Developing the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) is the largest and most ambitious development project in the City of Vaughan’s history. More than a decade into its evolution, it continues to transform. Key city-building projects are in the works, public engagement opportunities are underway and new community amenities are opening for public use.
The City is committed to developing the VMC as a complete community with a mix of uses that are transit-supportive and pedestrian-friendly. It is envisioned to be the financial, innovation and cultural centre of Vaughan, with a vibrant sense of place, a high-quality public realm and environmentally sustainable design practices.
The City’s VMC Sub-Committee meets monthly to help guide growth and bring the vision to life. The following items were discussed at the Wednesday, Jan. 31 meeting:
VMC development activity update
Here is an update on latest development activity in the VMC:
The VMC Secondary Plan initially established a population target of 25,000 residents and 11,500 jobs by 2031, with a maximum population of approximately 50,000 residents at full build-out. Actual growth far exceeds these previously established targets.
By Q2 2024, the VMC will be home to 12,925 residents living in 6,528 units.
Construction is underway to build 3,787 new residential units for 7,498 future residents.
An additional 12,031 residential units, enough to house 23,828 future residents, have been approved by Council.
A total of 19,171 residential units, accounting for 37,959 potential residents, are currently proposed through active development applications subject to Council approval.
The realization of developments that are occupied, under construction or approved represents more than 69,000 residents living in more than 35,000 units, greatly exceeding the population target established for the 2031 planning horizon.
Learn more in the VMC Sub-Committee presentation: VMC Development Activity Update January 2024 (PDF).
VMC studies update
Here is an update on the various studies being undertaken in the VMC:
In response to the area’s rapid growth, the VMC Secondary Plan Update is underway to address provincial and regional policy updates. The updated plan will result in a renewed policy framework that builds a complete and balanced downtown and central business district that is well supported by municipal services and social infrastructure to 2051 and beyond.
The City is updating the VMC Transportation Master Plan to meet transportation needs and supportive policies, and develop a phasing strategy to implement street connectivity, accessibility and multi-modal mobility (such as walking, cycling, transit and ride share).
The planning and design for improvements and extensions of Millway Avenue and Interchange Way will also be advanced through the VMC Transportation Update. These transportation studies are being carried out concurrently and in support of the VMC Secondary Plan Update.
The VMC Functional Services Strategy Report Update is part of the city-wide Urban Water Master Plan. The strategy report update considers the current VMC boundary area, as well as the potential expansion areas. It will establish a long-term strategy to provide safe, reliable and sustainable municipal services to the existing and future VMC population.
The VMC Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan has been developed to guide the timely development of parks and open spaces in the downtown core. It identifies up to 20.5 hectares of public squares, neighbourhood parks and urban parks within the VMC.
A Wayfinding Signage Pilot Program has been implemented in the VMC. Prototypes were installed for the end of 2023. A public engagement and feedback campaign is in the works.
Learn more in the VMC Sub-Committee Report: VMC Studies Update.
All Committee meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and streamed live at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil. Meetings are posted within the Council and Committee meeting calendar, available at vaughan.ca/CouncilMeetings.
The VMC Sub-Committee is comprised of Members of Vaughan Council and City staff – including the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager of Planning and Growth Management and the VMC program team. The Committee’s mandate – outlined in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Sub-Committee Terms of Reference (PDF) – will run throughout the 2022 to 2026 Term of Council. To learn more about the VMC Sub-Committee, visit vaughan.ca/committees.
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