Celebrating a little bit of history this Civic Holiday

July 18, 2016 12:00 a.m.

​City commemorates Benjamin Vaughan on Aug. 1

What’s in a name? The Civic Holiday being celebrated on Monday, Aug. 1 this year is known by many names as some cities and provinces have chosen to celebrate historically significant individuals or organizations to create meaning around the day. In Vaughan, the Civic Holiday is a commemoration of Benjamin Vaughan, a British diplomat and the City’s namesake.

The City has proudly recognized Benjamin Vaughan Day since Council approved the name change in 2013. In 1783, Vaughan represented British interests as co-negotiator of the Peace of Paris that ended the American Revolutionary War and was instrumental in keeping Upper Canada, which was later to become Ontario, under British rule.

Holiday closures

  • Vaughan City Hall, the Joint Operations Centre and Vaughan Animal Services will be closed for the holiday on Monday, Aug. 1, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
  • Vaughan community centres are closed Monday, Aug. 1, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 2. All programs are cancelled from Saturday, July 30 through to Monday, Aug. 1.
  • Vaughan Public Libraries will be closed on Sunday, July 31 and Monday, Aug. 1, reopening on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
  • Thornhill Outdoor Pool, located at 28 Centre St., will be open on Benjamin Vaughan Day for length swim and parent and tot swim from 10 a.m. to noon and for recreational swim from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Waste collection will not be affected and will continue as regularly scheduled for the week.
  • Residents are reminded that fireworks are prohibited on this holiday.

For more information about holiday closures, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.

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