‘Building a world-class city’
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Infrastructure projects are a vital part of Vaughan’s pandemic reality
The global COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed city-building in Vaughan. In fact, the continuation of key infrastructure development projects is a vital part of the City of Vaughan’s COVID-19 reality. These developments will be the spaces where the community will gather, live, work and play long after the pandemic has passed.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed city-building in Vaughan. In fact, the continuation of key infrastructure development projects is a vital part of the City of Vaughan’s COVID-19 reality. These developments will be the spaces where the community will gather, live, work and play long after the pandemic has passed.
This year, the City’s Infrastructure Development portfolio has managed and advanced more than 150 active capital projects in various phases throughout the city. This team is responsible for project planning, design, tendering, construction, contract administration and inspection of the City’s infrastructure – including roads, bridges, sewers, watermains, parks, trails and municipal buildings such as Vaughan City Hall, the Joint Operations centre, library branches and community centres.
Here are some of the highlights:
Helping to ease the flow of people and goods.
Several projects have been initiated in 2020 to alleviate traffic throughout Vaughan. These include the Bass Pro Mills Environmental Assessment from Weston Road to Highway 400; new bike paths along Clark Avenue; the Concord GO Centre Transportation Master Plan and new North-South Road Environmental Assessment; the Huntington Road widening from Langstaff Road to Nashville Road; the Kirby Road extension from Dufferin Street to Bathurst Street; the Kirby Road Widening Environmental Assessment from Jane Street to Dufferin Street; the Teston Road Environmental Assessment west of Pine Valley Drive to Kleinburg Summit Way; and the Vaughan Transportation Plan.
Delivering parks, sports and leisure spaces for families to play and stay active.
The team continues to elevate and implement recreational spaces for the community. Projects in 2020 include the undertaking of the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre Revitalization Project; the Carrville Community Centre, Library and District Park Project; Phase 2 of North Maple Regional Park (PDF); playground and waterplay improvements at various parks across the city; and continued maintenance work in several community centres, parks and municipal sites.
Upholding water and wastewater systems to ensure clean water and natural environments.
Infrastructure Development projects underway in 2020 that support the City’s commitments to Environmental Stewardship and Operational Performance include the Corporate Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management plans; the Gallanough Park stormwater management facility; the Integrated Urban Water Master Plan; the Interim Servicing Strategy Study (PDF); slope stabilization in open spaces and natural areas; stormwater management pond improvements; and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Black Creek Renewal design and construction.
Preserving, protecting and promoting environmental values for future generations.
The portfolio started various projects in 2020 that foster a safe, reliable and sustainable environment. These include the LED Streetlight Retrofit Program; municipal equipment and building system retrofits to community centres and other City-owned sites; and the donation of 51.5 acres of environmentally sensitive lands, which are home to diverse plant and wildlife populations.
For many of these development projects, a vital component was public engagement conducted through surveys, virtual open houses, online workshops, digital presentations and more. Feedback collected was used to help advise and create final plans. Visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn about current opportunities to get involved.
For the City, investing in infrastructure also means investing in the community. In fact, the approved citizen-focused 2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan reflects this commitment to enhancing Vaughan’s future and embracing sustainable growth with opportunities through arts, culture, parks, trails, recreation and more. In bringing these milestone projects to life, the City’s Infrastructure Development portfolio is also able to support and advance the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
This portfolio has six departments: Facility Management, Infrastructure Delivery, Infrastructure Planning and Corporate Asset Management, Parks Delivery, Program Management Office and Real Estate.
QUOTE
“Despite the global economic unrest, Vaughan remains a city in demand. Critical infrastructure improvements are being made throughout the community to support our transportation networks, maintain our water and wastewater systems and preserve and protect our greenspaces for future generations. We have also prioritized important enhancements to City parks and outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. These improvements matter now more than ever as citizens look for safe, responsible and socially distant activities to better themselves during these unprecedented times. We remain focused on forging ahead with these and other significant city-building projects, which all contribute to Vaughan’s ongoing success. Our vision is clear: to continue building a world-class city with an unmatched quality of life where everyone can reach their full potential.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan’s Infrastructure Development webpage
- City of Vaughan’s 2021 Budget Book (PDF)
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan
- City of Vaughan’s Have Your Say webpage
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