City takes steps to support citizens and businesses

March 21, 2020 12:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Updates
 

City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the official corporate channels on and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

​Residents urged to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19

As the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 around the world continues to rise, the City of Vaughan is implementing new measures to support its citizens and local businesses.

This includes waiving the late penalty charge on interim tax bills. Payments for the March 26, April 27 and May 27 due dates will not be subject to any late payment fee or interest until June 1. Further extensions may be granted thereafter. As well, the deadline for the Elderly Home-Owners Tax Assistance 2020 program has also been extended to April 30, and the deadline remains Sept. 30 for the Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program. Further information is available at vaughan.ca/PropertyTax. 
 

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has also launched the Vaughan Business Action Plan to safeguard the city’s local economy and support small-business owners impacted by COVID-19. The plan includes support for restocking store shelves; enhancing the movement of goods; improving business ground transportation; suspending the Municipal Accommodation Tax; and maintaining small-business services. 

With more people staying home and practicing social distancing as a result of COVID-19, the City is expanding its waste collection services to assist those who have additional garbage at this time. During the weeks of March 24 or March 31, Double-Up Days will be offered on regular collection days, allowing up to six items of garbage to be put out without tags. Previously scheduled Double-Up Days during the weeks of April 7 or April 14 will continue. The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pick-up to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes. To assist in prioritizing this essential service, leaf and yard waste collection will be deferred until the week of May 19. For information, visit vaughan.ca/waste. 

The City is continually assessing the situation and its precautionary measures to break the chain of transmission. To ensure the health and well-being of citizens and staff, the City is working closely with all levels of government. York Region Public Health is encouraging citizens to do the following:  

  • Be familiar with and follow travel advice before and after you return from international travel
  • Practice social distancing, which means:
    • Work from home where possible
    • Maintain at least two metres (six feet) of space between you and others (outside of your immediate family)
    • Avoid non-essential trips in the community
    • Limit, postpone or cancel gatherings
    • Keep kids away from group settings
    • Avoid visits to long-term care homes and other care settings (unless you are essential)
  • Practice good infection prevention and control, including:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
    • Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, such as toilets, faucet handles, doorknobs, countertops, etc., using regular household cleaners
    • Avoid sharing toothbrushes, cutlery, drinks/water bottles and towels

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

For more information about City matters, including cancellations, disruptions and postponements, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca.

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