Vaughan recognized for enhancing its greenspaces
City’s first Greenspace Strategic Plan supports the sustainability of parks, trails and open spaces
As Vaughan continues to grow, the City is ensuring parks, trails and open spaces remain protected, connected and sustainable. The recently approved Greenspace Strategic Plan – the first of its kind for Vaughan – has been recognized with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute 2025 PlanON Vision Award of Excellence!
Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council celebrated this achievement with a ceremonial presentation at the Oct. 21 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting. This recognition highlights projects that demonstrate leadership in addressing key challenges in the planning profession, including climate change, inclusivity and innovation.
Developed with extensive community feedback, the Greenspace Strategic Plan includes strategies and recommendations to guide future planning, design, implementation and enhancement of parks and greenspaces to meet the needs of Vaughan’s growing population and support equitable access to these spaces over the next 30 years.
Highlights of the plan include:
Circuit 51: A conceptual framework that underpins the approach to thinking about green space beyond traditional parkland at time of continued growth.
Acquisition Priority Areas where a toolkit developed to determine equitable distribution of parkland through social, environment, and health lenses.
Parkland Needs Analysis and Provision Targets for the planning, acquisition, development and funding for parkland over the next 30 years.
Priority Actions to help achieve the vision and goals of the Greenspace Strategic Plan.
To learn more about the plan, visit vaughan.ca/GreenspacePlan.
QUOTES
“Vaughan is a green city, blessed with remarkable parks, trails and open spaces, and it is vital for the City of Vaughan to be their biggest champion. That’s why we introduced the Greenspace Strategic Plan – and it’s already being recognized! I am thrilled the plan has won the Ontario Professional Planners Institute 2025 PlanON Vision Award of Excellence, which celebrates the work of professional planners in shaping the quality, livability and sustainability of communities for future generations. This prestigious award is the product of excellent collaboration between multiple teams across the organization. Most notably, I would like to congratulate the Planning and Infrastructure Development portfolio, which, through this great plan, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering a high quality of life for all those who live in, work in and visit our city.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am excited that the City of Vaughan has been recognized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute for the new Greenspace Strategic Plan! The City’s Planning and Infrastructure Development team continues to bring innovative, forward-thinking ideas to the table, and this new plan is one of them. The Greenspace Strategic Plan demonstrates one of the major ways we are continuing to protect natural habitats, promote environmental sustainability and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for residents, especially as Vaughan’s population continues to grow. Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding achievement.”
- Zoran Postic, City Manager
“The Greenspace Strategic Plan reflects Vaughan’s commitment to sustainable growth and livability. This award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute highlights the dedication of our teams to protecting natural areas and enhancing outdoor spaces for everyone in our community. I am proud of the team for receiving this recognition and how it supports a healthier, more vibrant city for residents today and in the future.”
- Vince Musacchio, Deputy City Manager, Planning and Infrastructure Development
QUICK FACTS
On May 27, 2025, Vaughan Council approved the City’s first Greenspace Strategic Plan, a forward-thinking roadmap to grow, protect and connect our parks, trails and open spaces.
The plan has received the Ontario Professional Planners Institute 2025 PlanON Vision Award of Excellence. This recognition was celebrated by Council at the Oct. 21 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting.
The Greenspace Strategic Plan provides strategies and recommendations to guide future planning, design, implementation and enhancement of parks and greenspaces to meet the needs of a growing population and support equitable access over the next 30 years.
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