Mayor's Speech: As COVID-19 persists, city-building continues: Mayor Bevilacqua

April 22, 2020 9:00 a.m.

​Council endorses financial impact analysis and plan of action to safeguard services and taxpayers

Watch Mayor Bevilacqua’s update

During a meeting of the City of Vaughan’s Committee of the Whole (2), Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua delivered an update about the City’s ongoing response efforts to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic and to advance city-building priorities.
 
Council also endorsed Mayor Bevilacqua’s member’s resolution requesting staff develop a report with an update on the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of the City’s finances and provide recommendations on what can be done to continue to manage taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, while safeguarding investments for the quality public services and programs residents rely on each day.  
 
Mayor Bevilacqua’s address from the April 21 meeting follows below. Please check against delivery.  
 
“Today, I am once again speaking directly to the citizens of Vaughan about our unwavering efforts to protect you from COVID-19 and to move our city forward.
 
“It has been five weeks since Vaughan became the first city in Ontario to declare a state of emergency. This global pandemic is felt here at home and in communities around the world. Flags at City facilities were lowered to half-mast in memory of those who lost their lives. We all take comfort in knowing our colleague and friend, Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, continues to make a full recovery. We are encouraged to hear her daughter, Julia, is also doing well. 
 
“A recent Toronto Star article praised Vaughan for taking the lead in fighting this deadly virus. But how did we get here? I want to outline the action taken that led a national newspaper to report on our local story.
 
“In January, the City’s Emergency Operations Centre began monitoring the emerging COVID-19 situation. That was a month and a half before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. On February 1, the Emergency Operations Centre enhanced its operations, communications and analysis of the COVID-19 challenge. As the world watched during those initial weeks of uncertainty, the City of Vaughan acted with a great deal of certainty.
 
“We were alert. Ready to act. Our administration increased the cleaning and disinfecting of public buildings and facilities, including community and fitness centres. Additional hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes were distributed. Public notices were issued. People were asked to do their part – to wash their hands – and to disinfect.  
 
“On March 13, we activated the Emergency Management Plan. With families preparing for March Break, we made the difficult – but necessary – decision to cancel all City and library March Break camps and daycare programming, and to close these facilities to the public.
 
“We were equally mindful of the health and well-being of our employees, or as we call them, the Guardians of our Government. Staff were provided with fulsome answers about what to do if they felt unwell or concerned about what was unfolding.
 
“As this international crisis deepened – after having analyzed and studied the trends, figures, statistics, the scientific evidence available and the potential danger COVID-19 posed to the health and well-being of our citizens on March 17, I declared a state of emergency. This declaration signaled that we would take every possible step to break the transmission of COVID-19. The following day, Vaughan City Hall and all other City facilities were closed to the public. The closures are in place until further notice.
 
“What made March 18 so extraordinary is how unextraordinary it was. We were ready for that day. Because as COVID-19 persisted, city-building in Vaughan continued. Long before the world had ever heard about COVID-19, we had begun developing an alternative workplace arrangement framework. This allows employees to work remotely, which in return can lead to increases in productivity, retention and cost savings. We enhanced remote access capabilities to help staff set up home offices, collaborate with colleagues and carry on with their work.  Every department has a business continuity plan in place that was reviewed, updated and has now been implemented.
 
“In collaboration with our union partners, we continue to redeploy the talents, skills and knowledge of individuals to work in those parts of the Corporation that face increasing pressures.
 
“When it was time to stay home, Vaughan kept working from home. And we have not stopped since. Whether it is by email, phone, Skype or Zoom, being remotely connected allows us to respond in a useful and timely manner to ongoing challenges, like enforcing physical distancing.
 
“On the morning of March 25, all facilities within the City’s 213 parks, including sports fields, benches and dog parks, were closed to the public. Yellow caution tape was wrapped around 273 playgrounds. Tennis courts were locked, nets removed. Warning signs installed. Parking lots closed.
 
“By-law & Compliance, Licensing & Permit Services officers and all other available enforcement personnel have increased their presence in parks and throughout our city. On April 8, Council adopted an Emergency Measures By-law. It grants new authority to me, as Mayor, and to staff, to issue clear, responsive and decisive orders during this state of emergency. Failure to comply is an offence and is subject to fines of up to $100,000.
 
“Last Friday night, Operation Guardian was launched. This is a heightened enforcement campaign to pursue charges for violations of by-laws and provincial orders. Over the past month, more than 3,500 investigations have been carried out by by-law staff.  All available officers are being deployed to focus on other issues such as waste, litter and debris – on both City and private property. Those who do not keep their private properties clean can face fines of up to $5,000 for each offence. This is just one of the many measures we have taken to keep Vaughan clean.
 
“With more people staying home and practising physical distancing, waste collection services were increased with additional Double Up days.  Leaf and yard waste collections are underway. We have asked the public to help protect waste collectors. Place all personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves, in the garbage. Changing weather meant street sweepers were deployed two months earlier, and ditch cleaning activities started on schedule. We have gone from clearing sidewalks and boulevards of snow to litter. The entire Public Works portfolio continues to deliver core services, including clean, safe drinking water along with wastewater and stormwater services – without interruption.
 
