Office of Deputy City Manager, Community Services

Gus Michaels’ career spans more than 36 years in the public sector. He joined the City of Vaughan in 2013 in the role of Director and Chief Licensing Officer, By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services. In 2021, he was appointed to Deputy City Manager, Community Services, where he continues to lead the highest level of public and customer service while putting public safety and well-being at the forefront.

The Deputy City Manager, Community Services oversees the delivery of efficient, responsive and innovative programs, services and events to promote healthy, vibrant and safe neighbourhoods while meeting the community’s needs. This includes ensuring the safety and well-being of residents through education, inspection, enforcement, social inclusion and recreational opportunities, emergency response and community relations with the City.

This portfolio includes the following City departments: 

• By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services issues most of the licences and permits in the city, investigates by-law related complaints, ensures compliance with City by-laws and delivers animal services to help ensure a safe and orderly community.
• Facility Management Operations plans, organizes, operates and evaluates building systems of all City facilities while aligning with the goals and strategies of the City, including risk management, security, environmental stewardship, compliance and standards, and work and space management.
• Recreation Services delivers a variety of recreational programs, camps, fitness memberships and free community events that promote health, wellness and active living for all ages and abilities. 
• Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service provides efficient emergency response, and fire protection, prevention, safety and education to those who live, work and visit the city.