Vaughan temporarily lays off about 1,100 city employees amid COVID-19

Thestar.ca
August 12, 2020

The City of Vaughan told York Region Media that it “temporarily” laid off about 1,100 employees due to “shortage of work in some departments” after declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

Both Ontario and Vaughan declared a state of emergency March 17.

After these “extraordinary circumstances,” the city said the decision was “difficult but necessary.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic and declared State of Emergency in Vaughan and the Province of Ontario have impacted City services in a number of unexpected ways, including the temporary closure of City facilities to the public and the cancellation of some programs,” it said.

While the city continues to conduct essential services including fire and emergency response, waste collection, water/wastewater services, bylaw and enforcement services, it says, “As this situation evolves, it will be necessary for the City to continue assessing the operational and financial impacts of these unprecedented times.”

“The temporary lay off reflect different positions from across the corporation,” it added.

On Aug. 5, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua said that most of Vaughan’s facilities, including city hall, will remain closed to the public until Jan. 4, 2021, and “potentially beyond.”

The mayor said the decision was made after “careful consideration.”

It isn’t only Vaughan that has made this move.

The City of Richmond Hill has laid off more than 1,000 part-time and contract staff due to facility closures.

Also, Georgina laid off 48 part-time employees.