Mayor Bevilacqua reflects on recent successes and looks forward to exciting months ahead

Sept. 17, 2019 2:00 p.m.
Celebrating community, culture and sport in Vaughan

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua delivered the following address to mark committee and Council business officially resuming today:
 
“I would like to reflect on the work undertaken by Council and staff from when we last met in June, and to look toward the months ahead.
 
“The summer is an opportunity to bring people together and enjoy the unrivalled quality of life we have here in Vaughan.
 
“We saw this with Jurassic Park Vaughan.
 
“The energy, enthusiasm and optimism for the Toronto Raptors thrived at City Hall, where thousands of local fans gathered to cheer and support the team throughout the record-breaking series.
 
“This included game 6, where the Raptors made history by becoming the first-ever Canadian franchise to win the NBA championship.
 
“During the NBA Finals, the Raptors’ flag proudly flew at City Hall.
 
“We also held several other important flag raisings including:
 
  • Pride Week;
  • Italian Heritage Month;
  • Recreation and Parks Month;
  • India Independence Day;
  • Dominican Republic Restoration Day;
  • Recovery Day York Region
 
“This summer commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Concerts in the Park series. Once again, residents and visitors of all ages and abilities came out to enjoy free, professional entertainment.
 
“While we marked an important milestone for Concerts in the Park, the City introduced Music in the Square.
 
“This was a free cultural music event that took place in the heart of our emerging downtown – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Transit Square.
 
“During the summer heat, residents cooled down at community centres, pools and splash pads and Vaughan Public Libraries' branches. Thornhill Outdoor Pool also featured extended hours.
 
“For the first time, we held Canada Day festivities at the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park, featuring a headline performance by MAGIC! 
 
“We remain committed to safeguarding our natural environment and maximizing opportunities for residents to enjoy our parks, trails and outdoor facilities.
 
“There are more than 230 kilometres of signed cycling and pedestrian routes as well as 705 hectares of City parks and tableland woodlots.
 
“We held the official opening of the Agostino Park expansion.
 
“I encourage you to explore the new senior soccer field, walkway connection to the playground, basketball court and mini soccer field.
 
“We also opened the North Thornhill District Park walkway. It is a path to recreation — connecting the park and North Thornhill Community Centre to encourage healthy, active living for citizens and visitors.
 
“The summer was also defined by our continued appreciation for the diversity and culture that thrives throughout Vaughan and continues to shape our city, province and country.
 
“I was personally reminded of this after meeting with Master Thich Hue Minh at the Cam Lo Vuong Buddhist Community Temple.
 
“The Cam Lo Vuong Temple continues to serve as a gathering place for worship, meditation and religious instruction as well as a sanctuary for Buddhist followers here in Vaughan and beyond our borders.
 
"In June, we recognized Italian Heritage Month, National Indigenous Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day and Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
 
“That same month, the facingNORTH art exhibition began at the on the SLATE Atrium Gallery.
 
“This exhibition is just one example of the many ways the City supports cultural and artistic diversity in Vaughan.
 
“As I reflect on these accomplishments, I think of the people of Vaughan who continue to shape a better tomorrow for our community.
 
“Vaughan citizens are at the heart of our success. They are full partners in city-building.
 
“During the 2019 Mayor’s Gala, I proudly announced that the Cortellucci family donated a historic $40-million toward building the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Collectively, $162-million has been raised toward the $250-million Exceptional Care Belongs Here Campaign.
 
“This marks the largest single contribution to Mackenzie Health's history.
 
“Over the past few months, people had the opportunity to nominate inspiring individuals for the Order of Vaughan.
 
“The Order of Vaughan is the highest honour the City may present. I look forward to joining Members of Council to honour the 2019 recipients in November.
 
“In July, the newest generation of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service firefighters were officially welcomed into the Service at a graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
 
“Twenty-one recruits showed their commitment to protecting the city, five recently promoted firefighters were applauded for their dedication to teamwork and six new employees who embody the City's commitment to Service Excellence were recognized.
 
