Your City Update: News featuring Vaughan is your March Break headquarters and...

March 11, 2019

City Update eNewsletter

March Break is here! If you're looking for fun things to do with the kids, look no further. The City's Recreation department has week-long camps where kids can experience March Break to its fullest. Extended day camps are also available.

Vaughan's community centres also offer March Break drop-in activities such as aquafitness, sports, skating, shinny hockey and fitness classes. Regular fees apply. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Vaughan Public Libraries offers multiple programs throughout the week to keep the kids entertained. Browse activities at vaughanpl.info .

Do you have a home escape plan?

March Break 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.

Did you change your batteries?

On March 10, Daylight Saving Time began. Did you change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you changed your clocks? Replace the batteries now and remember to test them monthly. Working alarms save lives. Visit vaughan.ca/fire for more information on fire prevention.

Save your spot

There is still time to register for spring recreation programs and swim lessons. Register today online or at a community centre. With programs for every age, interest and ability level, there is something for everyone. Take a look at what the City has to offer.

WATCH: 2019 Lunar New Year Highlights

Families and dignitaries from Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area joined Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council in February for the City's popular annual Lunar New Year event. 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.

WATCH: Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) 2019 Expo Highlights

Attendees networked and shared ideas at the 2019 Vaughan Business Expo and Creative Industries Summit on Feb. 5 at the Terrace Banquet Centre. In its 17th year, the annual business trade show has evolved to include a Creative Industries Summit aimed at engaging local businesses to have their say in shaping the future of Vaughan's creative industries.

Vaughan recognizes International Women's Day

On March 8, the City of Vaughan, in partnership with CIBC, held an inspiring International Women's Day (IWD) event at Vaughan City Hall to commemorate this globally celebrated occasion. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua delivered an address that spoke to the vital and enduring role that women continue to undertake in the prosperity of the city and country.

City of Vaughan endorses the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity

The City of Vaughan is the first municipality in Canada to endorse the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity. At the March 5 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council unanimously endorsed the Mayor's Member's Resolution to adopt the Accord, which Mayor Bevilacqua formally signed on International Women's Day - March 8 - during the City-led International Women's Day event at City Hall. Developed by Electricity Human Resources Canada, the Accord is a public commitment by organizations to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion.

Mayor Bevilacqua congratulates award-winning Public Works teams

Two Public Works teams were recognized at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting for their commitment to Service Excellence.

The City's Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management team received the Ontario Good Roads Association's 2018 John Niedra Better Practices Competition for Equipment Innovation and Made In-House Solution Award for the Take Your Kids to Work Day program. Vaughan's Infrastructure Delivery team has received the Ontario Public Works Association 2018 Project of the Year Award in the less than $2-million category for the successful completion of the Glen Shields Avenue bridge rehabilitation project.

City of Vaughan's Chief Information Officer contributes article to Vaughan Chamber of Commerce

The City of Vaughan offers information to business starters and owners - like this feature article by Frank Di Palma, City of Vaughan's Chief Information Officer, with advice on "Understanding cybersecurity for your business." Read more.

New Finance, Administration and Audit Committee chair

During a meeting of the City of Vaughan's Finance, Administration and Audit (FAA) Committee on March 4, Members of Council unanimously endorsed Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua's motion to nominate Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman to serve as FAA Committee chair for a two-year term.

Have your say on traffic and road safety this March Break

The City of Vaughan 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-ups at a local community centre during March Break to provide comments.

The City will also be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, March 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall. Learn more at vaughan.ca/TrafficStrategy .

Nominate your outstanding 2018 volunteer - deadline is this week

Volunteers in the city of Vaughan continue to make a positive impact with their heroic efforts in the community. These dedicated individuals give back, advocate for many great causes and contribute to our vibrant civic life. Volunteering is a selfless and rewarding undertaking that we can all do. In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 7 to 13), the City is inviting not-for-profit organizations and community groups to nominate their most outstanding volunteer of 2018 . Submit nomination forms (PDF) by Thursday, March 14.

