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 August:

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 due date for the final instalment is 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 (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.), 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.

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

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.

2. How can I report a sick, injured or dead animal? 

If you see a sick, injured or dead wild animal, report it to Vaughan Animal Services as soon as possible by: 

• calling 905-832-2281, on Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca.

If you’re calling after hours, please dial 905-832-2281 and press “0” to reach the after-hours dispatch team. Officers are available 24-7 to respond to calls about sick or injured wildlife.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices. 

3. When does leaf and yard waste collection take place?

Leaf and yard waste collection takes place every other week in the summer, and weekly in the fall on your regularly scheduled collection day. Bi-weekly collection will continue until the week of Oct. 14, at which time weekly collection will begin.

Place your materials at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before and no later than 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. If you hire a lawn care service company, they must be notified of these requirements. If the forecast calls for inclement weather overnight – like strong winds or heavy rain – wait to place your materials out in the morning.

Leaf and yard waste must be placed out in Kraft paper bags or open-top rigid containers with handles, up to 121 litres (32 gallons) in size, and clearly marked “Leaf and Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are not permitted. Kraft paper bags must be kept dry – wet or degraded bags cannot be picked up as they will break during collection.

Visit the City’s leaf and yard waste webpage for more information.

4. How can I register my kids for fall recreation programs?

Registration for fall recreation programs, swim lessons and aquatic leadership courses is underway! Programming begins Saturday, Sept. 21 at all community centres, the City Playhouse Theatre and the Vaughan Studios & Event Space. Check out the Fall Recreation eGuide or see the full schedule at vaughan.perfectmind.com. 

The online registration system is available 24-7 and features enhanced search filters, allowing you to sort by level, location, day and time. Details can be found at vaughan.ca/recreation. If you require assistance creating an online PerfectMind registration account, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281, email rec@vaughan.ca or watch this short informational video. 

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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