Vaughan mayor makes push for city to leave York Region

While municipality cannot legislate itself out of region, it can make a business case to the provincial government

Yorkregion.com
June 23, 2023
Brian Capitao

The City of Vaughan held a special committee of the whole on Tuesday, June 20 to discuss regional governance.

Citing Bill 112, the Hazel McCallion Act, and the recent news of the separation of Brampton and Mississauga from Peel region, which will dissolve by 2025, Mayor Steven Del Duca put a motion before city council to separate Vaughan from York Region. 

Del Duca characterized the move as necessary “ ... To be able to put us as a city in a position where, hopefully, we’ll be able to shape our own future and shape our destiny as a municipality.”

However, there is a question of how this move would impact public services.

Del Duca proposed a resolution that would still have Vaughan share some of its resources whether it be public transit, police services, or other public works.

“There will still likely be a responsibility to pool resources,” said Del Duca, adding that Vaughan was in the best position in York region to separate.

“Let’s face it, Vaughan is not the smallest among the nine. We are, in fact, in many respects, we are the biggest and the strongest,” he added.

This was a sentiment echoed by city manager, Nick Spensieri, who argued in favour of dissolution to increase efficiencies -- in contrast to a statement made by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpetti, who argued to consolidate York Region into one regional municipality.

“In the level that we are at now from a development and economic prosperity perspective in Vaughan, we need to make sure that we’re getting our fair share for the betterment of residents,” said Spensieri before council.

While the City of Vaughan cannot legislate itself out of York Region, it can provide a business case as to why it should separate and appeal to the province to do so. If that does happen, the municipality will be the first to break out of the region.

“I don’t think we’re going to be left alone for much longer. I think that things will happen and we have to be part of it. Will we be better off alone? I believe so. Because I think we contribute more than get back,” said regional councillor Gino Rossati.

The staff report whether to move ahead with the dissolution process will come back to council in September.