Maria-Teresa Fontana is the 2026 Ward 1 Civic Hero!
During tonight’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate and Members of Council recognized Maria-Teresa Fontana with the 2026 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award during a special ceremonial presentation.
Maria-Teresa’s impact on Maple began decades ago with her helping bring people together and build a strong sense of belonging. She organized day camps and street festivals, including what later became Maple Fest, and was a passionate advocate for the construction of local schools at a time when children in the area had no nearby options.
Maria-Teresa has also been a dedicated volunteer at Mackenzie Health since 2018 and has contributed more than 1,240 hours of community service. She has embraced a variety of roles at Mackenzie Health, such as working in the Hospital Elder Life Program, Emergency GPS/Navigation, Hands Up for Health and Pet Therapy.
For more than 40 years, Maria‑Teresa has exemplified outstanding commitment to Vaughan, contributing a lasting legacy of cultural, recreational and social service initiatives.
QUOTES
“Vaughan has many remarkable residents who go above and beyond for our community, and Maria-Teresa Fontana is one of those people. Whether helping with essential programs at Mackenzie Health, advocating for more schools or bringing the community together through camps and festivals, she has dedicated decades of her time and efforts to support those who need it most. It is clear Maria-Teresa has a true love and care for the people of Maple and Vaughan as a whole, as shown through the meaningful impact she has made and the countless people she has uplifted. Congratulations to Maria-Teresa for being named the 2026 Ward 1 Civic Hero. Thank you for your many years of service to our city.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am very pleased to present Maria-Teresa Fontana with the 2026 Ward 1 Civic Hero Award. For more than four decades, Maria-Teresa has dedicated much of her time to giving back to our community. In recent years, her work at Mackenzie Health – including the generous act of sharing her dog Luppo with patients for pet therapy – has touched countless lives. The programs she has helped run, the partnerships she has nurtured and the people she has inspired all stand as a testament to her remarkable service. Congratulations to Maria-Teresa on this well-deserved recognition. I am so grateful for your passion and leadership.”
- Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Ward 1
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan’s Civic Hero Awards are presented annually.
- Recipients are nominated by their Local Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
- The awards began in 2005 to recognize outstanding achievements and individual contributions to the community.
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