Dont let virtual supports go to waste

Feb. 2, 2021 1:00 p.m.
City programs, events and services continue online throughout the pandemic

The City of Vaughan continues to respond to the second wave of COVID-19 – including the Province of Ontario’s stay-at-home order and declaration of a second provincial emergency – with many City programs, events and services continuing, virtually.
 
The City is here to help residents put their best waste forward in 2021. Many services have moved online to assist residents with proper waste sorting and disposal, including the following:
 
  • Blue box and green bin exchange: The City is offering a temporary bin exchange program by home delivery, which allows residents to replace broken City-issued (indicated by the City logo) blue boxes and green bins. Request your bin exchange through Service Vaughan at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
  • Garbage tags: Residents can purchase garbage tags online through Service Vaughan at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
  • Recycle Coach app: Download the free app for complete waste and recycling information and customized notifications.
  • Waste-less Virtual Visit: Receive one-on-one video coaching on how to sort materials into blue boxes and green bins. Book a free 20-minute virtual session by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
  • What Goes Where?: Learn how to properly sort your items and how to dispose of them by using the City’s online sorting tool available at vaughan.ca/waste or by downloading the Recycle Coach app.  
For more information on waste services in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.
 
BUSINESS SUPPORTS
The City is continuously working to support businesses and entrepreneurs throughout 2021 with resources and virtual networking opportunities. Join in the 19th annual Vaughan Business Expo presented by Allstate Canada on Tuesday, Feb. 23 for a day of workshops, panels with leading business experts and more. Business professionals can also take part in the York Region Social Enterprise 101 program online to receive foundational knowledge of social entrepreneurship.
 
Business owners can also submit an application to be included on the Open For Business webpage – a list of local businesses currently open in Vaughan. For additional supports, including virtual business advisories, interesting webinars and the latest innovations from Vaughan’s business community, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
 
EVENTS
City-led events continue virtually so residents can enjoy them from the safety and comfort of home. Coming up in February is the first-ever virtual Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest presented by TD and event sponsor Tim Hortons on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m., and Lunar New Year on Friday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. at vaughan.ca/live. Visit vaughan.ca/EventCalendar to stay informed about all upcoming City events.
 
LIBRARY
Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) continues to keep residents informed, educated and active with many online resources.
 
  • VPL at home: VPL’s digital library service 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. Visit vaughanpl.info/vpl_at_home to learn more.
  • Virtual programs: Storytime live-streams, STEAM-activity videos, scavenger hunts, science experiments and more are available daily on VPL’s Instagram.
  • Extended Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi has been extended to reach the parking lot of Bathurst Clark Resource Library, Civic Centre Resource Library and Pierre Berton Resource Library.
  • Curbside Pickup: The program is available at every library in Vaughan to provide customers with quick and convenient access. Reserve books and arrange a pickup date at vaughanpl.info/curbside. 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Electronic-participation Committee of the Whole and Council meetings continue. Upcoming agendas can be viewed at vaughan.ca/CouncilMeetings. While Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public, visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more about how to participate virtually, including speaking live to Council via teleconference or telephone. Email or written communications are also accepted. Citizens can watch the meetings by tuning in to the live broadcast at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil.
 
The City is committed to involving citizens, businesses and stakeholders in conversations about municipal decisions that interest and/or impact them. There are virtual public engagement opportunities currently in the works for city-building projects. Visit vaughan.ca/HaveYourSay to learn more.
 
RECREATION SERVICES
As an alternative to in-person recreational programs, the City continues to livestream popular recreation programs for all ages and abilities via Zoom. Virtual winter programs currently underway include cooking, dance, musical theatre, health and wellness, science and technology, plus an educational series for preschoolers and individuals with special needs.
 
New virtual recreation resources are shared on the Recreation Services webpage on an ongoing basis, including arts and crafts, Vaughan Playschool educational worksheets, and Vaughan Playhouse Academy drama activities. To keep the community engaged and entertained, the City also runs fun, family-friendly social media contests. For regular updates on recreation programs, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
 
Virtual fitness classes are available via Zoom and are free for Vaughan Fitness Members. Classes include yoga, total body conditioning, barre, HIIT circuit training and Zumba. Pre-registration is required at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Free full-length fitness classes (40 to 60 minutes long) are also streamed Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. on the recvaughan YouTube channel. For more information on virtual fitness offerings, visit vaughan.ca/fitness.
 
Fitness equipment packages are available for loan to current Vaughan Fitness members over the age of 18 for the duration of the current facility closures. Members can choose between a light or heavy package (while quantities last, limit of one package per household) and the program is free of charge – all that is required at the time of booking is a security deposit. Registration for the program is available through reconline.ca. For more information or to obtain a member barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or TTY at 1-866-543-0545 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 
 
OTHER VIRTUAL SERVICES
The City of Vaughan’s online reporting tool – Service Vaughan – is a digital platform that enables individuals to easily submit a service request, report on non-emergency City services and track submissions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The tool is available at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
 
Many other in-person services have moved online, including:
  • Building permits: Citizens and building industry professionals can apply, track and pay for permits online at vaughan.ca/PermitPortal.
  • Engineering permits: Permits for pools, grading for sheds, home additions and more can now be submitted and approved through vaughan.ca/DEPermits.
  • Planning applications: The City has developed a process to arrange Pre-Application Consultation meetings and to receive planning applications digitally. Visit vaughan.ca to view the application process. 
  • Parking permits: On-street, visitor and overnight parking permits can be obtained online at vaughan.ca/parking. 
By reinvigorating traditional services, enhancing digital platforms and modifying in-person programs, the City is delivering Service Excellence – virtually – throughout the global pandemic.
 
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Residents can also visit:
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