Strengthening Vaughan’s economy
The Strategic Economic Initiatives team advanced many key projects in support of local businesses in 2024
Helping businesses grow and succeed with projects that support the community for years to come is fundamental to the work of the City of Vaughan’s Economic Development department. One of the ways it achieves this goal is through its Strategic Economic Initiatives team’s efforts to promote the growth of the city’s business community and attract companies and top talent to Vaughan.
Recent accomplishments from Strategic Economic Initiatives are highlighted in their 2024 Year in Review (PDF) – which was ratified by Vaughan Council today:
- They delivered a successful Health Innovation mission to Chicago, in partnership with the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, resulting in the identification of international stakeholders and best practices that could support the development of the precinct.
- They entered a Memorandum of Understanding with QuadReal to advance the plans to develop a Performing and Cultural Arts Centre in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, which was announced by Mayor Steven Del Duca in March 2024.
- They received Council approval to further advance the Digital Billboard Revenue Project, which will add eight billboards and 15 community signs to the City’s inventory, expanding opportunities to communicate with residents and generate revenue.
- They supported the installation of the VMC’s first landmark sculptural artwork – called “Fathom” – at EXPO City.
- They installed and unveiled Daniels BAIF’s “Circle of Life” multi-media public art series on Beverley Glen Boulevard and Bathurst Street in Thornhill.
- They participated in the 2024 MedTech conference in Toronto to raise the profile of Vaughan’s emerging MedTech and life sciences sectors.
- They launched five OVIN Demonstration Zone projects across Vaughan featuring innovative solutions to address transportation challenges and enhance the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the city.
- They launched the next series of the popular ARTonBOXES program. The theme for this year is “ART of HEALING,” an inspired intersection of art meeting health where art plays centre stage in supporting our physical, mental and social well-being.
- They launched an innovative wayfinding pilot project in partnership with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to enhance accessibility for people who are blind or partially sighted, enabling them to navigate independently at six City facilities.
- They hosted the inaugural cohort of Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network Demonstration Zone project demonstrators to showcase their automotive and mobility technologies at the Automotive Industry Networking and Mobility Technology event.
- They secured more than $36 million in grant revenue to offset major capital and operating expenses and alleviate pressure on the tax base.
- They received approval for the incoming Sponsorship and Donation Policy, and accepted approximately $175,000 in sponsorship and $295,000 of in-kind donations.
Looking ahead, the Strategic Economic Initiatives team will continue to support high-impact economic development projects, including the ARTonBOXES program, the development of a Performing and Cultural Arts Centre in the VMC, the Digital Billboard Revenue Project and the OVIN Demonstration Zone.
To learn more about the team, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
QUOTE
“As Mayor, I am committed to building a world-class city that residents can be proud to live in and where businesses can continue to thrive. The work that the City of Vaughan’s Strategic Economic Initiatives team within the Economic Development department does every day ensures we continue to move our city forward and provide our businesses with the tools and resources they need to continue to achieve success. While it is a difficult time for many business owners and entrepreneurs as we navigate tariffs put in place by the United States, the work of this team is absolutely vital to ensure our economy remains strong and prosperous. I want to thank the Strategic Economic Initiatives team for another incredible year with many accomplishments to be proud of. I look forward to seeing their achievements in the years ahead.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“The City’s Strategic Economic Initiatives team is a key player in growing the local business community and bringing next-level talent to Vaughan. Their 2024 Year in Review showcases how they made true magic happen this past year. This team helped develop and expand Vaughan’s public art sector, engaged in projects to advance automotive and artificial intelligence technologies, and generated alternative revenue through grants, sponsorships and donations. It was a year to be proud of, and I know they will continue to drive innovation and deliver Service Excellence. Congratulations to the entire Economic Development department on a successful 2024, and I look forward to seeing what you will achieve for Vaughan in 2025.”
- Zoran Postic, City Manager
“I want to congratulate the Economic Development team on all their success and achievements over the past 12 months. The entire department remains deeply committed to undertaking projects and supporting initiatives that create business opportunities and attract world-class talent to Vaughan. The Strategic Economic Initiatives: 2024 Year in Review highlights some of the transformative, ambitious and purpose-driven projects catalyzing stakeholders, talent and assets to drive creative placemaking in the city, and I look forward to many more accomplishments in the years ahead.”
- Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development
QUICK FACTS
The City’s Strategic Economic Initiatives team promotes the growth of the city’s business community and attracts businesses and talent to Vaughan.
The Strategic Economic Initiatives: 2024 Year in Review (PDF) provides an overview of the team’s recent initiatives and achievements.
Strategic Economic Initiatives is one of three business units in the Economic Development department, along with Economic and Business Development, and Economic Services.
Connect with the Strategic Economic Initiatives team by email at ed@vaughan.ca or by phone at 905-832-8526.
LEARN MORE
- Economic Development’s Strategic Economic Initiatives: 2024 Year in Review (PDF)
- April 23, 2025, Committee of the Whole (2) Report: Strategic Economic Initiatives Annual Report 2024 (PDF)
- Economic Development’s webpage
- Economic Development department’s eNewsletter
- Economic Development LinkedIn
