sign in sign up
<<
Home , Binder Twine Festival, Reptilia (zoo), Vaughan

Vaughan Community Profile

00 Table of Contents

Members of the Council 3 – The Place the World Calls Home 5 160 Years of Incredible History 6-7 Progressive and Responsive Government 8 Beautiful Seasons 9 The Faces of Vaughan 10-11 A Sense of Community 12-13 A Talented Labour Force 14-15 Living Well 16-19 Hospitality 20 Arts, Culture and Heritage 21 Shopping and Recreational Pursuits 22 Natural Spaces & Countryside 23 Safe City 24 Environmental Leadership 25 A Leading City 26 Business Resources 27

Vaughan a World-Class City

Welcome to Vaughan, a dynamic and vibrant city and one of the fastest-growing communities in . Thousands of people choose Vaughan as their home every year, appreciating the advantages of living in a prosperous, well-managed community. The City enjoys a wealth of cultural heritage, strong historic neighbourhoods, ethnic diversity, stable economy, efficient municipal services and innovative leadership. Whatever you’re looking for you can find it in Vaughan. Arts, culture, recreation, and greenspace all serve to attract and delight visitors, friends and family. Mayor Vaughan has the advantage of being one of the top three performing economies in the country. The City is firmly establishing itself as the gateway for economic activity in the Greater Area. Located in Canada’s economic centre, Vaughan has location and accessibility to world markets. The business base is diverse and the labour force is young, well-educated and highly-skilled. On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I invite you to discover all that our great City has to offer. Vaughan, the City we are proud to call our home.

Members of the Council 2010-2014

Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Regional Councillor Gino Rosati Michael Di Biase

Councillor Ward 1 Councillor Ward 2 Councillor Ward 3 Councillor Ward 4 Councillor Ward 5 Marilyn Iafrate Tony Carella Rosanna DeFrancesca Sandra Yeung Racco Alan Shefman

3

Vaughan – The Place the World Calls Home

From its earliest beginnings, Vaughan has been a community that welcomes people of all nationalities. From its agrarian roots, it has evolved to become a major urban centre rich in culture, history and natural heritage. Today, it is a City where industrious and entrepreneurial people have found economic opportunities and proudly built their own legacies. We are known for our pro-business and “can-do” attitude. Our civic brand has attracted investment and high levels of development even in the most difficult of economic times. Our safe neighbourhoods, good schools and beautiful parks and trails, as well as our world- class universities and healthcare attract talented and innovative people who settle, raise families and reinvest in our community. Growth is an important part of the Vaughan vocabulary. Council has set forth policies through Vaughan Vision 2020 and its various master plans, which will enable municipal staff to effectively and efficiently deliver services that support the City’s future growth and development in a sustainable manner. More than providing great neighbourhoods, prestigious employment areas and enriching work, we believe that connecting people through learning, recreation and leisure activities in healthy settings stimulates new ideas and sharing. We invite you to be part of this dynamic City. Welcome to Vaughan!

5 160 Years of Incredible History

Vaughan Yesterday With a proud and Established in 1850, the Township of Vaughan was named after Benjamin Vaughan, a British diplomat and industrious heritage, co-negotiator of the Treaty of Paris that signaled the end of the American Revolutionary War. Vaughan originated from a collection of rural villages: Woodbridge, Concord, Vaughan has , Maple and Thornhill. Vaughan Township grew relatively slowly from the 1840s to 1935 when it had transformed itself from 4,873 residents. However, World War II sparked an influx of immigration a rural township to a and by 1960 the population stood at 15,957. At the same time, the ethno-cultural composition of the area began major urban centre. to change with the arrival of groups such as the , and Eastern Europeans. A new civic mindset also began to emerge, heralding new and innovative commercial and industrial development, as well as a respect for the preservation of the area’s heritage.

6 160 Years of Incredible History

With the expansion of water and sewer services in the 1970s, the Township was transformed from a series of rural agricultural villages to one of the fastest growing suburban municipalities in Canada. Vaughan incorporated as a Town in 1971.

