Vaughan is OPEN for business

June 11, 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 1 of the Province’s reopening framework

Vaughan is open for business! Today, York Region – and Vaughan – moved into Step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening. This means, in addition to additional outdoor recreation activities reopening, the following is now permitted:
 
  • Essential retail, including grocery stores and pharmacies, will see capacity increased to 25 per cent (this includes discount and big box stores)
  • Non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity
    • Retail stores in malls are closed unless the stores have a street-facing entrance
  • Outdoor dining for up to four people per table
  • Outdoor sports, fitness and personal training for up to 10 people
  • Campsites and campgrounds
  • Overnight camping at Ontario Parks
Here are some of the ways the City is supporting businesses as they reopen and allow 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.
 
#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 offer one-on-one consultation services via tele- or video-conferencing. To learn more visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
 
QUOTES
 
"As we move into Step 1 of the Province of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening, we are laser-focused on restoring Vaughan's strong and resilient economy. Our city is home to more than 19,000 companies that employ more than 225,000 people. Small business represents more than 80 per cent of all local job creators. With unwavering perseverance, innovation and hard work, I am confident entrepreneurs and business owners will drive Vaughan's economic recovery. From the onset of the pandemic, I have and will continue to advocate for Vaughan's business community - our neighbours, friends and family - who need our support now more than ever. I am calling on all residents to do their part, show their local love and shop from Vaughan-based businesses. As we move forward with the reopening process, I want to remind the people of Vaughan that our fight against COVID-19 is not 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. We must stay the course, use our common sense and intelligence and continue making wise choices to eradicate COVID-19."
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
“The news of the City of Vaughan moving forward with Step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening provides continued hope as we forge ahead in our journey to combat COVID-19. The global pandemic abruptly changed the traditional way of doing business – but the City was well prepared. Across the organization, 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 Jim Harnum
 
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 itizens 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.
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