Green Directions Vaughan Continues to Make Strides Toward Eco-Friendly Future

“Vaughan is proud to be at the forefront in demonstrating how municipalities can lead the way to a more sustainable future,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “As we continue to grow and evolve, it is important that we focus on making Vaughan a complete and sustainable city with a healthy environment, strong communities, and financial and economic strength. Planning for our future provides a lasting competitive advantage that supports our goal to make Vaughan a world-class city.”

Approved by Council in April 2009, Green Directions Vaughan establishes sustainability as the guiding principle for the City’s growth over the next 25 years, and provides the City with a roadmap to incorporate more sustainable practices into City operations.

“The City of Vaughan continues to gain momentum toward being an environmental leader,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “Since its launch, it has impacted virtually all aspects of City operations, from planning and development, to how we build and manage municipal buildings and infrastructure.” 

Key accomplishments achieved by Green Directions Vaughan over the past year, which are highlighted in more depth on the City’s website, include:

· Enhanced standards for storm drainage and storm water management
· Initiatives to reduce water runoff in parks and trails 
· A Trip Reduction/Community Active Transportation Strategy to foster more eco-friendly modes of travel 
· A Civic Engagement Strategy to encourage public participation in municipal processes
· Sharing sustainable best practices with the community using Vaughan City Hall as a model
· A strategy to implement the plan throughout the City