Apply to be on the Older Adult Task Force

The City of Vaughan is looking for citizen members to join the Older Adult Task Force. Apply by Friday, March 22 for the chance to help address older adult issues and promote healthy seniors in our city. Application forms are available in the Office of the City Clerk (first floor) in Vaughan City Hall, public libraries, community centres and online.

What should we do with the land at Weston Road and Highway 7?

Let's work together to envision the future of the Weston Road and Highway 7 area within the next 20 years and beyond. Bring your ideas for what you would like to see at Weston Road and Highway 7. Attend the City's land-use scenario open house on Monday, March 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Vellore Village Community Centre. Learn more at vaughan.ca/Weston7.

Vaughan is ready to plow, windrow and salt throughout winter storms

The City of Vaughan is prepared for snow with high-level plowing, road maintenance and windrow services. The City has dedicated more than 100 vehicles to remove snow and ice from roads and sidewalks and is the only municipality in the Greater Toronto Area to offer full windrow service to its residents.

Residents are reminded to keep fire hydrants clear of snow this winter

The City of Vaughan reminds residents to make sure fire hydrants near their property or business are clear of snow. Easy access to a fire hydrant can save precious time for Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service during an emergency. Residents must also make sure sidewalks are shovelled and salted within 24 hours after snowfall has ended to ensure the safety of everyone. Learn more at vaughan.ca/snow.

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.

New dance programs this spring

Sign up now for new dance classes starting this spring at the recently renovated Pierre Berton Heritage Centre in Kleinburg. Programs include Argentine Tango, Ballroom Dancing: Junior, Ballroom Dancing: Senior and Mama's Club. Learn more at vaughan.ca/RecOnline.

Be your own boss this summer

Are you a student between the ages of 15 and 29? High school, college and university students are invited to apply for the Summer Company program. The program offers mentorship, support and funding to start a business. Applications close May 19. Learn more at vaughan.ca/VBEC.

Improve your computer skills at Vaughan Public Libraries

Practise with volunteers on the topic of your choice during Tech 1-on-1 . Contact your nearest library Service Desk for more information.

Vaughan Public Libraries offers coffee-brewing workshop

Try out various coffee-brewing methods with a range of in-season coffee during this hands-on workshop. Hot Topics: Coffee Brewing is on March 17 at 2 p.m. at Maple Library.

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" in the Atrium 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.

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.

Road traffic disruptions

Traffic disruptions continue as the Yonge Subway Extension is being built. For more information, visit yongesubwayext.com.

Visit our online events calendar f or a full list of upcoming events.

ventureLAB: Leadership Workshop
Tuesday, March 19
1 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.

Register for the ventureLAB: Leadership Workshop which is on Tuesday, March 19 at 1 p.m. This workshop is experiential, hands-on and facilitated by experienced entrepreneurs. You will learn the top leadership skills that help make entrepreneurs successful and become aware of the different leadership behaviours that will affect your team. Register for the workshop.

Vaughan Summer Company Info Session
Tuesday, March 19
6:30 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.

Are you a student between ages 15-29 and returning to school in the fall? Let Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre help you turn your idea for a company into reality! Apply for the Summer Company Program and get access to your first business advisor, hands-on training, mentorship from Vaughan's Business Community and up to $3,000 in provincial grant funding. Come out to this information session to learn more about the application process, program requirements and how to write your business plan. Register for the workshop .

Earth Hour Event
Saturday, March 30
6 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.

The City of Vaughan is proud to invite the community to its 12th annual Earth Hour event at City Hall on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 6 p.m. Earth Hour will be observed between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. when all lights will be turned off. There will be activities such as the night cycle ride, lantern walk, live entertainment, candle-lit yoga and much more for the entire family to enjoy. Each year, people around the world mark this important day to raise awareness for climate change and to empower others to protect the environment. Learn more at vaughan.ca/EarthHour.