Vaughan’s mayor ‘determined’ to attract university despite sharp cuts

Bevilacqua made the announcement at the city's inauguration ceremony

Yorkregion.com
December 7, 2018
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua is unyieldingly determined to make his city the “first” in York Region to have a university despite sharp cuts by the Conservative provincial government, he said Tuesday (Dec. 4).

Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives, vowing to reduce the province's $15-billion deficit, has already put a stop in late October on three satellite post-secondary campuses in Markham, Brampton and Milton.

On Nov. 15, Premier Doug Ford’s government also halted plans for Toronto's first French-language university, disappointing Ontario’s francophone community.

But the sky’s the limit for Bevilacqua.

“I know it is quite a challenge,” he told York Region Media Tuesday evening, shortly after Vaughan’s inauguration.

“I have been working for a university for a good number of months, and it is something not easy given the fact there are sharp cuts, but I need to deliver on the promise,” he said.

Asked if he is considering the private funding route, the mayor said, “I am thinking whatever it takes to make sure it happens,” adding, “my record is pretty good.”

Bevilacqua won a third term at the helm of his city of about 306,000 (as of the 2016 census). “I am committed to making sure that we get a university in our city during this term of office,” he said in a previous interview with York Region Media at his office.

The veteran politician, whose public life of more than 30 years has included ministerial posts, is really “determined” about his new bid.

“Yes, these are times one must be creative and resourceful,” the 58-year-old said.

“My approach to governing is rooted in hope and optimism, and so far it has worked extremely well for the citizens of our city.”

During the inaugural meeting, the five municipal councillors and the three regional councillors attributed their success to their families and staff.