January 6, 2020
Sandra
Yeung Racco
WARD 4 COUNCILLOR
Celebrating Vaughan’s Hockey Culture
with Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour

The City of Vaughan has been selected as an official host city of the 2019/2020 Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour on January 11 and January 12!

Rogers Hometown Hockey, hosted by Ron MacLean and Tara Slone, is a national celebration of Canada’s beloved sport. As an official stop on the 2019-20 tour, the VMC will become hockey-central for a weekend-long fan experience, including a live broadcast of the Toronto Maple Leafs versus Florida Panthers game on the Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The free community event will also feature entertainment, meet-and-greets with NHL alumni, including Darcy Tucker and hockey-themed outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy .

The Event will Include:
  • Autograph signing and photos with NHL alumni
  • Live entertainment, shows and refreshments
  • Rogers Fan Hub, a Family Zone and ball hockey
  • Barbecue in support of minor hockey
  • Live broadcast with Sportsnet hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio
  • Parade of Champions on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
  • Viewing party of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers game on Sunday at 7 p.m.

For more information, please visit here.

To view the official invite, please visit here.
The Mayor and Members of Council Invite You to The City of Vaughan's Lunar New Year Celebration

Join the City of Vaughan as they ring in 2020, the Year of the Rat!

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020
1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room

Official Welcome at 2:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit here.

To view the official invite, click here .
Vaughan Drinking Water Received a 100% Rating

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has just released its Chief Drinking Water Inspector’s Report for the 2018-2019 fiscal year and the City of Vaughan has received a 100% rating for its drinking water system. 

This prestigious ranking is enjoyed by less than three quarters of the nearly 660 municipal drinking water systems in Ontario.

This is exciting news and is a direct result of Council’s, Top Management’s and our Front Line Operators’ commitment to ensure that our drinking water system is, and continues to be, safe. Making this vital service available to our residents and businesses twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on demand.

A link to the MECP’s report can be found here .
Purchase your Licence to Operate a Short-Term Rental

The City of Vaughan requires residents who rent all or part of their home for short-term rentals to have a Municipal Accommodation Tax number and be licensed. Licences can be purchased from the City in-person at the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services counter at Vaughan City Hall, and must be renewed annually. Visit vaughan.ca/ShortTermRentals for everything you need to start operating a short-term rental in your home. 
The City of Vaughan is developing a new seven-hectare community park at the northwest corner of Peter Rupert Avenue and Rutherford Road, directly south of the Cook Woodlot. This park will be a community destination and is proposed to include playground structures, water play, new trail connections and places to gather and connect with family and friends.
 
What other elements, features and amenities would make this new park space special for you? The City held a public open house on Dec. 5 to get feedback on the future park.
If you could not attend the open house, you still have an opportunity to get involved participating in the survey which will be available until  Jan. 31 , 2020 and it will take approximately six minutes to complete.

For more information on the future park, click here .
Feasibility Study for a Cultural Arts Centre in the VMC

During our most recent meeting of the VMC Sub-Committee, our working group voted to move ahead with further exploring the building of a cultural arts centre in our emerging downtown core. Cultural hubs are amenities that create community, social and economic benefits including city building and placemaking; investment attraction; job creation; tourism attraction; academic and social innovations; and civic pride.

The Feasibility Study concluded that market demand and community need is evident to support a cultural hub in Vaughan’s downtown given the critical mass of high-order transit and highway infrastructure, open spaces, and ongoing population, business and employment growth in the VMC. Further, the Study suggested that two paths have typically led to new facility development: a desire for positive economic development impacts, and a commitment to generating specific community benefits. Partnership is key to the successful development of this space.

Collaboration may engage universities, City agencies, private developers, and area not-for-profits each with unique skills and capacity to drive the development process. The Study advises that cultural capital funding comes from every level of government, and there is a trend toward increased private sector contributions. On operating funding, the Study indicates that support comes from a mix of public and private sources, with public subsidy complemented by earned revenue and private sector support. In order to continue the momentum, City staff are recommending that the Cultural Arts Centre project moves forward to implementation phases focused on site selection within the VMC Secondary Plan Area, planning and urban design matters, senior government funding, and detailed business planning (i.e., governance, management operations, programming, capital and operating budget).

Read the entire report here.
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA Update

Vaughan's newest YMCA is nearing completion!

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA will help lead this vibrant city to even greater heights. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a more than 165-year-old charity committed to making communities stronger and setting people of all ages on the road to success.

