Vaughan Council has announced the appointment of John MacKenzie, M.Sc.(Pl), MCIP, RPP as the City’s new Commissioner of Planning, effective June 13, 2011.

"On behalf of the City and Members of Council, I would like to welcome Mr. John MacKenzie to the City of Vaughan,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “With his wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. MacKenzie will be making a major contribution to the planning and continued growth of our great City.”

Residents recently joined Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of Freedom Trail Park which features the City's first neighbourhood-level skate park.

The City of Vaughan’s Public Works Department will be celebrating the 2011 National Public Works Week by inviting residents to attend the seventh annual Public Works Day event on May 14, 2011. National Public Works Week, May 15 to 21, 2011 highlights the essential services public works professionals provide residents.

​The City of Vaughan and its residents and businesses joined millions around the world by turning out the lights for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 26.

​Hans Cunningham, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, B.C., and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, today announced a Green Municipal Fund™  (GMF) grant for the City of Brampton, the Town of Richmond Hill and the City of Vaughan.

The municipalities will put the $85,000 in GMF funding toward creating sustainability guidelines for development and redevelopment projects.

The federal government is providing $10 million for planning a health-care network and hospital in Vaughan (Canadian Press, March 16, 2011). Said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua: “The need for expanded healthcare services in Vaughan is widely recognized and is a priority for Council. I am proud that all levels of government are working with the community to attract innovative health-related industries which will provide employment and promote business growth in Vaughan."

​The Finance and Administration Committee will be finalizing discussions relating to the 2011 budget at the two remaining meetings. The public is encouraged to attend.

​The City of Vaughan is encouraging residents to drink local tap water in support of World Water Day to be held on Tuesday, March 22.