Our finances: Ready, resilient and resourceful

Nov. 3, 2020 10:00 a.m.
A disciplined, responsible and measured approach to COVID-19

The ever-evolving global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many unintended challenges for organizations, businesses and citizens. The traditional way of doing business needed to be altered, service offerings had to transition online, and health and safety measures trumped all else. And the financial burden continues to be felt. In response, the City of Vaughan has implemented many measures to support citizens and businesses that are designed to relieve financial stresses.
 
Throughout the global pandemic, Vaughan has been guided by three core values – readiness, resiliency and resourcefulness – which continue to shape ongoing response efforts. During the latest meeting of the City's Ready, Resilient and Resourceful (RRR) Committee of Council, one of the focuses was on “our finances.”
 
COVID-19 has resulted in changes to the way the City delivers service excellence. Although essential services remain intact, various services and programs have been enhanced and modified. Vaughan has also responded with measures to aid the community financially. These include:
  • issuing refunds without penalty for all cancelled camps, programs and permits in response to continued City facility and amenity closures.
  • introducing additional safety measures and protocols in all aspects of the City’s operations and service delivery.
  • providing financial assistance through deferral of property taxes by waiving the late payment penalty on the interim billing until July 1, 2020 (originally due March 26, April 27 and May 27).
  • deferring the renewals of business licences for existing businesses by up to 90 days.
  • deferring monthly rent payments for not-for-profit tenants within City-owned facilities for three months (April to June 2020).
  • suspending collection of the Municipal Accommodation Tax until Sept. 1, 2020.
  • deferring the annual stormwater charge for 60 days.
  • cancelling the 2020 water and wastewater rate increases planned for 2020.
  • implementing workforce re-balancing measures, including temporary layoffs for staff who are unable to work from home due to the nature of their work, re-deployments, deferral of start dates for most of Vaughan’s part-time, seasonal and student workforce, and organizational re-alignments. 
Although the City continues to monitor the virus and work with all levels of government to combat its affects, the degree to which COVID-19 will continue to impact operations remains uncertain – however, a recovery plan is in place. From Phase 1 of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, Vaughan received $6.15 million of federal relief funding in October to help manage municipal budgets. Other potential measures explored to further mitigate deficiencies in 2020 and 2021 include workforce re-balancing, spending restrictions and additional funding support from senior levels of government, among others.
 
The mandate of the RRR Committee of Council is to publicly report on the City’s ongoing response efforts to the global COVID-19 pandemic. At the second RRR committee meeting on Sept. 29, discussions focused on updates and actions taken by City staff in the following categories: our people, our places, our services, our finances, our economy and our communications. Next week, the City will share additional information about “our economy.”
 
QUOTE
“COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for the provincial, national and global economy, including the economic competitiveness of communities across Canada. Relief is at the heart of our recovery efforts, and the City of Vaughan remains committed to supporting residents and businesses during these uncertain times. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have implemented several programs and initiatives to help lessen the financial impacts of COVID-19 in our city. Now more than ever, we must continue to explore all options to ensure we create the right environment for hardworking taxpayers, aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses to achieve economic prosperity. Despite the universal hardships of COVID-19, Vaughan’s golden decade continues to shine bright. Through the dedicated efforts of the City’s Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee of Council, we will ensure our post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan lays the foundation for a promising future for all. We must continue the momentum to reach new and unprecedented heights. We are all in this together, and, by supporting each other, we will emerge stronger.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
  • On March 17, Vaughan became the first city in Ontario and the first municipality in York Region to declare a state of emergency.
  • Unanimously endorsed by Council during the May 27 Council Meeting, the mandate of the RRR Committee is to report on the City’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts and plan for Vaughan’s post-pandemic future. The RRR Committee continues to work closely with members of Vaughan’s administration to identify immediate and long-term impacts of this global pandemic on City business and plan for its continued success. 
  • Throughout the pandemic, the City of Vaughan has ensured quality services are delivered for families, businesses and all citizens. The priority remains the health, safety and well-being of everyone that lives and works in the community.
  • Vaughan continues to take a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to reopening the city. As some restrictions are lifted, other precautionary measures remain in place to protect everyone in the community from further transmission of COVID-19. Visit vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan for more information on ongoing services, recent reopenings, continued closures and programs that have been impacted by the virus.
  • Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19. 
LEARN MORE
  • City of Vaughan COVID-19 webpage
  • Vaughan moves into a modified Stage 2: Oct. 16 news release
  • Ready, Resilient and Resourceful: Oct. 5 news release
  • Our people: Oct. 13 news release
  • Our places: Oct. 20 news release
  • Our services: Oct. 30 news release
  • Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee: Sept. 29 staff report (PDF)
  • Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee: Sept. 29 meeting agenda
  • Ready. Resilient. Resourceful: Sept. 29 presentation
  • Mayor Bevilacqua establishes Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee: May 17 statement
  • Mayor Bevilacqua launches the new Ready, Resilient and Resourceful Committee: June 23 statement
  • Mayor Bevilacqua calls for a City of Vaughan 0 per cent tax increase for 2021: Oct. 14 statement
  • York Region COVID-19 webpage  
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