The new YMCA facility will include:

  • A full-size gymnasium
  • Two swimming pools
  • Whirlpools and saunas
  • Multi-purpose fitness studios
  • A conditioning and weight room
  • Licensed child care facilities
  • Flexible multi-purpose recreation spaces
  • A roof-top terrace

An official opening date has not yet been announced, but this information will be shared with the public as soon as it becomes available.

You can sign up for the official VMC YMCA newsletter to stay in the know about the project and receive special news and offers. For more information, please visit here.
Pet-ential New Off-Leash Dog Areas in Vaughan

The City of Vaughan recognizes the value off-leash dog parks bring to dogs and their families. To ensure the City clearly understands and responds to the needs of residents, a review of off-leash dog areas throughout Vaughan is underway. The City is continuing to explore additional spaces for pets to roam free. What does your ideal local off-leash dog area look like? What location, features and amenities would you and your pup like? An online survey is available to collect input on local off-leash dog park needs, including issues, opportunities and desired outcomes.
Rutherford Road - Temporary Road
Diversion Until 2022

Metrolinx is starting construction on Rutherford Road that will separate the tracks from the road. This means that traffic will no longer have to wait for a train to pass - a major traffic and safety improvement. In order to do this work and maintain traffic flow, there will be some changes to Rutherford Road and the access to the Rutheford Go station.

There will be a slight road detour south of Rutherford Rd between Barhill Road/Westburne Drive and Peter Rupert Avenue beginning December 7. This four-lane detour road will be in place until a new railway overpass bridge over Rutherford Rd is complete in spring 2022.
Here’s what you can expect:

  • Pedestrians will travel along the temporary roadway via new, temporary pedestrian sidewalks.
  • Signage will remain in place while the detour route is in effect. 
  • Drivers are asked to watch for traffic personnel, obey posted speed limits at all times, and look for drivers along the detour road route.

Changes can occur due to Metrolinx' construction schedule and other unforeseen circumstances. For more information and to stay up to date on changes, please visit here .
Changes for Alectra Bill Payments
Effective December 15, 2019

The City of Vaughan will no longer be taking in-person Alectra Utilities payments for water, wastewater, stormwater and electricity bills.

In-person payment will stop at City Hall but there are many other methods of payment for water, wastewater and stormwater including:
  • Online banking;
  • Telephone banking;
  • Pre-authorized payments;
  • In-person payments at financial institutions;
  • VISA or MasterCard payments via Payments at www.alectrautilities.com; or
  • By mail.

For more information, please visit here .
Transforming Transportation Together
in Vaughan

The City of Vaughan is dynamic and is growing quickly. More residents, businesses and visitors mean more travel demands and the potential for road congestion. Vaughan continues to focus its efforts on increasing transportation options to help everyone get where they need to go – safely and efficiently. But your help is needed. How can the City help you drive less and consider alternative transportation options outside of the single-occupant vehicle? Participate in the online survey and help shape the future of transportation in Vaughan. For more information and to take the survey , visit the website.
Vaughan Winterfest 2020
Vendors and Volunteers Wanted

The 31st annual award-winning Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest event presented by TD and Event Sponsor Tim Hortons will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020 , Vellore Village Community Centre, 10am-3:30pm and will feature free fun-filled first-class entertainment, indoor & outdoor activities, meet & greets, a free pancake breakfast, face painting, horse-drawn carriage rides and so much more! !

Vendor Booth Opportunities
Showcase your business or not-for-profit organization!
 
 
For vendor/participant booth opportunities, please contact  vaughancelebrates@vaughan.ca .
 
Volunteer Opportunities
Get involved in your community!


For volunteer opportunities or inquiries, please contact  vaughancelebrates@vaughan.ca . 
We are still looking for crossing guards in Ward 4 for the 2019/2020 school year.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to the community. To apply or learn more about the program, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281, or email careers@vaughan.ca with “Crossing Guard” in the subject line.

School crossing guards are an important part of the community. These dedicated individuals work every school day to protect and assist children walking across the streets of Vaughan. The City of Vaughan recruits, trains and hires crossing guards, conducts pedestrian studies, selects crosswalk locations and installs appropriate signage and pavement markings.
With cold and snowy weather ahead, the City is prepared to provide some of the highest levels of winter maintenance in the GTA. Vaughan's winter fleet features more than 100 vehicles comprised of combination salter/snowplow units, windrow machines, sidewalk machines, pickup trucks equipped with plows and salters, cul-de-sac-clearing machines and anti-icing units.
 
The City is committed to ensuring the safety and mobility of all citizens with an extensive winter maintenance program which includes:

Salting:
  • Salting will be completed on main roads within four hours and residential roads within eight hours.

