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 November:

1. How can I stay updated on the City’s winter operations?

The City operates an extensive winter maintenance program, including salting, windrow clearing and plowing, along more than 2,200 lane-kilometres of roads and 1,200 sidewalks throughout Vaughan. 

To stay informed on our winter operations, visit vaughan.ca/snow. For additional details and to receive the latest information:

• contact the SNOW hotline at 905-879-SNOW (7669) or email snow@vaughan.ca.
• follow the City’s official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• subscribe to Vaughan News.

2. Does the City’s waste collection take both real and artificial Christmas trees?

During the weeks of Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, the City will collect real Christmas trees in both blue and yellow zones on your scheduled collection day. For example, if you live in the yellow zone and your collection day is Wednesday, you can put your Christmas tree curbside on either Wednesday, Jan. 8 or Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Keep these set-out requirements in mind:

• Remove all tinsel, ornaments and stands from the tree.
• Do not put the tree in a plastic bag. 
• Do not place the tree on the road or on top of snowbanks. 
• Ensure your tree is less than two metres (seven feet) in height. Cut the tree in half if it exceeds this height.

Artificial trees are collected as garbage and must be bagged.

If you have broken glass ornaments, safely place the pieces in a cardboard box, seal shut and label “broken glass,” and place at the curb on your garbage collection day.

To learn more about waste collection in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.

3. How can I register my kids for December Break camps and winter recreation programs?

Registration for December Break camps is open and available through vaughan.perfectmind.com. Check out the City’s Fall Recreation eGuide for the full schedule of camps.  

Register now for winter swim lessons, aquatic leadership courses and general recreation programs through vaughan.perfectmind.com. Check out the City’s Winter Recreation eGuide for the full schedule. Programs start on Saturday, Jan. 4. 

The online registration system is available 24-7 and features enhanced search filters, allowing you to sort by level, location, date 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. 

4. 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.

• Email or 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. 

5. Is on-street parking allowed in Vaughan?

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Unless otherwise signed or prohibited by the Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF), on-street parking is allowed on any street in Vaughan for up to three hours without a permit between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. On-street parking is not allowed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., unless the vehicle has a valid permit for that date, time and location. Please note, during winter snow events, parking permits are not valid.

During the winter, don’t park cars on the street while snowplows are out to help the City clear streets properly and safely. Remember, as outlined in the City’s Parking By-law 064-2019 (PDF), on-street parking that interferes with snow-clearing operations is prohibited. Vehicles found in violation may be subject to a $85 fine or towed at the owner’s expense.

The Parking By-law is enforced 24-7, all year long. Enforcement officers patrol the city issuing tickets for parking violations. York Regional Police may also enforce parking regulations. 

Parking permit applications are available online at any time. Permits are electronic and do not need to be printed or displayed. Permits are non-transferable between licence plate numbers. Unused permit dates cannot be cancelled and reissued later if the dates have already passed. 

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

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

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.