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 Canada. 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 Maurizio Bevilacqua performing economies in the country. The City is firmly establishing itself as the gateway for economic activity in the . 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 Deb Schulte

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 Vaughan has from a collection of rural villages: Woodbridge, Concord, , 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 major urban centre. began to change with the arrival of groups such as the Italians, Jews 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 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 was 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 2013, Vaughan’s population exceeded 315,000 and employment topped 175,000. 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 • Waste Management Council: a Mayor, three • Water Services Regional Councillors • Municipal Roads and Infrastructure • Planning and Development and five Ward • Economic Development

Councillors. Where Every Tax Dollar Goes, 2013 (Portions of average residential tax bill, 2013) Government Administration Hospital 1.2% Canada FederaleFederal Education 23.8% ProvincialeProvincial York Region 48.7% York RegionaleRegional Vaughan Vaughan MunicipaleMunicipal 8 26.7% Beautiful Seasons Southern Ontario’s continental climate 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 Winterfest to the summer’s heat. Vaughan is located in one of the Maple Syrup Festival; from the Woodbridge Village mildest regional climates in Canada. Farmers Market to the Woodbridge Fall Fair, there are recreational and cultural activities to engage Vaughan is also a four-season destination for year 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, Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000, Toronto

9 The Faces of Vaughan Vaughan’s residents Age Characteristics Age Characteristics Vaughan Ontario are young, Total population 288,300 12,851,830 Median age of well-educated, the population 37.9 40.4 % of the population aged 15 and over 79.7 83.0 entrepreneurial 0 to 14 years: children 58,455 2,180,770 and family-oriented. 15 to 64 years: working age 197,650 8,792,735 Strong population growth has been a driving force 65 years and over: behind the City’s remarkable economic progress. seniors 32,195 1,878,325 Vaughan’s educated, skilled and affluent residents generate substantial demand for an increasingly Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2011 diverse array of products and services. With a 58% population increase between 2001 and 2011, Vaughan is one of the fastest growing Family Characteristics Canadian municipalities with a population of more than 200,000. Family Characteristics & Marital Status (selected) Vaughan Ontario Total population 15 years and over 229,895 10,671,050 Historical and Projected Population Growth Married or living with a common-law partner 145,465 6,158,605 450,000 Not married and not living with a common-law partner 84,380 4,512,440 400,000 Total number of census families 80,835 3,612,205 350,000 Average number of persons 300,000 in all census families 3.3 3.0

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2011 250,000 POPOLAZIONE POPULATION 200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

1981 1986 1991 1996 1998 2001 2006 2031 ANNOYEAR

10 Vaughan is Canada’s 17th largest municipality. The current population is approximately 313,000.

11 A Sense of Community

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

According to Statistics Canada (2011), nearly 35% of Canada’s Population by Mother Tongue – Top 10* recent immigrants chose the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as a location in which to establish roots. The presence English 141,485 of social support networks and employment Italian 43,585 prospects were primary factors influencing Russian 19,185 their decisions. Spanish 7,890 As part of the GTA, Vaughan is a diverse Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino) 5,345 and multicultural community: 46% of the Panjabi (Punjabi) 5,200 population is comprised of immigrants, compared with the Provincial average Hebrew 4,975 of 28%. Furthermore, visible minorities Portuguese 4,795 account for 31% of the population. Farsi 4,780 More than 99 languages are spoken Chinese, n.o.s.1 4,685 at home, in schools and in workplaces. Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2011

*Includes single and multiple responses 1. n.o.s. - not otherwise specified

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 employment Italian 33.2% areas feature an eclectic mix of places to shop, dine, Other 12.4% work, play and worship. Jewish 11.8% Canadian 7.8% International Partnership Cities Russian 6.8% Sora, Italy (1992) East Indian 6.5% Chinese 5.8% Sanjo, Japan (1993) Polish 5.1% Ramla, Israel (1993) English 4.2% Yangzhou, China (1995) Portuguese 3.3% Baguio City, Philippines (1997) Filipino 3.1%

