Your City Update: News featuring Order of Vaughan and ...

December 10, 2018

City Update eNewsletter

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 with 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.

Festive fun for the family during the holidays

It is time to celebrate the season and spend some quality time with loved ones. Vaughan offers many places for the entire family to enjoy. Before making plans, be sure to check out the City's facility closure schedule. City facilities and services will operate on alternate schedules over the holidays from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.

Vaughan comes together to celebrate Chanukah

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, joined by Members of Council and the community, came together to celebrate Chanukah during two menorah lighting ceremonies last week.

Mayor Bevilacqua and Council inaugurated for 2018 to 2022 Term of Council

Surrounded by family, friends and citizens, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council were sworn into office during the inaugural meeting of the 2018 to 2022 Term of Council. Mayor Bevilacqua delivered his third keynote inaugural address, speaking at length about Vaughan's future and the way forward for the city.

Mayor Bevilacqua committed to bringing university to Vaughan during this Term of Council

During his keynote inaugural address, Mayor Bevilacqua spoke about Vaughan's future and the way forward for the City. Mayor Bevilacqua made a commitment to bring the first university to Vaughan and York Region during this new Term of Council. Also announced was the creation of new taskforces chaired by Members of Council. The taskforces also will include stakeholder and citizen representation aimed at addressing a range of important policy areas, including: transportation, economic development, the environment, older adult issues, diversity and governance.

Council renews commitment to historic city-building document

During a special signing ceremony at the 2018-2022 Term of Council inauguration, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council unanimously endorsed the Vaughan Accord - a 12-point document that defines the principles of public service and affirms a promise of responsible, co-operative and effective governance.

Holy Cross Catholic Academy Jr. Boys Team captures York Region Athletic Association (YRAA) Championship

During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 5, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua congratulated the Holy Cross Catholic Academy Jr. Boys Soccer Team on their recent York Region Athletic Association Championship - the school's first in more than 20 years.

Vaughan comes together for annual Christmas tree lighting celebration

During the City of Vaughan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, along with Members of Council, announced that the Romanelli family, of the RCC Group of Companies, has truly embraced the Spirit of Generosity that shapes our city by stepping forward with a donation of 5,500 toys, valued at $105,000. This is the highest contribution ever made to the City's Toy Drive by a single donor. Donations are being accepted until tonight at Vaughan City Hall until 5 p.m.

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.

Celebrate accessibility

On Dec. 14, the City of Vaughan is hosting a celebration in honour of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Join us from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Vaughan City Hall as we celebrate and promote the creation of a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.

How do you feel about short-term rentals in Vaughan?

The City of Vaughan is currently exploring the opportunities, challenges and best practices related to short-term rentals. Have you ever stayed in one? Operated one? How do you feel about having them in Vaughan? Take this short survey and give us your feedback.

Winter is coming!

Winter officially arrives on Dec. 21 and the City of Vaughan is ready for snow with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles. Our crews are monitoring the weather daily and are ready to plow when more than five centimetres of snow have fallen. Visit vaughan.ca/snow to sign up for email notifications or use the where is my snowplow? online lookup tool, or contact the Snow Hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669)

Highway 427 expansion traffic impacts

Due to the expansion of Highway 427 , there are a few lane restrictions that will impact traffic on:

- Zenway Boulevard, between Vaughan Valley Boulevard and Huntington Road: single-lane closure on Zenway Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., until Dec. 14.

- Langstaff Road, between Huntington Road and Highway 27: long-term lane reductions in place until spring 2020. All work is weather permitting.

Major Mackenzie Drive watermain update

The City of Vaughan is replacing an important watermain on Major Mackenzie Dr ive between Jane and Keele streets. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 21. The watermain will supply water to the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Vaughan's first hospital, which is scheduled to open in 2020. Final road, boulevard and driveway restoration on Major Mackenzie Drive will resume in spring 2019.

Watch your mailbox for the 2019 waste calendar

The City of Vaughan's 2019 waste calendar will be arriving in mailboxes across Vaughan during the next few days. It includes important information for residents such as set out times, leaf and yard waste collection, and acceptable waste container sizes. The calendar is available to view or download at vaughan.ca/waste.

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 its locations, from Dec. 1 to 21, your library fine will be lowered by $1. Collected items will be donated to the Vaughan Food Bank and Humanity First. Visit your local branch for details.

Dec. 11 to 12

Wet Interviews

Are you a certified lifeguard or swim instructor? We're holding our last round of wet interviews on Dec. 11 at Woodbridge Pool or Dec. 12 at Dufferin Clark Pool from 4 to 6 p.m. Register at any community centre or call 905-832-8500. Visit vaughan.ca for more information and to learn about the skills required in a wet interview.

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. 15 at the Civic Centre Resource Library. Drop off the kids while you take care of your holiday errands. Registration is $40.

Dec. 20

Social Hour

Join us at Woodbridge Library on Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. for Social Hour. Older adults are invited to this free program, featuring activities, guest speakers and special information workshops.

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.

Study Hall

Need a place to study for exams? Vaughan Public Libraries study hall is open late for university and college students who want to study alone or in small groups. Hours: 9 p.m. to midnight on Monday - Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, and 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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.

Highway 427 Expansion

The third Public Information Centre (PIC) for the Highway 427 Expansion took place on Sept. 27. Citizen can still view the presentation boards and submit feedback, comments and concerns, which will be incorporated into Design and Construction Report No.4, scheduled for public review in this month.

Volunteer Opportunities

Life is a wonderful journey and you never know where it will take you. Volunteering can help you be more than a passive traveller. We are always looking for volunteers to help provide a sense of community and hospitality at City events or at Vaughan Public Libraries . A commitment of time and energy is all you need.