Vaughan is OPEN for business

June 30, 2021 7:30 a.m.

COVID-19 Updates

City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

The City continues to support the local economy while moving into Step 2 of the Province’s reopening framework

Vaughan is open for business! Today, York Region – and Vaughan – moves into Step 2 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening. This means there will be many more opportunities to support the local economy in the days and weeks ahead. The following is now permitted:
 
  • Essential retail capacity increased to 50 per cent (including discount and big box)
  • Non-essential retail at 25 per cent capacity
    • Including indoor shopping in shopping malls, with some restrictions
  • Outdoor dining for up to six people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions
  • Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times
  • Outdoor meeting and event spaces
  • Outdoor amusement and water parks
  • Outdoor sports games, leagues and events with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity
  • Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity
  • Overnight camps
Here are some ways the City is supporting businesses as they reopen and welcome customers back through their doors.
 
Outdoor dining
 
Businesses can begin the dining patio expansion process by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application. Establishments with a valid business licence with a patio endorsement from 2020 do not need to reapply.
 
If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, the following steps must be followed:
  • Limit the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time to ensure required distancing is maintained at all times
  • Ensure there is enough space between tables to allow for movement and a minimum of two metres between patrons who are seated is maintained
If outdoor portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
  • ensure the heater is officially certified with CSA Group/ULC Standards.
  • designate the heater for outdoor use only.
  • have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater.
  • install the heater on a non-combustible solid surface, and avoid setting up on grass, uneven walkways or under fire escapes.
  • follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel if using a propane or other fueled heating appliance.
In accordance with Ontario regulations, patios cannot be enclosed. However, they can be covered with the use of an awning or tent. If covering a patio area, here are some guidelines:
  • At least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open. These open patio sides must also not be substantially blocked by a physical barrier.
  • Building permits are not required for tents covering less than 60 square metres of combined floor area and are not attached to a building.
Reporting violations
 
All outdoor dining and patio inquiries should be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All violations reported through the City’s contact centre will be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation.
 
Increasing consumer confidence
 
Vaughan businesses can assure local customers and future travellers that they can safely dine and shop in Vaughan through two consumer confidence identifiers: the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp. These nationally and internationally recognized identifiers provide businesses with a visual cue to show customers that it is working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public-health measures and support a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department, inclusive of Tourism Vaughan Corporation.
 
How business can apply:
 
  • Make the POST Promise – a self-declaration for any type of business through a national not-for-profit corporation built specifically for this effort. Taking the POST Promise is a pre-requisite for the Safe Travels Stamp and the Vaughan Safe Travels Toolkit. 
  • Apply for the Safe Travels Stamp and Vaughan Toolkit – an internationally recognized program through the World Travel and Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for tourism businesses, including restaurants. To apply, complete the Safe Travels Stamp application form (PDF) and email it to info@tiaontario.ca with your POST Promise certificate, and copy tourism@vaughan.ca to receive the Safe Travels Vaughan Toolkit. This includes marketing assets to share the stamp on a business website, social media, e-newsletter and things like counter signs and window decals, shipped free of charge.
For more information and to apply, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/ConsumerConfidence. To learn more about what is open in Vaughan during Step 2, read Tourism Vaughan’s blog post.
 
#DineVaughanLocal
 
The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining out safely, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.
 
Open for Business
 
While the City continues to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of citizens and staff remains the priority. During this challenging time, the City has developed an online list of local businesses that are open and available at vaughan.ca/OpenForBusiness. Vaughan businesses wishing to list their services may submit an application for review.  
 
Small business and entrepreneurship
 
The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department offers support for local businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages. Within the department, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Unit operates the Small Business Enterprise Centre and fosters innovation. The team provides one-stop services for Vaughan’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business in Vaughan. They also help innovators take new ideas from conception to market by offering local commercialization support and access to a robust innovation ecosystem. Learn more about resources available at vaughanbusiness.ca.
 
Business advisory services
 
The City offers advice to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic and Cultural Development team continues to provide one-on-one consultation services via tele- or video-conferencing. To learn more visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
 
QUOTES
 
"As we advance into Step 2 of the Province of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening, I am confident that Vaughan's economic recovery will be strong. Our vibrant tourism sector can now begin to reopen safely and responsibly. Local businesses can expand their capacity. Personal care services can resume. As a community, we have worked hard to achieve this much-anticipated milestone, and today is a celebration of all our hard work. Vaughan remains a city in demand as home to more than 19,000 companies that employ more than 225,000 people. I encourage residents to show their local love and shop from Vaughan-based businesses as we move forward with the reopening process. While this shift signals that we have come a long way, I want to remind the people of Vaughan that our journey is not yet over. We must continue to follow the advice of our public health experts, including practising physical distancing and wearing a mask when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Rest assured, we are moving in the right direction."
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
“As the City progresses into Step 2 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening, I am reminded of the unique ability we’ve shown – as a city and as an organization – to be agile while facing a global pandemic, demonstrating leadership, teamwork and dedication to drive important city-building projects. Although I have just recently transitioned on a new path as City Manager, I first joined the organization in 2018 as Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services. Throughout the pandemic, I have witnessed how every department has risen to the challenge to continue city-building and provide the quality services people rely on every day. As COVID-19 evolves, the City of Vaughan’s dedicated employees have not slowed down. The City’s Ready, Resilient and Resourceful approach to response efforts is a testament to how City staff have adapted to new restrictions and reopenings, communicating support measures in place to aid Vaughan citizens, businesses and staff. I want to thank Vaughan’s entire workforce – everyone working on the frontlines, outside, in City facilities or at home – you continue to be the City’s greatest resource and asset in the fight against COVID-19. Thank you for your hard work and continued efforts in ensuring Vaughan’s resiliency throughout the global pandemic.”
-        City Manager Nick Spensieri
 
QUICK FACTS
  • Vaughan was the first city in Ontario and the first municipality in York Region to declare a state of emergency on March 17, 2020.
  • A Ready, Resilient, Resourceful Roadmap has been created and provides the key objectives and framework for the City’s response, mitigation and recovery related to the COVID-19 emergency.
  • Throughout the pandemic, the City of Vaughan has ensured quality services are delivered for families, businesses and all citizens. The priority remains the health, safety and well-being of everyone that lives and works in the community.
  • Vaughan businesses are encouraged to get their own rapid antigen screening kits by contacting the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce or by registering at ontario.ca/TestingOnSite.
  • Citizens are encouraged to report any COVID-19 violations through Access Vaughan by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All recorded cases are directed to the By-law department for investigation in priority sequence.
  • Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
LEARN MORE
 
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