Here's to a productive 100 days for Vaughan city council

Members of council have been working hard and delivering results for residents, writes Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

Yorkregion.com
March 12, 2019
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

This month marks 100 days since the 2018 inauguration of Vaughan council. While it seems like yesterday, it has been a very productive three months of working hard and delivering results.

The 2018-2022 term began with members of council once again committing to the principles and values outlined in the Vaughan Accord. This set the groundwork for the next four years, during which citizens and city-building will remain at the heart of our decision-making.

Early this year, we made history by welcoming the first university in Vaughan and York Region. Niagara University is located in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre’s (VMC) EXPO City Tower and steps away from the VMC Subway station. In addition to promoting our values of higher learning and education, it will serve as a magnet for city-building opportunities.

In February, I delivered my state of the city address, “Purpose Driven Leadership,” at the annual Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon. Over 800 business professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as diplomats from 14 countries, who share a common interest in Vaughan’s growth, were enthused to hear about the exciting opportunities being realized -- including our agreement with Bell Canada to bring a next-generation fibre optic broadband network directly to the front door of every residence and business.

At the chamber luncheon I also awarded Rev. James J. Maher, president of Niagara University, with the distinguished honour of receiving the Key to the City of Vaughan, in recognition of his commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities to students right here in our city.

We closed in on the 100-day mark by approving a budget that stays true to our promise of keeping tax rate increases at or below three per cent. Vaughan proudly maintains one of the lowest tax rates in the GTA and we continue to secure efficiencies and maximize every dollar we are entrusted to manage. Since 2015, we have saved nearly $30 million in tax dollars because of our commitment to continuous improvement.

We humbly acknowledge our successes as they fuel our motivation to continue moving this city forward. As I often say, the best is yet to come!