Your City Update: News featuring purpose-driven leadership and ...

Feb. 25, 2019

City Update eNewsletter

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua reflected on past accomplishments, outlined a series of transformational city-building initiatives and spoke passionately about the importance of purpose-driven leadership during a keynote address at the 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Luncheon on Feb. 13. More than 800 business, government and community leaders attended - making this the largest event ever hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce.

The 2019 Budget and your property taxes

Vaughan Council has unanimously approved the 2019 Budget and 2020-2022 Financial Plan. It includes a three per cent residential tax increase and positions the City to deliver on Council's priorities to move Vaughan forward. Learn about the exciting projects and vital programs and services that the budget will deliver.

Mayor Bevilacqua welcomes proposed plan to protect homebuyers

The provincial government announced on Feb. 20 that work on transforming Tarion Warranty Corp. to better protect purchasers of cancelled pre-construction condominium projects is occuring. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua welcomed the changes following a formal written request to the Ministry of Government and Consumers Services in May 2018.

Mayor Bevilacqua presents Key to the City to Niagara University President

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua presented Niagara University President Rev. James J. Maher with the Key to the City of Vaughan at the 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor's Luncheon before a crowd of more than 800 business, government and community leaders. This marks the second time that a Key to the City has been presented in Vaughan's history.

Vaughan recognizes Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, Vaughan joins communities across Canada to recognize Black History Month and appreciate the history, culture, heritage and sacrifices of the black community. Various events are taking place throughout the city in recognition of this culturally and historically significant month.

Vaughan recognizes International Women's Day

The City of Vaughan acknowledges International Women's Day as a day of remembrance of past and present struggles and as a vehicle to recognize women's achievements.

Check your mailbox

Interim property tax bills have been sent out. Instalment due dates are March 28, April 26 and May 30. Visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax to learn more about your bill.

March 11 is deadline to file for York Region District School Board By-election

The deadline is quickly approaching for candidates to file their nomination for the York Region District School Board By-election for Trustee Vaughan Ward 1 and 2. Potential candidates must make an appointment to file a nomination and complete the 2019 Nomination Package. For more information and to access the package, visit vaughan.ca/elections .

Your turn to give input on short-term rentals

The popularity of short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) is growing, and the City of Vaughan wants to understand what new rules/regulations should be put in place to help manage these accommodations. The City is holding a series of public consultations for citizens and stakeholders to provide their input. Register now for your chance to participate.

Have your say on traffic this March Break

Vaughan is one of Ontario's fastest growing municipalities. The City is undertaking a five-year traffic study to ensure Vaughan's transportation system continues to be safe, efficient and sustainable. Youth are invited to share feedback on safety, travel and traffic within the city. Catch us at one of 10 pop-up sessions at a local community centre to provide comments during March Break.

Your March Break headquarters

March Break is just around the corner. If you're looking for ideas to keep your kids busy, then look no further. The City has week-long camps that offer kids a variety of fun things to do during their week off school. Vaughan Public Libraries also offers multiple programs throughout the week to keep the kids entertained.

Stay informed. Stay connected

The results of the 2018 Citizen Satisfaction Survey are in and the City is listening to what you had to say. Almost four out of 10 residents have asked for more ways to connect with the City of Vaughan. Get connected and stay up to date by following the City's official Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and YouTube sites. Click the social media links to join the conversation or check out the Newsroom for the latest headline.

It's time to think about summer camps

To keep the kids challenged and inspired over the school break, the City has more than 60 summer day camps for ages four to 16 years old. Activities range from sports, culinary and performing arts to leadership, science and technology. Registration is now open.

Nominate your outstanding 2018 volunteer

Every year, in celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 7 to 13), not-for-profit organizations and community groups in the city of Vaughan are invited to nominate their most outstanding volunteer of 2018 to recognize individuals who enable them to meet their goals and bring their vision to life. Submit nominations by Thursday, March 14. Nomination forms are available at vaughan.ca/events .