“On the evening of March 30, we held the first-ever electronic-participation Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. There, Council voted to defer the annual stormwater charge for 60 days and cancelled the planned 2020 water and wastewater rate increases. Shortly after, York Region answered Vaughan Council's call to cancel or defer their own planned regional 9 per cent wholesale water and wastewater rate increases. Taken together, this amounts to a $1.5-million reduction in revenue to the City, but it will result in a boost for family budgets.
 
“Relief is at the heart of our recovery efforts. We waived the late penalty charge on interim property tax bills. Payments for the March 26, April 27 and May 27 due dates are not subject to any late payment fee or interest until June 1, and if required, extensions will be considered. The deadline for the Elderly Home-Owners Tax Assistance 2020 program was extended twice and now until May 15. The deadline remains September 30 for the Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program. Questions about property taxes remain top-of-mind for people. And Access Vaughan is always available to address any questions the public may have.
 
“I want to acknowledge all members of our administration for thinking strategically and for seeing the unseen opportunities presented by our present situation. The 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan continues to guide our efforts as we navigate through the impacts of COVID-19.
 
“The Transformation and Strategy department implemented online learning and development resources in project management, change management, continuous improvement and innovation. Data and analytics are being used by all departments to make better-informed decisions.
 
“Procurement Services has completely automated procurement processes, both internally and externally. This group continues to be the lead in securing personal protective equipment for front-line workers.
 
“Vaughan Public Libraries and the Recreation Services department are co-leading a Community Wellness Task Force to help during these unprecedented times.
 
“The library has an incredible digital collection of books, resources and online programming. You can read more than 4,000 full-content newspapers from 100 countries in 60 languages. Access more than 30,000 critically acclaimed films. Stream over 150,000 albums of classical, opera, jazz and world music, all from the comfort of your home. The number of people registering for a library card online is up by a remarkable 135 per cent, compared to last year. 
 
“Recreation Services launched a new webpage with resources to support the mental and physical health of citizens. Programs range from home workouts with Vaughan Fitness instructors – acting, dancing and singing with the City Playhouse Theatre Crew – and learning first aid basics from certified Vaughan lifeguards.  During these times of isolation, recreation co-ordinators are reaching out to members of older adult clubs to provide support and engage in friendly conversations.
 
“Real Estate Services spearheaded approval for a three-month rent deferral for not-for-profit tenants at all of our City facilities.
 
“The Events team is preparing for the City to host its first-ever virtual Canada Day celebration. Dates of other scheduled events are moving in support of physical distancing. The annual Mayor's Gala will take place in October. The Volunteer Recognition Awards will be held in November.
 
“Recreation Services is also capitalizing on the closure to continue with deep cleaning and to complete projects that were planned for later in the year – like pool and fitness centre maintenance.
 
“Infrastructure Delivery is working with industry leaders to identify and prioritize capital projects that comply with provincial directives on essential workplaces. We will waste no time in getting shovels in the ground, work underway and completed. At the same time, we are taking all measures to safeguard conditions on construction sites. Vaughan has 150 capital projects at different phases – from pre-design, to design and construction. These include the revitalization of Garnet A. Williams Community Centre, the Keele Street watermain replacement and rehabilitation, and the Vaughan Transportation Plan. And during yesteday’s Committee of the Whole (2) and Council meetings, Council discussed the development of Phase 2 of the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park.
 
“Work further continues to advance the Barrie Regional Rail Expansion Project, the King-Vaughan Bridge replacement and the expansion of Major Mackenzie Drive and Rutherford Road widening.
 
“We continue to press ahead with the ongoing construction of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, which is an example of what we can achieve when we work together. The 1.2 million square foot site can house up to 550 hospital beds. The new hospital is a $1.6 billion initiative. It will employ more than 1,800 full-time hospital staff.
 
“Ours will be the first hospital in Canada to feature fully integrated smart technology systems and medical devices that can speak directly to one another to maximize patient care.
 
“The new hospital is also at the heart of the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct Project – a first-of-its-kind initiative in Vaughan. The City is leading a collaboration to transform an 82-acre parcel of land at Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive into the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.
 
“I led the signing of a memorandum of understanding in October between the City of Vaughan, York University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB to identify transformational opportunities to maximize the best use of lands surrounding the site of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital through a feasibility study.
 
“The feasibility study will determine how best to create a world-class health experience and explore various options, including a new space for ventureLAB to expand and create another regional innovation hub in Vaughan and opportunities for Mackenzie Health to collaborate with York University in the area of academic health sciences.
 
“The goal of this unique collaboration is for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to leverage resources to bring healthcare, innovation and jobs to this growing community. This site has the potential to be a place that will connect people and spaces and bring together different sectors to become an epicentre of healthcare excellence here in our city. Long before COVID-19, we were laying the foundation for the future built on the importance of public health. Now more than ever, we need the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to come to fruition.
 
