Introducing ... the Order of Vaughan

New honours and awards initiative part of 25th anniversary celebrations

Yorkregion.com
April 11, 2016
By Adam Martin-Robbins

The City of Vaughan is launching a new honours and awards initiative as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Starting this year, individuals who have accomplished significant achievements or made remarkable contributions to the city will be inducted into the Order of Vaughan.

For 2016, to mark the 25th anniversary of Vaughan achieving city status, 25 people will be admitted to the Order. Thereafter, a maximum of 10 people will be inducted annually.

To qualify, a person must have “a significant and enduring relationship” with Vaughan and be recognized as being engaged in a “beneficial activity” in one or more of 14 categories including arts and entertainment, athletics, health and wellness, business, philanthropy, public service, education, science and technology and spirituality, according to a city staff report. A seven-member selection committee made up of city staffers, a Vaughan Chamber of Commerce representative and, in future years, a past recipient will determine the inductees.

In addition to the Order of Vaughan, council also approved a key to the city initiative.  This honour will be bestowed on visitors to Vaughan who’ve made important and worthy contributions outside the city. The mayor will recommend deserving candidates, but council must approve nominees. There will be no limit to the number of keys handed out.

Lastly, the city is working with the Canadian Heraldic Authority - headed up by the Governor General - to design an official coat of arms for Vaughan. The plan is to include a motto on a scroll beneath the arms, for which public input will be sought.

It’s probably a safe bet officials won’t try to resurrect the municipality’s former slogan, The City Above Toronto, which was the occasional subject of mockery.