Statement: Vaughan’s downtown core reaches unparalleled heights in 2019

Dec. 6, 2019 3:00 p.m.
​Vaughan Metropolitan Centre attracts more than $9 billion in economic activity

The following is a statement by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua marking the final Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Sub-Committee meeting of 2019. Take a virtual tour of the VMC.
 
“During my 2018 to 2022 inaugural address, I reaffirmed the importance of the VMC Sub-Committee and my intention to continue chairing it. As we concluded the final meeting for the year and as we approach the two-year anniversary of the subway opening in Vaughan, our record of accomplishments is proof that this working group maintains an essential role in shaping our entire city’s future.
 
“Reflecting on the past twelve months and looking toward the promise of the new year ahead, our emerging downtown core continues to attract significant opportunities. The VMC is the largest and most ambitious project in Vaughan's history. Its strategic amenities were at the focus of our promotional efforts with political and business leaders during the City of Vaughan’s 2019 trade mission to Israel. I spoke at length about the unrivalled benefits of investing and expanding into the heart of the city.
 
“In 2019, Vaughan’s downtown reached new and unprecedented heights. I began the year by joining Niagara University President Rev. James J. Maher, faculty and members of the administration to make the historic announcement that university had expanded to a modern new site in the VMC. This milestone marked the arrival of the first university to our city.
 
“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 business and residential developments. In fact, Vaughan Council has approved more than 10,817 new residential units. We recently marked the grand opening of the PwC-YMCA Tower – a 240,000-square-foot SmartCentres mixed-use project, which will feature office space for this global professional services firm, in addition to a YMCA and a new Vaughan Public Libraries branch.
 
“Working effectively with York Region, SmartCentres and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, we opened new roads in the VMC’s northwest area. These include: Applewood Crescent from Highway 7 to Portage Parkway; Commerce Street from Highway 7 to Apple Mill Road; and Apple Mill Road from Edgeley Boulevard to Applewood Crescent.
 
“Creating connections to surrounding communities and making it easier for people to get where they need to go will contribute to our city’s successes. Higher-order transit provides a significant advantage for attracting residents, businesses and talent to Vaughan. In November, the SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal, which is linked to the vivaNext Rapidway on Highway 7, opened. Vaughan remains the only municipality outside of Toronto with direct subway service.
 
“We are taking an innovative approach to flood control and mitigation while delivering on our commitment to establish Vaughan as a leader in municipal sustainability. Over the past year, we announced the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is moving ahead with the City’s flood prevention initiative in the VMC. Known as the Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Project (Black Creek Renewal Class EA Study), this new action plan is essential in continuing the downtown's development.
 
“Transit Square emerged as a signature space for our community to come together for cultural activities and to enjoy memorable live entertainment. At this location, we launched the 25th anniversary of the award-winning Concerts in the Park Series and debuted festivities for the 10th annual Culture Days. It was also host to the first-ever Music in the Square summer lounge series and in January 2020, Transit Square and the surrounding area will become hockey-central for the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour stop in Vaughan.
 
“Other city-building milestones include: significant progress on the construction of the iconic Centre of Community and new high-rise residential developments, including Transit City Towers 1 and 2, the Met, and Expo City Towers 3 and 4; Scotiabank expanding into the PwC-YMCA Tower; and new mixed-use development applications located at 3300 and 2851 Highway 7.
 
“The vital work undertaken through the VMC Sub-Committee is part and parcel of our unwavering efforts to press ahead with the growth of our downtown. I want to recognize my Council colleagues —Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco and Local and Regional Councillor Linda Jackson — who serve on this working group.
 
“We also have an incredible team of staff, from multiple departments, who have demonstrated dedication, passion and professionalism in all their efforts to make the VMC dream become a reality. I look forward to continue working closely with industry leaders and community partners to build on our success and unleash the potential of the VMC.”
 
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