Vaughan Today In 1991, just twenty years after its incorporation as a Town, Vaughan was incorporated as a City. The decade of the 1990s witnessed explosive growth, as the population grew to more than 111,000 – a pace that continues into the 21st century. In 2006, Vaughan’s population exceeded 238,000 and employment topped 162,000. Provincial and Regional forecasts predict a population of 416,600 people and 266,100 jobs by 2031.

7 Progressive and Responsive Government

Services Delivered Vaughan’s municipal • Municipal Parks government is led • Recreation Facilities • Libraries by a nine-member • Fire Protection Council: a Mayor, three • Waste Management • Water Services Regional Councillors • Municipal Roads and Infrastructure • Planning and Development and five Ward • Economic Development

Councillors. Where Every Tax Dollar Goes Hospital $29

Government Administration Vaughan $1,152 Canada Federal

Ontario Provincial York Region $2,191 Education $1,107 York Regional Municipality

Vaughan City Chart is based on average residential tax bill $4,479 and total 2010 property 8 tax valued at $459,367 Beautiful Seasons

Southern ’s is highly In addition to a wide variety of sporting and leisure modified by the Great Lakes, which provide a activities, the City is alive with festivals and events moderating influence on both winter’s cold and that span the entire year. From to the summer’s heat. Vaughan is located in one of the Maple Syrup Festival and the Woodbridge Fall mildest regional climates in Canada. Fair, there are recreational and cultural activities to Vaughan is also a four-season destination for year engage and entertain both residents and visitors. round recreational activities and outdoor pursuits.

Climate in Vaughan - January to December

J F M A M J J A S O N D Daily Avg. Temp (oC) -6.3 -5.4 -0.4 6.3 12.9 17.8 20.8 19.9 15.3 8.9 3.2 -2.9 Daily Max. Temp (oC) -2.1 -1.1 4.1 11.5 18.8 23.7 26.8 25.6 21.0 13.9 7.0 0.9 Daily Min. Temp (oC) -10.5 -9.7 -5.0 1.0 6.9 11.9 14.8 14 9.6 3.9 -0.7 -6.7 Rainfall (mm) 24.9 22.3 36.7 62.4 72.4 74.2 74.4 79.6 77.5 63.4 62 34.7 Snowfall (cm) 31.1 22.1 19.2 5.7 0.1 0 0 0 0 0.5 7.6 29.2 Precipitation (mm) 52.2 42.6 57.1 68.4 72.5 74.2 74.4 79.6 77.5 64.1 69.3 60.9

Source: Environment Canada, Climate Normals 1971-2000, Toronto

9 The Faces of Vaughan Vaughan’s residents Age Characteristics Age Characteristics Vaughan Ontario are young, Total population 238,865 12,160,285 Median age of well-educated, the population 35.9 39.0 % of the population entrepreneurial aged 15 and over 78.4 81.8 0 to 4 years 16,555 670,770 and family-oriented. 5 to 9 years 17,295 721,590 10 to 14 years 17,755 818,445 Strong population growth has been a driving force 15 to 19 years 17,510 833,115 behind the City’s remarkable economic progress. 20 to 24 years 15,625 797,255 Vaughan’s educated, skilled and affluent residents generate substantial demand for an increasingly 25 to 29 years 14,105 743,695 diverse array of products and services. 30 to 34 years 16,960 791,955 With an 80% population increase between 1996 35 to 39 years 20,560 883,990 and 2006, Vaughan is one of the fastest growing 40 to 44 years 21,225 1,032,415 Canadian municipalities with a population of more 45 to 49 years 19,190 991,970 than 100,000. 50 to 54 years 15,660 869,400 55 to 59 years 14,000 774,530 Historical and Projected Population Growth 60 to 64 years 9,160 581,985 450,000 65 to 69 years 8,070 466,240 70 to 74 years 6,175 401,950 400,000 75 to 79 years 4,340 338,910 80 to 84 years 2,835 250,270 350,000 85 years and over 1,850 191,810

300,000 Source: , Census 2006

250,000 Family Characteristics

POPULATION 200,000 Family Characteristics & Marital Status (selected) Vaughan Ontario 150,000 Total population 15 years and over 187,265 9,949,480 100,000 Never legally married (single) 52,430 3,143,960 Legally married (and 50,000 not separated) 116,820 5,168,660 Total number of 1981 1986 1991 1996 1998 2001 2006 2031 census families 66,650 3,422,315 YEAR Average number of persons in all census families 3.4 3.0

10 Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 Vaughan is Canada’s 18th largest municipality. The current population is approximately 298,000.

