Order of Vaughan

What is it?

The Order of Vaughan is the highest honour the City of Vaughan may present. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and enduring contribution to the City of Vaughan through their endeavours in one of the following categories:

Who is eligible?

Order of Vaughan

Eligible nominees must be a living person at the time of nomination and have made a significant contribution to the City. A person under consideration for the Order of Vaughan does not need to live in Vaughan to receive the award.

Nominations will not be accepted for staff currently employed by the City of Vaughan, or for current elected public office holders at the federal, provincial or municipal level. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Order of Vaughan Legacy Award

Eligible nominees for the Order of Vaughan Legacy Award must be deceased at the time of nomination. 

The impact of the nominee’s contribution must be demonstrable, substantial and sustained over time. The nominee must have established or had long-term leadership of an organization, institution, program or initiative of enduring value to the city. 

How do I nominate?

To nominate a deserving individual for the Order of Vaughan, you must complete a nomination form and submit it with supporting documents which speak to the character and accomplishments of the nominee. See below for additional supporting documentation required.

To nominate someone for the Order of Vaughan Legacy Award, you must complete a nomination form and submit it with supporting documents that speak to the breadth and depth of the nominee’s accomplishments. You must also provide a letter of support from a living relative of the nominee.

Nomination forms and documents may be submitted by email to orderofvaughan@vaughan.ca or by mail to the Office of the City Clerk, Attention Order of Vaughan, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan ON L6A 1T1.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

What do I need to provide with the nomination form?

In addition to the nomination form, you must provide three reference letters describing the impact and achievements of the individual you have nominated. These letters should be from people who have had firsthand knowledge and experience with the nominee, and can provide sufficient detail about what they have done.

You are also encouraged to provide supporting material that help provide background or expand on the achievements and accomplishments of your nominee. These documents include news articles, reviews, samples of their writings, products or creations (excerpts from a book or academic paper, musical composition, painting, etc.). Please ensure you provide the supporting material and not a link to a website or video.

How are the recipients chosen?

Completed nominations will be considered by the Order of Vaughan Selection Committee who will recommend successful nominations to Council for approval.

When are they awarded?

The Order of Vaughan is presented at an investiture ceremony conducted annually.