Statement: Mayor Bevilacqua marks 100-day milestone

Historic announcements mark a successful start to the term

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the following statement, highlighting a successful start to the 2018 to 2022 Term of Council:
 
“It has been a very productive 100 days since this Term of Council began on Dec. 4, 2018. As Mayor, I believe it is important to mark this milestone by recognizing the successes that have been realized as a result of our focused approach to city building.   
 
“Early this year, we made history by welcoming the first university in Vaughan and York Region. Niagara University is located in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre’s (VMC) EXPO City Tower and steps away from the VMC Subway Station. In addition to promoting our values of higher learning and education, it will serve as a magnet by igniting opportunities in the community.
 
“The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, our dynamic new downtown, continues to rise. By re-establishing our commitment to the VMC Sub-Committee, we renew our shared goal of transforming the VMC into a thriving urban hub of economic opportunity, culture, greenspace and healthy active living.
 
“We engaged and listened to citizens about the issue of recreational cannabis and the presence of cannabis retail stores in the city and it was clear that families do not want greater access to cannabis in our community. I introduced a motion to opt-out from allowing licensed retail cannabis stores to operate in Vaughan, which was supported by Council. Vaughan, and all municipalities, require dedicated, predictable and substantial funding from both the Canadian and Ontario governments to help ensure the administration and consumption of recreational cannabis is done in a safe, informed and responsible manner.
 
“After consultation with residents and concerned citizens, we approved a motion that made clear we do not support Bill 66 in its present form. Our message to the provincial government was clear – major flaws exist within this legislation and further engagement and analysis is required. The province responded positively to our suggestions and concerns by announcing it will not proceed with Schedule 10 of Bill 66. This was the right decision and an important win for the citizens of Vaughan and our Council.
 
“In February, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce set an attendance record by welcoming over 800 business professionals and entrepreneurs to the Annual Mayor’s Luncheon. In my State of the City address, I reflected on purpose-driven leadership and the transformational projects that are fueling our city’s success. I also presented Rev. James J. Maher, President of Niagara University, with the distinguished recognition of the Key to the City of Vaughan, for his commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities to students right here in our city.
 
“On Feb. 20, Council unanimously approved a budget that stays true to our promise of keeping tax rate increases at or below three per cent. Vaughan proudly maintains one of the lowest tax rates in the GTA and we continue to secure efficiencies and maximize every dollar we are entrusted to manage. Since 2015, we have saved approximately $30 million in tax dollars. We do this without sacrificing the vital services local youth, growing families and our active seniors require and expect of us.
 
“In honor of people who have given of themselves to the noble cause of taking care of human beings in the last stage of life, and through my role as Chair of the Hospice Vaughan Capital Campaign, I am proud to announce that we have reached our $12 million fundraising goal with a generous $1.3 million donation that was announced at the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon.
 
“We look forward to next year’s completion of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. 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. As Chair of the $250 million Exceptional Care Belongs Here Campaign, I am pleased to share that our campaign has raised $118 million-dollars. I have also made a personal commitment to this community that I will continue to work hard and diligently to secure the largest donation in the history of our city, which will result in the naming of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.”
 
“We closed in on the 100-day mark with an inspiring celebration in honour of International Women’s Day. This event provided a catalyst to further reflect on the outstanding achievements made by women in our city and around the world.  It gave me great pride to sign the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity on behalf of the City of Vaughan – making ours the first municipality in Canada to do so. This Accord is a call to action that challenges organizations to do more to bring about equal opportunities for women in the workplace.
 
“These are the type of city building initiatives which aid in the evolution of our community. The past 100 days are consistent with the values, principles and beliefs I offered the citizens of Vaughan back in 2010. Though our deeds and actions, we have made a significant difference to our city. The best is yet to come!”
 
 
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