11 A Sense of Community

Immigration continues to play a key role in the growth of Vaughan and its economy.

According to Statistics Canada (2006), more than 40% Population by Mother Tongue – Top 10 of Canada’s recent immigrants chose the (GTA) as a location in which to establish roots. English 108,880 The presence of social support networks and Italian 42,375 employment prospects were primary factors Russian 13,085 influencing their decisions. 6,685 As part of the GTA, Vaughan is a diverse Spanish 6,185 and multicultural community: 45% of the Panjabi (Punjabi) 4,680 population is comprised of immigrants, compared with the Provincial average Portuguese 4,165 of 28%. Furthermore, visible minorities Hebrew 4,030 account for 27% of the population. Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) 3,365 More than 70 languages are spoken Vietnamese 3,100 at home, in schools and in workplaces. Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006

12 A Sense of Community

Newcomers are attracted to Vaughan because of Ethnic Origin – Top 10 the “complete communities” that are being built here. Vaughan’s welcoming neighbourhoods and Italian 38.14% employment areas feature an eclectic mix of places Jewish 12.19% to shop, dine, work, play and worship. Other 11.89% East Indian 6.42% International Partnership Cities Russian 6.13% Sora, (1992) Canadian 5.17% Polish 5.09% Sanjo, Japan (1993) Chinese 4.94% , Israel (1993) English 3.97% , China (1995) Portuguese 2.83% City, Philippines (1997) Scottish 2.52%

Delia, Italy (1998) Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 , Italy (2002)

13 In terms of economic prosperity, Vaughan stands out among Canadian cities.

14 A Talented Labour Force

From 2001 to Labour Force By Occupation Primary Industry 0.7% 2006, Vaughan Processing, Manufacturing, Utilities 6.0% led all Canadian Management 13.2% Business and Finance 22.2% Natural and Applied Science7.8% municipalities in Health 3.8% Social Services, Education 8.6% job creation with Art and Culture 2.7% Sales and Services 21.8% a 22.2% increase. Trades, Transport 13.2% Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 Vaughan has one of the top performing economies in Canada, according to a 2010 Top 10 Sectors By Employment Conference Board of Canada report. The study, which assessed the attractiveness of Wholesale Trade 9.1% Canadian cities to skilled workers and mobile Transport, Warehousing 6.9% populations, ranked Vaughan as one of Accommodation & 6.5% only three cities to earn an “A” for its strong Food Services economy. Professional, Scientific 5.3% Vaughan’s labour force is young, multi- Services linguistic and highly educated, providing an Arts & Entertainment 4.7% advantage to local businesses and investors. Other Services 3.3% A strong, diversified and balanced range of Administration, Waste, 3.3% industries is adding to the City’s continuing Remediation prosperity, providing residents with a Manufacturing 33.1% multitude of job and career opportunities. Retail Trade 14.3% Construction 13.5%

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006 Vaughan’s median household income is consistently higher than the province Educational Attainment of Ontario. Apprenticeship, Trades 7.2% Median Household Income Certificate College Diploma 16.5% 2001 2006 University Diploma below 5.3% Vaughan $80,321 $86,616 Bachelor Level Ontario $53,626 $60,455 University Degree 24.3% No Certificate, Diploma 22.3% Source: Statistics Canada, Census data or Degree High School Certificate 24.4% or Equivalent