Plowing Main Roads and Residential Streets:
  • Plowing main roads and residential streets occurs once 5 centimetres (2 inches) of snow has fallen.
  • Main roads are cleared within 4 hours after a snowfall has ended to keep them clear for emergency and transit vehicles.
  • Residential streets are cleared within 12 hours after a snowfall has ended.

Regional Road Maintenance:
  • Services on major roads in Vaughan, such as Bathurst Street, Dufferin Street, Keele Street and Major Mackenzie Drive, are maintained by York Region.
  • For a full list of regional roads, visit York.ca.
Windrow Services:
  • Deploying residential windrow machines to clear a portion of the driveway (enough so a car can drive through) within 4 hours after the plow has passed.

Clearing and Salting Sidewalks:
  • Clearing and salting sidewalks in main public areas, such as school zones and places of worship, is completed before moving to residential areas.
  • Sidewalk plowing commences when accumulation reaches 5 centimetres (2 inches), and main roads are cleared within 8 hours and residential streets within 16 hours after a snowfall has ended.

How Citizens can Help:
Residents and motorists can help winter operations run effectively and efficiently by following these tips:

  • While snowplows are working, do not park on the street so crews can clear the entire road safely.
  • Remove anything that may interfere with plowing, including landscaping features such as fencing, basketball nets, decorative stones, pots and bird baths.
  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks bordering your property within 24 hours after a snowfall has ended. Be mindful of where snow is placed - it is illegal to shovel or pile snow onto the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. See By-law 300-93 (PDF) for more information.
  • Ensure fire hydrants, gutters and catch basins near your property are not blocked and clear of snow.
  • Place garbage, recycling and composting bins on the right-hand side of the driveway when facing the house from the street. If the driveway is shared, place bins on your side.
  • Stay off the roads during a heavy snowstorm unless it is essential. Citizens are also encouraged to use York Region Transit to get around the city during inclement weather.
  • If driving, clean snow off all surfaces of the vehicle before leaving and stay well back from plows and salting equipment.

Looking for More?
For additional details and to receive the latest information on Vaughan's winter operations:
January 11 & 12
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre - Transit Square

Thursday, January 23
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, Multi Purpose Room

Sunday, February 2
Vaughan City Hall, Multi Purpose Room

Sunday, February 9
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vellore Village
Community Centre

Tuesday, February 11
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Terrace Banquet Centre

The  City of Vaughan  is prepared with high-level plowing, road maintenance and windrow services.

You can use the  w here is my snowplow?  online lookup tool which provides residents with real time updates, indicating the streets that have already been plowed. For more information visit   vaughan.ca/snow  .
Snow Update

Did you know you can sign up for ongoing snow removal updates with email notifications through the City of Vaughan's website?

Sign up by visiting vaughan.ca/snow .
Have your Say!

Have your say and provide the City of Vaughan with valuable citizen input that helps contribute to changes and improvements to City services and amenities.

Please take a few moments to complete some of the current surveys being collected.




Experience the 18th Annual Vaughan Business Expo

Get your tickets now to attend the 18th annual Vaughan Business Expo presented by BMO on Tuesday, Feb. 11 , at the Terrace Banquet Centre. Attendees can explore different business zones for targeted networking and to learn about what businesses in each zone are doing. Participants will also have unprecedented access to industry experts. There are three different office hours occurring throughout the day that are led by experts in importing and exporting, sales, marketing and branding, and funding and finance. To attend the event, or for more information on how to reserve a booth for your business, visit vaughan.ca/BusinessEvents
Check your Mailbox for the 2020 Waste Calendar

Have you seen the 2020 waste calendar? It has everything you need to know about waste collection, including what to put out each week, proper set-out and which containers to use. It’s a great resource to use throughout the year to learn about changes to the collection schedule and special events. The calendar is also available to view or download at vaughan.ca/WasteCalendar .
Be an Earth Ranger

Do you have a passion for animals and the environment? Become an Earth Ranger and help Vaughan Public Libraries complete missions while learning about biodiversity and sustainability to protect the world we live in. This opportunity is available for children ages seven to 12 years old.

January 18
Pleasant Ridge Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

February 29
Pleasant Ridge Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

To register and view future dates, visit Eventbrite .
Baby Social

Drop in to Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) to meet other parents and babies in your community. VPL will feature a new topic every week along with activities, singing, free play, and occasional guest speakers. This is available for babies one year or younger who are accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

January 10
Bathurst Clark Resource Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

January 17
Bathurst Clark Resource Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

January 24
Bathurst Clark Resource Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

January 31
Bathurst Clark Resource Library
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Kids Book Club

Get the book, read the book, and then come to Vaughan Public Libraries to share your thoughts on it while enjoying activities and games based on the story. Every library branch has a unique book of the month. This club is offered to children aged eight to 12 years old.
Keele Street Bridge Improvements - North of Teston Road

York Region is repairing the bridge on Keele Street, north of Teston Road, in the city of Vaughan. The repairs will make the surface smoother to drive on and prolong the life of the bridge.

