You asked, we answered

Every month, the City highlights the commonly asked questions received by the public and responded to by Service Vaughan in a series called ‘You asked, we answered.’ 

Here are the top five inquiries from September:

1. How can I report a sick, injured or dead animal?

As recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada, members of the public should not handle sick, injured or dead wild birds or other wildlife, as they may be infected with diseases that can spread to humans.

The City’s Animal Services Officers are available 24-7 to respond to calls about sick or injured wildlife. If you see a sick or injured wild animal, report it as soon as possible by:  

• calling 905-832-2281, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you’re calling after hours, press “0” to reach the after-hours dispatch team. Officers are available 24-7 to respond to calls about sick or injured wildlife.
• emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices. 

2. How can I exchange my broken or damaged City-branded 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. 

Starting Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Vaughan will no longer sell new blue boxes or exchange broken or damaged City-issued blue boxes. They can still be purchased or exchanged through Service Vaughan until Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Visit our Where to Purchase Containers, Bins and Tags webpage for more information. Starting in 2026, blue boxes will be available for purchase through Circular Materials Ontario. The City will share updates as more information becomes available.

The City will continue to sell new green bins and kitchen containers online through Service Vaughan or at select community centres after this date.

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

3. What if I missed my final 2025 property tax payment?

The 2025 final tax bill for residential and non-residential properties was mailed to all property owners in June. The third and final instalment was due on Friday, Sept. 26.

Late payments will be subject to a charge of 1.25 per cent on the first day of default and on the first day of each calendar month in which the late payment continues. Members of Council and City staff do not have the authority to waive or alter a penalty charge for any reason. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from paying property taxes – late payment penalties will be added.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.

4. How can I register my kids for P.A. Day or December Break camps?

The next P.A. Day programs run on Friday, Oct. 24 and Friday, Nov. 21. December Break camps take place from Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, to Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at all community centres, the City Playhouse Theatre and the Vaughan Studios & Event Space. Check out the Fall Recreation eGuide or see the full schedule and register atvaughan.ca/camps. 

The online registration system is available 24-7 and features enhanced search filters, allowing you to sort by level, location, day and time. If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or watch this short informational video.

5. How do I appeal a parking or by-law penalty issued by the City of Vaughan?

Penalty notices are issued for violations of City of Vaughan by-laws, including the parking by-law. Within the prescribed timelines, penalty recipients must either pay or appeal the penalty by requesting a review by a Screening Officer.

Requests for Screening Officer review of a penalty must be received no later than 15 days from the date the penalty notice was served. Recipients can complete an online appeal at vaughan.ca/PenaltyAppeals, or request a telephone appointment to speak to a Screening Officer by calling the City at 905-832-2281 or emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca.

If you are not the registered vehicle owner or the contravener named on the penalty notice, you will need to submit a completed Agent Authorization Form (PDF) to appeal on the owner’s behalf.

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Screening Officer, you may request a Hearing Review. A request must be made within 15 days following the receipt of the Screening Officer’s decision.

Have more questions? We’re here to help. The City of Vaughan’s contact centre can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll free at 1-844-832-2112), by email at service@vaughan.ca, online at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan or in person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).

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