You asked, we answered

Have a question about a service in Vaughan? Want to know more about a City program? The Service Vaughan team is standing by ready to respond to your inquiries. The City of Vaughan’s contact centre can be reached by phone at 905-832-2281 (toll-free: 1-844-832-2112), email at service@vaughan.ca, online at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan or in-person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.).

Every month, the City releases a series called ‘You Asked, We Answered,’ where common questions received and responded to by Service Vaughan are highlighted.

Below are the top five inquiries from June:

1. When are my final property taxes due and how can I pay them?

The final 2023 property tax bills for residential and non-residential properties have been mailed out to all property owners. The payment due dates are:

• First instalment – Thursday, July 27
• Second instalment – Monday, Aug. 28
• Third instalment – Thursday, Sept. 28

If you do not receive your tax bill in the mail, contact the City immediately by phone at 905-832-2281 or by email at service@vaughan.ca.

As all City facilities are cashless, here’s how you can pay interim property tax bills:

• Pre-authorized payment plans, including a six-instalment or a 10-instalment option.
• Post-dated cheques, made payable to the City of Vaughan that correspond with the amounts and due dates printed on the tax stubs.
• Financial institutions, either in-person, through the bank machine, online or via telephone.
• At City Hall, placed in drop-off boxes at each entrance. Note: these boxes are getting an update! New box wraps are currently being installed.
• By mail, with a cheque payable to the City of Vaughan and sent in the return envelope enclosed with the tax bill.

Didn’t receive your bill? If you did not receive your final tax bill in the mail, contact the City immediately at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from paying property taxes – late payment penalties will be added.

To learn more about each payment option, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.

2. Are there any off-leash dog parks in Vaughan?

The City has many off-leash dog parks for your furry friend to enjoy! The newest off-leash dog park is now open in Woodbridge, located within Giovanni Caboto Park at 75 Matthew Dr. More locations include:

• Concord/Thornhill Regional Park, located at 299 Racco Pkwy.
• Legion Park, located at 70 Legion Court Rd.
• Mackenzie Glen District Park, located at 220 Cranston Park Ave.
• Matthew Park, located at 1 Villa Royale Ave.
• Sugarbush Heritage Park, located at 91 Thornhill Woods Dr.

All off-leash dog areas in Vaughan are secured, fenced-in spaces where dogs and their families can get exercise outdoors, socialize and roam free – safely. Each of the City’s off-leash spaces have a double-gate entry area providing safe access for residents with dogs. This fenced area is always separated from playgrounds and other park facilities. These spaces enable dogs, their families and park visitors to safely co-exist and enjoy all that Vaughan’s outdoor amenities have to offer. Watch this video to learn more.

Visit vaughan.ca/DogPark for more information on Vaughan’s off-leash dog parks.

3. Where should I dispose of my pet’s waste while out walking them?

Pet waste belongs in the green bin at home and in public waste bins when you’re out in the community. If the bins are full, take your garbage and pet waste home with you. 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 Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

For more information on pets and wildlife, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

4. How do I dispute a parking ticket?

You can dispute a parking ticket online or by phone as outlined below:

Dispute your ticket online

Complete the AMPS Screening form within 15 days of receiving your ticket. You will need the Penalty Notice Number, which is noted on the ticket, to complete the form. Upload the completed form and any supporting documents or photos. If you are not the registered vehicle owner, you will need a letter of authorization to dispute a ticket on the owner’s behalf.

The Screening Officer will review your online submission and respond accordingly.

Dispute your ticket by phone

Request a screening appointment within 15 days of receiving your ticket by emailing parking.permit@vaughan.ca or calling Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281. If you are not the registered vehicle owner, indicate so and provide a letter of authorization to dispute a ticket on the owner’s behalf. You will be able to dispute your ticket and a Screening Officer will respond accordingly.

If you do not contact the City – by phone, email or submitting a dispute form online within 15 days of receiving your ticket – the ticket will become due and payable.

For more information about parking in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/parking.

5. Where do I report garbage or litter in parks and other public spaces?

Keeping Vaughan’s parks and trails clean is a team effort. For the safety and well-being of everyone in the community, littering and dumping are prohibited under the Dumping By-law 103-2020 (PDF). Individuals found dumping their household garbage are subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 per offence. 

If you witness illegal dumping or littering, please report it to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. You can also report litter online.

If you have questions about a City matter, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit

vaughan.ca.

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