Keeping Vaughan Clean
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Local business steps up
to support City’s sewer and street cleaning efforts
As the City of Vaughan
continues to respond to COVID-19, keeping Vaughan clean is a top priority for
the team in Public Works. Thanks to the local business community, that job just
got easier.
Joe Johnson Equipment (JJE),
Canada’s largest infrastructure-maintenance equipment provider, has loaned the City a street sweeper and a combination sewer
cleaner for 30 days as a service-in-kind donation.
In
addition to using these vehicles for the deep-cleaning required at this time of
year, this donation will allow the City to explore additional cleaning
opportunities. JJE will assist with training City staff on how to use the trucks,
which will be on the road next week.
This
marks the latest step to support the community at this challenging time. In
April, Public Works launched additional Double-Up Days, the leaf and yard waste
program was reinstated, and all facilities within parks were closed to help
break the chain of transmission of the virus. Crews also launched street
sweeping operations and the annual spring cleanup of garbage and debris on
public property across the city earlier than in previous years.
Throughout
the global pandemic, the City has responded to reports of excessive litter
through focused efforts on litter and waste collection. Littering and dumping
are prohibited and those who violate this by-law may be subject to a $205 fine.
Any instances of illegal dumping should be reported to Access Vaughan at
905-832-2281. The By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team
will investigate and take the appropriate action.
Private property conditions are
governed by the City’s Debris By-law and Property Standards By-law. Those who
do not keep their properties clear of litter, waste and debris may be subject
to a fine of $5,000 for each offence. As well, the City may have the waste and
debris removed at the owner’s expense and the owner may also be subject to an
Order to Comply, under the Building Code Act. Failing to comply with an order
is a chargeable offense.
QUOTE
“As the City of Vaughan continues to take action to
protect residents, businesses and neighbourhoods from COVID-19, we remain
focused on keeping Vaughan clean. During these extraordinary times, City
employees are demonstrating Service Excellence. They are on the frontlines
every day to ensure the safety of our community. JJE has answered the call and
is doing its part to allow essential services to continue in our city. This
donation reflects the strong community of businesses here in Vaughan that
continue to give of themselves in a generous and meaningful way. We are
grateful for JJE’s commitment to city-building and protecting the health and
well-being of all citizens. While we are facing unprecedented challenges, I
know that by working together, we will emerge stronger.”
-
Mayor Maurizio
Bevilacqua
QUICK
FACTS
- The City will recognize National Public Works Week from May 17 to 23, 2020. Regularly scheduled events have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In response to COVID-19, the City has reviewed and made adjustments to its regularly scheduled spring and summer public works operations. Services have been prioritized with a focus on the safety and well-being of everyone in the community, including front-line staff. Visit the City’s website for a list of what is on schedule, reduced, delayed or suspended.
- The Public Works portfolio has three departments: Environmental Services; Transportation and Fleet Management Services; and Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations.
- The portfolio provides services that directly impact citizens and businesses across the city every day. Services include winter maintenance of municipal roads, sidewalks and pathways; maintenance of more than 800 hectares of parks, boulevards and open spaces; forestry and horticulture services; fleet management of all City vehicles and equipment; traffic services and administration of the crossing guard program; garbage and recycling collection; and water, wastewater and stormwater services.
- For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19 or call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
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