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006

15 Living Well

Housing For a downtown urban lifestyle, consider the future Business competitiveness is increasingly driven by Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, where condominium human and intellectual capital. The City is actively developments are planned along with great shopping, creating a community that offers people the best of all dining, entertainment and a new subway at the door. worlds and a world of opportunity. The best and the The future downtown is expected to accommodate brightest can live anywhere they choose, and Vaughan a resident and employment population of more makes it an easy choice. than 30,000. Singles, young families, mature adults and seniors will find housing choices to meet their needs. A full range Education of housing options from executive-style homes to single Learning is a life-long endeavour. Excellent kindergarten family detached dwellings, townhouses, condominiums to Grade 12 education is available at public and private and row housing is available throughout the City. schools and academies. Standardized test scores from the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office Average Housing Prices in Vaughan by Type demonstrate that York Region students are among the best educational performers in the Province. Maple, Type of Woodbridge, Publicly Funded Schools House Kleinburg Thornhill Detached house $622,216 $787,982 Publicly Funded York York Total Schools in Catholic Region Semi-detached house $442,216 $441,000 Vaughan District District Townhouse condos $336,200 $465,000 Elementary Schools 31 32 63 Condo apartments $311,814 $297,095 Secondary Schools 5 6 11 Link house $346,475 $388,000 Attached/row $408,260 $523,500

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board, February 2011

16 Post-Secondary Educational Institutes Healthcare Modern medical and healthcare services are readily Universities Distance accessible in Vaughan through Ontario’s publicly (kilometres/miles) funded healthcare system. The Vaughan Community 9/6 Health Centre which opened in 2009 provides primary 33/21 healthcare, health promotion and community-based Ontario College of Art & Design 35/22 programs to meet the needs of residents using a multi-disciplinary staff Ryerson University 40/25 team approach. University of Ontario Institute of Technology 60/37 Ambitious plans are underway for a new billion dollar, state- McMaster University 85/53 of-the-art hospital in Vaughan. University of 90/56 The hospital will be the University of Waterloo 115/71 epicenter of a master planned Wilfrid Laurier University 115/71 project that includes social and support services; ancillary Colleges Distance medical services; long-term (kilometres/miles) care; medical training and education. Humber College 21/13 30/19 34/21 George Brown College 40/25 Sheridan Institute of Technology 55/34 Durham College 60/37 Mohawk College 87/54 Conestoga College 100/62 17 Living Well

City of Vaughan Inventory of Parks and Recreation Facilities

Current City Supply Active Parkland (parks with 760 hectares Recreation and recreational facilities) (1,878 acres) Library Resources Passive Parkland (natural trails) 349 hectares (862 acres) Vaughan presents its residents and workers with a host of Community Centres 10 active and healthy lifestyle Arenas (Ice Pads) 8 options. State-of-the-art Indoor Pools 12 community centres offer fitness, Gymnasiums 9 recreation and lifestyle programs at affordable rates. Municipal parks Outdoor Soccer and Sports Fields 148 and trails throughout the City provide Baseball Diamonds 86 opportunities for all-season outdoor Tennis Courts 128 pursuits. Seven public library branches Basketball Courts 84 encourage learning, offering special services such as online catalogs Skateboard Parks 4 and databases, special collections, Waterplay Facilities 19 research assistance and discussion Playgrounds 153 forums. Off-leash Dog Parks 1 Outdoor Skating Rinks 6 18 Library Facilities 8 Source: City of Vaughan, Community Services, March 2011 Living Well

$2.6 billion in Public Transport The City of Vaughan is well served by public transit infrastructure. GO Transit public transit provides regional commuter rail and bus service to downtown Toronto and infrastructure other points in the GTA during morning and afternoon rush hours. investment Considered one of the safest transit systems in North America, York will change Region Transit/ provides all day efficient transit the face service in York Region and Toronto. In addition, new investment in public of Vaughan. transit infrastructure will enhance commuter transit. The development of the Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension has begun and subway ser- vice is planned to commence in 2015. 19 Hospitality Accommodations Banquet Centres and Specialty Shops Whether it’s a quaint bed and breakfast or a Vaughan is host to many of life’s most full service hotel, Vaughan’s accommodation cherished celebrations. Whether it’s an options will meet the needs of every traveler intimate dinner or a lavish gala, Vaughan’s and visitor. The City has more than 1,200 banquet halls can cater to the most rooms in 12 hotel/motel properties with discerning guest. In addition, Vaughan another 315 rooms planned for two new offers services and specialty shops to take superior hotels. care of all your special occasion needs.

