Mayor Del Duca: Delivering safety, security and affordability for Vaughan’s future

Mayor Steven Del Duca issued the following statement today after delivering his keynote address at the 2026 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Annual Mayor’s Luncheon:

“In times of global uncertainty and economic pressure, communities don’t stand still — they make a choice. A choice to be steady. A choice to be responsible. A choice to lead with clarity and purpose.

In Vaughan, we refuse to be spectators. Securing our future means creating a city where businesses can plan with confidence, invest with certainty and continue to grow. It means building a community where families can live and grow without feeling squeezed — where opportunity is real, and stability is not a slogan, but a commitment.

That commitment is delivering results. Vaughan remains one of the most livable cities in Ontario because our residents believe in this city, our businesses continue to invest here and, together, we value long-term thinking over short-term decisions.

That approach is reflected in our 2026 Budget, unanimously approved by Council. This year’s budget includes no local property tax increase and no service cuts. We are proving that you can be fiscally responsible while still delivering the kind of community that people can afford to live in — a city that families and entrepreneurs can believe in.

Securing our future also means tackling the housing crisis with leadership and urgency. Today, I issued a Mayoral Directive asking City staff to report back in the coming weeks with options to temporarily reduce Vaughan’s residential Development Charges to zero for any housing unit that begins construction within a defined, time-limited period. This would be aligned with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s definition of a housing start, ensuring the incentive is tied directly to projects that move from approval to actual construction.

The goal is clear: to accelerate housing supply, support affordability and create the conditions to get more homes built, more quickly. We will not stand still — we will continue to lead.

Protecting our community remains fundamental to everything we do. A city cannot thrive if its people do not feel safe. For two consecutive years, Vaughan’s representatives at York Regional Council have supported unprecedented investments in York Regional Police to strengthen safety across our neighbourhoods, employment areas and commercial districts.

In a growing city, securing our future also means keeping Vaughan moving. Time lost in traffic is lost productivity, lost opportunity and lost time with the people who matter most. That is why we continue to invest in critical road and infrastructure projects that keep people and goods moving efficiently and safely.

In turbulent times, strong local leadership matters. Leadership that stays focused on the fundamentals: affordability, safety and mobility — the pillars that secure Vaughan’s future and support the success of our residents and business community.

To our business leaders and entrepreneurs: you have a Mayor and Council you can count on. We are committed to securing a future defined by opportunity, resilience and growth.

We are Vaughan. And together, we are securing our future.”

QUOTE

“The future doesn’t secure itself — and in Vaughan, we refuse to stand still. Today, I issued a Mayoral Directive asking staff to bring forward options to temporarily reduce residential Development Charges to zero for projects that move to construction within a defined time period, aligned with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s definition of a housing start.

This is about action. It’s about accelerating housing supply, supporting affordability and sending a clear signal that Vaughan is prepared to lead in tackling the housing crisis. In uncertain economic times, strong local leadership means creating the conditions for growth — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

• Mayor Steven Del Duca

QUICK FACTS 

• Vaughan remains York Region’s largest economy with growth rates that surpass those of the Region and Province.
• The City’s proposed property tax-supported gross operating budget for 2026 is $434.4 million. This includes a zero per cent local property tax levy increase. 
• The proposed 2026 capital budget is approximately $290.5 million, and the capital plan for 2027 to 2030 is about $1.1 billion. 
• Vaughan is the only municipality with a proposed or approved zero per cent tax rate increase in York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. 
• By 2051, Vaughan’s population is expected to grow to 576,000 people. 

LEARN MORE 

• City’s business projects webpage
• City’s transportation projects webpage
• Mayor Del Duca and Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Linda Jackson’s Members’ Resolution: Procurement of crime fighting closed-circuit television video (CCTV) cameras
• Jan. 28, 2026, news release: Mayor Steven Del Duca tables 2026 Budget with 0% property tax increase
• Oct. 14, 2025, news release: Vaughan fights crime