Victoria Day holiday weekend reminders

May 14, 2020 1:00 p.m.
​Citizens urged to make firework safety a priority
 
While COVID-19 developments continue to be monitored and precautionary measures are frequently assessed, the City of Vaughan is also advising citizens of the following updates in place for the Victoria Day statutory holiday on Monday, May 18:
 
City facilities
All City facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. These include Vaughan City Hall, Joint Operations Centre, Vaughan Animal Shelter (except by appointment), City Playhouse Theatre, community centres, Vaughan Public Libraries branches and park amenities.
 
Park amenities
All facilities within parks – including playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks and benches – remain closed. Any violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Reports of this nature will be referred to the City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation. Fines in the amount of $150 to $750 may be laid. 
 
Firework permits, sales and safety tips
The City of Vaughan’s fireworks by-law (PDF) allows consumer fireworks – family fireworks set off in a private, at-home display – to be lit without a permit on Victoria Day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens are reminded to follow the physical distancing guidelines put in place to prevent further viral transmission. Backyard celebrations and firework displays must be kept to those living in the household. Active enforcement from the City’s By-law officers will occur over the long weekend. Violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or York Regional Police at yrp.ca/ReportIt.
 
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has tips to help citizens handle fireworks safely, including:
  • Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
  • Onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
  • Fireworks should not be lit close to combustible materials like homes, buildings, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.
  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground in a bucket of sand. Never try to light a firework in your hand. 
  • Ensure the firework will stay above your property once lit. Fireworks cannot be set off on private property you do not own, or City property, including roads, parks and fields.
  • Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can. 
As mandated by the Province, retailers selling fireworks must be classified as an essential business and provide services via curbside pickup or delivery. Pop-up commercial retail stores are also permitted to accept fireworks orders via phone or online, offer delivery of products and provide services through via curbside. Members of the public are not permitted to enter the business during this time.  
 
A valid fireworks sales licence is required for all qualified businesses selling these items in Vaughan. To apply, contact the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team by emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca or calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
 
Waste collections
Regular waste collection will not be affected by Victoria Day. To help protect front-line workers, on regularly scheduled pickup days, place all personal protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, and personal hygiene and sanitary products – including wipes and tissues – in the garbage. Do not place these items in the blue box or green bin – items will not be collected if the box contains any of these items. The City is also reminding residents to have waste safely out by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.
 
Leaf and yard waste will also not be affected by the statutory holiday and will continue to be picked up every second week, in accordance with garbage collection. Due to volume, collection may be slower than usual – residents are asked to leave leaf and yard waste out into the next pickup day to accommodate.
 
Access Vaughan
The City’s contact centre will be closed on Monday, May 18. However, a live agent will be available to respond to municipal emergencies, including COVID-19-related inquiries. Access Vaughan can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 or email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.  
 
Online services
Many programs continue to be offered online, including:
  • Vaughan Public Libraries resources, such as virtual story time and the Ask Us service.
  • Recreation Services programs, such as virtual fitness classes, Vaughan Fitness equipment packages and online Vaughan Playschool activities.
  • The City’s corporate art gallery on Flickr.
  • The Service Vaughan reporting tool at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan for non-emergency service requests about garbage, roads, traffic lights and more.
  • The digital permitting portal at vaughan.ca/PermitPortal for citizens and building industry professionals to apply, track and pay for permits online.
  • The online pet licensing platform for purchases of numbered City tags. Tags must be purchased within 30 days of acquiring a new dog or cat.  
Stay informed
Throughout the pandemic, essential services remain intact and updates are always available on the City’s website at vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
 
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