Making a difference in the success of local businesses
Vaughan’s Economic Development team is advancing technology, art and corporate partnerships
Helping businesses succeed with projects that support the community for years to come is central to the work of the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department. One of the ways it achieves this goal is through the Strategic Economic Initiatives team’s efforts to promote the business community’s growth and attract businesses and talent to Vaughan.
Want to learn more? An overview of the team’s recent accomplishments in Smart City development, innovation and placemaking is outlined in the 2022 Year in Review – which was recently approved by Vaughan Council.
The report showcases many programs and services the team offers to advance economic opportunities for businesses. It also outlines 2022 accomplishments and an overview of 2023 planned initiatives.
Here are some of the exciting 2022 highlights:
- To offset the taxbase, three digital billboards were installed on City property to generate more than $405,000 in revenue per year for 15 years.
- The Activate!Vaughan Smart City Challenge received a Gold Award from the Economic Development Council of Ontario and connected innovative companies with health providers, Smart City developers, and sustainable companies.
- The City launched the annual Grow with Vaughan Horticulture Sponsorship Program, resulting in more than $75,000 in revenue to offset horticulture operational costs and provide promotional opportunities for local businesses.
- Vaughan showcased its world-class status at the 2022 Collision Conference by highlighting our emerging health and life sciences sector.
- Vaughan advanced healthcare innovation by enabling the development of the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct and extending land-use agreements with York University and Mackenzie Health.
- The Assembly Park Outdoor Public Art Gallery launched in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) with its Transitions exhibition.
- Vaughan achieved the Smart Cities Early Adopter International Organization of Standardization certification from the World Council on City Data.
- Vaughan hosted Canada Soccer’s 2022 Toyota National Championship, generating nearly $1 million in gross domestic product for the hospitality sector.
The City’s Economic Development team remains committed to maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy. Looking ahead, the department will continue to support high-impact economic development projects, such as the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, public art and Smart City initiatives, and help businesses develop and assist them with attaining office space within the VMC.
QUOTE(S)
“The City of Vaughan is committed to building a world-class city where residents and businesses can thrive. We are focused on keeping taxes low and building a culture of continuous improvement by focusing on innovation and technology. The Strategic Economic Initiatives team ensures the City continues moving forward. They are effective, outside-the-box thinkers who are passionate about serving Vaughan’s business community and helping it grow. One of their core service offerings is the development of alternative sources of revenue for the City that help fund the programs and services on which residents rely. The hard work undertaken by the team allows the City to remain financially disciplined and maintain a low level of taxation.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department contributes to providing businesses with a climate for growth and improving residents’ quality of life and standard of living. The Strategic Economic Initiatives team, in particular, fosters Smart City projects that use technology to solve civic challenges. They lead Vaughan’s Public Art Program, which develops the city’s unique identity and economic vitality. And they generate alternative sources of revenue for City programs through corporate partnerships. On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team – Executive, I want to congratulate the entire department on the initiatives, awards and recognitions outlined in this review.”
- Nick Spensieri, City Manager
“Our team is committed to undertaking projects that create business opportunities and attract talent in Vaughan. The 2022 Strategic Economic Initiatives Year in Review provides a snapshot of the transformative and purpose-driven projects catalyzing stakeholders, talent and assets to drive creative placemaking in 2023. I want to congratulate the entire Economic Development team on the successes achieved and I look forward to many more accomplishments in the year ahead.”
- Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development
QUICK FACTS
- The team’s Strategic Economic Initiatives unit undertakes projects that promote the business community’s growth and attract businesses and talent to Vaughan.
- The 2022 Strategic Economic Initiatives Year in Review showcases the team’s many programs and services to advance economic opportunities for businesses. It also outlines 2022 accomplishments and an overview of 2023 planned initiatives.
- Connect with the Economic Development team in person at City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., by email at ed@vaughan.ca or by phone at 905-832-8526.
LEARN MORE
- Economic Development’s Strategic Economic Initiatives (SEI) 2022 Year in Review
- Economic Development’s webpage
- Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
- Economic Development LinkedIn
