Vaughan’s Service Excellence journey continues

May 6, 2021 1:00 p.m.
Annual update to Council reflects City’s significant progress in 2020
 
Despite the global pandemic, city-building in Vaughan continues, and the results speak for themselves! An annual update on Vaughan’s progress under the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan reveals COVID-19 did not slow down progress on Council-approved priorities in 2020.
 
In fact, out of 106 key activities for this Term of Council, 16 have been completed, 68 are in progress, 19 are being monitored and only three have not yet started or are on hold. This Year Two report on the strategic plan was approved by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council on Tuesday, April 20.
 
Where some key activities had to pivot due to COVID-19, the City took a disciplined, responsible and measured approach to modify, where required, or evolve to meet the changing needs of the organization, citizens, business sectors and communities. The City has been ready, resilient and resourceful in carrying out the strategic plan during a global pandemic.
 
Since 2019, the City has completed the following priorities:
  • co-ordinated with other levels of government on the York Region Bus Rapid Transit (Highway 7, Centre Street, Bathurst Street)
  • completed the Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan Update
  • completed the review of Green Directions Vaughan
  • welcomed Niagara University – Vaughan’s first post-secondary institution to the downtown core
  • through the 2019 trade mission to Israel organized by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor and Members of Council promoted Vaughan’s promising city-building agenda
  • established the Alternative Work Arrangements policy and procedures
  • created and developed the Great Walks of Vaughan program
  • advanced missing transportation links at Bass Pro Mills from Romina Drive to Jane Street
  • developed a Senior Leadership Team Governance Model
  • completed Kirby Road from Dufferin Street to Bathurst Street Environmental Assessment
  • established an Enterprise Project and Change Management Office
  • delivered Clark Avenue Active Transportation Facility (multimodal transportation, operational and road safety improvements)
  • completed land acquisition for Fire Station 7-11
  • opened Vaughan’s 10th fire station – Fire Station 7-4
  • implemented Phase 2 (all-staff learning module) of the Talent Management System (Halogen) to all staff
  • facilitated the completion and opening of the new Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital
Approved on March 19, 2019, the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan reinforces the City’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities and directs the work undertaken by Vaughan’s professional administration to successfully go above and beyond to implement Council-approved city-building initiatives throughout this Term of Council.
 
The strategic plan includes a focus on nine key areas: transportation and mobility; city-building; environmental stewardship; active, safe and diverse communities; economic prosperity, investment and social capital; good governance; citizen experience; operational performance; and staff engagement.
 
QUOTES
 
“At the core of Vaughan’s remarkable transformation lies a bold vision guided by the power of hope, optimism and purpose-driven leadership. The City’s momentum is accelerated by our citizens, our entrepreneurial spirit and our commitment to good governance. This mission is captured in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, which lays the foundation to build a strong and prosperous community today, and for generations to come. Despite the universal challenges presented by COVID-19, Vaughan remains a city of choice. Our achievements in the last two years result from a laser-focused approach to provide an exceptional standard of living and high quality of life that is second to none. In Vaughan, everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively participate in civic life and have equal access to opportunities. This is what makes our city the place to be. Together, we will continue to aim higher, press for progress and forge ahead on our journey toward a brighter future for everyone.”
-           Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
“Since joining the City of Vaughan as City Manager last year, it's very clear to me the City is a dynamic work environment where exciting projects are transforming Vaughan. I am pleased to recognize City staff – today and every day – for rising to the challenge to continue city-building, provide quality public services and deliver Service Excellence. I say this often, one of the main aspects that attracted me to joining the City of Vaughan is its Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan that provides a clear vision for the organization and city while positioning the City to deliver on Council-approved priorities. I am proud to be part of the Service Excellence journey and initiatives that make a positive difference in the lives of staff and citizens.”
-           City Manager Jim Harnum
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • The City of Vaughan’s mission, vision and values are entrenched in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan: 
    • Mission: Citizens first through Service Excellence.
    • Vision: A city of choice that promotes diversity, innovation and opportunity for all citizens, fostering a vibrant community life that is inclusive, progressive, environmentally responsible and sustainable.
    • Values: Respect, Accountability and Dedication
  • Measuring the progress being made on this strategic plan is a priority. Progress reports will be provided to Members of Council and the community annually.
  • The strategic plan will continue to be integrated within the budget process, business plans and staff goals.
  • 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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