Check ahead for Canada Day updates

June 29, 2020 10:00 a.m.
​Citizens urged to make firework safety and physical distancing a priority


The City of Vaughan is reminding citizens to stay vigilant, follow physical distancing measures and make fireworks safety a priority this Canada Day. In advance of the statutory holiday, here is an update on facility closures, service disruptions and changes in programming on Wednesday, July 1: 

City facilities

All City facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. These include Vaughan City Hall, Joint Operations Centre, Vaughan Animal Shelter, City Playhouse Theatre, community centres and Vaughan Public Libraries branches. 

Park amenities

Open park amenities include public tennis courts, skateboard parks, the dog park, parking lots, sports fields, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, bocce courts, picnic tables, benches, gazebos, trails, splash pads and public washrooms. 

All other park amenities – including playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, premium/artificial fields and diamonds and the outdoor pool – will remain closed to the public until further notice. 

Any violations can be reported to 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Access Vaughan will refer reports of this nature to the City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation. Fines of $105 to $400 under the Parks By-law and $500 to $100,000 under the Emergency Measures By-law may be laid.  

Waste collections

Regular waste collection will be impacted on Wednesday, July 1. Garbage, recycling and green bin collections will all be moved one day later to Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4. Please have waste safely put out by 7 a.m. For the most up-to-date information on waste collections, download the Recycle Coach app for personalized set-out reminders and the ‘What Goes Where’ sorting tool. 

As a reminder, place all personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, and personal hygiene and sanitary products – including wipes and tissues – in the garbage. Do not place these items in the blue box or green bin – collection will be refused if the box or bin contains any of these items. 

Firework permits, sales and safety tips

The City of Vaughan’s fireworks by-law allows consumer fireworks – family fireworks set off in an at-home display – to be lit without a permit on Canada Day. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, citizens are reminded to follow the physical distancing guidelines put in place by York Region Public Health to prevent further viral transmission. Violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281. 

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has tips to help citizens handle fireworks safely:

  • Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
  • Onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
  • Fireworks should not be lit close to combustible materials like homes, buildings, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.
  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground in a bucket of sand. Never try to light a firework in your hand. 
  • Ensure the firework will stay above your property once lit. Fireworks cannot be set off on private property not owned by the person setting off the firework or on City property, including roads, parks and fields.
  • Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can. 

A valid fireworks sales licence is required for all qualified businesses selling these items in Vaughan. To apply, contact the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team by emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca or calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. 

Access Vaughan

The City’s contact centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1. However, a live agent will be available to respond to municipal emergencies, including COVID-19-related inquiries. Access Vaughan can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.   

Stay informed

Throughout the pandemic, essential services remain intact and online programming continues to be enhanced. The latest updates are always available on the City’s website at vaughan.ca/COVID19. To receive news as it is released, sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. 

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