Dining Meeting and Convention Space Diners enjoy a smorgasbord of opportunity Vaughan’s hotels and banquet centres in Vaughan. Eateries range from fine dining play host to guests at meetings and establishments to bistros, trattorias, grills conferences from around the world. In 2009, and buffets. A taste of home is just around the City hosted the Communities in Bloom the corner with upscale Italian restaurants, Conference, bringing guests from across kosher delis, Chinese specialties, Canada and as far away as Japan, Ireland Vietnamese pho, churrasqueira take-outs and the UK. and many other international cuisines.

20 Arts, Culture and Heritage Arts Heritage Districts Visitors and residents can enjoy some of Canada’s If you are passionate about history or enjoy finest works of art at the McMichael Canadian Art local arts and crafts, you will find them in the Collection in Kleinburg. This remarkable gallery City’s historic village cores of Kleinburg, Maple, features the works of the world-renown Group Thornhill and Woodbridge. Their heritage districts of Seven as well as First Nation and Inuit artists. are home to one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants In addition to docent-led tours, the McMichael and galleries. offers children’s summer art camps, workshops Visitors and residents look forward to the annual and adult studio classes in partnership with the celebrations of Kleinburg’s , Ontario College of Art & Design. MapleFest, Thornhill Village Festival and the Woodbridge Fair. Performing Arts Vaughan is home to a number of exciting entertainment venues. In Thornhill, the City Playhouse hosts outstanding professional and community-based theatre, dance and musical performances. At Entertainment Central in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, patrons enjoy the club atmosphere at Yuk Yuks, Berlin’s and Dueling Pianos. Concerts are available at the Kingswood Music Theatre at Canada’s Wonderland.

21 Shopping and Recreational Pursuits

year, mall offers 17 anchor Vaughan is a stores and 200 retail, dining and entertainment establishments within a unique setting that shopper’s paradise celebrates the beauty of Ontario.

Large regional malls, outlet centres, Sports Tourism small one-of-a-kind shops and Recreational and competitive sports specialty retail stores can enthusiasts have a home in Vaughan. The be found across the City. Sports Village and the City’s 10 Community Woodbridge’s Market Centres and numerous parks offer facilities Lane and the Village of for recreation and sports such as baseball, Kleinburg offer main street soccer, tennis, swimming, skating, ice hockey shopping with unique and bocce. In preparation for the 2010 Winter shops and cafes. Olympics in Vancouver, China’s Women’s The Promenade and Hockey Team established their training and Vaughan Mills malls practice centre at The Sports Village. feature many national chains as well as World Class Attractions unique stores and Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s premier entertainment venues. . It features more than 200 Visited by more than attractions with 65 thrilling rides and Splash 13.7 million Works – a 20-acre water park. The park people each welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually.

22 Natural Spaces & Countryside

Natural Spaces and workshops for the public and Preservation Countryside professionals. The headwaters of two regional zoo is the first of its kind of our river systems – the Don and in the Greater Toronto Area and the Humber – are located in adds another destination to countryside Vaughan. So too is Southern our growing list of attractions. Ontario’s main aquifer, the Oak Visitors can experience and even Ridges Moraine. Vaughan’s handle some of the more than 75 and our new Official Plan places a high species of reptiles, including the priority on the protection of the largest crocodile and venomous natural Moraine, as well as the Greenbelt snake in Canada. and the rural countryside. These amenities is natural heritage ecosystems are Golfing Enthusiasts provincially-significant assets There are plenty of world-class that provide source groundwater, golfing opportunities in Vaughan one of the diverse plant animal habitats, from championship courses ecosystems, agricultural lands, to link-style golf experiences. sand and gravel resources, City’s top Eight public and private golf economic, health and courses are located throughout recreational benefits. priorities. the City. Designed by renowned The Kortright Centre for architects such as Doug Carrick, Conservation, Canada’s largest Robbie Robinson, Howard environmental centre, is an Watson, Arthur Hills and Stanley environmental treasure. The Thompson to name a few, these Centre welcomes 135,000 courses provide a mix of tradition visitors annually and offers more and challenging design within than 50 environmental education scenic settings. programs for schools, as well as 30 sustainable technology 23 The City of Vaughan and the Region of York provide a comprehensive suite of services to protect human Safe City life and property. Fire and rescue services are managed by the City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department, which is staffed by more than 265 One of the safest full-time staff in 9 fire station locations. Policing is provided by York Region Police and emergency places to live and paramedic services are delivered by York Emergency Medical Services. In its 2009 national crime survey, MacLean’s Magazine ranked York Region as one of the safest places to live in Canada.

