Local Improvements

What is a Local Improvement Project?

In the city of Vaughan, the following are the most common types of local improvements that may be eligible for consideration under the Local Improvement Process:

• installing streetlights (i.e., if the street does not have streetlights)
• installing domestic watermains (i.e., in areas where homes are currently on well water)
• installing sanitary sewers (i.e., in areas where homes are currently on private septic systems)
• replacing roadside ditches with curbs, storm sewers and sewer inlets
• installing noise reducing fences

To qualify, the construction must be built on municipal lands or easements on title deeded to the City.

How can I request a local improvement in my neighbourhood? 

Any property owner in Vaughan can request a local improvement on their street. If you wish to inquire about the possibility of a local improvement, please email the City’s Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management department at ipcam@vaughan.ca. They will investigate the feasibility of your request and help you with the formal process.

If the requested improvement is deemed feasible, the project owner requesting the improvement – the “project initiator’ – must complete a Demonstration of Interest form. This form will be provided by City staff upon request. The purpose of this form is to demonstrate sufficient neighbourhood support for the requested improvement. The project initiator must complete the form by collecting the signatures of neighbouring property owners who are impacted by, and would benefit from, the improvement and are in support of the project. 

Once completed, the form must be submitted to the Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management department by email, at ipcam@vaughan.ca, or mail:

Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management

Vaughan City Hall

2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.

Vaughan, ON l6A 1T1

The Local Improvement Process

If the requested improvement is technically feasible and there is demonstrated interest from the local residents, the City will initiate the Local Improvement Process. The following outlines the steps involved once an initiation application is received:

Step 1: Determine cost estimates and share information with residents

Once a request is received, the City will further investigate the feasibility of installing the requested improvements and complete a preliminary cost estimate. The cost estimate is then shared with property owners via a letter or notice. The City may also host a public meeting for residents to ask questions if there is sufficient interest.

Step 2: Survey residents to determine the level of agreement

Once property owners have been informed of the cost estimates, the City will issue a formal survey to each property, asking whether they agree or disagree with paying for the requested local improvements. 

If two-thirds of the property owners wish to proceed with the local improvements, City staff will put forward a budget request to Vaughan Council to secure funding for detailed design and construction.

If two-thirds of property owners agree and Council approves the project, all affected properties, even those who did not support it, will be required to pay for the improvements. Residents cannot opt-out. 

If two-thirds agreement is not achieved, the Local Improvements Project is cancelled. 

All property owners will be notified of the outcome of the survey. 

Step 3: Revise the cost estimate and determine final community decision

Once the detailed design is complete, the City will provide the community with a revised estimate for the cost of work and the portion each resident would be required to pay. Then, another formal letter is issued, asking residents to sign a confirmation that they will pay their share of the costs. If two-thirds of the property owners confirm, Council will enact the necessary by-law to commence construction.

Step 4: Complete construction and collect payment

The construction contract will be publicly advertised in a competitive bid process and will be awarded to the lowest compliant bidder. Once construction of the local improvements is complete, final costs will be calculated. 

The portion each property owner will be required to pay will be based on their assessed property value and will be charged as a levy on their property tax bill. Owners will have the option for a one-time payment on their tax bill, or they can spread the payments over 10 years with prime rate interest on their property tax. 

The levy is attached to the property, so if a resident sells the property before then 10-year installment plan is completed, the new owner will be responsible for paying the outstanding amount.

Frequently asked questions about Local Improvement Projects