You asked, we answered

Every month, the City of Vaughan 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 October: 

1. How can I register my kids for P.A. Day programs or December Break Camps?

The next P.A. Day programs run on Friday, Nov. 20 while December Break Camps take place from Monday, Dec. 21 to Thursday, Dec. 31 at all community centres, the City Playhouse Theatre and the Vaughan Studios & Event Space. Visit vaughan.ca/camps for the full schedule of programs and to register. P.A. Day programming runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for select leadership programs) and it is geared to children and youth ages 4 to 14 years old, depending on the program. December Break Camps offer supervised programs for children with opportunities to stay active, creative and engaged through structured daily activities.

If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email rec@vaughan.ca. 

To learn more about Recreation Services and stay informed about new programs and special promotions, sign up for the Recreation Services eNewsletter and follow the official channels on Facebook and Instagram.

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/recreation. 

2. What property standards and maintenance by-laws apply in Vaughan?

The City of Vaughan has several property-related by-laws to help keep neighborhoods clean, safe and well-maintained. Property owners and tenants are responsible for maintaining their yards. The City’s Property Standards Officers investigate complaints and enforce these by-laws, which address building maintenance and repairs, long grass and weeds, standing water, vital services, illegal dumping and fence safety. 

Residents who have concerns about a potential by-law violation can report it online.

Learn more about the City’s property standards and maintenance by-laws at vaughan.ca/PropertyStandards. 

3. How can I request a tax certificate?

You can request a tax certificate by submitting a written request to the City of Vaughan. In the request, include the property location and/or address, legal description and assessment roll number, as applicable. If you do not have this information, contact the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) at 1-866-296-MPAC (6722) or the City at 905-832-2281.

A tax certificate costs $97, per property roll number. If you need the certificate quickly, you can request expedited service for $200, per property roll number. Expedited requests are processed within one to two business days. 

Payment details:

• If you come to the Payment Office in the Vaughan City Hall Atrium, you can pay in person by cheque or debit.
• If you mail your request or place it in the drop box located at the entrance of Vaughan City Hall, be sure to include a cheque in the envelope.
• Cheques can be made out to the City of Vaughan.
• Credit cards are not accepted.

Learn more at vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.

4. How do I dispose of leaf and yard waste?

City of Vaughan’s weekly leaf and yard waste collection is on until Dec. 4. Place your materials at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection day and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day. Collection times may vary.

Leaf and yard waste must be placed out in Kraft paper bags or open-top rigid containers with handles of up to 121 litres (32 gallons) in size and clearly marked “Leaf and Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are not permitted. “Yard Waste” stickers are available at select community centres while supplies last, or you can request them by contacting Service Vaughan at service@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.

If there’s rain in the forecast the night before your collection day, consider setting your leaf and yard waste bags out in the morning– wet or degraded bags cannot be picked up as they will break during collection. Additionally, branches must be tied with string (no wire) in secure bundles a maximum of 1.5 metres (five feet) in length and 0.6 metres (two feet) in diameter.

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

5. Where do I report missed waste collection?

You can report missed organics, garbage and leaf and yard waste collection online at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan, by calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or emailing service@vaughan.ca. Green bin, garbage and yard waste items are collected on your scheduled collection day. Items should be placed at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on the day of your scheduled collection. Collectors will not return for materials set out late. Visit vaughan.ca/waste to learn more about the City’s waste services.

If your blue box was missed, please contact Miller Waste Systems at 1-855-752-3762 or area10@millerwaste.ca.

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