Vaughan: One of Canada’s most livable and business-friendly cities

Feb. 20, 2026 2:15 p.m.

Business

In today’s competitive development landscape, business leaders are choosing locations – such as Vaughan – that are purpose-built for growth and seamlessly connected to opportunity.

Recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s most livable cities and consistently ranked among the top places for business investment, Vaughan offers the ideal environment for companies to thrive – and here’s why:

The City of Vaughan continues to remove barriers and streamline processes, making it easier for businesses to develop, expand and succeed in the Greater Toronto Area – strengthening its position as one of Canada’s most dynamic communities.

Launching this year, the Community and Economic Development Fund, formerly known as the Community Improvement Plan, is investing $43 million over five years in commercial and office business development. What does this mean?

Eligible developers and businesses can access deferred development charges and forgivable loans for investment projects in:

office spaces and co-working spaces.
convention centres.
grocery stores and food services.
transportation management strategies.
urban agriculture.
creative industries.
incubation, research and development.

Vaughan also offers investors a premium level of support through its Investment Concierge Program – a white‑glove service designed to streamline every step of the development and permitting process. From proposal to groundbreaking, our Investment Concierge will help get your development idea over the finish line in record speed. Whether you’re opening a new facility or expanding an existing one, the program connects you with a dedicated concierge from the City’s Economic Development team who acts as your single point of contact, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly, efficiently and without surprises.

Your concierge will guide you through the City’s Roadmap to Ribbon Cutting (PDF) – a clear, step‑by‑step guide that outlines exactly what’s required to get your project approved, built and open. This means faster navigation of City processes, fewer delays, direct access to the right experts and a level of support that lets you focus on what matters most: getting your investment into the market with confidence.

Bringing your business to Vaughan means you’ll have access to major transportation systems, including direct access to Highways 400, 407 and 427. Vaughan is the only municipality outside of Toronto with direct access to the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 1, providing fast, reliable subway connections into and out of the city, and is located only 10 kilometres away from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

To learn more about investing in Vaughan, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.

QUOTE

“Vaughan remains York Region’s largest economy and a destination of choice for business investment. We continue to see a growing interest from entrepreneurs and companies who recognize the strength of our local economy and the value of being part of a dynamic and diverse community. And they know they will get the support they need here. Our $43-million investment in our new Community and Economic Development Fund and our Investment Concierge Program are examples of the City’s unwavering commitment to creating more opportunities for businesses to set up shop, grow and thrive in Vaughan. We are proud to champion their success every step of the way.”

– Mayor Steven Del Duca

QUICK FACTS

In September 2025, Vaughan was recognized by Site Selection Magazine as one of Canada’s Best Locations for Investment.
The Economic Development team has new tools designed to help investors move faster and build smarter, including the new Community and Economic Development Fund and new Investment Concierge Program.
The Community and Economic Development Fund is investing $43 million over five years into commercial and office business development. Eligible developers and businesses can access deferred development charges and forgivable loans for projects in a number of development categories.
The Investment Concierge Program helps businesses and investors navigate the development application process for employment sites with ease. Applicants can review the criteria in the Roadmap to Ribbon Cutting (PDF) program manual.
Recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s most livable cities.