Vaughan’s Public Works team recognized for innovation and inclusion
The City of Vaughan’s Public Works team works tirelessly to keep our city safe, clean and beautiful. Just as important is the work happening quietly behind the scenes, which has been recognized with two prestigious awards from the Ontario Public Works Association!
During a special ceremonial presentation at today’s Council meeting, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized the Public Works portfolio for these outstanding achievements.
The Ontario Public Works Association Awards celebrate Public Works projects and programs across the province. Public Works staff received the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award for the City’s first-ever women’s networking group, Women Igniting Support and Empowerment. This award recognizes the passion, dedication and engagement of individuals and teams who are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the public works industry.
They also received the Management Innovation Award for Leannovation, the City’s people-powered continuous improvement approach. This award recognizes a team or organization for the development, implementation and management of a creative idea, innovative process or applied system that enhances the delivery of public works services to the public.
QUOTES
“It gives me great pride to see the City of Vaughan’s Public Works team recognized with two prestigious awards from the Ontario Public Works Association – a significant achievement that speaks to their leadership, innovation and commitment to Service Excellence. This dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly to deliver reliable water services, maintain clean and beautiful parks and forests, and ensure our roads and sidewalks are well-maintained. Equally important, they demonstrate a clear commitment to building strong, resilient teams and continuously identifying opportunities to improve how we serve our community. Congratulations to the entire Public Works portfolio on these well‑earned recognitions, and thank you for the exceptional work you do in service of our city.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan’s Public Works team for winning two impressive awards from the Ontario Public Works Association. These awards are significant, but they are also a reflection of something much broader – the exceptional work Public Works staff do every single day. They strive to lead change, innovate, learn and ensure that Public Works remains a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all. Thank you for showing up every day for your peers and for our community.”
- Zoran Postic, City Manager
“These Ontario Public Works Association awards highlight that the City of Vaughan’s Public Works portfolio is not only delivering essential services, but also leading the way in fostering an inclusive workplace and a culture of innovation and collaboration. I am incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved, and I am confident there is even more great work ahead. Congratulations to Public Works on these well‑deserved awards, and thank you for all that you do each day to support our city and one another.”
- Emilie Alderman, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
QUICK FACTS
The City’s Public Works team received the Ontario Public Works Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award for their women’s networking group, Women Igniting Support and Empowerment. This group is dedicated to advancing the personal and professional growth of female leaders and emerging leaders at the City through mentorship, community outreach, leadership development and increased representation in traditionally male-dominated public works professions.
The Public Works team also received the Ontario Public Works Association’s Management Innovation Award for Leannovation, the City’s people-powered continuous improvement approach. Leannovation empowers front-line staff to enhance service delivery, eliminate operational inefficiencies and drive innovation through collaborative problem-solving and employee-led improvements.
Public Works provides quality services that directly impact residents and businesses across the city every day. Services include seasonal maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks and pathways; maintenance of parks, boulevards and open spaces; forestry and horticulture services; fleet management; traffic services; administration of the crossing guard program; management of garbage and recycling collection; and water, wastewater and stormwater services.
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