Delivering Service Excellence – virtually

Aug. 11, 2020 10:00 a.m.
City-building continues as Vaughan takes disciplined approach to COVID-19
 
The City has taken a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to implementing precautionary measures to protect citizens and staff from COVID-19. That same approach is guiding decision-making about reopening facilities. Although several City buildings remain closed and some programs have been impacted, city building has not slowed down.
 
Essential services continue uninterrupted and many virtual programs have been introduced – through online, teleconference or modified in-person methods – which offer an efficient and streamlined experience for residents.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Essential services remain intact, including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, by-law and enforcement services and the Access Vaughan contact centre, which can be reached at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
EVENTS
Some City events are resuming virtually. Continue to check the Event Calendar webpage for a full list of virtual, postponed or rescheduled events. Stay tuned for details about the upcoming virtual Remembrance Day event and Order of Vaughan investiture ceremony.
 
RECREATION SERVICES
The City’s modified on-site summer camp programs for kids are now underway until Friday, Sept 4. For more information on camp programing, guidelines or to register, visit vaughan.ca/camps. Health and safety measures as dictated by York Region Public Health and the Government of Ontario are in effect.
 
Registration is still open for the Virtual Summer Adventures program, which features weekly camps and daily activities for people of all ages, from preschool to older adults. Family lessons for parents and children to participate in together are available as well. Visit vaughan.ca/RecOnline for registration and more information.
 
Frequent enhancements are also made to the department’s new webpage featuring virtual recreation resources for all ages, abilities and areas of interest. Available online programming includes:
  • Vaughan Playschool educational reading, writing, math and science worksheets for children aged three to five years old.
  • easy-to-follow at-home workouts from Vaughan Fitness instructors featured on Recreation Services’ Instagram TV. Full-length classes are also posted to the Recreation Vaughan YouTube channel.
  • acting, dancing and singing with the City Playhouse Theatre crew.
  • learning first-aid basics from certified Vaughan lifeguards.
  • general activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, colouring and more. 
VAUGHAN PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) annual summer reading programs – including the TD Summer Reading Club and the Teen Summer Reading Challenge – have been enhanced and optimized for at-home, online participation. Registration for the Summer Reading Club is still open.
 
In addition, VPL is offering a fully digital public library service to engage and educate residents of all ages. The web hub features a variety of free online resources, including eBooks and audiobooks, films and television programs, music streaming services, e-learning courses, bilingual materials and more. Further content, such as virtual storytime, is available daily on VPL’s Instagram. VPL’s Wi-Fi has also been extended to reach the parking lot at the Civic Centre Resource Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library and Bathurst Clark Resource Library branches.
 
The Curbside Pickup program has now been extended to every library in Vaughan to provide customers with quick and convenient access. Reserve books and arrange a pickup date at vaughanpl.info/curbside.
 
BY-LAW AND COMPLIANCE, ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
By-law officers continue to operate, patrol and respond to calls on a priority basis. Priority remains on public safety matters including, but not limited to, the Ontario Reopening (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 – formerly the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act – Stage 3 Ontario Regulations and Orders, the City’s Emergency Measures By-law and the regulation of the use of local parks and open spaces in Vaughan. Failure to comply with these regulations is an offence and subject to fines ranging from $500 to $100,000.
 
Event, filming and lottery permits are being assessed on a case-by-case basis. Citizens should direct all permit inquiries to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
Online payments of administrative monetary penalties, such as parking tickets, can be made via payvaughanticket.com. To arrange an alternative method of payment or schedule a dispute appointment, call 905-832-2281 within 15 days of receiving it. Scheduled disputes are being conducted over the phone until further notice.
 
VAUGHAN ANIMAL SERVICES
Vaughan Animal Services continues to serve Vaughan, Richmond Hill and the Township of King communities through regular patrols and response to service calls. The Vaughan Animal Services Shelter remains closed, with limited access for adoption and pet recovery services by appointment only. Book an appointment by contacting 905-832-2281 or animal.services@vaughan.ca. Vaughan pet licensing and tag purchase are also available online. For general information, please visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
 
WASTE COLLECTIONS
Waste collection services have returned to normal operations, as scheduled in the 2020 Waste Calendar (PDF). Residents can receive customized notifications about their collections by downloading the Recycle Coach mobile app. To ensure that waste is collected, be sure to comply with the safe set out requirements at vaughan.ca/waste. Materials that do not comply will be tagged and left behind. For one-on-one video coaching on how to divert more materials into blue boxes and green bins, book a Waste-less Virtual Visits session by contacting 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
 
While the City’s Joint Operations Centre remains closed for in-person visits, residents can purchase garbage tags by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. A new temporary bin exchange program is also being offered, which allows residents to replace broken City blue boxes and green bins through home delivery. To request an exchange and arrange a delivery, call Access Vaughan.
 
BUSINESS SUPPORTS
Virtual programs and new services are being offered to further support local businesses, including:
  • the Open for Business online directory, which lists essential services and businesses that remain open. Vaughan businesses can apply through this online form to be included in the initiative led by By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.
  • Economic and Cultural Development services such as virtual consulting, #ShopVaughanLocal campaign and the newly launched vaughanbusiness.ca website.
  • Business advisory services such as business planning, government programs and more at vaughanbusiness.ca. Local businesses can apply to receive these services through this online form.
  • Access to all business events and webinars hosted for businesses across York region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events. 
OTHER PROGRAMS FOR CITIZENS
There are many other programs and services offered online or via telephone:
  • Kid-friendly pollinator activities are available and include a scavenger hunt, crossword puzzle and Whose Home? interactive game.
  • The City’s corporate art gallery on Flickr, which currently houses 78 permanent acquisitions of art from local and GTA-based artists.
  • The Service Vaughan reporting tool at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan for non-emergency service requests about garbage, roads, traffic lights and more.
  • The digital permitting portal at vaughan.ca/PermitPortal for citizens and building industry professionals to apply, track and pay for permits online. Options have also been expanded to include permits for pools and grading for sheds, home additions and more – see vaughan.ca/DEPermits
  • visitvaughan.ca – a new visitor website that offers an exploration of all there is to see and do in Vaughan. The “explore online now, visit later” platform, developed in partnership with the Tourism Vaughan Corporation and Central Counties Tourism, offers interactive content, including museum tours, cooking lessons, educational webinars, roller-coaster rides and more.  
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Residents looking for more information can visit:
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