Delia, Italy (1998) Source: Statistics Canada, Lanciano, Italy (2002) National Household Survey 2011

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

14 A Talented Labour Force

Vaughan has one of the top performing Labour Force By Occupation economies in Canada, according to a 2010 Conference Board of Canada report. The Sales, Service 21.0% study, which assessed the attractiveness of Business, Finance 19.9% Canadian cities to skilled workers and mobile Management 13.4% populations, ranked Vaughan as one of Trades, Transport 12.0% only three cities to earn an “A” for its strong Education, Law, 11.0% economy. Social, Community and Vaughan’s labour force is young, multi- Government Services linguistic and highly educated, providing an Natural, Applied Science 8.3% advantage to local businesses and investors. Health, 4.6% A strong, diversified and balanced range of Manufacturing, Utilities 4.4% industries is adding to the City’s continuing Other 2.7% prosperity, providing residents with a Arts and Culture 2.6% multitude of job and career opportunities. Source: Statistics Canada, Natural Household Survey 2011

Top 10 Sectors By Employment

Vaughan’s average household income Manufacturing 33.1% Retail Trade 14.3% is consistently higher than the province Construction 13.5% of Ontario. Wholesale Trade 9.1% Average Household Income Transport, Warehousing 6.9% Accommodation 6.5% 2010 and Food Services Vaughan $113,988 Professional, 5.3% Ontario $85,772 Scientific Services Arts and Entertainment 4.7% Source: Statistics Canada, National Household Survey, 2011 Other Services 3.3% Administration, 3.3% Waste, Remediation

Source: Statistics Canada, Census 2006

Educational Attainment, 25 to 64 years

University Certificate, 35.8% Diploma or Degree High School Diploma 20.9% or Equivalent College Diploma 20.5% No Certificate, Diploma 10.0% or Degree Apprenticeship, Trades 6.5% Certificate or Diploma University Diploma 6.4% below Bachelor Level

Source: Statistics Canada, National Household Survey 2011 15 For a downtown urban lifestyle, consider the future Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, where condominium developments are planned along with great shopping, dining, entertainment and a new subway. The future Living Well downtown is expected to accommodate a resident and employment population of more than 30,000. Housing Education Business competitiveness is increasingly driven by human and intellectual capital. The City is actively Learning is a life-long endeavour. Excellent kindergarten creating a community that offers people the best of all to Grade 12 education is available at public and private worlds and a world of opportunity. The best and the schools and academies. Standardized test scores from brightest can live anywhere they choose, and Vaughan the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office makes it an easy choice. demonstrate that York Region students are among the best educational performers in the Province. Singles, young families, mature adults and seniors will find housing choices to meet their needs. A full range of housing options from executive-style homes to single Publicly Funded Schools family detached dwellings, townhouses, condominiums York York and row housing is available throughout the City. Catholic Region Schools* District District Total Average Housing Prices in Vaughan by Type Elementary Schools 34 33 67 Type of Secondary Schools 6 6 12 House Vaughan Total 40 39 79 Detached house $834,897 *French immersion schools have been included Semi-detached house $553,996 Attached/row $527,604 Privately Funded Schools Link house $525,400 Schools* Total Townhouse condos $411,389 Elementary Schools 17 Condo apartments $360,510 Secondary Schools 6 Source: Toronto Real Estate Board, September 2013 Elementary & Secondary 4 Total 27 16 *Registered with the Ministry of Education Post-Secondary Educational Institutes Healthcare

Distance Modern medical and healthcare services are readily Universities (kilometres/miles) accessible in Vaughan through Ontario’s publicly funded healthcare system. The Vaughan Community York University 9/6 Health Centre which opened in 2009 provides primary University of Toronto 33/21 healthcare, health promotion and community-based Ontario College of Art & Design 35/22 programs to meet the needs of residents using a Ryerson University 40/25 multi-disciplinary staff team approach. University of Ontario Ambitious plans are underway for a new billion dollar, Institute of Technology 60/37 state-of-the-art hospital in Vaughan. The hospital McMaster University 85/53 will be the epicenter of a master planned project that includes social and support services; ancillary University of Guelph 90/56 medical services; long-term care; medical training University of Waterloo 115/71 and education. Wilfrid Laurier University 115/71

