Your City Update: News featuring City of Vaughan Toy Drive and ...

November 28, 2018

City Update eNewsletter

The City of Vaughan launched its ninth annual City of Vaughan Toy Drive on Nov. 19 to help support families who need assistance during the holiday season. In the spirit of giving, the City asks that you consider donating a new, unwrapped toy for children aged newborn to 18 years. Toys or gift cards are accepted at community centres, libraries and fire halls until Dec. 6 and to Vaughan City Hall until Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.

You're Invited!

On Tuesday, Dec. 4, join fellow residents at the Terrace Banquet Centre to celebrate the inaugural meeting of Council and the signing of the Vaughan Accord. The official ceremony at will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast at the reception and on vaughan.ca. Afterwards, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council will join the public reception for refreshments.

Menorah Lighting Ceremonies

In celebration of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights marked by the successive kindling of eight lights, the City invites all to the Menorah Lighting Ceremonies on Dec. 3 and Dec. 9. Bring the family to enjoy these special events.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

How lovely are thy branches? You're invited to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Vaughan City Hall. The festivities take place on Dec. 7 beginning at 7 p.m. This fun event features holiday music, refreshments and children's activities. In the spirit of giving, donations of new, unwrapped toys for children, newborn to 18, are welcome for the annual City of Vaughan Toy Drive in support of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.

Order of Vaughan Ceremony

The City of Vaughan is hosting the Order of Vaughan Ceremony on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall. Four outstanding citizens, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the city, will be bestowed this great honour. The Order of Vaughan was created to pay tribute to leaders who have dedicated their time, talent and treasure to the city's ongoing success.

Open House - Citizen Member Recruitment

Share your expertise and serve as a citizen member of a City of Vaughan board or committee for the 2018-22 Term of Council. Join us on Nov. 28 at an information open house from 7 to 9 p.m. to learn about the role of citizen members and the matters considered by each City board or committee.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have ideas, comments or feedback on our print, video and online communications? Your input will help guide future improvements and changes on how we provide you with information. Join our Focus Group on Nov. 29 and share your thoughts. Register today and have your say!

Planning a Holiday Party?

Planning a holiday party? Host your special event at the Vellore School, a 19th century schoolhouse with a decorative tin ceiling. Entertain friends in a home once owned by a Group of Seven painter and sit in the gardens he once painted. Heritage sites provide the perfect backdrop for festive occasions.

Microchip and Rabies Clinic

Keep your pets safe and healthy by getting them vaccinated and microchipped. Vaughan Animal Services is hosting a Microchip and Rabies Clinic on Dec. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m. Call 905-832-2281 to make an appointment.

Vaughan Public Library - Maker Space

Borrowing books, researching for projects and attending book clubs are some activities available at the library. The library is also a place where you can design, make and create with three unique Maker Spaces - Make It! Learn It! and Create It!

Winter is Coming!

The City of Vaughan operates an extensive winter and road maintenance program to ensure public safety during the winter months and severe weather events. This year, the City is building on its success with the performance-based contract, dedicated customer service representatives and more efficient plowing and windrow clearing - to continue to deliver Service Excellence to all citizens. For more information visit vaughan.ca/snow.

Highway 427 Traffic Impacts

Due to the expansion of Highway 427, there are a number of lane restrictions that will impact traffic: Hwy. 427 northbound and southbound, Hwy. 7 to Zenway Blvd.; Hwy. 427 northbound and southbound, Finch Ave. to Hwy. 7;Hwy. 407 eastbound and westbound to Hwy. 427 southbound. All work is weather permitting.

Langstaff Road Public Consultation

York Region is conducting a study to review improvements to Langstaff Road between Weston Road and Highway 7 in the city of Vaughan to address current and future transportation needs. Attend an open house on Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to learn about the study and comment on proposed improvements.

Weekly Leaf and Yard Waste Continues

Weekly leaf and yard waste pickup continues until Dec. 14. Don't forget to use Kraft paper bags designed for leaf and yard waste material or open-top rigid containers marked "leaf and yard waste", without lids and with handles.

Major Mackenzie Drive Road Improvement

York Region is transforming Major Mackenzie Drive from Highway 50 to Highway 400 in the city of Vaughan. This transformation has been divided into four sections and will take several years to complete. Improvements are underway from east of the proposed Highway 427 Extension to Islington Avenue.

Nov. 29

Bring Your Own Baby(BYOB) Book Club

Discuss books with other parents and caregivers while baby eats, sleeps or plays. The Library will provide a copy of the chosen title.

Dec. 1 to 21

Food For Fines

Lower library fines and help the community! Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) is pleased to announce that for each food item donated at one of VPL's locations, from Dec. 1 to 21. Library fine will be lowered by $1.00. Collected items will be donated to the Vaughan Food Bank and Humanity First. Visit the local branch for details.

Dec. 5

Social Innovation Challenge

Are you a Social Entrepreneur looking to amplify your social impact? Make a pitch to earn funding at the Vaughan Social Innovation Challenge. Sign up to receive mentorship, to network, and to meet others making a social impact with their ventures! Visit vaughan.ca/VBEC for more info or to register.

Holiday STEAM Camp

Register your children, ages 6 to 11, for a day of great Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math activities at Holiday STEAM Camp on Dec. 8 or 15 (or both!) at the Civic Centre Resource Library. Drop off the kids, while you take care of your holiday errands. Registration is $40.

Dec. 31 Deadline

Short Term Rentals

Short-term rentals are generally understood to be private individuals renting out their home, or part of it, for short periods of time through Internet-based platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner), in exchange for a fee. With the popularity of short-term rentals growing, what role should the City of Vaughan play when it comes to managing them? Please provide your opinion by taking this short online survey.

This holiday season, give the gift of activity!

Books of 10 swim and skate passes are now half price and available at Vaughan community centres and City Hall. Passes are valid for youth aged four to 17 years old.

Highway 427 Expansion

The third Public Information Centre (PIC) for the Highway 427 Expansion took place on Sept. 27. Presentation boards are still available to view and provide feedback, comments or concerns which may be incorporated into Design and Construction Report no.4, scheduled for public review in December 2018.

Skating/Shinny Season

Indoor recreational skating and shinny hockey season has started. Outdoor recreational skating and shinny hockey season runs from December to March, weather permitting. Please bring your own skates; rentals are not available.