“Building this hospital is about investing in the health and well-being of our citizens and ensuring we all have access to the best possible front-line healthcare for generations to come.
 
“We continue to advance these critical infrastructure projects because Vaughan remains a city in demand – the place to be. We are still the same city that issued more than $10 billion in building permits since 2010.  Despite the dark clouds of COVID-19, our golden decade continues to shine bright.
 
“During the first quarter of 2020, the City issued 656 permits valued at over $128 million. More than 12,300 inspections have taken place over the past three months – well exceeding 2019, 2018 and 2017 during that same period.
 
“Development Engineering implemented a new process that accepts, reviews and approves applications electronically. The number of permits received to date are up 70 per cent compared to the average number of permits over the last three years.
 
“Building Standards is launching a new online permit service.
 
“The Parks Planning department continues to advance parks and open-space trail planning and design initiatives by leveraging collaborative software and technologies.
 
“The Promenade Centre Secondary Plan and Concord GO Centre are continuing with emerging land use plans. The Policy Planning and Environmental Sustainability department is advancing the City’s Official Plan Review.
 
“Development Planning and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Program will hold Pre-application Consultation meetings, accept new development applications, co-ordinate with internal and external stakeholders and host virtual meetings to ensure projects move ahead.
 
“The VMC – our emerging downtown core – remains the largest and most ambitious project in Vaughan’s history. The VMC Secondary Plan RFP is issued. Key downtown infrastructure projects continue that will help attract further investment and development.
 
“The City’s economic well-being is crucial. This has been my message in a series of virtual townhalls, hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. One of the first response efforts passed by Council was the Vaughan Business Action Plan. This blueprint has helped to support the restocking of store shelves and bolster the tourism industry by suspending the Municipal Accommodation Tax.
 
“The Economic and Cultural Development department is assisting businesses and government partners in the race to provide personal protective equipment and other needed resources. They have helped more than 200 businesses navigate provincial and federal support programs. A grace period of 90 days for business licence renewals was enacted.
 
“A new webpage is being launched that will promote digitized local entertainment, and educational and cultural experiences, in addition to online retail and dining experiences. The website will link to the newly launched Art Integration Collection exhibition, which features works by local, regional and GTA-based artists. 
 
“The #ShopVaughanLocal campaign continues to surge on social media in support of small businesses that make up 80 per cent of all Vaughan businesses.
 
“Our friends at Niagara University reached out to ask how they can give back to our community. They are working with the City to launch a series of free business and entrepreneurial focused webinars.
 
“A fulsome post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan is being developed. We are bringing together the best and brightest to strategize on ways Vaughan can consolidate its place as a leading destination for investment, growth and job creation. Our focus is to continue to provide a quality of life and standard of living Vaughan citizens deserve. 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. 
“Vaughan indeed has been a leader in combating COVID-19 while ensuring quality services are delivered for families, businesses and all citizens. As I have said, we find ourselves in a marathon. I remain in constant contact with senior leaders at the provincial and federal levels. My conversations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Premier Doug Ford and other colleagues from all levels of government have been focused on doing all that is possible to defeat COVID-19.
 
“We have done much – there is no question about that – but we have much more to do. 
 
“The Office of the City Clerk has developed a schedule for the next two months that will ensure city business continues on time. Electronic meetings of the Committee of Adjustment will take place next month. Staff are looking into re-establishing task force and other committee meetings.  
 
“I will close my remarks by informing Council that I will submit before all of you today, a Member’s Resolution with the recommendations that:
 
  • City of Vaughan staff bring forward a report with an update on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of the City’s finances; and
  • That this report provides recommendations on what can be done, during this period of global uncertainty, to continue to responsibly manage taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, while safeguarding investments for the quality public services and programs residents rely on each day; and
  • That this report takes into consideration the strategic priorities outlined in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. 
“With the City’s budget and business planning efforts soon approaching, it is imperative that we have a complete picture. I want to thank the administration under the leadership of Mary Reali for all of your efforts in the fight against COVID-19. As our daily briefings have proven, the sharing of knowledge and perspectives has been vital to our co-ordinated and effective response to COVID-19. 
 
“A response which has been consistently communicated to the citizens of Vaughan. Constant, open, and transparent communication has been key in leading the fight against COVID-19.
 
“I also want to thank my Council colleagues for all that you have done to serve our community during this crisis. Your support, commitment and dedication are appreciated by all.
 
“I am encouraged by the generous contributions from residents, Vaughan businesses and organizations who remain dedicated to defeating this virus. We must continue working together to overcome this period of adversity. 
 
“And finally, I want to express my warmest and sincerest gratitude to the emergency, medical and front-line workers, including doctors, nurses and healthcare experts, police officers and firefighters, grocery store employees, truck drivers, public works professionals and all other essential workers, who are enabling goods and services to be provided.
 
“We are in this together, and I know we will emerge stronger. Thank you.”
 
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