City Update eNewsletter

Celebrate National Public Works Week this Saturday

Residents are invited to the Public Works Open House on Saturday, May 25 at the Joint Operations Centre. The event will take place between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, and feature a barbecue, entertainment and free giveaways. The City's Public Works team goes above and beyond to provide Vaughan with front-line services that enhance the quality of life in our growing city. For event details, visit vaughan.ca/PublicWorksDay.


25 years of Concerts in the Park

The award-winning annual Concerts in the Park series returns on select Wednesdays in June and July. This year is extra special as the City celebrates the 25th anniversary of offering free professional entertainment for all ages! Come out for the launch concert featuring Honeymoon Suite on Wednesday, June 5 at Transit Square in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Visit vaughan.ca/concerts for more information and to see this year's lineup.

Vaughan recognizes Jewish Heritage Month

In May, Vaughan joins communities across Canada to recognize Jewish Heritage Month. A series of events have been hosted throughout the city to appreciate the history, culture and heritage of Jewish-Canadians. Some of the events that already took place were a flag-raising ceremony marking Israel Independence Day and the Vaughan Judaica Market at Bathurst Clark Resource Library. An event at Vaughan City Hall took place in partnership with the Canadian Jewish Experience (CJE) on May 14. Various photo and memorabilia exhibits will take place all month long. More information is at vaughan.ca/culture.

WATCH: Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua recognizes Vesak Day

Please see Mayor Bevilacqua's video message to the Vaughan community recognizing Vesak Day.
Managing urban wildlife

Vaughan is home to many types of wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds and coyotes. With understanding and some simple precautions, residents can learn to enjoy the wild animals that share backyards and cities. Be sure to supervise your pets when they are outside and keep them safely on a leash. Do not feed or handle wildlife, and never transport or relocate them. For more tips on managing urban wildlife, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices .

Get ready for barbecue season

When you pull out your barbecue for the first time this year, make sure to thoroughly clean and inspect it. Clean out the grease traps and use a pipe cleaner or wire to remove any obstructions, such as rust, dirt or cobwebs, from the burner ports. Check that the hose and all cylinder connections are in good condition before turning it on. Remember to place your barbecue in a safe area away from combustibles, buildings and fences. Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has more tips to help you clean and operate your barbecue safely.

Nominate someone for the 2019 Order of Vaughan

The Order of Vaughan pays tribute to leaders who have dedicated their time and talent to the city's ongoing success. It recognizes people within the following categories: arts and entertainment, media and communications, athletics, health and wellness, business, philanthropy, public service, education, science and technology, not-for-profit, equity and diversity, accessibility, environment and spirituality. Nominations are being accepted until July 31.

Keep your kids active this summer

The City of Vaughan has more than 60 summer camps to get your kids moving, learning and smiling. With everything from outdoor adventure and culinary arts to performing arts and science and technology, there is something for everyone. Sign up now at vaughan.ca/RecOnline.

Property tax reminder

The third instalment of the interim property tax bill is due Thursday, May 30. Did you know you can pay your property taxes through pre-authorized payment, with post-dated cheques or at your financial institution? Learn more about the easy and convenient ways to pay your taxes at vaughan.ca/PropertyTax .

City of Vaughan awarded for excellence in budgeting

The City of Vaughan has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2018 Budget Book. This award reflects Vaughan's commitment to fiscal responsibility and Service Excellence while delivering programs and services that best meet the needs of the growing community.

Vaughan approves three priority task forces

On May 15, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council approved three task forces to address a range of important policy areas and develop recommendations that continue to elevate the city as a destination of choice.

Zoran Postic promoted to Deputy City Manager

Interim City Manager Tim Simmonds is pleased to announce that following a competitive public recruitment process, Zoran Postic has been promoted from Interim Deputy City Manager to the position of Deputy City Manager, Public Works, with the City of Vaughan. Mr. Postic's first official day is May 21 which coincides with the start of National Public Works Week.
It's not too late to have your say on Vaughan's Traffic Strategy

Keep an eye out for the Traffic Strategy pop-up booth on Saturday, May 25 at Public Works Day at the City's Joint Operations Centre located at 2800 Rutherford Rd. and at Vellore Village Community Centre from 9 a.m. to noon. Swing by and have a conversation about traffic and road safety in the city of Vaughan. vaughan.ca/TrafficStrategy .

City-wide Zoning By-law review

This month, the City is holding a series of open houses across Vaughan regarding the first draft of the city-wide comprehensive Zoning By-law Review. The last two sessions will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at North Thornhill Community Centre and Tuesday, May 28 at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre. Additional details available at zonevaughan.ca.

Love your rec job
There's a lot to love about a part-time rec job at Vaughan community centres, such as flexible work hours, competitive wages, discounted courses and ongoing training that leads to career advancement. You get all this while making new friends, doing feel-good work and making a difference in the community. View the recreation employment opportunities and start your career here.

Join a focus group: Celebrate Vaughan magazine
What would you like to see in the next issue of Celebrate Vaughan magazine? Attend a focus group at Vaughan City Hall on Tuesday, May 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help guide and inform future issues of the magazine. Pizza provided. Community service hours offered to students, if needed. Spots are limited. Register today at vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay.

Join in on InSpirit Festival 2019!
InSpirit Festival celebrates the city of Vaughan's cultural mosaic through city-wide arts and cultural programming that fosters community participation and pride. In 2019, InSpirit will focus on the culture of yoga and the importance of community togetherness with free events city-wide including family yoga, tai chi, Bollywood dance and Rangoli making from May 22 to May 30. The festival will also recognize the month of May as Asian and South Asian Heritage Month in Ontario. For a full list of activity dates and times, visit vaughan.ca/culture .

