Mayor Bevilacqua welcomes the 2021-22 session of Council

​City of Vaughan continues to advance a robust city-building agenda

The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacquaafter today's Committee of the Whole (1) meeting to mark the beginning of the 2021-22 session of Council:

'The City of Vaughan's last Council meeting in June marked a significant milestone - the conclusion of our first entirely virtual session of Council. And while the virtual setting pulled many people out of their comfort zone, it has certainly challenged us to pivot, adapt and innovate, which allowed us to thrive as a result.

'Throughout the pandemic, Members of Council and the City's staff remained steadfast in our shared commitment to deliver Service Excellence by ensuring City business continued and improved. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Members of Council and our administration for their unwavering dedication and commitment to public service.

'Today marks the start of what will undoubtedly be a very busy session of Council. The summer months brought plenty of activity, including introducing a mandatory vaccination policy for all City of Vaughan employees. Based on the professional advice of Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region's Medical Officer of Health, I have directed our administration to develop a mandatory vaccination policy for staff. Ultimately, this directive is about keeping employees and members of the public safe and healthy. Therefore, the City will comply with its human rights obligations and accommodate employees legally entitled to accommodation.

'In late June, the City of Vaughan welcomed Andrew Zvanitajs as the new Fire Chief. Chief Zvanitajs has been a valued member of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service since 1997. He has extensive experience in fire prevention and control that will continue to position VFRS as a leader in emergency service delivery in Ontario. Emergency services are vital to healthy, safe and active communities. We are grateful for the team of firefighters we have in Vaughan. I wish Chief Zvanitajs a meaningful and purposeful journey as leader of VFRS.

'In July, we welcomed the announcement from Metrolinx that Clark Avenue station will be included as a neighbourhood station as a part of the Yonge North Subway Extension. I am encouraged by the commitment from our federal and provincial government partners towards this important city-building initiative. This project is critical to those who live, work and commute in Vaughan and will provide improved connection to the expanding regional transportation network while also driving economic opportunities along the Yonge Street corridor.

'We can all take pride in knowing that since 2010, more than $13 billion in building permits have been issued by the City and, despite the global pandemic, city-building did not slow down in 2020. Vaughan issued more than $1 billion in building permits in the last year alone - a significant investment into our community's future. Vaughan is stronger than ever.

'On July 16, we moved into Step 3 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening. We reopened the doors to the City's indoor pools and fitness centres shortly after. Residents were excited to get back inside our community centres to work out, go for a swim and participate in fitness classes. Vaughan Public Libraries have safely reopened and continue providing enhanced experiences, online programming and digital databases.

'Also, in July, I was pleased to participate in the federal government's National Summits on Antisemitism and Islamophobia. The virtual events brought together a diverse group of community and political leaders, academics and activists. Collectively, we shared tangible ideas on how governments of every level can work with organizations, communities and individuals to increase public awareness, enhance community security, address misinformation and online hate, and identify new measures necessary to combat all forms of racism.

'Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the City has worked closely with all levels of government to monitor and respond to the evolving situation. In March 2021, we opened the Maple Community Centre as one of York Region's COVID-19 vaccination clinics, where approximately 1,000 doses were administered per day. On August 30, York Region Public Health assumed clinic operations to continue our shared mission to vaccinate as many citizens as possible. I was fortunate to be among those vaccinated at the Maple Community Centre clinic. I want to express my gratitude to all staff members who were redeployed to run the clinic for their service to the community in this time of need.

'This summer, we joined fans and communities worldwide to celebrate remarkable athletic talent by cheering on Vaughan athletes, including Olympian Daniel Gaysinsky, Paralympian Matt Cabraja and Stanley Cup winner Anthony Cirelli. We are fortunate to have an enduring sport culture in our city that continues to nurture future generations of Vaughan athletes.

'Finally, to the countless Vaughan students who have just begun the 2021-22 school year, I wish you the best as you pursue your academic journey. To coincide with the first day of classes, the City launched its new Speed Limit Policy in all school zones across Vaughan. Speed limits in school zone areas have now decreased from 50 to 40 kilometres per hour, because public safety is a priority.

'Collectively, our focus is to ensure that city-building in Vaughan not only continues but excels. We continue making great strides in our fight against COVID-19, but, as always, we must remember to remain vigilant. I look forward to a thoughtful and productive session of Council ahead.'

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