24 Environmental Leadership

Examples of LEED Buildings in Vaughan New residential Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a third-party certification program and an internationally subdivisions to meet accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of buildings, homes and neighbourhoods.

Energy Star standards. Archetype Sustainable Homes at Kortright • Platinum Rating In 2009, the City of Vaughan adopted its first City Hall Community Sustainability and Environmental • Projected Gold Rating Master Plan, Green Directions Vaughan, which sets Earth Rangers out a plan to meet the current and future needs of • Gold Rating Vaughan as a complete community. PowerStream Head Offices • Gold Rating Joint EMS/Fire Station 7-9 • Silver Rating McMichael Canadian Art Collection • Silver Rating

The archetype sustainable houses at the Kortright Centre in Vaughan – LEED platinum rating.

25 A Leading City

A City of Choice Vaughan Vision 2020, the City’s corporate enhances the delivery of municipal services while strategic plan, sets out a “vision” of Vaughan’s optimizing cost efficiencies and maximizing staff future growth and development to the year 2020. effectiveness. Integrity forms the foundation This plan places “people first” by providing service of Vaughan’s Vision, promoting respect, excellence to residents and businesses while accountability, and dedication. ensuring that Vaughan is a safe, sustainable, Council and City staff are committed to operating and environmentally friendly community with from a leadership position. Our residents and a prosperous future. businesses can be assured that Vaughan is a well By focusing on citizens, our strategic plan managed municipality with an exciting future.

“Vaughan is a city for the world. As one of Canada’s leading cities, with strong leadership, economic prosperity, a diverse population, and family-oriented communities – it is the place you want to be.”

Clayton D. Harris, City Manager Seated (left to right): Janice Atwood-Petkovski, Commissioner of Legal and Administrative Services; Clayton D. Harris, City Manager; and Barbara Cribbett, Commissioner of Finance and City Treasurer. Standing (left to right): William E. Robinson, Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works; Marlon H. Kallideen, Commissioner of Community Services; 26 and John Zipay, Commissioner of Planning. Selected Business Resources GOVERNMENT OF CANADA www.gc.ca Citizenship & Immigration www.cic.gc.ca Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada www.dfait.gc.ca Industry Canada www.ic.gc.ca Service Canada Portal www.servicecanada.gc.ca

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO www.ontario.ca Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs www.omaf.gov.on.ca Citizenship & Immigration www.citizenship.gov.on.ca Economic Development & Trade www.investinontario.com Health www.ehealthontario.on.ca Tourism www.tourism.gov.on.ca

REGION OF YORK www.york.ca

CITY OF VAUGHAN www.vaughan.ca The Economic Development Office www.vaughan.ca/business Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre www.vaughan.ca/vbec www.vaughanpl.com

VAUGHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.vaughanchamber.ca

PUBLIC TRANSIT www.yorkregiontransit.com GO Transit www.gotransit.com Metrolinx www.metrolinx.ca Viva Rapid Transit www.vivanext.com

UTILITIES Enbridge Gas Distribution www.enbridge.com PowerStream www.powerstream.ca

COSTI IMMIGRANT SERVICES www.costi.org

SENECA COLLEGE - VAUGHAN CAMPUS www.senecac.on.ca

WELCOME CENTRE IMMIGRANT SERVICES www.welcomecentreimmigrantservices.com00 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L6A 1T1 Phone: 905-832-8585 www.vaughan.ca

Printed in Canada

© City of Vaughan 2011

CV44823_Broch_En_April2011.indd 28 11/05/11 9:46 AM