Reopening Vaughan

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Reopening Vaughan

Updated: Friday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.

York Region, including Vaughan, is currently in a modified Stage 2. For more information, please read the Province’s news release.

A disciplined, responsible and measured approach

The City of Vaughan continues to work with all levels of government to implement precautionary measures to ensure public safety in response to COVID-19. Effective Monday, Oct. 19, the Province of Ontario has announced modified Stage 2 restrictions for the city of Vaughan and all of York Region for 28 days.

As a result, all City fitness centres will be closed starting on Monday, Oct. 19. In-person fitness classes will be cancelled. However, virtual fitness classes will continue to be available via Zoom and YouTube. Fitness memberships will be put on hold and extended for the duration of the closure. Swimming pools will remain open for recreational and length swimming, as well as aquafitness, with additional protocols, including reduced capacity; the number of people in the pool at one time will be limited to 10. Pre-registration is required to use a City pool and can be done at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. View pool guidelines, the check-in procedure and schedules at vaughan.ca/swim.

Arenas will also remain open by permit only, however, the number of people on the ice at one time will be limited to 10 with no spectators. Team sports will be limited to training sessions only – no games and scrimmages.

The Province’s new restrictions for Vaughan and York Region include a number of other targeted measures, and prohibit indoor food and drink service in restaurants, bars and other establishments. For a complete list of measures, read the Province’s news release.

To avoid further closures and remain vigilant in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 transmissions, enforcement and education efforts have been increased across the City. Greater attention and a more assertive, proactive approach to enforcement are underway. Public complaints, concerns and inquiries should be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 .

ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Essential services remain intact, including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services, and the Access Vaughan contact centre at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca, among many others.

CITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
The following facilities remain closed:

Vaughan City Hall (until Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at the earliest)
City Playhouse Theatre
Community centres (with the exception of arenas by permit only and select pools for recreational and length swimming, and aquafitness with additional protocols: reduced capacity of 10 people in the pool at one time -- pre-registration is required)
Fitness centres including in-person fitness classes (starting Monday, Oct. 19)
Joint Operations Centre (until Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at the earliest)
Vaughan Animal Shelter (except by appointment, for adoption purposes only)
Vaughan Public Libraries (with the exception of Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library)

The following amenities have reopened:

Arenas (by permit only with additional protocols: number of people on the ice at one time will be 10 with no spectators)
Off-leash dog park
Outdoor basketball courts
Outdoor bocce courts
Outdoor exercise equipment
Outdoor volleyball courts
Park benches
Park public washrooms
Parking lots in parks
Picnic tables and gazebos
Playgrounds
Premium/artificial fields and diamonds (by permit only)
Skateboard parks
Sports fields and baseball diamonds
Squash courts (by appointment only)
Tennis courts
Trails
Vaughan Public Libraries (Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library only)

All violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Reports of this nature will be referred to the City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation. Fines in the amount of $105 to $400 under the Parks By-law and $500 to $100,000 under the Emergency Measures By-law may be laid.

RECREATION SERVICES

A series of virtual programs are underway to keep kids active, engaged, educated and entertained from the safety of home. As of Tuesday, Oct. 13, City instructors have been livestreaming popular recreational programs remotely via Zoom, including STEM, French, chess, dance, sports and leadership/volunteerism. A series of educational and music programs are also available for individuals with special needs.

From Tuesday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Oct. 31, the department is offering online Halloween one-day programs for children and youth ages six to 15, so they can celebrate the holiday from the safety of home. Programs include a Halloween make-up tutorial; no-carve pumpkin decorating; and a ‘Halloweekend Party,’ which features a virtual haunted house, costume contest, dancing, scavenger hunt and creepy crafts. A modified version of the ‘Halloweekend Party’ will also be led by integration counsellors for children with special needs. Programs are 1.5 hours in length and cost $8.

Pre-registration for virtual recreation programs is required and available at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. For assistance or additional details, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email reccsd@vaughan.ca.

Frequent enhancements are also made to the Recreation department’s webpage featuring virtual recreation resources for all ages, abilities and areas of interest. Popular resources include:

Vaughan Playschool educational reading, writing, math and science worksheets for children aged three to five years old.
easy-to-follow at-home workouts from Vaughan Fitness instructors featured on Recreation Services’ Instagram TV. Full-length classes are also posted to the Recreation Vaughan YouTube channel.
general activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, colouring and more.

BY-LAW AND COMPLIANCE, ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

The City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, in partnership with public health officials, York Regional Police and other levels of government, remains at the forefront in applying and enforcing the provincial regulations passed under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA), the directions of the Medical Officer of Health and the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law.

