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’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 June.
1. What are the hours of operations 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. and in every ward across the city. For locations, visit vaughan.ca/splashpads. Please remember, splashpads are not supervised and require everyone to take precautions.
2. Where can I take my dog to an off-leash dog park?
The City has a primary off-leash dog park at 299 Racco Parkway for pets to roam free, in addition to several local off-leash dog parks that are now open. These include:
- Mackenzie Glen District Park (220 Cranston Park Ave.)
- Matthew District Park (1 Villa Royale Ave.)
- Sugarbush Heritage Park (91 Thornhill Woods Dr.)
And more locations are on the way! For a complete list, visit vaughan.ca/DogPark. These areas are secured, fenced-in spaces where dogs and their families can get exercise outdoors and socialize. Each of the City’s off-leash areas has a locked double gate entrance and is accessible only to those who wish to enter. This fenced area is always separated from playgrounds and other park facilities.
3. Where can I find information on spongy moths?
As City staff continue to control the spongy moth population on municipal trees, there are also a few steps you follow to help protect trees on your property. The following precautions can be taken in July:
- Trap caterpillars by wrapping burlap around tree trunks to make it easier to collect them.
- Check your burlap band daily, remove trapped caterpillars and place them in a bucket of soapy water for at least two days before disposing of the insects in the garbage.
- Watch the City’s instructional video showing you how to use the burlap.
The City still has free burlap kits available (one per household) at the following locations:
- Maple Community Centre
- Chancellor Community Centre
- North Thornhill Community Centre
The kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the City’s website for community centre locations and hours of operation. You can also visit vaughan.ca/SpongyMoth for more information and links to resources.
4. When are my property taxes due, and how can I pay them?
The final property tax bills for residential and non-residential properties have been mailed out to all property owners. Below are the final payment due dates for all properties:
- First instalment – Thursday, July 28
- Second instalment – Monday, Aug. 29
- Third instalment – Wednesday, 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 accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Be advised all City facilities are now cashless. However, there are still many easy and convenient ways property owners can pay their property tax bills. Payment options include:
- Drop-off box: Cheque with tax stub can be placed in marked boxes at each entrance of Vaughan City Hall. Cash should not be dropped off in these boxes.
- Financial institutions: Either in-person, through the bank machine, online or via telephone.
- In-person at Vaughan City Hall: Payments can only be made by cheque or debit card.
- Pre-authorized payment plans: An instalment due date plan or a monthly instalment option is offered for the 2022 tax year.
- Mailed: Cheque made payable to the City of Vaughan and sent in the return envelope enclosed with the tax stub.
- Post-dated cheques: Cheques that correspond with the amounts and due dates printed on the tax stubs.
To learn more about each payment option, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.
5. What outdoor activities are offered around the city this summer?
The City offers a wide variety of parks, park amenities, trails and events for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy this summer, including:
Concerts in the Park
The City’s 28th annual Vaughan Celebrates Concerts in the Park series presented by TD and event sponsor Tim Hortons is back in-person this summer! This free event takes places on select Wednesdays at various parks around Vaughan. This year’s lineup features entertainment for all ages with genres like disco, pop, oldies and rock. The next concert takes places on Wednesday, July 20 (Ward 3) with Simply The Best – A tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner, starring Karen Durrant at Chancellor District Park, 430 Chancellor Dr. For a full list of the schedule and performers, please visit vaughan.ca/concerts.
Park amenities
The City offers baseball and soccer fields, bocce and tennis courts, playgrounds, splashpads, a volleyball court and much more! Visit vaughan.ca/parks for more information.
Trails and neighbourhood walks
Through the Great Walks of Vaughan, there are 12 different trails to explore. For the full list and maps of top trails, visit vaughan.ca/GreatWalks. That’s in addition to the Bartley Smith Greenway and the William Granger Greenway (Humber Trail) systems. Learn more at vaughan.ca/trails.
Cycling
Vaughan offers a growing network of cycling facilities to ride your bike on, including multi-use recreational trails and pathways, in-boulevard cycle tracks and on-road bike lanes. Always keep safety in mind before heading out – this includes wearing the proper gear and being aware of your surroundings at all times. For more information, including safety tips and rider etiquette, visit vaughan.ca/cycling. You can locate Vaughan’s cycling facilities on the York Region Cycling Map.
Thornhill Outdoor Pool
The Thornhill Outdoor Pool is open daily for recreational, length swimming and an aquafitness class until September 5. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required at vaughan.perfectmind.com. For details, visit vaughan.ca/swim.
For more information about City matters, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca.
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