A Message from the Mayor

September was a busy month for Vaughan! With Council meetings back in session, there has been much on the go, and we’ve been working hard to deliver for you.

At the same time, I know these past few weeks have been difficult as crime in our city has been on the rise. I am doing everything I can to ensure Vaughan remains a safe place to live, work and play. That’s why I’ve been urgently calling on every level of government to fix the criminal justice system now. Bail laws must send a clear message: if you commit violent crimes, there will be real consequences. I am ready to work with anyone who will help deliver real, tangible solutions for our residents.



Another issue I’ve heard from you about is speed cameras. You told us loud and clear that you were not happy with the City’s program — and we listened. On September 15, Vaughan City Council voted to terminate the program. At this time, the York Region program remains in place until the Province finalizes changes to the law that would remove all speed cameras in Ontario.

Steven Del Duca

Mayor

IN THE NEWS

Heartbreaking. Unacceptable. Preventable.

Abdul Aleem Farooqi was murdered in his own Vaughan home during a violent home invasion while protecting his wife and children.

He died a hero, but his family should never have been forced into this nightmare.

As Mayor, I am furious. I am disgusted. And I am fed up with excuses. These tragedies are not random acts of fate. They are the direct result of a criminal justice and bail system that rewards repeat violent offenders with freedom instead of consequences and puts entire communities in danger.

Here in Vaughan, we have invested unprecedented resources in our police, opened new substations, and approved historic funding for more officers. But none of it matters if our criminal justice system is broken and violent offenders walk free within hours.

One of the toughest parts of my job is hearing stories from residents about break-ins, stolen cars, and the fear that lingers long after. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods. Too often, this fear stems from a system beyond our control.

The solutions are obvious. Tougher bail laws for repeat violent offenders. A justice system that puts victims and communities first. These are not radical ideas. They are common sense.

I am urgently calling on every level of government, starting with our Prime Minister Mark Carney and our federal partners, to fix the criminal justice system now. Bail laws must send a clear message: if you commit violent crimes, there will be real consequences.

My heart is with Aleem’s loved ones and everyone mourning this senseless loss.

The City of Vaughan has ended its speed camera program on city streets!

To be clear, York Region’s program is still in place for the time being on major roads like Weston, Islington, Major Mackenzie, and Rutherford until the Province finalizes changes to the law that would scrap all speed cameras in Ontario.

But on City of Vaughan roads, our speed cameras are gone.

Important Update on Speed Cameras in Vaughan

On September 15, Vaughan City Council showed leadership by voting to end the City’s speed camera program. Shortly after, on September 25, Premier Doug Ford announced that speed cameras will be scrapped across Ontario.

At this time, York Region’s speed cameras remain active until the Province finalizes changes to the law. They are operating on the following roads:

• Bathurst Street, north of New Westminster Drive/Atkinson Avenue

• Islington Avenue, south of Rutherford Road

• Keele Street, north of Dina Road

• Major Mackenzie Drive West, west of Lawford Road

• Rutherford Road, east of Islington Avenue

• Weston Road, north of Ashberry Boulevard

• Yonge Street, south of Arnold Avenue

We are awaiting updates on when these cameras will be removed. In the meantime, the Province has committed to supporting municipalities with other traffic-calming measures that improve road safety without burdening residents.

Road safety will always be a top priority in Vaughan. We will continue protecting vulnerable road users while focusing our efforts on fighting real crime.

A new Youth Wellness Hub is now open in Maple, providing youth ages 12 to 25 with free, integrated mental health, primary care and social services in one safe, youth-friendly space.

Thank you to Premier Doug Ford, Sylvia Jones, Vijay Thanigasalam and Stephen Lecce for investing in Vaughan. These free services will give young people the support and tools they need to thrive.

Mackenzie Health and Southlake Health are partnering to expand advanced cardiac care in York Region - starting with a new pacemaker clinic at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.

Closer Care. Stronger Services. Healthier Community.

Coyotes are showing up in numbers we have never seen before in Vaughan.

They are injuring and even killing people's household pets.

As a dog owner myself, I know how heartbreaking this is.

I have heard from residents who are in tears, afraid for their kids, their property, and their pets. Enough is enough. We have to do something.

At the Sept. 22 Council meeting, Councillor Gila Martow – with the support of Mayor Steven Del Duca – led a successful motion to hire qualified, licensed trappers to capture and remove problem coyotes. This is an important step forward that reflects Council’s commitment to finding real solutions to this growing concern.

