Mayor Bevilacqua: Vaughan ends declared state of emergency

The following is a statement by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua:

"Today, I formally signed the declaration terminating the emergency related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, effective Wednesday, April 27, 2022, according to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990. 

"When COVID-19 first emerged, I began working closely with all levels of governments to monitor the situation and ensure the City took swift, decisive and meaningful action to protect citizens, businesses and employees.

"On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in response to COVID-19. Based on the information and perspective offered by the City’s Emergency Management Team, I formally declared a State of Emergency on March 17, 2020. In doing so, Vaughan became the first Ontario city and the first municipality in York Region to declare a state of emergency. This decision also followed the Ontario government's announcement that a province-wide state of emergency was now in place.

"Since then, I have chaired countless meetings with the Vaughan team. They have never wavered in their professionalism, commitment and determination to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our community while continuing to deliver critical city-building projects.  

"Over the past two years, essential services continued uninterrupted, and departments across the organization introduced or enhanced virtual service offerings to provide new, efficient and streamlined experiences for residents and businesses. 

"From building and engineering permits to planning applications and business support services – we are reinvigorating traditional services, enhancing digital platforms and delivering Service Excellence – virtually.

"Ending the declared state of emergency today aligns with jurisdictions worldwide that have lifted COVID-19 restrictions, including the recent decision to increase staffing levels in the workplace and reopen Vaughan City Hall to the public for in-person service this Monday, May 2.

"I want to thank my Council colleagues for all you have done to serve our community during this unprecedented period. Your support, commitment and dedication are appreciated by all.

"And although the City's declared state of emergency has come to an end – as I have said from the outset of the global pandemic – we are in a marathon, not a sprint.

"We need to continue working together, using our common sense and making intelligent choices to control the transmission of this virus and navigate a new world by learning to coexist with COVID-19."

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