Construction began on Oct. 15, 2019 and is expected to be completed by summer 2020 , weather permitting. Keele Street will remain open to traffic during construction, as will access to residences and businesses.

The area surrounding the bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and work may occur during evening/nighttime hours.

For more information and project timelines, visit here .
Volunteers Make it all Possible!

Need volunteer hours for your high school requirement? Work experience for your resume? Your  local community centre  has lots of opportunities to choose from.
 
Volunteer with our Recreation team to instruct a preschool, dance or sports class. Help create crafts with children who have special needs. Volunteer with our  Events  team and help host award-winning community events like Canada Day or Concerts in the Park series. Or assist in delivering swim lessons and earn credits for aquatic leadership courses at the same time! The options are endless!

For more information, please visit here.
Elderly Homeowners Tax Assistance Program for the Year 2020

A tax credit in the amount of $377 is provided to elderly homeowners who qualify. For more information, visit here.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2019.
Dog & Cat Adoptions

Adopting an animal can be a rewarding experience. The City of Vaughan is dedicated to finding safe and happy forever homes for all animals in the shelter.

Did you know you can view the animals currently available for adoption by visiting here.

All family members should come into the shelter before adopting an animal. Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and will need to fill out an application before final approval.

For more information, please visit here.
Vaughan Fitness 2020 Promotion

Vaughan Fitness is currently offering 1 FREE Nutrition Consultation & Meal Plan or 3 FREE Personal Training sessions when you purchase or renew a 1 year Vaughan Fitness membership.

Offer valid from January 2-31, 2020 . For more information, please visit here.
Melted Snow Needs Somewhere to Go

As part of stormwater maintenance during the winter months, it’s important to keep catch basins and culverts clear. When shovelling, remember to remove snow, ice and debris from the drains near your home to allow water to pass through, which will help prevent potential flooding. Find out more at vaughan.ca/stormwater .
The Way We Were: Archives Collection of the Month
Pictured here: Enjoying the Rides at the Woodbridge Fair, 1970s.

Formed in 1890 as a result of the amalgamation of the West York Agricultural Society and the Vaughan Agricultural Society, the Woodbridge Agricultural Society’s principal function was the administration of the Woodbridge Fair, which began in 1847. The fairgrounds, which consist of 20 acres of land, are still owned and operated by the Society today. The collection consists of administrative files, fair programs, prize lists, and approximately 900 images. It spans the years 1876 to 2001.

To find out more about the City of Vaughan Archives, visit  Vaughan.ca/archives.
Holiday Waste Collection

Christmas tree collection occurs on regular collection day during a pre-determined two-week timeframe in January. Refer to the  Waste Collection Schedule   for collection for dates.  

Christmas Trees should be placed at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection and no later than 7 a.m. on the day of collection. The time of collection could change at any time without notice. 

Missed Collection

If a Christmas Tree collection was missed, trees can be taken to  York Region's Compost Facility   or wait until the start of the City’s  spring leaf and yard waste collection program. 

Set out and Placement Reminders

  • Christmas trees larger than 2.13 metres (seven feet) cannot fit into the City’s collection vehicles and need to be cut in half to be collected.
  • Remove all tinsel, ornaments, plastic bags and stands.
  • Christmas trees buried in, on top of, or behind snow banks may not get collected - ensure the tree is fully accessible for collection.
  • For easy identification by the collection contractor, clearly separate each waste stream (i.e. leaf and yard, recycling) at the curb. Do not place collectible materials on the road, as it may pose a hazard to traffic.

To view the complete holiday waste collection schedule please visit here .

Visit here to view Acceptable and Unacceptable Items and Set Out Requirements.
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

January 14
Committee of the Whole (1)
1:00 p.m.

January 15
Heritage Vaughan Committee
7:00 p.m.

January 21
Committee of the Whole (2)
1:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole (Closed Session)
5:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
7:00 p.m.

January 22
Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force
9:30 a.m.

January 23
Effective Governance and Oversight Task Force
5:00 p.m.

January 27
Older Adult Task Force
3:00 p.m.

January 28
Council
1:00 p.m.

Full meeting information  here . 
 Live broadcast  available.
Ward 4 Councillor's Office
Contact My Office:
Sandra Yeung Racco
905-832-8585 ext. 8342
Executive Assistant:
Cindy Furfaro-Benning
905-832-8585 ext. 8198