Vaughan gets over $2.2M for four projects to refurbish city’s infrastructure

The funding is to help communities rebound following COVID-19's impact

thestar.com
Dina Al-Shibeeb
March 15, 2022

Vaughan has been awarded up to $2.23 million for four infrastructure refurbishment projects, a report dated March 8 by city manager Nick Spensieri showed.

This money is coming through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. Vaughan had applied for five projects, totalling $2.9 million.

The CCRF will distribute a total of $500 million over two years in national investment to support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities to enhance their infrastructure and rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This federal investment can help offset existing capital budget funding that can then be reallocated toward other council-approved programs or services,” Spensieri’s report said.

Here are the projects:

1. Pierre Berton Heritage Centre Parking Lot -- Up to $375,000

While the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre -- an accessible multi-purpose community space -- was restored and renovated in 2018, due to budget constraints, the parking facilities were not included in the initial renovation project.

With the City of Vaughan “designated a hot spot” for COVID-19 within York region, this has impacted downtown businesses, the report said.

“The parking lot improvement project will support the recently renovated Pierre Berton Heritage Centre to provide the community with accessible public parking along Kleinburg's historic main street as they safely welcome visitors back to the downtown that comprises of approximately 75 businesses and 25 commercial property owners.”

2. Parks and sensory gardens -- Up to $375,000

These playgrounds will have sensory gardens that will be designed to stimulate the senses using plants and materials to help children with sensory processing issues such as autism.

The project is seen as a way to spur inclusivity and bring about environmental benefits.

3. Woodbridge Library Entrance Renovation -- Up to $731,250

In his report, the city manager said the library’s interior staircase is uneven and unsafe.

“The current enclosed entrance is difficult to navigate for those requiring a wheelchair or other mobility assistance devices,” the report added.

The project is expected to redesign and extend the main entrance of the library and its interior staircase.

4. Pedestrian and cycling pathway for North Maple Regional Park -- Up to $750,000

Having an accessible pedestrian and cycling pathway corridor will allow people to access the city’s largest outdoor community facility, the 200-acre North Maple Regional Park and Trail system.

The project is seen as a way to improve the overall quality of life while mitigating climate change within Vaughan. It will also meet the “pandemic driven increase in demand for safe pedestrian and cycling facilities while supporting social distancing,” the report said.

Meanwhile, up to $750,000 is pending to refurbish the Woodbridge Avenue Streetscape.

After this area changed so rapidly in the last decade, the key objective of this above-grade streetscape revitalization project is to create more livable, vibrant, sustainable, and people-friendly main street.