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 at 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 July: 

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

The final 2024 property tax bills for residential and non-residential properties have been mailed to all property owners. The remaining payment due dates are:

• Second instalment – Wednesday, Aug. 28

• Third instalment – Thursday, Sept. 26

As all City facilities are cashless, here’s how you can pay the final 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, roll number and due dates printed on the tax stubs.

• Financial institutions, either in person, through the bank machine, online or via telephone.

• At Vaughan City Hall, placed in marked drop-off boxes at each entrance.

• 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. After I submit a tree maintenance service request (e.g. tree pruning or stump removal), how long will it take before City staff go visit the tree site?

It depends on the situation. Requests for urgent maintenance services that pose a danger to the public – such as a fallen tree – are dealt with as soon as possible. Non-emergency requests that follow our pruning schedule will be addressed accordingly, while all other requests will be managed in priority sequence, following an inspection. Once a service request is created, a forestry inspector will visit the site within 30 business days to examine the tree's condition and determine next steps. If you submitted a request, the forestry inspector will contact you (by phone or leave a notice on your door) with the status of your request. Please note: it can take up to eight months for a tree to be pruned or removed, and an additional 12 months for a tree stump to be removed.

3. Where do I dispose of pet waste when walking my dog in parks and trails?

Pet waste belongs in the green bin at home and in public waste bins when you’re out in the community. If the public waste 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 $200. 

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 can I register my kids for summer camps?

The City’s summer camps, recreation programs, learn-to-swim lessons and aquatic leadership courses are underway. There is still time to register for summer camps, which run on a one- or two-week session until the end of August. Limited spots are available, so visit vaughan.perfectmind.com to book your child’s spot today! For more information, visit vaughan.ca/camps.

If you require assistance creating an online registration account or registering, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or visit your local community centre.

5. How do I dispute a parking ticket?

You can dispute a parking ticket online or by phone. Here’s how:

• Online: Complete the Administrative Monetary Penalty Screening form and upload any supporting documents or photos within 15 days of receiving your ticket. You will need the Penalty Notice Number to complete the form. If you are not the registered vehicle owner, you will need to upload a letter of authorization to dispute a ticket on the owner’s behalf. The screening officer will review your online submission and provide a decision to you by email.

• 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. During your appointment time, you will receive a call to dispute your ticket. The screening officer will consider any evidence provided and issue a decision.

If you do not contact the City – by submitting a dispute form online, emailing or calling within 15 days of receiving your ticket – the parking ticket will become due and payable. Learn more at vaughan.ca/parking. 

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

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