Distance Colleges (kilometres/miles) Humber College 21/13 Seneca College 30/19 Centennial College 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 582.1 hectares (parks with recreational facilities) (1,438.4 acres) Recreation and Passive Parkland 530 hectares Library Resources (natural trails) (1,309.6 acres) Vaughan presents its residents Community Centres 10 and workers with a host of active and healthy lifestyle options. Arenas (Ice Pads) 10 State-of-the-art community Indoor Pools 12 centres offer fitness, recreation and Gymnasiums 13 lifestyle programs at affordable rates. Outdoor Soccer and Sports Fields 212 Municipal parks and trails throughout the City provide opportunities for all- Baseball Diamonds 79 season outdoor pursuits. Seven public Tennis Courts 126 library branches encourage learning, Basketball Courts 84 offering special services such as Skateboard Parks 7 online catalogs and databases, Waterplay Facilities 17 special collections, research assistance and discussion forums. Playgrounds 159 Off-leash Dog Park 1 Outdoor Skating Rinks 5 Library Facilities 8 18 Source: City of Vaughan, Recreation & Culture, and Parks & Forestry Operations Living Well

$2.6 billion in Public Transport The City of Vaughan is well served by public transit public transit infrastructure. GO Transit provides regional commuter rail and infrastructure bus service to downtown Toronto and other points in the GTA during morning investment and afternoon rush hours. Considered one of the safest transit will change systems in North America, /Viva Rapid Transit provides all day efficient transit the face service in York Region and Toronto. of Vaughan. In addition, new investment in public 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 2016. 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 1,800 banquet halls can cater to the most rooms in 16 hotel/motel properties. discerning guest. In addition, Vaughan offers services and specialty shops to take Dining care of all your special occasion needs. Diners enjoy a smorgasbord of opportunity in Vaughan. Eateries range from fine dining Meeting and Convention Space establishments to bistros, trattorias, grills Vaughan’s hotels and banquet centres and buffets. A taste of home is just around play host to guests at meetings and the corner with upscale Italian restaurants, conferences from around the world. In 2009, kosher delis, Chinese specialties, the City hosted the Communities in Bloom Vietnamese pho, churrasqueira take-outs Conference, bringing guests from across and many other international cuisines. Canada and as far away as Japan, Ireland and the UK.

0020 Arts, Culture and Heritage Arts Heritage Districts Visitors and residents can enjoy some of Canada’s If you are passionate about history or enjoy local finest works of art at the McMichael Canadian arts and crafts, you will find them in the City’s Art Collection in Kleinburg. This remarkable gallery historic village cores of Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill features the works of the world-renown Group and Woodbridge. Their heritage districts are home of Seven as well as First Nation and Inuit artists. to one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and galleries. In addition to docent-led tours, the McMichael Visitors and residents look forward to the offers children’s summer art camps, workshops Woodbridge Village Farmers Market and the annual and adult studio classes in partnership with the celebrations of CariVaughan, Kleinburg Binder Ontario College of Art & Design. Twine Festival, MapleFest, Thornhill Village Festival and the Woodbridge Fall 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.

0021 Shopping and Recreational Pursuits

mall offers 17 anchor stores and 200 retail, Vaughan is a dining and entertainment establishments within a unique setting that celebrates the shopper’s paradise 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 malls practice centre at The Sports Village. feature many national chains as well as unique stores and World Class Attractions entertainment venues. Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s premier amusement park. It features more than 200 Visited by nearly attractions with 69 thrilling rides and Splash 14 million people Works – a 20-acre water park. The park each year, welcomes more than 3.4 million visitors Vaughan annually. Mills 22 Natural Spaces & Countryside

