents, businesses and visitors mean more travel demands and the potential for road congestion. Vaughan continues to focus its efforts on increasing transportation options to help everyone get where they need to go – safely and efficiently. But your help is needed. How can the City help you drive less and consider alternative transportation options outside of the single-occupant vehicle? Participate in the online survey and help shape the future of transportation in Vaughan. For more information and to take the
survey
, visit the
website.
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With cold and snowy weather ahead, the City is prepared to provide some of the highest levels of winter maintenance in the GTA. Vaughan's winter fleet features more than 100 vehicles comprised of combination salter/snowplow units, windrow machines, sidewalk machines, pickup trucks equipped with plows and salters, cul-de-sac-clearing machines and anti-icing units.
The City is committed to ensuring the safety and mobility of all citizens with an extensive winter maintenance program which includes:
Salting:
- Salting will be completed on main roads within four hours and residential roads within eight hours.
Plowing Main Roads and Residential Streets:
- Plowing main roads and residential streets occurs once 5 centimetres (2 inches) of snow has fallen.
- Main roads are cleared within 4 hours after a snowfall has ended to keep them clear for emergency and transit vehicles.
- Residential streets are cleared within 12 hours after a snowfall has ended.
Regional Road Maintenance:
- Services on major roads in Vaughan, such as Bathurst Street, Dufferin Street, Keele Street and Major Mackenzie Drive, are maintained by York Region.
- For a full list of regional roads, visit York.ca.
Windrow Services:
- Deploying residential windrow machines to clear a portion of the driveway (enough so a car can drive through) within 4 hours after the plow has passed.
Clearing and Salting Sidewalks:
- Clearing and salting sidewalks in main public areas, such as school zones and places of worship, is completed before moving to residential areas.
- Sidewalk plowing commences when accumulation reaches 5 centimetres (2 inches), and main roads are cleared within 8 hours and residential streets within 16 hours after a snowfall has ended.
How Citizens can Help:
Residents and motorists can help winter operations run effectively and efficiently by following these tips:
- While snowplows are working, do not park on the street so crews can clear the entire road safely.
- Remove anything that may interfere with plowing, including landscaping features such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots and bird baths.
- Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property within 24 hours after a snowfall has ended. Be mindful of where snow is placed - it is illegal to shovel or pile snow onto the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. See By-law 300-93 (PDF) for more information.
- Ensure fire hydrants, gutters and catch basins near your property are not blocked and clear of snow.
- Place garbage, recycling and composting bins on the right-hand side of the driveway when facing the house from the street. If the driveway is shared, place bins on your side.
- Stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless it is essential. Citizens are also encouraged to use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
- If driving, clean snow off all surfaces of the vehicle before leaving and stay well back from plows and salting equipment.
Looking for More?
For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan's winter operations:
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Sunday, February 2
Vaughan City Hall, Multi Purpose Room
Wednesday, February 5
Sunday, February 9
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vellore Village
Community Centre
Tuesday, February 11
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Vaughan Animal Services
Tuesday, February 11
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Terrace Banquet Centre
Monday, February 17
Sunday, February 23
Official Ceremony 2:30 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall Atrium
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The
City of Vaughan
is prepared with high-level plowing, road maintenance and windrow services.
You can use the
w
here is my snowplow?
online lookup tool which provides residents with real time updates, indicating the streets that have already been plowed. For more information visit
vaughan.ca/snow.
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Did you know you can sign up for ongoing snow removal updates with email notifications through the City of Vaughan's website?
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Looking for a Summer Job?
If you’re energetic, encouraging, caring, kind – and have a soft spot for kids – you’ll love working in a camp setting. The City of Vaughan is looking for CAMPassionate people to mentor children and youth at summer camps. Work full-time hours in July and August as a counsellor, specialist, director or co-ordinator. Application deadlines are Monday, Jan. 13 for senior staff and Monday, Feb. 10 for general staff.
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Spend Family Day at the Theatre
On
Monday, Feb. 17
at 11 a.m.,
the Electric Moon Theatre Company is bringing Junie B. Jones the Musical to the City Playhouse Theatre. Take the family to this fun-filled show about what to do when life gives you lemons. Junie B. Jones will win your heart, just as the books captivated a generation.
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The Highway 7 West and Bathurst and Centre Streets Rapidways are Now Open For Service!
For more information, please visit
here.
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Apply Now to Join the Older Adult Task Force
The City of Vaughan is seeking
to appoint one citizen member to the Older Adult Task Force. The mandate of the Older Adult Task Force is to make recommendations that address older adult issues and promote healthy seniors in Vaughan. This includes recommendations on Vaughan’s Older Adult Strategy, programs and services and steps towards an age-friendly community designation.
Make a difference in your community by applying today. The deadline to apply is
4:30 p.m.
on
Friday, February 7.
An application package (including Terms of Reference and eligibility criteria) is available from the Office of the City Clerk at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., at all Vaughan Public Libraries, community centres and
online.
