Planning for vibrant open spaces in the VMC
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Share ideas to help develop a parks and wayfinding strategy for Vaughan’s downtown core
The City of Vaughan is creating a vibrant centre for people to live, work and play within its downtown core – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). As part of this evolution, the City is undertaking the VMC Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan, which will guide the development of parks and open space, in addition to creating a signage strategy to make the area easier to navigate.
The study presents a rare opportunity to think boldly about the city, the way people understand and move through it and the role of parks and open space in modern urban life. The City is once again asking the public to join the conversation and provide input that will help define the plan going forward. Visit vaughan.ca/VMCParks to participate in the online survey and share ideas.
The VMC is the largest and most significant development project in Vaughan’s history – and it is transforming quickly. As residential development applications continue to exceed targets, in addition to an expanding workforce and visitor and commuter numbers, there is a need to build out a public space that is innovative, accessible, sustainable and safe, and fosters connectivity, physical activity, health and wellness for everyone.
Targeted for completion in Q1 2022, the VMC Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan will develop a design and implementation plan for emerging parks and open space. It will inform how these public spaces guide development, how they can be advanced over time, and how opportunities to enhance natural features, locate public art, improve multi-modal mobility and increase the area’s vibrancy can be incorporated. A comprehensive signage and wayfinding system will assist residents and visitors in moving through the VMC, in addition to easily finding the local businesses, key destinations and institutions in the area.
Establishing a network of high-quality parks and open spaces will be an essential part of the VMC’s infrastructure – and community input is vital to its success. Last fall, through an online survey, citizens shared that:
- parks and open spaces are the most important factor when determining where to live.
- people are willing to walk for up to 15 minutes to get to a park.
- people are willing to drive or take transit for at least 15 minutes to use a larger sports field.
As the study continues, public feedback is once again requested – visit vaughan.ca/VMCParks to watch a video and learn more about the current direction of the master plan, in addition to sharing feedback on park features, character, access and more. Have a say by participating in an online survey or virtual ideas board, available until Wednesday, June 30.
Community feedback will help the City develop a Parks and Wayfinding Master Plan that meets the needs of current and future residents in the VMC.
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