By-law officers continue to operate, patrol and respond to calls on a priority basis, including enforcement of new social gathering limits as mandated by the provincial government. As of Sept. 13, the limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored social gathering or organized public event in Vaughan and York Region is restricted to 10 people indoors (previous limit of 50) and 25 people outdoors (previous limit of 100). This includes functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, barbecues or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards and parks. New public health measures include mandatory face covering protocols for all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces.

Online payments of administrative monetary penalties, such as parking tickets, can be made online via payvaughanticket.com. To arrange an alternative method of payment or schedule a dispute appointment, call 905-832-2281 within 15 days of receiving it. Scheduled disputes are being conducted over the phone until further notice.

Event, filming and lottery permits continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. These permit inquiries should be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. On-street, visitor and overnight parking permits can be attained online at vaughan.ca/parking. Permits are also required for licensed establishments looking to create a patio or expand their current patio to accommodate physical distancing requirements. To begin the process, licensed businesses must complete an online registration (PDF) form. Additional information and eligibility requirements are available on the City’s website.

VAUGHAN PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Vaughan Public Libraries’ (VPL) three resource libraries remain open – Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library – under strict health and safety protocols. Although all in-library programs remain cancelled until January 2021, the fully digital library service continues to be enhanced to engage and educate residents of all ages. The web hub features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more. Additional content, such as virtual story time, is available daily on VPL’s Instagram. Wi-Fi has been extended to reach into the parking lot of VPL’s three resource libraries for customer use.

The Curbside Pickup program will continue to operate out of the remaining closed branches to provide customers with quick and convenient access. Reserve books and arrange a pick-up date at vaughanpl.info/curbside.

VPL has also eliminated overdue fines, which are charged for the late return of library materials. No future overdue fines will be applied and all overdue fines currently on record will be automatically pardoned.

EVENTS

Some events are resuming virtually, including Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park, Culture Days and the annual Remembrance Day event, among others. Virtual public engagement opportunities are also in the works for city-building projects. Visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Electronic-participation Committee of the Whole and Council meetings are continuing throughout October. Upcoming agendas can be viewed at vaughan.ca/CouncilMeetings. While Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public, visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more about how to participate virtually, including speaking live to Council via teleconference or telephone. Email or written communications are also accepted. Citizens can watch the meetings by tuning in to the live broadcast at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil.

WASTE COLLECTIONS

Waste collection services have returned to normal operations, as scheduled in the 2020 Waste Calendar. Residents can receive customized notifications about their collections by downloading the Recycle Coach mobile app. To ensure waste is collected, be sure to comply with the safe set-out requirements at vaughan.ca/waste. Materials that do not comply will be tagged and left behind. For one-on-one video coaching on how to divert more materials into blue boxes and green bins, book a Waste-less Virtual Visit session by contacting 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.

While the City’s Joint Operations Centre remains closed for in-person visits, residents can purchase garbage tags by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. A new temporary bin exchange program is also being offered, which allows residents to replace broken City blue boxes and green bins through home delivery. To request an exchange and arrange a delivery, call Access Vaughan.

PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES

Keeping Vaughan clean has been an ongoing focus. These include street sweeping, litter pickup, garbage collection, boulevard maintenance, grass cutting, pavement marking and water and wastewater services.

Adjustments have been made to some regularly scheduled public works operations. Tree planting that was deferred in the spring will resume in September. Other services that have been delayed or reduced include tree maintenance, shrub bed maintenance, planting of annuals, weeding and mulching, road and sidewalk repair, replacement or addition of streetlight and traffic signals, implementation of new traffic operations and road safety measures, and water trailer event bookings.

VAUGHAN ANIMAL SERVICES

Vaughan Animal Services continues to serve the Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King communities through regular patrols and response to service calls. The Vaughan Animal Services Shelter remains closed, with limited access for adoption and pet recovery services by appointment only. Book an appointment by contacting 905-832-2281 or animal.services@vaughan.ca. Vaughan pet licensing and tag purchases are also available online. For general information, please visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

BUILDING STANDARDS

The City’s Building Standards department continues to provide essential city-building services such as building code enforcement, processing building permits, conducting inspections and issuing occupancy permits. The department has also launched a new digital permitting portal enabling citizens and building industry professionals to apply, track and pay for permits online. Discover the portal at vaughan.ca/PermitPortal.

Additional online permitting options launched by the Development Engineering department for pools, grading for sheds, home additions and more can now be submitted and approved through the platform at vaughan.ca/DEPermits.

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

The City’s Development Planning and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) teams have innovated their processes to ensure planning approvals and shovel-ready projects can move forward throughout the pandemic. These include digital new development applications, electronic-participation Pre-Application Consultation and virtual Heritage Vaughan and Design Review Panel meetings.

