Mayor Bevilacqua launches the new Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee
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City of Vaughan continues to respond to COVID-19 pandemic
Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement after chairing the first meeting of the newly established Ready, Resilient and Resourceful (RRR) Committee of Council as part of City’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts:
“The
City of Vaughan indeed has been a leader in combating COVID-19. Throughout the
pandemic, we have ensured that quality services are delivered for families,
businesses and all citizens. Vaughan was the first city in Ontario and the
first municipality in York Region to declare a state of emergency on March 17.
Our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of everyone that lives
and works here.
“As
Mayor, I believe it is imperative that all Members of Council are informed and
kept up to date with the decisions made throughout this pandemic. Effective
governance structures are in place to ensure community participation and
effective dissemination of information to all interested parties.
“I want
to recognize my Council colleagues for unanimously endorsing my Member’s
Resolution to establish the Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee of
Council during the Council Meeting on May 27. The mandate of this new committee
is to report on issues related to the City’s ongoing response efforts to the
global COVID-19 pandemic. The RRR Committee will work closely with members of
our administration to identify immediate and long-term impacts of this global
pandemic on City business and plan for our continued success. We will continue
to ensure the safety of our staff while protecting public interest, responsibly
manage tax-payers’ dollars and safeguard investments.
“I would
like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Karim Kurji, York
Region Medical Officer of Health; Chief Jim MacSween, York Regional Police; Superintendent
Jennifer McCue, York Regional Police; Rocco Rossi, President and CEO,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce; and Brian Shifman President and CEO, Vaughan
Chamber of Commerce for their participation in today’s inaugural session.
“As
COVID-19 persists, further action needs to be taken to ensure that
city-building continues. The City of Vaughan has proactively introduced a
series of measures to provide relief and support to citizens and business
owners. We were one of the first municipalities to close all parks and enact
several by-laws geared at safeguarding the physical health and financial
well-being of our community. We have launched several initiatives to support
local businesses, including the Vaughan Business Action Plan, #ShopVaughanLocal
campaign and the new vaughanbusiness.ca website.
“A
fulsome post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan for the City of Vaughan is being
developed. The plan will focus on securing Vaughan’s place as the Region’s
largest employment centre, enhancing Vaughan’s key strategic economic drivers
like our downtown commercial zone, manufacturing and logistics, and the health
and tourism industries, and leveraging public spaces by supporting community
events and the arts community.
“Constant,
open, and transparent communication has been key in leading the fight against
this global virus. I remain in constant contact with senior leaders at the
provincial and federal levels and continue working closely with residents and
community organizations on our round-the-clock response. My conversations with
all governments are focused on doing everything possible to defeat COVID-19. We
have done much – there is no question about that – but we have much more to do.
“These
are indeed challenging times, but by coming together in the spirit of cooperation,
I am confident that we will emerge stronger.”
LEARN MORE
- For more information about the City’s response efforts to COVID-19, visit vaughan.ca
- For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19
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