City Update eNewsletter


Municipal offices closed for April holiday weekend
Vaughan residents, please be advised City facilities will be operating on alternate schedules April 19 through 22 for the observance of Passover, Good Friday and Easter. Vaughan City Hall, Joint Operations Centre, Access Vaughan, the Vaughan Animal Shelter and Vaughan Public Libraries are closed Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 22. Vaughan community centres (including recreational programming and swimming lessons) are closed Friday, April 19 and Sunday, April 21. Waste regularly scheduled for pick up on Friday, April 19 will be moved by one day to Saturday, April 20.


Watch: Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes World Autism Awareness Day

Watch Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua's video message recognizing World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. 
Watch: Mayor Bevilacqua recognizes Sikh Heritage Month

Watch Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua's video message to the Vaughan community recognizing Sikh Heritage Month.



Wendy Law joins Vaughan as City Solicitor

Interim City Manager Tim Simmonds is pleased to announce that Wendy Law is joining the City of Vaughan as the new City Solicitor. Ms. Law has more than nine years of senior management experience. She recently served as Deputy City Solicitor with the City of Mississauga and was lead counsel on major city-building projects. Ms. Law will be a member of the City's Corporate Management Team helping implement the 2018 to 2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. Ms. Law's first day is May 6.
It's easy to make a nomination

Making a nomination for the 2019 Order of Vaughan is easier than you think. Start by downloading the nomination form from vaughan.ca/OrderOfVaughan. Fill in information about the nominee, including their outstanding achievements. Provide contact information for three references who can speak to the significant impact of the nominee. Finish by submitting the form by July 31.
Vaughan extends its global presence as a Smart City leader

The City of Vaughan was invited to take part in the 2019 Smart City Summit and Expo. This global gathering presented opportunities to share existing best practices, learn about emerging and innovative trends in city-building and actively engage economic development leads. Representing the City were Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, vice-chair of the Mayor's Smart City Advisory Task Force; Dennis Cutajar, director, Economic and Cultural Development; and Smart City industry expert Bill Hutchinson, who served as a facilitator and consultant on the Mayor's Smart City Advisory Task Force. Learn more.
Voting in the Vaughan Ward 1 and 2 Trustee By-election

Eligible voters in the York Region District School Board By-election for Vaughan Ward 1 and 2 will need their voter information card (if they received one) and one piece of identification with their name and address when they vote. They can cast their ballot during the advance vote on Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24 or wait for Voting Day on Thursday, April 25. Eligible voters can vote at ANY of the locations regardless of where they live in Vaughan Ward 1 and 2. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/elections.
Vaughan reaffirms commitment to Service Excellence

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council have approved the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, which will guide the City of Vaughan as it builds on the tremendous success and momentum that have been achieved throughout the past eight years. To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/ServiceExcellence.
Honouring the Vaughan Archives

Last week, the City of Vaughan Archives celebrated Archives Awareness Week by profiling a few special collections - like the photos and postcards pictured here. All of the Vaughan Archives' photographic records can be found in the Archival collection at Vaughan City Hall and are available for viewing during business hours. Contact the Archives to schedule an appointment. View additional archives at vaughan.ca/archives.
City of Vaughan awarded for outstanding community events

The City of Vaughan has received two awards from Festivals and Events Ontario: the Achievement Award for Best Volunteer Program and the Top 100 Festival for Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park, the popular annual summer concert series. Hosting community events is one way the City is fostering an active, safe and diverse municipality.
City of Vaughan receives accessibility award

The City of Vaughan is one of four organizations in Ontario to receive the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility - Champion Award for going beyond meeting requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to remove barriers in workplaces and communities. This award reflects Vaughan's commitment to building an enlightened, inclusive and barrier-free city.
Ward 2 Civic Hero Award presented to Deborah McCracken-Nangereke

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella and Members of Council celebrated the accomplishments of Deborah McCracken-Nangereke, recipient of the 2018 Ward 2 Civic Hero Award. Surrounded by friends and family, Ms. McCracken-Nangereke was honoured during a meeting of Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing) on April 2.
Protect your pets

Keep your pets safe and healthy by getting them vaccinated and microchipped. Vaughan Animal Services, in partnership with the Township of King, is hosting a clinic on Thursday, April 25 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The clinic will be held in the Township of King at the King City Arena, 25 Doctors Lane. To book an appointment, call Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281.
Cook with care

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone to pay special attention when cooking for Easter and Passover celebrations. Provincial stats reveal that careless cooking is the number one cause of fires. Be sure to keep flammable items away from the stove, drink responsibly and remain in the kitchen while cooking. For more information on fire prevention, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
Purchase your visitor parking permits online

Is your home the gathering place for all your friends and family this holiday weekend? The City of Vaughan is making it easier for you to accommodate everyone for all of your celebrations. Purchase visitor parking permits for your guests at vaughan.ca/parking.
Be a responsible pet owner

The City of Vaughan is reminding residents to be responsible pet owners. Pick up after your dog and keep them on a leash in public places. Learn more about Vaughan's Animal Control By-law and how you can help protect the health and well-being of your pet and the community.
Have you hosted an event in Vaughan?