Several projects are underway that will guide development for intensification areas, such as the Vaughan Mills Centre and the Yonge Steeles Corridor, with a focus on safety, active transportation and sustainability. Studies have commenced to respond to the rapid growth in the VMC, including an update to the Secondary Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Parks and Wayfinding Strategy. Work also continues on the Maple and Kleinburg Nashville Heritage Conservation District Plan Reviews, as well as a heritage inventory update.

POLICY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The City, in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and several community members, is co-developing a plan to bring a Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) to Thornhill. The SNAP program is about revitalization, making communities more sustainable and to seek urban renewal opportunities such as flood risk reduction, energy and water conservation, tree planting and natural heritage enhancements, improving walkability and accessibility, recreation, and arts and culture. Learn more at vaughan.ca/environment.

City staff have initiated the Official Plan Review, which will guide growth in Vaughan until 2051. Phase 1 of the project is well underway, which consists of the background work, research and Gaps Analysis. To date, initial Council and stakeholder engagements have taken place – additional public feedback engagements will be conducted virtually in coming months. For more information, visit the Official Plan Review webpage at vaughan.ca or email opr@vaughan.ca.

Land use studies are also underway to guide the development of transit supportive, complete communities in Vaughan. Current studies include the Promenade Centre Secondary Plan, Weston 7 Secondary Plan and supporting Transportation Master Plan, Concord Go Centre Mobility Hub Study and supporting Transportation Master Plan. Various stakeholder and public feedback opportunities will continue to be explored throughout the process. For more information on these transformational City-building initiatives, visit vaughan.ca/PolicyPlanning.

INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER AND LOBBYIST REGISTRAR

The Office of the Integrity Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar will not be taking in-person meetings while Vaughan City Hall remains closed. To book a virtual meeting, email integrity.commissioner@vaughan.ca or call 905-832-2281, ext. 8314 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

BUSINESS SUPPORTS

Virtual programs and new services are being offered to further support local businesses, including:

information on resources available from other levels of government to support business, which can be found at vaughanbusiness.ca/covid.
the vaughanbusiness.ca website with a dedicated COVID-19 information page.
virtual business advisory services to support with registering a business, business planning, accessing government assistance programs and more. Local businesses can access these services through this online form.
sector-specific eNewsletters to keep businesses up to date on government announcements, funding and relevant programming. Businesses can subscribe here.
online resources such as the #ShopVaughanLocal campaign and the Open For Business webpage.
access to all events and webinars hosted virtually for businesses across York Region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
season two of the Vaughan Rising Podcast, which examines the resilience of Vaughan’s business community and talks to leaders who are pivoting, innovating and doing what it takes to make it through to the other side of the pandemic.
the Activate!Vaughan Health Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Mackenzie Health, the Mackenzie Innovation Institute, SE Health, Sterling Industries, The HUB and ventureLAB. Entrepreneurs participating in the program will present innovative business solutions that will deliver high-quality, effective and patient-focused care.
virtual Small Business Week programs in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, YSpace, Futurpreneur Canada and COSTI. Five virtual workshops, networking opportunities and tools will be offered during the week of Oct. 19 to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in their continued successes and navigate through challenges presented by COVID-19.

To learn more about the many virtual programs and services available, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19.

OTHER PROGRAMS FOR CITIZENS

Many services continue to be offered online or via telephone, including:

Kid-friendly pollinator activities, which include a scavenger hunt, crossword puzzle and Whose Home? interactive game.
The City’s Art Integration Collection in a digital art gallery on Flickr, which features the 78 art acquisitions by local and GTA-based artists housed permanently in the collection.
The Service Vaughan reporting tool at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan for non-emergency service requests about garbage, roads, traffic lights and more.
visitvaughan.ca – a new visitor website that offers an exploration of all there is to see and do in Vaughan. The “explore online now, visit later” platform, developed in partnership with the Tourism Vaughan Corporation and Central Counties Tourism, offers interactive content, including museum tours, cooking lessons, educational webinars, roller-coaster rides and more.

HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

It is important that every citizen takes the following steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from new and emerging diseases:

Stay home as much as possible.
Practice physical distancing with anyone outside of your household by staying two metres away from everyone else.
Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Practice respiratory etiquette.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Wear a face mask or covering when inside public places or when two metres of distance cannot be maintained between yourself and others (outside of your household).
Clean high-touch surfaces often.
Download the COVID-Alert app.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

For more information, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Residents can also visit:

vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan for a complete list of what’s reopened in the city.
vaughan.ca/CityUpdate to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter and receive news as it is released.
the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels to stay up to date on the latest news.
york.ca/COVID19 for COVID-19-related resources, online tools and more information from York Region Public Health.

Contact Information

Telehealth Ontario
Call if you develop symptoms.
Phone: 1-866-797-0000

York Region Public Health
Phone: 1-800-361-5653

City-related matters
Phone: 905-832-2281

For media requests, contact:
corpcomm@vaughan.ca

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 200
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1

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