You asked, we answered
Have a question
about a service in Vaughan? Want to report an issue? Access Vaughan is standing
by with Citizen Service Representatives ready to respond to all citizen
inquiries. Reach the City of Vaughan’s contact centre by phone at 905-832-2281
(toll-free: 1-844-832-2112) or email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Every month, the City releases popular questions received and responded to by Access Vaughan in a series called ‘You Asked, We Answered.’ Below are the top five inquiries received in July.
1. Can I ride an e-bike in Vaughan?
E-bikes operating at a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour with a rider 16 years or older can be used on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some exceptions. E-bikes are not allowed on certain provincially controlled access highways, such as 400 series highways, and city sidewalks, paths, trails and lanes.
To keep everyone safe, other micromobility devices that are motorized – such as e-scooters, golf carts, Segways, electric skateboards and hoverboards – should not be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in the city of Vaughan. Exemptions apply to those who require motorized wheelchairs and medical e-devices to get around. People operating medical micromobility devices are treated in the same way as pedestrians on-foot and are permitted on sidewalks, paths and trails with their mobility devices.
Report unsafe micromobility device sightings in Vaughan by contacting Access Vaughan by phone at 905-832-2281 or email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca with the date, location and nature of the incident. The City tracks these cases to inform future measures. Citizens can also report concerns about e-device usage on public roadways to York Regional Police through the non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423 or the online reporting form.
2. How is the City enforcing fireworks misuse?
Fireworks are only permitted without a permit on Canada Day and Victoria Day. They are not allowed to be set off on any other day without obtaining a permit (PDF) from the City first. Fireworks can only be set off on your own property. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or any other public property. They must not be set off where the discharge, smoke or fallout of the fireworks can land on another person or their property, or where it creates a threat of injury or fire.
Recently, the City updated the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law 089-2022 (PDF) to further enhance the safety of Vaughan citizens. The following amendments were added to the by-law:
- Any person violating the by-law may be fined $200 for each offence. If a minor is caught violating the by-law, the parents or guardian will be fined for the offence.
- Fireworks must not be set off from any window, doorway, balcony, terrace or deck in a multi-residential property, or from any common area of the property.
- The safety brochure (PDF) that fireworks vendors are required to give to all purchasers of consumer fireworks must include regulatory requirements.
- The terms and conditions of the Fireworks Display Permit (PDF), as authorized by the Fire Chief, can be more restrictive than the requirements of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law 089-2022 (PDF).
To report firework misuse, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or York Regional Police’s non-emergency phone line at 1-866-876-5423. To learn more about the City’s Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law 089-2022 (PDF) and fireworks safety, visit vaughan.ca/fireworks.
3. Where can I dispose of my pet’s waste?
Disposing of pet waste is easy – it belongs in the green bin at home and public waste bins when you’re out in the community.
By-laws are in place to keep neighbourhoods safe and clean. You must pick up after your pets, whether on public or private property. The fine for failing to do so is $300. To report pet waste on public property, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
When visiting the City’s parks or trails with or without your furry friend, remember to use the waste bins provided in public spaces. If they are full, take your garbage and pet waste home with you.
For more information on pets and wildlife, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
4. What are the hours of operation for splashpads?
The City offers many splashpads to help you stay cool this summer. From Canada Day to Labour Day, they are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in every Ward across the city. For locations, visit vaughan.ca/splashpads. Remember, splashpads are not supervised and require everyone to take precautions.
5. During the summer, can I water my lawn at any time during the day?
The City of Vaughan’s Water By-law 106-2022 (PDF) restricts outdoor water use from May 15 to Sept. 30 every year. This water conservation measure ensures an uninterrupted supply of water for everyone to use.
Outdoor watering is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on permitted days:
- Even-numbered street addresses are restricted to watering on even-numbered calendar days.
- Odd-numbered street addresses are restricted to watering on odd-numbered calendar days.
For industrial, commercial and institutional properties, watering is permitted between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m. on any permitted calendar day.
To learn more about the Water By-Law or City water services, visit vaughan.ca/water.
6. How can I stay informed about City business?
For more information about City matters, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca.
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