Natural Spaces as 30 sustainable technology Preservation and Countryside workshops for the public and professionals. The headwaters of two regional of our river systems – the Don and Reptilia zoo is the first of its kind the Humber – are located in in the Greater Toronto Area and countryside Vaughan. So too is Southern adds another destination to Ontario’s main aquifer, the Oak our growing list of attractions. Ridges Moraine. Vaughan’s Visitors can experience and even and our new Official Plan places a high handle some of the more than 75 priority on the protection of the species of reptiles, including the natural Moraine, as well as the Greenbelt largest crocodile and venomous and the rural countryside. These snake in Canada. amenities is natural heritage ecosystems are provincially-significant assets Golfing Enthusiasts one of the that provide source groundwater, diverse plant animal habitats, There are plenty of world-class ecosystems, agricultural lands, golfing opportunities in Vaughan City’s top sand and gravel resources, from championship courses economic, health and to link-style golf experiences. recreational benefits. Eight public and private golf priorities. courses are located throughout The Kortright Centre for the City. Designed by renowned Conservation, Canada’s largest architects such as Doug Carrick, environmental centre, is an Robbie Robinson, Howard environmental treasure. The Watson, Arthur Hills and Stanley Centre welcomes 135,000 Thompson to name a few, these visitors annually and offers more courses provide a mix of tradition than 50 environmental education and challenging design within programs for schools, as well scenic settings. 23 The City of Vaughan and the Region of York provide a comprehensive suite of services to protect human life and property. Fire and rescue services are Safe City managed by the City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department, which is staffed by 260 staff in One of the safest 10 fire station locations. Policing is provided by York Region Police and emergency and paramedic places to live services are delivered by York Emergency Medical Services. In 2011, the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics named York Region as the safest community in Canada for communities of one-million people or more.

24 Environmental Leadership Environmentally Sustainability is responsible Examples of LEED Buildings in Vaughan for championing the implementation of Green Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Directions Vaughan, the City’s Community is a third-party certification program and an internationally Sustainability and Environmental Master Plan accepted benchmark for the design, construction and and its goals, objectives, ethics and principles. operation of buildings, homes and neighbourhoods. Environmental Sustainability works in partnership Archetype Sustainable Homes with internal and external stakeholders to achieve at Kortright • Platinum Rating a healthy natural environment, vibrant communities and a strong economy. This is achieved through City Hall • Projected Gold Rating support for residents and businesses resulting Earth Rangers • Gold Rating in increased awareness and local action on key environmental issues such as climate change. Fire Hall 7-10 • Gold Rating Further, Environmental Sustainability supports Joint EMS/Fire Station 7-9 • Gold Rating research, policy and program development activities that address environmental priorities McMichael Canadian and implements coordinated activities across Art Collection • Silver Rating the City’s departments. PowerStream Head Offices • Gold Rating TRCA Restoration Services Centre • Platinum 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 strategic cost efficiencies and maximizing staff effectiveness. plan, sets out a “vision” of Vaughan’s future growth Integrity forms the foundation of Vaughan’s Vision, and development to the year 2020. This plan promoting respect, accountability, and dedication. places “people first” by providing service excellence Council and City staff are committed to operating to residents and businesses while ensuring that from a leadership position. Our residents and Vaughan is a safe, sustainable, and environmentally businesses can be assured that Vaughan is a friendly community with a prosperous future. well managed municipality with an exciting future. By focusing on citizens, our strategic plan enhances the delivery of municipal services while optimizing

26 Selected Business Resources

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA www.gc.ca Citizenship & Immigration Canada www.cic.gc.ca Foreign Affairs Trade & Development 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, and Employment www.investinontario.com Health www.ehealthontario.on.ca Tourism, Culture and Sport 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 York Region Transit www.yorkregiontransit.com GO Transit www.gotransit.com Metrolinx www.metrolinx.ca Viva Rapid Transit www.vivanext.com

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

IMMIGRANT SERVICES Costi Immigrant Services www.costi.org Human Endeavour www.humanendeavour.org Welcome Centre Immigrant Services www.welcomecentreimmigrantservices.com

SENECA COLLEGE - VAUGHAN CAMPUS www.senecac.on.ca 00 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L6A 1T1 Phone: 905-832-2281 www.vaughan.ca

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© City of Vaughan 2013