Whether it was a party in the park, a charity run or a sports tournament, the City wants to know how you feel about the City resources and processes involved in organizing an event in Vaughan. The City is holding a series of stakeholder consultations for you to provide input. Register now: vaughan.ca/EventsStrategy.
Have your say on Vaughan's Traffic Management Strategy this Wednesday

Citizens and stakeholders are invited to be part of a public engagement process that seeks to understand the community's values and priorities for traffic safety, efficiency and education through a variety of channels. Register online for the next community meeting:
Wednesday, April 10
 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Niagara University at Expo City in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
Classrooms 104/105
2900 Hwy. 7 West
Join the 20-Minute Makeover Challenge on April 25
The City of Vaughan invites residents, schools, businesses and community groups to participate in this year's 20-Minute Makeover Challenge. Citizens are encouraged to take 20 minutes out of their day to clean a local park or neighbourhood. Everyone has a responsibility to do their part to protect the environment. Register at vaughan.ca/20MinuteMakeover.
Dispose of up to six items without garbage tags during Double-Up Days

   
The City's Double-Up Days are back. Residents can dispose of up to six garbage items without garbage tags between April 9 to 12 based on your collection schedule. Set-out requirements still apply. For more information about the City's waste management program, visit vaughan.ca/waste.
Holiday garbage collection will be moved ahead by one day

   
Waste regularly scheduled for pick-up on Friday, April 19 will be moved ahead by one day to Saturday, April 20. Waste collection will not be affected on Monday, April 22. Learn more at vaughan.ca/waste.
Road repair on Major Mackenzie Drive West between Jane and Keele Streets

   
In 2018, the City of Vaughan replaced an important watermain that will continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water to the community and will supply the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Repair to the road has commenced on Major Mackenzie Drive West between Jane and Keele Streets. Please expect possible delays as lane closures will be in place. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2019. For more information about the project (PDF), visit the City's Disruptions and Closures page or view the watermain replacement video.
Outside the Box - last chance to view

Outside the Box: portraits of innovation | technology is being featured "on the slate" in the Atrium at Vaughan City Hall until April 12. 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.
Check out the Avro Arrow Exhibit
Visit Woodbridge Library between April 15 to May 12 to check out an intriguing exhibit - the Avro Arrow; A Dream Denied. Featuring 2D educational panels and blueprints of the Avro
Arrow, the exhibit chronicles the saga of Canada's aviation marvel, including its creation, cancellation and place in Canadian history.
Meet award-winning journalist and novelist Trevor Cole
Aspiring writers and book lovers are invited to the Bathurst Clark Resource Library on April 27 at 2 p.m. to meet award-winning journalist and novelist Trevor Cole. Hear some of the interesting stories behind Trevor's latest book The Whisky King, winner of the 2018 Arthur Ellis Award for Canada's best non-fiction crime book.
Dungeons and Dragons adventures
Game on! Take part in the action and adventure and campaign through the world of Dungeons and Dragons. No previous gaming experience is required. For ages 12 to 16 years old. Join the fun at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre Resource Library on April 29 or every Tuesday at Dufferin Clark Library.
Spring food drive
Spring into action with a food drive. All Vaughan Public Libraries locations are collecting non-perishable food items between April 15 to 29. Collected items will be donated to local food banks.
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.
Construction notice: Jane Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
York Region is making improvements to the intersections of Jane Street and Pennsylvania Avenue/MacIntosh Boulevard, and Jane Street and Langstaff Road. Improvements include widening, repaving, new bus bays, traffic signals and repairing storm sewers. Both intersections will remain open with temporary lane restrictions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expected completion is July 2019. Visit york.ca for more information.

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.
Vaughan Summer Company Info Session
Wednesday, April 10
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 to this information session to learn more about the application process, program requirements and how to write your business plan.

Maple Lions Pancake Festival
Saturday, April 13
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, April 14
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Maple Community Centre Arena, 10190 Keele St.

Come out and join the annual Maple Lions Pancake Festival at Maple Community Centre Arena. Learn more.

York Mastermind Networking Event
Tuesday, April 23
6:30 p.m.
Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
The York Mastermind Networking group is designed to inspire, motivate and educate entrepreneurs in Vaughan, York Region and parts of the GTA to successfully overcome business challenges. The main objective of the session is to connect you with other business owners and entrepreneurs who might have suggestions for the challenges you face that would help grow your business.  Register for the workshop .

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings at Vaughan City Hall

 
Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 1
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
1 p.m.

Finance, Administration and Audit Committee
Monday, May 6
Committee Room 242/243
Vaughan City Hall
9:30 a.m.

Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, May 7
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
1 p.m.

Committee of the Whole Public Hearing Meeting
Tuesday, May 7
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
7 p.m.

Committee of the Whole Working Session Meeting
Wednesday, May 8
Committee Room 242/243
Vaughan City Hall
1 p.m.

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Corporate and Strategic Communications Department
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
905-832-2281