Your City Update: News featuring Family Day municipal closures and ...

Feb. 11, 2019

City Update eNewsletter

With the recent chilly temperatures, you may be tempted to stay indoors, bundled under your warmest blankets this Family Day. Instead, why not venture out and turn it into a day of "chilling" with friends and family with the many free, fun-filled activities the City of Vaughan has to offer? Whatever your plans, be sure to check out the Holiday Central page to see what's happening at the City's community centres and for the City's facility closures.

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 ranks high in Citizen Survey results

The results are in from the 2018 Citizen Satisfaction Survey and 97 per cent of residents agree - the quality of life is good in the city of Vaughan. The majority of citizens cite a strong sense of community and belonging, with 92 per cent saying they are proud to be from Vaughan and 91 per cent saying it is a welcoming city.

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service scores an astonishing 100 per cent satisfaction rating

Since 2007, the City of Vaughan has conducted a Citizen Satisfaction Survey and has consistently received high satisfaction rates - often scoring above the national average for a variety of municipal service offerings including fire services which attained the highest satisfaction score, an astonishing 100 per cent.

Learn about your property taxes

Property taxes are used to fund the many programs and services families enjoy and rely on. Every year, the City of Vaughan and York Region create budgets to determine how funds will be spent. The amount collected is divided between the City of Vaughan (28 per cent), York Region (48 per cent), the York Region English and French school boards for education (23 per cent) and the Hospital Precinct Levy (one per cent).

Candidate nominees for York Region District School Board By-election

Nominations are now being accepted for candidates in the 2019 York Region District School Board By-election for Trustee Vaughan Ward 1 and 2. Potential candidates must make an appointment to file a nomination. The deadline to file is Monday, March 11 at 2 p.m. Visit vaughan.ca/elections for more information.

Mayor Bevilacqua marks 30th annual Winterfest

Marking an important milestone, the 30th annual award-winning Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest returned to Vellore Village Community Centre on Feb. 10. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua formally began festivities with a keynote address alongside Members of Council and local dignitaries. Founded in 1989, Winterfest has grown to become a popular and much anticipated City of Vaughan tradition.

Vaughan recognizes Eating Disorder Awareness Week

The City of Vaughan is committed to the health and well-being of its citizens. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued a statement during Eating Disorder Awareness Week which ran from Feb. 1-7, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness to break pervasive myths about eating disorders.

Planning Vaughan's world-class downtown

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council have voted to re-establish the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Sub-Committee for the 2018-2022 Term of Council. First established in 2011, this sub-committee brings the community together to work toward the City's shared goal of transforming the VMC into a thriving urban hub of economic opportunity, culture, greenspace and healthy active living.

Vaughan celebrates the Lunar New Year

Families and dignitaries from Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area joined Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council for the annual Lunar New Year event on Feb. 3. The festivities took place at Vaughan City Hall and featured an eye-dotting ceremony, a traditional lion dance and a visit from the God of Fortune.

Mayor Bevilacqua marks Bell Let's Talk Day

On Jan. 30, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua marked Bell Let's Talk Day with a call to action for residents to support neighbours in need. A reminder that even simple acts of kindness can go a long way to make a meaningful difference to someone's life.

Pride and honour tradition continues

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service's tradition of pride and honour was passed on to the newest generation of firefighters at a ceremony on Jan. 25. Twenty-three recruits were welcomed as they solidified their commitment to protect the city of Vaughan. Ten recently promoted firefighters were also recognized for their dedication to service excellence and teamwork.

Spend Family Day with us

The City has plenty of options for fun this Family Day. Community centres are open and hosting free activities, such as skating, fitness classes and games. For more information, download the Family Day activities schedule at Holiday Central .

Experience a Robert Munsch classic this Family Day

To be Determined Theatre Co. is presenting a fun adaptation of The Paper Bag Princess: A Musical at the City Playhouse Theatre on Family Day, Monday, Feb. 18. The paper bag princess and fire-breathing dragon will heat up the stage with live music, singing and adventure. Pre-purchase tickets before they sell out.

Protect your pets

Keep your pets safe and healthy by getting them vaccinated and microchipped. Vaughan Animal Services is hosting a Microchip and Rabies Clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 905-832-2281 to make an appointment.

Your turn to give input on short-term rentals

The City of Vaughan values the opinion of citizens and stakeholders, and is holding a series of public consultations for you to provide input on short-term rentals, such as Airbnb. The feedback received at all public consultations will be summarized in a staff report and help inform Council's decision on next steps. Register now.

Do you have a home escape plan?

Fa mily Day is a great time to practise your home escape plan so everyone knows what to do when the fire alarm sounds. Your plan should identify all possible exits from every room, including doors and windows, and a meeting spot outside. Learn more about how to make a home escape plan .

By a "snow" of hands, who's ready for winter?

We are. City of Vaughan crews begin plowing once five centimetres (two inches) of snow have accumulated. All roads are plowed within 16 hours after snowfall has ended. Main roads are plowed and salted first, within four hours, to keep them clear for emergency and transit vehicles.

Residents can get up-to-the-minute information on winter operations by visiting vaughan.ca/snow.

2018 vivaNext rapidway construction review

It was a year of construction on the Bathurst and Centre and Highway 7 West projects. A lot of positive progress has been made and multiple milestones were reached this past year, in anticipation of the scheduled opening this year.

Waste set out: winter edition

Canadian winters can be tough. With all the snow and ice, many questions about waste collection come to mind like, "Where do I place my bins if I have a large snowbank?" These reminders will help ensure your waste gets collected when it snows, and your driveway and curbside stay safe for everyone.

Help keep catch basins clear

During the winter season, the City asks residents to assist the winter crews' efforts by clearing street drains in front of your homes of snow and ice and, if possible, avoid parking over street drains to allow snowplows to clear to the curb during winter.

Swimming by to say ... happy Valentine's Day

The City is offering swim passes at a special rate of $12.50 for 10 passes to treat your little Valentine. Passes are sold at Vaughan community centres until Thursday, Feb. 14, or while quantities last. Children ages four to 17 years old can redeem the pass for a free swim between Feb. 1 and March 31 .

Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 27 intermittent intersection closures

Intermittent closure at the intersection of Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 27 resumes on Thursday, Feb. 14. Each closure is anticipated to take place every half hour for five to 10 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, Feb. 15 weather permitting.

Are you interested in entrepreneurship and the arts?

The York Region Arts Council is thrilled to launch the Artrepreneur Youth Program, a one-week intensive for highschool students in grades nine to 12 interested in entrepreneurship and the arts. The a pplication deadline is Monday, Feb. 18.

Geotechnical work continues for the proposed Yonge Subway Extension

Geotechnical testing for the proposed Yonge Subway Extension will take place on High Tech Road, between Yonge Street and Red Maple Road, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m until approximately Feb. 18.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteering is a win-win situation

Volunteering can not only boost your experience and help develop skills, it also provides incredible networking opportunities, allowing you to meet new people, including community leaders. The City is always looking for volunteers to help provide a sense of community and hospitality at City events. A commitment of time and energy is all you need.