This is a very serious issue and one we do not take lightly.



My Council colleagues and I will work with City staff to come up with a real and tough plan that protects you, your family and your pets.

If you encounter a coyote, please report it to Vaughan Animal Services:

• Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – 905-832-2281, ext. 2025 or 905-303-2025

• After hours and Sundays – 905-832-2281

UPCOMING EVENTS

RECAP FROM AUGUST

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Jonathan Sherman, this state-of-the-art arena honours the legacy of his parents, Honey and Barry Sherman, who dedicated their lives to building a vibrant, inclusive community.

This twin ice pad facility will connect families, foster new friendships, and provide access to programs like Zach Hyman's Hockey Camp and Gary Roberts Performance, ensuring sports are accessible to all.

A huge thank you to UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the Sherman family and everyone who brought this incredible vision to life.

Honey and Barry Memorial Arena will be space for families, neighbours, and athletes of all backgrounds to gather, play, and build community for generations to come.

The City of Vaughan officially renamed Wood Valley Park to Honey and Barry Memorial Park to honour the philanthropic legacy of Honey and Barry Sherman, who were widely respected for their dedication to community health and social causes. 

PROCLAMATIONS, ILLUMINATION,

FLAG RAISINGS THIS MONTH

Proclamations

 ·      Sept. 1 – Labour Day

·        Sept. 1 – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

·        Sept. 1 – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

·        Sept. 1 – Arthritis Awareness Month

·        Sept. 2 – Vietnam National Day

·        Sept. 4 – Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day

·        Sept. 7 – Ukranian Heritage Day

·        Sept. 8 – Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

·        Sept. 14 – National Payroll Week

·        Sept. 15 – National Coaches Week

·        Sept. 18 – International Equal Pay Day

·        Sept. 20 – World Cleanup Day

·        Sept. 20 – Usher Syndrome Awareness Day

·        Sept. 22 – Rosh Hashanah

·        Sept. 22 – National Forest Week

·        Sept. 25 – Franco-Ontarian Day

·        Sept. 27 – World Tourism Day

·        Sept. 29 – Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

·        Sept. 30 – Orange Shirt Day

·        Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Illuminations

·        Sept. 7 – Living Donation Week

·        Sept. 14 – World Sepsis Day

·        Sept. 13 – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

·        Sept. 19 – National Coaches Week

·        Sept. 20 – World Mitochondrial Disease Week

·        Sept. 22 – National Forest Week

·         

Flag raisings

·        Sept. 2 – Vietnam National Day

·        Sept. 4 – Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day

·        Sept. 18 – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

·        Sept. 29 – Flags half-mast for Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day 

For more information or to request a Proclamation, Illumination or Flag Raising, please click here.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

The City of Vaughan is continuously working to improve roads, parks, facilities and other essential infrastructure that keep Vaughan moving forward. These investments are made with your hard-earned tax dollars, and I am committed to using them responsibly and transparently.

I recognize that construction can sometimes cause disruptions. I want you to know what’s happening in your community, and what to expect during the process.

Below is a list of current projects underway that may cause a disruption in your routine.

1.   UPDATE: Road closures on Peter Rupert Avenue

The City of Vaughan is installing a new storm sewer along Peter Rupert Avenue and McNaughton Road.

The work along Peter Rupert Avenue and Golden Orchard Road/Barletta Drive, and Peter Rupert Avenue and Jazz Drive/Ascalon Drive, will now begin on Monday, Sept. 29 and run until Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Work will take place on weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Detour signage will be in place to guide traffic. Schools and businesses impacted by the work will be notified of the upcoming work, road closures and available detours.

2.   NOTICE: Intersection improvements at Keele Street and Rutherford Road

York Region is enhancing traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Keele Street and Rutherford Road as part of York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan. 

Starting in October, work will include:

·        shifting the median on Keele Street, south of Rutherford Road at Sherwood Park Drive.

·        removing the right turn on red restriction for southbound vehicles turning onto Rutherford Road from Keele Street.

·        implementing a left turn restriction for southbound vehicles entering the plaza located at Keele Street and Sherwood Park Drive.

For more information on York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, visit york.ca/TravellerSafety.