“Our first responders are the best, bravest and brightest. We were reminded of this once again in August when we marked the 10th anniversary of the tornado that hit Vaughan.
 
“Emergencies can happen at any time. As one of the safest communities in Canada, Vaughan is committed to being prepared for any emergency because the safety of our citizens is the number one priority.
 
“We also undertook other important city-building business and laid the groundwork for the months ahead.
 
“In August, we announced that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, is moving ahead with the City's flood prevention initiative in the VMC.
 
“Known as the Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Project, this new action plan is essential in continuing the development in Vaughan’s downtown core.
 
“The approved study will allow the City to implement effective flood control measures, enhance the natural heritage system and beautify the public realm through the renewal of the VMC’s Black Creek valley corridor between Highway 7 and Highway 407.
 
“The VMC is the largest and most ambitious project in the City's history. Marketing the VMC and the unrivalled advantages of investing, creating jobs and living in Vaughan – were all recently featured in the new Vaughan Rising Podcast Series. 
 
“Other infrastructure projects in our City, included York Region replacing a culvert located on Major Mackenzie Drive West.
 
“We called on members of the public to apply to be part of three new task forces, which will be chaired by the following Members of Council:
 
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Task Force: Chair, Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca and Vice-Chair, Regional Councillor Gino Rosati
  • Governance Task Force: Chair, Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella and Vice-Chair, Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman
  • I am proud to once again chair the Smart City Task Force joined by Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, who will serve as Vice-Chair.
 
“Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate, Regional Councillor Mario Ferri and Regional Councillor Linda Jackson, will have important roles with future task forces that will be launched later in the Council term.
 
“These task forces will address issues such as Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital; Environmental Leadership; and Diversity and Citizen Engagement.
 
“This past Sunday, I was invited by Niagara University to join Premier Ford to mark the official grand opening of Niagara University – Vaughan's first university.
 
“I was proud to first announce Niagara University had expanded to our community in January of this year and to welcome students on their first day of classes in Vaughan.
 
“As we look toward the months ahead, we have several exciting and important events planned.
 
“Tomorrow, the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic takes place. Proceeds raised will go toward the mission of the Spirit of Generosity.
 
“Since 2011, the efforts and events of the Spirit of Generosity commitment have raised more than $70-million to help more than 200 not-for-profit and community organizations that play a vital role in shaping our city.
 
“This Friday is the Mayor's Lunar Gala, which brings the community together to raise further funds to make a difference in the lives of people and Mackenzie Health.
 
“From Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, we celebrate our 10th anniversary of Culture Days – a free national event celebrating arts, culture, creativity and inspiration in Vaughan.
 
“In October, a signing ceremony will take place for our memorandum of understanding with York University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB.
 
“The mandate of this Council-approved MOU is to maximize the highest and best use of lands surrounding the site of the future Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital – also known as the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.
 
“Other important and much-anticipated events will include Small Business Week, our Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Tree Lighting ceremony and Menorah Lighting.
 
“We will once again call on the entire community to come together to support the City of Vaughan Toy Drive, which launches on Monday, November 18 to support families in need.  
 
“We will also begin the process of further engaging the public about the 2020 budget – which will serve as an important blueprint that reinforces our values to deliver quality public services, while at the same time respecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
 
“Finally, Vaughan has been selected as an official host of the 2019-2020 Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour. This opportunity recognizes the remarkable athletic talent produced in Vaughan and brings the community together to celebrate our shared passion for hockey.
 
“From Saturday, Jan. 11 to Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, the VMC will become hockey-central, featuring free live entertainment, meet-and-greets with NHL alumni, local celebrities and hockey-themed activities for all ages to enjoy.
 
“We also look forward to welcoming hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone, who will cap off the weekend with a live outdoor viewing party of a Toronto Maple Leafs game broadcast on Sportsnet.
 
“We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to.
 
“We can take great pride in knowing that the most recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey found that 97 per cent of residents are happy with their quality of life here in our city.
 
“As we continue our journey towards building a modern, dynamic and thriving city, we do so with the knowledge that great communities are built by remarkable individuals who work hard to create a meaningful life for their neighbours.”
 
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