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, our downtown core 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. There’s lots to be excited about!

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 during the November meeting: 

2025 Schedule of Meetings 

Staff brought forward the VMC Sub-Committee’s 2025 meeting schedule. Meetings are to take place virtually on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Feb. 19
• Wednesday, March 26
• Wednesday, April 30
• Wednesday, May 21
• Wednesday, June 25
• Wednesday, Sept. 3
• Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Wednesday, Nov. 26

Meeting dates may be subject to change.

VMC Capital Projects and Implementation Plan – 2024 Update 

Staff provided the following updates on the capital projects and implementation plan within the VMC: 

• Construction to advance several critical infrastructure projects, including roads and parks, is complete or underway. 
• Work continues on the development of North Urban Park, with phase one to begin in 2025. 
• Cortellucci Square opened to the public. 
• The design of Edgeley Pond and Park is going through final approvals.
• Construction on the Jane Street Hydro Undergrounding project is underway. 
• The design of the Black Creek Renewal project is underway.
• The On-Street Paid Parking Pilot will transition to a permanent initiative after a successful trial period ending in 2026.
• Public art installations and opportunities continue to advance. 

VMC Studies Update – November 2024 

Staff provided the following updates on current VMC plans and studies underway: 

• The VMC Secondary Plan Update is currently in phase four. This draft will include a revised planning framework with minimum heights and densities, but without prescribed maximums. The plan is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
• The VMC Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan is approved. 
• The VMC Transportation Master Plan Update is anticipated to be complete by 2025.
• The VMC Functional Servicing Strategy Report, as part of the Integrated Urban Water Plan, is complete. 
• The VMC Stormwater Management and Drainage Enhancement Study is underway. 
• Additional studies, including the VMC Podium Schools Feasibility Study, the VMC Hydrogeological Study, the Highway 400 Colossus Drive Overpass and the Jane Street Sanitary Upgrade Environmental Assessment Study, are advancing.

VMC Development Activity Update – November 2024

Staff provided the following updates on development activities in the VMC:

• The VMC’s growth trends continue to exceed the 2031 planning horizon targets, as set out in the VMC Secondary Plan. Efforts continue to ensure a balanced, complete community with the necessary physical and social infrastructure, including public services, green spaces and amenities.
• Residential development includes:
  • 6,528 completed residential units housing 12,925 residents.
  • 6,016 residential units under construction, which will house 11,912 future residents. 
  • 12,923 residential units approved by Council, which are expected to house 25,588 future residents.
  • Staff are reviewing 28,237 proposed residential unit applications, potentially housing 55,909 future residents.
• Office and retail development includes:
  • More than 1.6-million square feet of new office space has been built or approved. 
  • Five development applications are currently under review, proposing more than 850,000 square feet of additional office space.
• The Government of Ontario announced a new joint elementary school in the VMC, along with a childcare centre.
• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to outline planning for a performing and cultural arts centre.

About the VMC Sub-Committee

The VMC Sub-Committee is comprised of Members of Vaughan Council and City staff – including the City Manager, the Deputy City Manager of Planning, Growth Management and Housing Delivery 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. 

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.

To learn more about the VMC Sub-Committee, visit vaughan.ca/committees.

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