The Advance Vote for the 2022 Municipal Election is less than one week away! New to this year’s election, you can vote online from Thursday, Oct. 6 until Thursday, Oct. 20. Cast your vote from the comfort of home or while you’re on the go by using a supported device and a stable internet connection. Online voting is secure, accessible and convenient.

Vaughan is home to more than 19,000 small businesses that create local jobs and contribute to the city’s economic growth. To celebrate the innovations and achievements of local entrepreneurs, the City of Vaughan’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) will host a variety of workshops and events – virtual and in-person – during Small Business Week, from Monday, Oct. 17 to Friday, Oct. 21, that explore concepts of business resiliency, marketing and finance, as they relate to entrepreneurship and starting or owning a business. Entrepreneurs and business owners can register at vaughanbusiness.ca/SBW to participate, connect and network with like-minded professionals.

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at the Sign By-law.

In 2021, Vaughan became the first municipality in Canada to endorse Treat Accessibly, an initiative aimed at making Halloween trick-or-treating an activity every child can participate in - regardless of their ability. Treat Accessibly aligns with the City’s goal to foster an inclusive community where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive.

The city of Vaughan continues to transform. As a result of its high standard of living, accessible location, world-class amenities, development options, subway connections and so much more, Vaughan continues to attract significant opportunities for investment in residential, commercial and industrial projects, year after year.

During a ceremonial presentation at the Sept. 20 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting, Mayor and Members of Council announced the City of Vaughan received the 2022 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Procurement Institute. This prestigious recognition is presented annually to organizations that demonstrate excellence in innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement and leadership.

The City of Vaughan is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community – and these efforts are being noticed! Recently, the City won a 2022 Canadian HR Award in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion category, which was celebrated at today’s Council meeting with a ceremonial presentation.

During a ceremonial presentation at the Sept. 28 Council meeting, Mayor and Members of Council announced the City of Vaughan has achieved three International Organization of Standardization (ISO) certifications from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) – a Platinum ISO 37120 certification for 2020 and 2021, and the ISO 37122 Early Adopter Smart Cities certification.

During a ceremonial presentation at today's Council Meeting, Mayor and Members of Council recognized Father Michael Corcione as the recipient of the 2022 Ward 2 Civic Hero Award.

Although there are many weeks before the first snowfall, it’s not too early to start thinking about your snow removal options for the upcoming winter season. Each year, the City of Vaughan operates an extensive winter services and road maintenance program to help keep the public safe during the winter months. Some residents may require assistance with snow-clearing at their homes – that’s where the Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) program comes in to help.

Fun fact: four of the 10 smallest birds in North America are found in Vaughan! To make the community more welcoming and safer for birds, the City of Vaughan is taking steps to further protect our feathered friends – and you can get involved! Here’s how:

Are you driving to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) but aren’t sure where to park? Or maybe you’re thinking of taking public transit but don’t know the routes. Either way – there are many options to commute to and from Vaughan’s downtown core! Paid on-street parking, temporary lots, commuter lots, pick-up and drop-off areas, and an award-winning transit system are all at your disposal.

The City of Vaughan’s water distribution system provides safe and clean drinking water to all residents and businesses. Regular infrastructure maintenance is required to ensure water continues to flow now and for generations to come. Here’s what you need to know when this work is taking place at or around your home or business.

To help set small businesses and entrepreneurs up for success, the City of Vaughan is continuing its virtual Business Planning Launchpad Series in October.

It’s that time of year when there’s a chill in the air and the leaves are changing colour. What better way to embrace the crisp, cool breeze than by spending it outdoors in your community? Vaughan has many fun activities for you to enjoy – from parks to sports fields, to trails and more!