How has coronavirus outbreak impacted major projects in Vaughan?

PwC Tower, to house new Vaughan public library branch and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA, halted, councillor says

Yorkregion.com
April 17, 2020

Like other municipalities in York Region, Vaughan facilities were closed during the coronavirus pandemic after the city declared a state of emergency on March 17.

So did COVID-19 halt any major construction projects?

The year 2020 was expected to witness the opening of the mixed-used PwC Tower, which will be home to a new Vaughan public library branch and the new 77,000-square-foot Vaughan Metropolitan Centre YMCA.

However, the project has been stopped for the time-being due to COVID-19, said Ward 1 Coun. Marilyn Iafrate.

In late 2020, Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is also expected to be not only the first hospital built in York Region in the last 30 years, but also Canada's first ‘smart’ hospital opening its door.

Since the hospital is considered to be an essential service in the time of a pandemic, its construction is continuing.

“The Government of Ontario has included construction of new hospitals on its list of essential construction projects permitted to continue. Construction continues on Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital,” a Mackenzie Health spokesperson said.

When are the next committee of the whole and council meetings?

The city said the next electronic-participation committee of the whole and council meetings are scheduled on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. Residents can tune in at vaughan.ca/LiveCouncil.

Did the City of Vaughan hire private parking contractors to place parking tickets on vehicles?

To clarify this, please read the City of Vaughan’s response:

“The City of Vaughan has not hired any private contractors for the purpose of this state of emergency. Through delegated authority of the Director and CLO of Bylaw & Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, the City of Vaughan authorizes qualified private security companies as Private Parking Enforcement Agency, who are hereby authorized to enforce the City’s Parking Bylaw on private property under contract with the property owner/property management company. While some City of Vaughan employees are working from home, all enforcement personnel are on active duty and working.”

How can I pay my parking ticket?

Here is what the city says on its website:

"Administrative monetary penalties, such as a parking ticket, can be paid online at PayVaughanTicket.com. To arrange an alternative method of payment or schedule a dispute appointment, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 within 15 days of receiving it. Scheduled disputes are being conducted over the phone until further notice."

For more information, please read the City of Vaughan’s comprehensive list on what’s open and closed online at www.vaughan.ca.