Creating unforgettable experiences in Vaughan
Council approves the Vaughan Municipal Events Strategy
Winterfest, Concerts in the Park, Canada Day, park openings, cultural and festive celebrations – and more! The City of Vaughan brings families, friends and neighbours together year-round at its award-winning events – and there is much more to come.
This commitment is now reflected in the Vaughan Municipal Events Strategy (PDF), an ambitious and forward-thinking strategy recently approved by Council that emphasizes the City’s focus on fostering an engaged and culturally vibrant community through exceptional event experiences.
Created in consultation with all key stakeholders, this robust strategy is founded upon five strategic goals and driven by 21 action items that will empower City and community event organizers to navigate the complexities of event planning with confidence and efficiency.
Some of the core areas of the plan include:
- Modernized event permitting: By streamlining and updating the event application process, Vaughan is making it easier and more efficient for all organizers to plan and execute events.
- Enhanced resource allocation: The strategy ensures both City and community event organizers have access to the resources they need to deliver high-quality events.
- Proactive communication: Improved communication channels will not only support organizers in navigating the event planning process and accessing necessary support, but it will ensure the broader community is aware of the opportunities and benefits of hosting future events in Vaughan.
The Vaughan Municipal Events Strategy is focused on both City and community-led events, providing a detailed plan for how the City can continue to enhance the delivery of safe and enjoyable events that bring the community together. City-led events are those organized, funded and held by the City for the community to attend and enjoy. Community-led events are initiated and carried out by individuals, community organizations or non-profit/private businesses. They typically involve, and will continue to undergo, a formal permit approval process with the City. However, as part of the strategy, there will be a focus on simplifying and clarifying this event approval process to make it more timely, streamlined and manageable for community-led event organizers, empowering them to deliver best-in-class events that support the diverse needs of residents.
Simply put: this strategy puts Vaughan on a path towards an even more dynamic event landscape, creating a near-future where events in Vaughan continue to be successful, while serving as catalysts for growth, connection and celebration.
To learn more about events in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/events.
QUOTES
“The City of Vaughan is dedicated to supporting events that celebrate our diversity, culture, and heritage. As a vibrant mosaic of cultures, we embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds that make up our community. The Vaughan Municipal Events Strategy builds on our impressive accomplishments and sets the stage for future success. Through a streamlined process, enhanced resource allocation, and proactive communication, we empower both City and community-led event organizers to develop unique and memorable experiences for our residents and visitors. I want to thank the Community Services team for their hard work behind the scenes, creating a strategy that will continue to position Vaughan as a municipal events leader in the GTA and beyond, showcasing our commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
QUICK FACTS
- The Vaughan Municipal Events Strategy will support the Active, Engaged and Inclusive Communities commitment in the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
- In 2024, the City of Vaughan received four awards from Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) for events held in 2023.
- The City was the inaugural winner of the FEO Impact Award for the 2023 Vaughan Culture Days celebration and was recognized in the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario category for last year’s Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest, Concerts in the Park series and Canada Day.
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