You asked, we answered

Have a question about a service in Vaughan? Want to know more about a City program? The Service Vaughan team is standing by ready to respond to your inquiries. The City of Vaughan’s contact centre can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll free at 1-844-832-2112), email at service@vaughan.ca, online at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan or in person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).

Every month, the City releases a series called ‘You Asked, We Answered,’ where common questions received and responded to by Service Vaughan are highlighted. 

Below are the top five inquiries from June: 

1. What to do if you encounter a coyote?

If you encounter a coyote, keep your distance and keep pets on a short leash. If the coyote approaches you directly:

• stop: pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
• stand your ground: never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog.
• make yourself big: wave your hands above your head.
• be loud and assertive: shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
• use a noisemaker: it could be your voice, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (snap it around), or an umbrella popping open and closed.
• slowly back away: be assertive as you leave so the animal knows it is not welcome.

Animal Services officers are available to conduct property audits to identify coyote attractants and provide education on how to deter wildlife from your property. For more information and tips, visit vaughan.ca/coyotes. 

2. Where can I learn more about the 2025 Waste Collection schedule?

The City’s 2025 Waste Collection Schedule is available at vaughan.ca/WasteCalendar. 

The City’s annual waste collection schedule includes:

• Weekly collection schedules for both blue and yellow zones
• Information on Double-Up Days and Christmas tree collection
• Leaf and yard waste details
• Instructions on garbage tag purchases and bin exchanges
• A complete guide on what goes in each bin, including weight and size limits
• Dates for Vaughan’s Curbside Giveaway Days
• Information on textile donation bins and tips for reducing waste

For the most up-to-date information, visit vaughan.ca/waste. You can also report issues or get assistance by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing service@vaughan.ca.

3. After I submit a tree maintenance service request (e.g. tree pruning or stump removal), how long will it take for City staff to visit the site?

It depends on the situation. Requests for urgent maintenance services that pose a danger to the public – such as a fallen tree – are dealt with as soon as possible. Non-emergency requests that follow our pruning schedule will be addressed accordingly, while all other requests will be managed in priority sequence, following an inspection. Once a service request is created, a forestry inspector will visit the site within 30 business days to examine the tree's condition and determine the next steps. If you submitted a request, the forestry inspector will contact you (by phone or leave a notice on your door) with the status of your request. Please note: it can take up to eight months for a tree to be pruned or removed, and an additional 12 months for a tree stump to be removed.

4. How can I exchange my broken or damaged City-issued blue boxes, green bins or kitchen containers?

If your City-issued blue box, green bin or kitchen container is broken or damaged, you can sign up online through Service Vaughan to exchange it for a new one, free of charge. The City of Vaughan logo must be on the bin to be eligible for a free exchange. 

To learn more about waste collection in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

5. How do I dispute a parking penalty.

You can dispute a parking penalty online or by phone. Here’s how:

• Online: Complete the Administrative Penalty Screening form and upload any supporting documents or photos within 15 days of receiving your penalty You will need the Penalty Notice Number to complete the form. If you are not the registered vehicle owner, you will need to upload a letter of authorization to dispute a penalty on the owner’s behalf. The screening officer will review your online submission and provide a decision to you by email.

• Phone: Request a telephone screening appointment within 15 days of receiving your penalty notice by emailing parking.permit@vaughan.ca or calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281. If you are not the registered vehicle owner, indicate so and provide a letter of authorization to dispute a penalty on the owner’s behalf. The Screening Officer will call you at the scheduled appointment time to discuss the appeal. The screening officer will consider any evidence provided and issue a decision.

If you do not contact the City – by submitting an appeal form online, emailing or calling within 15 days of receiving your penalty notice – the parking penalty will become due and payable. Learn more at vaughan.ca/parking or www.vaughan.ca/penaltyappeals.  

If you have questions about a City matter, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca. 

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