Emerge stronger: Mayor Bevilacqua
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City takes further
action to protect people, support businesses
The
following keynote address was delivered by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
during a special Council meeting:
“Good evening
colleagues.
“For
those of you watching this special Council meeting online, I want to begin by
thanking you.
“You are
practicing social distancing.
“You are
doing your part.
“Today,
I speak directly to the people of Vaughan from Council Chambers.
“I want
to use this opportunity to reinforce the ongoing actions that have been taken
by the City in the face of the current challenges presented by COVID-19.
“These
are times of uncertainty. But what is certain – is that we will emerge
stronger.
“I know
that for many people this issue has hit close to home.
“All
people, of all nations navigating through these unchartered waters, are in our
thoughts and prayers.
“To all
citizens, rest assured – from the moment the COVID-19 challenge first emerged,
I have been working closely with all levels of government to monitor the
situation and to ensure we take meaningful action to protect citizens,
businesses and our City employees.
“Our
administration has also been responding to this situation as it evolves. The
Emergency Operations Centre has been monitoring the spread of this virus since
the end of January. On Feb. 1, they moved into an enhanced monitoring phase,
and, on March 13, there was a partial activation of the City’s Emergency
Management Team members.
“Earlier
today I once again met with this team at the Joint Operations Centre to discuss
the City’s response efforts to COVID-19. We are working around-the-clock to
implement measures that ensure the well-being of our community.
“This
remains our singular priority – the health and safety of you and your loved ones.
“Based
on the advice and recommendation by the Emergency Management Team, I have
formally declared a state of emergency in the City of Vaughan.
“A
declaration of emergency is determined based on an assessment of the
situational impacts on the community and our operations to provide critical
services to citizens.
“Today’s
decision follows the Ontario government’s announcement that a province-wide
state of emergency is now in place.
“This
declaration recognizes the long-term challenges COVID-19 presents and the need
for an ongoing and comprehensive response.
“Council
is equally concerned about the health of our local economy.
“I want
to thank Council for passing a new set of measures that make up the new Vaughan
Business Action Plan.
“For weeks,
Council has been communicating our response efforts with their
constituents.
“The
Vaughan Business Action Plan consists of five temporary key measures to
safeguard the local economy and protect businesses, consumers and all citizens.
“They seek
to do the following:
- First - Support the restocking of store shelves – by suspending noise by-laws and weight restriction on roads to assist with ensuring stores have items people need.
- Second - Enhance the movement of goods – by suspending by-laws restricting the loading and unloading of commercial vehicles, transport trucks, and other vehicles between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. This will allow for 24-hour delivery.
- Third - Improve business ground-transportation – by suspending the weight and size of vehicles that can travel on certain roads throughout Vaughan. This will help ensure the sufficient safe supply of goods to stores.
- Fourth - Suspend the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) – to support the travel and tourism industry by not requiring accommodation providers to charge this tax on Vaughan properties.
- Fifth - Maintain small business services – by ensuring, where possible, Small Business and Entrepreneurship frontline services are continued – either online or by phone.
“The
City of Vaughan supports the Ontario government’s recent directive on the
closure of private schools, churches and faith-based settings, licensed
childcare centres and bars and restaurants – except for those that can offer
takeout or delivery.
“This
move by the province builds on what we have been doing here in Vaughan.
“Last
week, Vaughan closed its community centres and library branches.
“In
anticipation of March Break – City and library March Break camps and daycare
programming were also cancelled to ensure the safety of the public.
“As a
result, we continue to implement precautionary measures to ensure public
safety.
“I am
announcing that effective tomorrow – Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. – Vaughan
City Hall and all other City facilities will close to the public until Monday,
April 6.
“This is
the latest move taken by the City to break the chain of transmission of this
global pandemic.
“We are
supporting our employees by encouraging those who can work remotely to do so.
“This
will ensure people are safe and that city business can continue.
“This
also is a time when communications is and continues to be of the upmost
importance. The City has been working with its partners – from other levels of
government to the media – to ensure citizens and staff have the information
they need.
“Please
take time to be informed about how to keep yourself and your family safe and
healthy by visiting York Region’s website at york.ca/COVID19.
“The
latest information on City cancellations, postponements and disruptions is
available on our website at vaughan.ca. You can also follow our Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn sites for current updates.
“I want
to reassure the people of Vaughan that by taking the proper precautions, we can
help stop the spread of germs and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“It is
incumbent upon us all to take steps and make changes for the collective good.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling ill;
- Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces using regular household cleaners.
“As one
of the safest communities in Canada, Vaughan is committed to being prepared to
respond to all possible situations.
“I want
to thank all Vaughan staff as well as our first responders for their swift,
efficient and co-ordinated efforts to keep our community safe. Thank you.”
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