Together, Delivering Results

Sept. 27, 2018 6:00 p.m.
​Mayor Bevilacqua highlights city-building accomplishments during 2014-2018 term of Council 

During the final scheduled City Council meeting of the 2014-2018 Council term, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua spoke in detail about the record-setting achievements made by Council and members of the administration.
 
Of note, Mayor Bevilacqua highlighted: the arrival of TTC subway service to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Subway Station; that Vaughan has one of the lowest tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area; and the recent opening of Phase One of the new 900-acre North Maple Regional Park – which will eventually be larger than New York City’s very own Central Park.
 
Mayor Bevilacqua passionately reflected on Vaughan’s 25th anniversary, which took place in 2016, and brought to life his vision to create the Order of Vaughan – the City of Vaughan’s highest honour.  Mayor Bevilacqua took the time to recognize award recipients and all citizens, who dedicate their time to giving back, representing the community at home and abroad as goodwill ambassadors, and who undertake enduring work to make all residents proud to call Vaughan home.
 
From front-line staff to the Corporate Management Team, Mayor Bevilacqua paid tribute to members of Vaughan’s administration, led by City Manager Daniel Kostopoulos, for their dedication, leadership and innovative thinking. “City-building is a labour of love,” Mayor Bevilacqua said, adding that each day, he “works alongside employees who exude professionalism into everything they do.” Mayor Bevilacqua pressed upon staff how vitally important they are to the city’s future.
 
The Mayor’s address further outlined: fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars; unleashing economic prosperity and attracting job-creating investments; ensuring accountability and transparency; improving public transit connections and modernizing infrastructure; celebrating diversity and fostering even greater inclusion among citizens; public safety; the continued success of the Mayor’s Spirit of Generosity commitment; improving affordable housing options; and keeping Vaughan green through a series of environmental stewardship initiatives.
 
QUOTE
“As we reflect on the past term of Council, and look toward Vaughan’s promising future, we have achieved historic accomplishments for our citizens. Since 2015, the City of Vaughan has secured approximately $30 million in savings. Vaughan is a leader, with an employment growth rate of 3.6 per cent – far outpacing Ontario and Canada. Cranes tower over the VMC – Vaughan’s emerging downtown – as our skyline continues to take shape with unprecedented commercial and residential developments. The efforts and events of the Spirit of Generosity commitment have raised more than $30 million for community organizations -  including the historic $20-million donation to the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital announced during the 2018 Mayor’s Gala. The City has nearly 150 kilometers of new roads, serving busy commuters and families. We have a true partner in Deryn Rizzi - our new Chief of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service. Over 21,000 trees have been planted as part of the City’s tree replacement plan. The biggest compliment Council and members of Vaughan’s administration can receive, is the support of our residents. According to our most recent Citizen Survey, 97 per cent of our residents say life is good in Vaughan and give high satisfaction rates for everything from libraries and recreation to fire services and waste collection. We humbly accept these, but there is much more for us to do. For our community, the best is yet to come!”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • For a comprehensive list of city-building accomplishments, please view the backgrounder (PDF).
 
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