Vaughan poised for success
Council tabled 2016 budget at first public meeting
The City of Vaughan is committed to providing high-quality programs and services while respecting citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars. The draft 2016 budget was presented last night during a public meeting, and residents are encouraged to get involved throughout the process.
On Nov. 16, 23 and 30, residents have the opportunity to attend evening meetings at City Hall, learn about the budget and have their say. Residents can also watch the meetings live online at vaughan.ca. For people who cannot attend in person, Vaughan has introduced two new ways to get involved: an online feedback form at vaughan.ca/budget or by calling 905-832-8610 to leave a message that will be shared with Council.
Highlights from this year’s budget include:
- Improving roads – the City will work closely with other levels of government in planning and rehabilitating roads.
- Developing transit, cycling and pedestrian options – this includes creating multi-use paths and pedestrian/bicycle networks and developing the transit and rapid transit options.
- Vaughan Metropolitan Centre – the City will facilitate the development of Vaughan’s downtown by investing in community improvement plan studies and important city-building initiatives.
- Tree replacement – the City will continue to replace trees lost due to regular life cycles, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation and the 2013 ice storm.
- Citizen safety – the City will provide a variety of municipal services to keep Vaughan safe, including fire and emergency services, by-law and compliance services and building inspections.
- Environmental sustainability – the City will implement energy conservation improvements, community-based gardens and smart commute programs.
- Arts and culture – the City will continue to invest in the Vaughan City Playhouse Theatre, heritage conservation districts of Kleinburg-Nashville, Maple, Woodbridge and Thornhill and the new Toronto FC II soccer team.
- Capital projects – targets the completion of almost 400 open capital projects and commits $293 million for 297 new projects.
QUOTE
“Fiscal responsibility and service excellence are the guiding principles of our budget plans. Earlier this year I tabled a motion to maintain transparency, accountability and a focused discipline in our approach to fiscal planning. Unanimously supported by Council, we committed to keep tax increases down to no more than three per cent per year for this term of office. We delivered the promise in 2015 and are on track to do the same in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Vaughan residents are the City’s most important resource and we have developed a comprehensive plan that respects their hard-earned tax dollars while continuing to deliver excellence in programs and services. We encourage residents to be informed and participate in the budget process as we plan for the future of our growing city. From the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre to new communities, the City of Vaughan’s momentum as an emerging urban centre continues to attract interest and investment, and we remain committed to being one of the lowest taxed jurisdictions in the GTA.”
– Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Residents can join the budget conversation on the City’s Twitter and Facebook pages using #vaughanbudget2016. The City will also be live tweeting from all public meetings.
- Poperty tax bills are divided between the City of Vaughan, York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. Vaughan uses its portion of property taxes to pay for City programs and services.
- During the 2015 budget process, Vaughan Council committed that taxes will not increase by more than three per cent each year over the next four years.
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