Record a demo at Vaughan Public Libraries

Want to record a song but aren't sure how? A music technician will provide personalized assistance with studio set-up, software navigation and recording tracks at the Civic Centre Resource Library at specific dates and times. Come ready to perform. Available for soloists and bands of up to six people. The cost is $100 plus HST for each two-hour session.

Help keep roads and sidewalks clear

Winter is here and everyone has a role to play when it comes to keeping our roads and sidewalks clear. Residents must shovel snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after a snowfall has ended and remove anything that may interfere with or be hazardous to plow crews, including parked cars and landscaping features. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/snow .

What goes where?

Recycling and waste services are provided to residential properties across the city and include collection of blue box recycling, green bin organics, garbage, leaf and yard waste, and appliance and metal recovery items. Use the What Goes Where tool to determine how to sort waste .

Energy efficiency in the winter

Colder weather makes us want to turn up the heat to stay warm and cozy inside our homes, but this can result in more energy use and higher energy bills. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce energy consumption in the winter and save on our energy bills.

Flushing out the facts about water usage

Did you know that more water is used in the bathroom than in any other room in the home? Three-quarters of all household water goes down the bathroom drains, with most of it being flushed down the toilet. You can reduce your water bill by up to 10 per cent by fixing simple leaks. Visit vaughan.ca/water for tips on conserving water.

Major Mackenzie Drive West between Highway 400 and Jane Street Environmental Assessment

York Region has completed a Schedule 'C' Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study to review transportation and infrastructure improvements on Major Mackenzie Drive West between Highway 400 and Jane Street. The report can be downloaded at york.ca/MajorMacJane and is also available to view until March 1 at the Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library and the Office of the City Clerk at Vaughan City Hall during normal business hours.

Highway 427 expansion design and construction report no. 4

A design and construction report has been prepared to outline the Highway 427 expansion process, design details, design refinements, results of the consultation process, construction staging and environmental impacts and mitigation measures. The purpose of the report is to obtain comments on selected construction activities. The report can be downloaded at 427expansion.ca and is also available to view until March 2 at the Kleinburg Library and the Office of the City Clerk at Vaughan City Hall during normal business hours.

Geotechnical testing continues for the proposed Yonge Subway Extension

The preliminary planning, design and engineering phase of the proposed Yonge Subway Extension is underway. Crews will be working on Morgan Avenue, just east of Yonge Street, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 20, for approximately two weeks. Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To accommodate this work, traffic on Morgan Avenue will be reduced to a single shared eastbound and westbound lane through the work area.

Lace Up! Experience Canada's passion for skating

Discover Canada's passion for ice skating with this travelling exhibit from the Canadian Museum of History. From the European origins of skating to the Canadian Olympic dream, this two-dimensional exhibition on the history of ice skating in Canada covers hockey, figure skating and speed skating, along with many other ice skating-related topics. Visit Ansley Grove Library until Monday, March 18 to see this exhibit.

Outside the Box

Outside the Box: portraits of innovation | technology is being featured on the slate at Vaughan City Hall until April 2019. These unconventional portraits taken by accomplished photographers help depict the "outside the box" mantra of the mavericks who have positioned Vaughan's economic and social leadership at the vanguard of urban transformation.

Highway 427 expansion

traffic impacts

Due to the expansion of Highway 427 , multiple lane restrictions and traffic impacts are in place.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and to drive according to conditions. All work is weather permitting.

Maple Pumping Station upgrades

York Region is working to upgrade the Maple Pumping Station located at 10588 Keele St. to ensure the continued supply of safe drinking water to the community. There is no anticipated impact to traffic or water services in the area. Work is expected to be completed in March 2019.

Islington Avenue watermain rehabilitation

York Region is rehabilitating the Islington Avenue watermain. Approximately 1.6 kilometres of the watermain have been re-lined. Crews will be working occasionally from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to complete re-lining the remaining section of the watermain from January to May 2019.

Vaughan Public Libraries hosts baby social

The hour-long b aby social on Fridays at 10 a.m. at Bathurst Clark Resource Library features a new topic every week for you to explore with your little one as you meet other like-minded parents. Enjoy a variety of workshops, activities and guest speakers.