5 things to know about Vaughan: Upgrading Old Maple infrastructure, slow down signs, snow shovelling, more

Thestar.com
Nov. 25, 2021
Dina Al-Shibeeb

Here are five important things happening in Vaughan.

1. Nov. 23: Help with the Vaughan transportation plan

Vaughan residents are called to join a live virtual presentation and discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.

With the city’s first transportation plan completed in 2012, an update is needed due to the sweeping changes that have taken place in Vaughan since.

Residents can voice their preferred way to commute and if additional transportation options are needed.

A recording of the presentation will be made available online for individuals who cannot attend. Learn more at vaughan.ca/TransportationPlan.

2. Nov. 29: The annual menorah lighting ceremony

Vaughan is inviting its citizens to tune in to its annual menorah lighting ceremony, virtually, on Monday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. The event will be livestreamed at vaughan.ca/festive.

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, founder and spiritual leader of Chabad@Flamingo, will preside over the ceremony, which will include Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and members of council and a performance with members of the Shmuel Zahavy Cheder Chabad boys choir.

3. Dec. 2: Infrastructure upgrade coming to Old Maple area

Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. is the date for a virtual public information session on what the city is doing to upgrade the necessary infrastructure for the Old Maple area.

Construction is expected to start in spring 2022, with anticipated completion by summer 2023.

Part of the city’s 2021 capital program, these locations are where the work will take place: Bevan Road, Church Street, Clemson Crescent, Gosling Road, Goodman Crescent, Gram Street, Jackson Street, Lancer Drive, Malaren Road, Merino Road, Mexico Road, Naylon Street, Netherford Road, Oldfield Street, Ryder Road, Weller Crescent and Welton Street.

A map of the work area can also be viewed at vaughan.ca/OldMaple.

To register, send your name and email address to OldMapleTeam@morrisonhershfield.com. The link to join the session will be sent in advance of the meeting. Presentation materials will also be posted to vaughan.ca/OldMaple following the session.

4. Get your #SLOWDOWN sign

To encourage drivers to reduce their speed, the city has launched a new campaign called #SlowDownVaughan. The campaign comes after deadly traffic accidents the city has experienced this year.

Vaughan urged its citizens to “post a #SlowDownVaughan sign on their lawn, in their windows or on their social media profiles to encourage the public to slow down while driving on city roads.”

Lawn signs are available to pick up at Vaughan Public Libraries and community centres, excluding Garnet A. Williams Community Centre. Citizens can also download print-at-home window signs or social media graphics at vaughan.ca/SlowDownVaughan. Signs are produced by the city and are free to Vaughan residents.

5. Snow shovelling service to older adults

There is the Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) program to help this winter.

The non-profits CHATS snow-clearing program in Vaughan is a paid service that connects individuals to pre-approved service providers -- quotes for winter snow clearance services are also provided at this time. The cost for snow clearing is paid for by the homeowner.

Available to Vaughan residents aged 55 and older or with age-related illnesses, the program accommodates for up to a maximum of 100 residents for this winter season. Subsidies are available based on the completion of a financial assessment. The 2021-22 program is supported by its sponsors: Condor Properties/CountryWide Homes, TC Energy, TD, The Vincent Condominiums by Rosehaven Homes, Zancor Homes, Global Precast, Fazzari and Partners LLP, TACC Developments and Matcom.

The CHATS snow-clearing program is available beginning now until Friday, April 15, 2022. As capacity is limited, early registration is encouraged and can be done by calling 1-866-677-9048, ext. 7669 (SNOW), emailing snow@chats.on.ca or online at chats.on.ca/snow.

For information on the city’s winter operations in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/snow.