3.   NOTICE: Night paving on Rutherford Road, between Peter Rupert Avenue/Confederation Parkway and Thomas Cook Avenue/Thornhill Woods Drive

York Region’s Rutherford Road Improvement project is underway. Work includes improving and widening Rutherford Road, from Bathurst Street to Peter Rupert Avenue/Confederation Parkway, to accommodate growth and provide more travel options for all users.

Overnight paving is scheduled from Monday, Sept. 22 to Friday, Oct. 3, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. along Rutherford Road, between Peter Rupert Avenue/Confederation Parkway and Thomas Cook Avenue/Thornhill Woods Drive. To safely complete the work, lane reductions and side street closures will be required in this area.

Detour signage will be in place to guide travellers, and access to homes and businesses will be maintained. More information about the project is available online.

4.   NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE: Highway 400 northbound off-ramp to Rutherford Road

The Ministry of Transportation is widening Highway 400, from Langstaff Road to Major Mackenzie Drive, from eight to 10 lanes. Construction is underway and will be carried out in phases until the project is complete, which is anticipated for August 2027.

To safely complete ramp rehabilitation work, the off-ramp from Highway 400 northbound to Rutherford Road will be closed from Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. to Friday, Oct. 3 at 5 a.m. Signage will be in place to guide traffic through the detour routes. 

5.     The City of Vaughan is making improvements to Cannes Park, located at 100 Cannes Ave. Work includes  upgrading site drainage, repairing the tennis court surface and fence,  adding new sod and naturalization plantings, repairing asphalt and concrete paving. Construction is anticipated to start this month and be completed by the end of November 2025, pending weather and site conditions. To safely complete the work, portions of the park will be closed during construction. Signs and barriers will be in place to guide visitors.

6.    The City of Vaughan is improving two outlets along Jersey Creek, located behind Brougham Drive and Thistle Ridge Drive, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance stormwater management in the community. Work includes: improving the outlet structure – which drains stormwater – and installing erosion protection. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and be completed by fall 2026. To complete the work safely and efficiently, lane closures in both areas may be required.

7.    The City of Vaughan is making improvements to the outfall at Rainbow Creek in Mapes Park (190 Mapes Ave.) To safely complete the work, lane closures may be required in the area. Construction is scheduled to begin fall 2025 and be completed by fall 2026.

This work is part of ongoing efforts to improve stormwater management in the area, and includes improving the outfall structures – which drain stormwater – and installing erosion protection.

8.    The City of Vaughan is making improvements at sites along the East Humber River, including Maxey Park (199 Willis Rd.), behind Riverside Drive and at Nattress Street. To safely complete the work, road closures may be required in this area. Construction is scheduled to begin fall 2025 and be completed by fall 2026.

This work is part of ongoing efforts to improve stormwater management in the area, and includes improving the outfall structures – which drain stormwater – and installing erosion protection.

9.    The City of Vaughan is making improvements to Robinson Creek, behind Kaiser Drive. Work will include improving the outlet structure, which drains stormwater, and installing erosion protection.

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026. To complete this work safely and efficiently, lane closures may be required in the area.

10.    The City of Vaughan is making improvements to the West Don River in Langstaff Park (2001 Langstaff Rd.). Work will include improving the outfall structure, which drains stormwater, and installing erosion protection.

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026. To complete this work safely and efficiently, lane closures may be required in the area.

11.    The City of Vaughan is replacing the pedestrian bridge in Ramsay Armitage Park (8 Merino Rd.). Work is scheduled to begin this month and is anticipated to be completed by the end of fall 2025. 

To safely accommodate the replacement, the bridge will be temporarily closed. Signage and fencing will be in place to guide park visitors.



12.    The City of Vaughan is making improvements to Maple Airport Park, located at 121 Avro Rd. Enhancements include: new pathway lighting and seating, renewal of concrete pathways, basketball court reconstruction. Work is anticipated to begin by the end of the month and will be completed by early November 2025, pending site and weather conditions. To safely complete construction, the basketball court and the pedestrian pathways off Avro Road will be closed. The playgrounds, valley trail and bridge will remain open. Signs and barriers will be in place to guide visitors.

More information about the work is available at vaughan.ca/InfrastructureProjects.



More information is available at vaughan.ca/DisruptionsAndClosures.

City of Vaughan

2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. Vaughan, ON

L6A 1T1

Steven Del Duca

Mayor

905-832-2281, ext. 8888

mayor@vaughan.ca