Statement: Providing diverse housing to support Vaughan’s growth
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SmartVMC by
SmartCentres breaks ground on the VMC’s first purpose-built rental apartment
building
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued a statement following the groundbreaking of a new purpose-built housing project in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). SmartVMC’s first purpose-built rental apartment building will have 36 floors, 450 rental units, a one-acre private park, access to a 25,000-square-foot combined fitness and co-working amenity, full service concierge and outdoor pool, among other features:
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued a statement following the groundbreaking of a new purpose-built housing project in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). SmartVMC’s first purpose-built rental apartment building will have 36 floors, 450 rental units, a one-acre private park, access to a 25,000-square-foot combined fitness and co-working amenity, full service concierge and outdoor pool, among other features:
“I want to thank the
Province of Ontario and Minister Steve Clark for their partnership. We worked
collaboratively in the process towards a Minister’s zoning order – a key
element to unleash the full potential of the VMC as a powerful economic driver
in the province.
“This project is in alignment with Vaughan’s commitment to
meet provincial density targets and find a complete range of housing solutions
for our diverse and rapidly expanding city. Solutions that better address
current housing needs will provide flexibility for the City to respond to new
opportunities.
“By 2031, the VMC will be home to more than 25,000 people
living in a projected 12,000 units. With several new projects on the horizon,
including condominium developments that will play an important role in meeting
future density goals, finding a complete range of housing options for our growing
community remains a priority.
“In Vaughan, we have always advocated for diverse and affordable
housing options that are in keeping with our vision to move our city forward
without leaving anyone behind. We have a laser-focused approach to provide an
exceptional standard of living, where everyone is encouraged to reach their
full potential, actively participate in civic life and obtain equal access to
opportunities.
“This is what makes Vaughan the place to be, and these
principles have long been the foundation of our efforts to build a stronger,
more inclusive city. By offering affordable housing options, we are creating
new opportunities for people who may not have previously thought it possible to
call Vaughan home.
“I have long maintained my creed in sensory-based planning.
This means when you walk through the VMC, we want the human senses — sight,
sound, smell and feel — to be activated and fully engaged. Our city-building
efforts remain inspired by this mission and as such, we are forging ahead with
a mindset that goes beyond mere structures. Vaughan’s present and future
planning effort embodies a higher purpose. It reflects planning decisions rooted
in convictions that seek to protect and elevate the exceptional quality of life
for our citizens.
“With approximately 179 hectares of development
opportunities, the VMC is the largest and most ambitious project in Vaughan’s
history. It continues to reach new and unprecedented heights by attracting transformational
projects and opportunities. In 2019, Niagara University expanded to a modern,
new site in the VMC. This milestone marked the arrival of the first university in
Vaughan.
“From 2015 to 2020, the VMC attracted more than $9 billion
in economic investment, with much of this rooted in momentous construction
projects that contribute to a growing skyline with new businesses and
residential developments, like the one we are breaking ground for today. In
fact, Vaughan Council has approved nearly 11,000 new residential units in the
VMC.
“We recently held the grand opening of the PwC-YMCA Tower —
a 240,000 square-foot SmartVMC by SmartCentes mixed-use project. In August
2019, the provincial Ministry of Environment approved a City-led flood
prevention initiative in the VMC. The Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental
Assessment Project is essential in continuing the development of Vaughan’s
downtown core and serves to strengthen the City’s relationship with our
provincial partners even further.
“An integral part of planning Vaughan’s future growth is a
well-developed transit and transportation network. As one of the
fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, Vaughan is generating jobs,
encouraging and retaining investment and pursuing opportunities that position
the City as an economic leader in the GTA.
“Creating new connections to surrounding communities and
making it easier for people to get where they need to go will contribute to our
continued success. Higher-order transit provides an enormous advantage for
attracting residents, businesses and talent to Vaughan.
“Mass rapid transit, which includes the opening of the
SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal and vivaNext Rapidway on Highway 7, will
continue to make our city a destination of choice. With the construction of
these new city roads, we are meeting the rising demand of commuters by
providing alternate routes to get in and out of our downtown core.
“Everyone should have an opportunity to live in our
community and today’s groundbreaking is a step in the right direction. I look
forward to building on our successes and to continue seeking innovative solutions
that unleash the full potential of the VMC.”
LEARN MORE
- Mayor Bevilacqua highlights Vaughan’s proven track record to build a more promising future statement
- Vaughan’s downtown core reaches unparalleled heights in 2019 statement
- Mayor Bevilacqua announces first university in Vaughan news release
- Landmark initiative builds upon expansion in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre news release
- Improving access to Vaughan’s emerging downtown core news release
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