Major Mackenzie road closure from June 17 to Aug. 30

   
York Region will be performing work on Major Mackenzie Drive West from Avro/McNaughton roads to St. David's Parish from Monday, June 17 to Friday, Aug. 30. Attend a community meeting hosted by York Region on Wednesday, May 29 at Vaughan City Hall. Drop-in times are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on planned detours for motorists, public transit users, pedestrians and cyclists, visit york.ca/MajorMackClosure .
VivaNext Rapidway on Highway 7 West, and Bathurst and Centre Streets will support more efficient transportation in Vaughan


   
To support future growth and travel demands, and to help reduce long-term traffic congestion throughout the city and region, road and transit infrastructure improvements are being made. The vivaNext Rapidway on Highway 7 West, and Bathurst and Centre Streets will connect residents across the city. The project is currently 76 per cent completed and is expected to open for service by the end of 2019. For project updates, visit vivaNext.com.
My Waste app is changing to Recycle Coach

   
On June 14, the My Waste app will no longer be available for download and will be replaced with the Recycle Coach app. If you already have My Waste, you will be sent a notification asking you to download Recycle Coach to continue receiving City of Vaughan customized recycling and waste alerts. Recycle Coach is completely free and downloading it will ensure you continue to receive notices. More information: 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. Restoration has commenced to the road, driveways and boulevard areas. The eastbound lane of Major Mackenzie Drive between Jane and Keele streets will be permanently resurfaced. Work will be completed during the day and overnight for three consecutive nights during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., weather permitting. Every effort will be made to minimize noise disruption to residents. Please expect possible delays as lane closures will be in place. For more information about the project (PDF), visit the City's Disruptions and Closures page or view the watermain replacement video

Watermain replacement on Clark Avenue West between Bathurst and Yonge streets

   
The City of Vaughan is replacing an important watermain to continue to provide safe and reliable drinking water to the residents and businesses of Vaughan. Construction has commenced to the road and surrounding area of Clark Avenue West between Bathurst and Yonge streets and is expected to be completed in fall 2019. Please expect intermittent eastbound and westbound lane closures and possible delays. The City asks for patience as this project is completed for the benefit of the community. For more information about the project (PDF), visit vaughan.ca/DisruptionsAndClosures .

Major Mackenzie Drive Humber River bridge construction

   
York Region is making improvements to Major Mackenzie Drive from Highway 50 to Highway 400 in the city of Vaughan. Construction is already underway to accommodate growth, improve traffic flow and provide public transit connections and more travel options for all - including the bridge over the Humber River. This rendering shows how the Highway 27 intersection and bridge will align with the future Major Mackenzie Drive. To learn more about this project, read the Region's full spring update here: https://bddy.me/2ZILwJ0 .
French Family Movie at Vaughan Public Libraries

Best way to learn French?
Movies! Come by Maple Library on Saturday, May 25 to enjoy a movie in French with English subtitles so no one is left behind! 
Film en français: La meilleure façon d'apprendre le français? Des films! Projections en français avec des sous-titres en anglais pour que tous en profite!
Tenth Hindi Kavi Sammelan

Vaughan Public Libraries in partnership with Hindi Chetna presents an event featuring poetry reading in Hindi by local and global poets and writers on Saturday, May 25 at the Vellore Town Hall, 9541 Weston Rd.
Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) presents Game of Thrones celebration

The finale has come! Join in on Wednesday, May 22 at the Civic Centre Resource Library to celebrate everything Game of Thrones, including trivia, DIYs, virtual reality fun, board games, Oculus Rift video games, mocktails and more! For details about the event, visit VPLs Facebook page.

STEM Village
Did you know Vaughan Public Libraries customers have access to STEM Village? STEM Village uses online education tools to assess, educate, guide and motivate students to improve their skills in critical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) areas and ultimately succeed. Sign up here!
Great Walks of Vaughan
Enjoy the great outdoors, get active and discover a local neighbourhood on a Great Walks of Vaughan! There are 12 nature walks and trails throughout the city. For explorers who are ready for a challenge, try the beginner or advanced Kids Scavenger Hunt. For more details and trail sites, visit  vaughan.ca/GreatWalks.

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

Visit our  online event calendar f or a full list of upcoming events.
Collision tech conference
May 21 to 23 - view schedule for times
Enercare Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto
Join the City of Vaughan at Collision and take advantage of one of the most innovative and inclusive tech opportunities in the world! 
Collision  attracts more than 25,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of entrepreneurs on the continent. For more information, contact: James Bang, Economic Development Officer, City of Vaughan, 

Startup Here Innovation Showcase
May 24 - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Various locations in Toronto
Enjoy the opportunity to explore Canada's innovation community. Meet CEO's, learn more about their companies, and see how Canada is changing the world.

Cycle and stretch for a good cause
June 22 - Spin: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Yoga: 11 a.m. to noon.
Maple Community Centre
10190 Keele St., Vaughan
Join the 13th annual Outdoor Spinathon and Yoga in the Park on June 22 at Maple Community Centre in support of the City's recreation fee assistance program for low-income individuals and families. Register by June 6 at any Vaughan Fitness Centre for a chance to win a trail bike. Visit  vaughan.ca/fitness for more information.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings at Vaughan City Hall

Committee of the Whole Meeting
Tuesday, June 4
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
1 p.m.

Committee of the Whole Public Hearing Meeting
Tuesday, June 4
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
7 p.m.

Committee of the Whole Working Session Meeting
Wednesday, June 5
Committee Room 242/243
Vaughan City Hall
9:30 a.m.

Finance, Administration and Audit Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 5
Committee Room 242/243
Vaughan City Hall
1 p.m.

Council Meeting
Wednesday, June 12
Council Chamber
Vaughan City Hall
2:30 p.m.

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