105.9 The Region, Mayor in the Morning segment with Jim Lang
1059theregion.com
Feb. 6, 2019

7:45 a.m. segment:

• Winter operations this a.m.
• Staff are currently servicing main roads
• Staff get high ratings form citizens who appreciate what crews do to ensure road safety
• Weather conditions reflect capacity of people in public service; “We are all very grateful for all crews who go the extra mile”
• Expo event yesterday
• Quick nod to 105.9 being on site
• Vaughan chamber of Commerce Mayors Luncheon event on the 13th
• “Chance to speak direct to the business audience who create jobs and opportunities in Vaughan”
• 12,000 business who employ over 10,000 people
• Growing at 3.6% over 8 years
• 55,000 new jobs since Mayor Bevilacqua arrived
• City issued $2 billion in building permits – reflective in Vaughan’s downtown core i.e. PwC tower
• Niagara University
• City also announced Niagara University to city; first university in Vaughan and York region
• Mayor had the pleasure to welcome facility, administration and students to campus
• University holds 300-400 students, but 6,000 students graduated from this university in total
• Mayor explained the Niagara University degree is recognized in Ontario and is fully accredited by Ontario college of teachers; can teach in Ontario by graduating here
• This University is an anchor for the city of Vaughan, much like the hospital or subway extension

8:15 a.m. segment:

• Winterfest
• “Very Canadian season”
• We celebrate the 30th annual Winterfest event by gathering with friends ands family
• Sponsored by TD and Tim Hortons, event features indoor and outdoor activities including midway rides, outdoors fire pits, much more
• Many performances, Meet and greets, VFRS demo.. reads out all performances, activities expected.
• “Action packed event”
• Parking available at Vaughan city hall and etc.
• See vaughan.ca for more info
• Budget
• Mentioned the small property tax increase and asked Mayor to explain rationale behind it
• Mayor explained that Vaughan is the second lowest tax rate in GTA, and that we like to keep up with those services that are high rated by citizens
• Never go over 3% increase mark, which was established when he become mayor
• Citizen survey
• Latest citizen survey indicates Vaughan gets high ratings overall
• VFRS 100%
• Public libraries, public works all doing well
• “We are in a good space and that is with thanks to the citizens, they are the driving force behind out city”
• Winter operations
• Drive safe message for this mornings commute
• Thanks to crews at city who make conditions as good as possible