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Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force
The City of Vaughan’s Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force has an overall mandate to assist the City in finding new and innovative ways to manage and make its transportation systems more sustainable amid the rapidly changing landscape of Vaughan. This will include further exploring best practices and research related to congestion management practices and developing a co-ordinated set of strategies, policies and activities dedicated to making the City’s transportation system more reliable, efficient and better prepared to accommodate future growth.
To learn more about the task force, please visit
here.
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New Requirements for City’s Construction Projects
The health and safety of everyone who works in, lives and visits the city of Vaughan is an important priority. As of March 2020, construction contractors working with the City will have to have registered for a Certificate of Recognition (COR
TM
) from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) for the procurement process. Read the City’s
public service announcement
to learn more.
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Vehicles Parked on the Road Prevent Proper Snow Removal
Did you know where you park can impact snow clearing operations? Vehicles parked on the street or parked on driveways that are too close to or hang over the curb can prevent plows and windrow machines from doing their job. Please do not park on the street while snowplows are out to allow crews to operate safely and be able to clear the entire street.
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- Camp is available to kids aged 6 to 12
- Registration is on a first come, first served basis
- There are limited spots available, but parents are encouraged to add their child to the waitlist
- Fees will be refunded in full for cancellations if there is no school closure (without penalty)
- There is no extended care option available
- Photo identification must be shown at time of pickup
- Campers should come prepared with a lunch, two snacks and a refillable water bottle
- On the first day, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a Camper Information Form
For more information or to register, click
here
.
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During the School Closures
Need child care for the school closures? We've got awesome activities exploring themes of virtual reality, engineering, coding and robotics. Ages 6-11. Registration is $40.
- Camper information form to be completed by parent or caregiver, following registration and payment.
- Time will be allotted for two snacks and lunch. Please provide your child with nut free, school safe food items.
- Children will need to be signed in and out.
Please fill out a
camper form
and bring it with you on the first day of camp. Extended day care is NOT available. For questions or to register please click
here
.
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Get Ready for Winter Walk Day
Did you know Wednesday, Feb. 5 is Winter Walk Day? In Vaughan and across the province, students will be walking and wheeling to and from school to support active transportation. Winter Walk Day is a great opportunity to be active outside, set new healthy habits and learn safe walking rules. Learn more about this initiative and how you can join the movement
here.
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Rutherford Road Closure
Metrolinx is starting construction on Rutherford Road that will separate the tracks from the road. This means that traffic will no longer have to wait for a train to pass - a major traffic and safety improvement. In order to do this work and maintain traffic flow, there will be some changes to Rutherford Road and the access to the Rutheford Go station.
There will be a slight road detour south of Rutherford Rd between Barhill Road/Westburne Drive and Peter Rupert Avenue beginning December 7.
This four-lane detour road will be in place until a new railway overpass bridge over Rutherford Road is complete in spring 2022. For more information, please visit
here.
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Have your say and provide the City of Vaughan with valuable citizen input that helps contribute to changes and improvements to City services and amenities.
Please take a few moments to complete some of the surveys currently being collected.
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Protect your Pets
Vaughan Animal Services is hosting a
Microchip and Rabies Clinic
on
Tuesday, Feb. 11
from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Keep your pets safe and healthy by getting them vaccinated and microchipped.
Call 905-832-2281 to make an appointment. For more information, please visit
here.
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Be an Earth Ranger
Do you have a passion for animals and the environment? Become an Earth Ranger and help Vaughan Public Libraries complete missions while learning about biodiversity and sustainability to protect the world we live in. This opportunity is available for children ages seven to 12 years old.
February 29
Pleasant Ridge Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
To register and view future dates, visit
Eventbrite
.
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Kids Book Club
Get the book, read the book, and then come to
Vaughan Public Libraries
to share your thoughts on it while enjoying activities and games based on the story. Every library branch has a unique book of the month. This club is offered to children aged eight to 12 years old. For more information, please visit
here.
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Elderly Homeowners Tax Assistance Program for the Year 2020
A tax credit in the amount of $377 is provided to elderly homeowners who qualify. For more information, visit
here.
The deadline to apply is
March 31, 2019.
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Melted Snow Needs Somewhere to Go
As part of stormwater maintenance during the winter months, it’s important to keep catch basins and culverts clear. When shovelling, remember to remove snow, ice and debris from the drains near your home to allow water to pass through, which will help prevent potential flooding. Find out more at
vaughan.ca/stormwater.
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The Way We Were: Archives Collection of the Month
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This image titled "Summertime Fun" depicts the Page Family of Thornhill, ca. 1930. The Pages, who arrived in Vaughan in 1838, were granted 200 acres of Crown land on Lot 9, Concession 2 (near Hwy 7 and Bathurst Street). Descendants served in WWI and were very prominent in the field of agricultural science.
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Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
February 4
Committee of the Whole (1)
1:00 p.m.
Committee of the Whole (Closed Session)
5:00 p.m.
Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
7:00 p.m.
February 5
Effective Governance and Oversight Task Force
5:00 p.m.
February 11
Council
1:00 p.m.
February 19
Heritage Vaughan Committee
7:00 p.m.
February 24
Older Adult Task Force
3:00 p.m.
February 25
Accessibility Advisory Committee
7:00 p.m.
Full meeting information
here
.
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