COVID-19 Update on City services

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COVID-19: Update on City services

4/3/2020 10:00 AM

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As the City of Vaughan continues to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of the community is the priority. Vital services continue to be offered and information is always available on the City’s website at vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate for alerts on the latest efforts to break the chain of transmission of this virus.

Ongoing services

During this time, essential services remain in operation. These include fire and emergency response, waste collection, winter maintenance operations, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services, and the Access Vaughan contact centre at 905-832-2281.

Many other City services continue to be offered online or via telephone, including the Service Vaughan reporting tool at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan, Vaughan Public Libraries online resources, virtual fitness classes and online Vaughan Playschool activities through Recreation Services, and Economic and Cultural Development department front-line services.

Closures and cancellations

Current facility closures, program cancellations and service disruptions are as follows:

City facilities

All City facilities, including Vaughan City Hall, Joint Operations Centre, the Vaughan Animal Shelter, the City Playhouse Theatre, all community centres and public library branches, will remain closed to the public until further notice.

Recreation Services

The City’s spring recreation programs and all permits have been cancelled. These include spring swim lessons, outdoor sports leagues, indoor facility permits, outdoor field permits and City Playhouse Theatre programs. Refunds will be issued automatically to all registered participants and permit holders without penalty. As an alternative, Recreation Services is now offering free programming online and on Instagram.

Events

All City-led events from April to June have been postponed until further notice. For a complete list of events no longer taking place, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. Check the Event Calendar webpage at vaughan.ca for the latest updates about non-City-led event cancellations.

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service fire station tours are also cancelled until further notice.

Parks

All facilities within City parks have been closed to the public, including playground equipment, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks and benches. Several measures have been taken to reinforce the closures including signage, caution tape, removing nets and conducting daily inspections. Any violations of the park facility closures can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. Calls 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 $150 to $400 may be laid.

Waste and litter

To protect waste collectors in Vaughan during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are reminded to place all personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, and personal hygiene and sanitary products – including wipes and tissues – in the garbage.

During the weeks of April 7 or April 14, Double-Up Days will be offered on regular collection days, allowing up to six items of garbage to be put out without tags. The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pick-up to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes during this time. To assist in prioritizing this essential service, leaf and yard waste collection will be deferred until the week of May 19.

Littering and illegal dumping are prohibited and may be subject to a $205 fine. Instances of illegal dumping or litter can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. By-law enforcement officers are proactively patrolling the City for violations of illegal dumping, including inspecting all commercial plazas. Private property conditions are governed by the City’s Debris By-law and Property Standards By-law. Those who do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject to a fine of $5,000 for each offence. As well, the City may have the waste and debris removed at the owner’s expense and it may be subject to an Order to Comply, under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order is a chargeable offense.

By-law services

By-law officers continue to operate, patrol and respond to calls on a priority basis. If an administrative monetary penalty, such as a parking ticket, is received, it can be paid online at PayVaughanTicket.com. To arrange an alternative method of payment or schedule a dispute appointment, call Access Vaughan at 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 will not be issued at this time. A grace period of 90 days has been established for business licence renewals.

Vaughan Animal Services

Vaughan Animal Services continues to operate and serve Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King Township communities. Limited access into the Vaughan Animal Shelter is permitted for adoption and pet recovery services, by appointment only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca.

Water services

Stormwater charges have been deferred for 60 days and the planned 2020 water and wastewater rate increase has been cancelled. Residential and commercial water meter replacement appointments are also being postponed – owners with an existing appointment will be contacted to re-book at a later date.

Property tax

Late penalty charges on interim property tax bills have been waived. Payments for the Thursday, March 26, Monday, April 27 and Wednesday, May 27 due dates will not be subject to any late payment fee or interest until Monday, June 1. The deadline for the Elderly Home-Owners Tax Assistance 2020 program has been extended to Thursday, April 30 and the deadline remains Wednesday, Sept. 30 for the Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program.

Committee meetings

All Council committees and task force meetings are cancelled until further notice. Electronic-participation Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will still take place.

Vaughan Public Libraries

While public libraries remain closed until further notice, citizens are asked to refrain from returning items back to their local library branch. No fines for late returns will be implemented. Digital resources from Vaughan Public Libraries are also available online and on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca or follow the City of Vaughan’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Updates are frequently posted.

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

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