Moving Vaughan forward through integrity, accountability and responsibility

Dec. 3, 2019 4:00 p.m.
City of Vaughan
​The City holds first public meeting to discuss the 2020 Budget

The budget process is an important part of governance. The City of Vaughan is committed to advancing major city-building initiatives while continuing to support the more than 200 programs and services people rely on daily through integrity, fiscal responsibility and accountability. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Members of Council, City staff and citizens took part in the first meeting to discuss the 2020 Budget and 2021-2022 Financial Plan at a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting yesterday.

The draft 2020 Budget is focused on keeping property tax rates low, respecting taxpayers’ hard-earned money and delivering quality public services. It is made up of a combined tax and user rate operating budget of $515.5 million to support City services including stormwater maintenance, water and wastewater. It also includes a 2020 capital budget and the 2021-2022 capital plan which amounts to $639.8 million dollars to support projects like revitalizing City facilities, maintaining existing roads and social and economic initiatives.

In support of the Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, the 2020 capital budget and 2021-2022 capital plan includes:

  • $252.2 million in capital projects related to Transportation and Mobility. Projects include improving the local road network, supporting regional transportation initiatives and advance active transportation.
  • $127.8 million in capital projects related to City Building. This includes the development of the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, developing the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and elevating the quality of life through city planning.
  • $81.9 million in capital projects related to Environmental Stewardship. These initiatives will focus on protecting and respecting the environment, proactive environmental management and help build a low-carbon economy and a resilient city.
  • $69 million for capital projects related to Active, Safe and Diverse Communities. This will include programs to enhance community well-being, help enrich our communities and maintain safety in our community.
  • $1.9 million in capital projects for Economic Prosperity, Investment and Social Capital. Projects will help advance economic opportunities, attract new investments in Vaughan and enable a climate for job creation.
  • $5.7 million in capital projects related to Good Governance. These initiatives will ensure transparency and accountability, demonstrate value for money and showcase Vaughan’s commitment to financial stewardship.
  • $43.5 million for capital projects related to Citizen Experience. This includes programs that demonstrate commitment to citizen service and transform services through technology.
  • $57 million in capital projects related to Operational Performance. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the City will use data-driven decision-making and promote innovation.
  • $700,000 in capital projects for Staff Engagement. These initiatives will empower staff, develop leadership skills and help manage performance.

The budget details how the City’s revenues and other sources of funds are allocated to programs, services, and maintaining and building infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to join the conversation and help shape Vaughan’s promising future. The next public meeting to discuss the draft budget is Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. A Special Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. to approve the draft budget.

QUOTE

“Building a city is a team effort. This budget reflects our dedication to moving our city forward. We are delivering services more effectively and efficiently. We are committed to managing our residents’ taxes responsibly and safeguarding investments for the high-quality public service our community relies on each day. The City of Vaughan’s 2020 Budget and 2021-2022 Financial Plan is the road map that guides our efforts to build a better, more promising future for all. Our sound approach to public finances and commitment to open, accountable and transparent governance are fundamental in attracting, retaining and producing talent in Vaughan. By working together, we are achieving excellence. I want to recognize my Council colleagues, members of our administration and the citizens of Vaughan for actively contributing to our budget process to help prioritize our investments.”
– Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS

  • Citizen engagement is an important component of the budget process and residents have a variety of opportunities to be involved, including public meetings, social media outreach, an online feedback form and dedicated phone line.
  • Residential property taxes are split between Vaughan (28 per cent), York Region (48 per cent), the Province of Ontario (23 per cent for local school boards) and the Hospital Precinct Levy (one per cent).
  • The City of Vaughan has one of the lowest tax rates in the GTA. 
  • The proposed property tax levy for 2020 is 2.85 per cent, an increase on average of $49 annually or $4.08 per month for an average residential property assessed at $891,000.
  • Since 2015, the City of Vaughan has achieved more than $30 million in budget savings.
  • Residents can join and participate in upcoming Budget meetings at City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
  • The budget plan is aligned with the priorities presented in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan
  • Budget meetings are live streamed at vaughan.ca.

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