2020 Year in Review ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM VAUGHAN CORPORATION - Vaughan Economic & Cultural Development
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2020
Year in Review
ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
AND TOURISM VAUGHAN CORPORATION
2020 Year in Review Economic and Cultural Development
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
In March 2020, I announced the creation of the
Vaughan Business Action Plan as part of the City’s
swift and immediate response to support businesses.
It includes a series of measures to safeguard the local
economy and protect companies, consumers and
citizens. The Vaughan Business Resiliency Plan was
launched in June 2020 as an immediate and long-
term strategy to help Vaughan’s business community
build capacity to adapt to the post-pandemic
world. I encourage business owners to sign up to
be included in the City’s Open for Business online
The City of Vaughan is an economic leader in the directory and visit vaughanbusiness.ca to learn
Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Small business more about how we can support them during these
is the backbone of Vaughan’s thriving economy unprecedented times.
– representing more than 85 per cent of all local
Annual events such as the Vaughan Business Expo,
job creators. Located in Canada’s largest industrial
Activate!Vaughan Innovation Challenge and the
market, our city is rich with talent and has the
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon
resources, networks and transportation connections
are continuing virtually to encourage collaboration
to help businesses of all sizes grow.
among industry leaders, stakeholders and investors.
Vaughan is home to more than 19,000 businesses These networking opportunities remain critical as
that employ more than 227,000 people. While we we continue the important task of city-building
have experienced a significant shift in how business while working to reduce the impacts of COVID-19
is being done due to the global pandemic, the City on our city.
of Vaughan remains committed to supporting our
This year marks a decade of growth for the
small business community because we understand
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC), which
that our strength lies in their success. Creating the
continues to be the largest and most ambitious
right environment to help professionals unleash
project in the City’s history. The heart of our
their full potential is a top priority.
emerging downtown is now home to several
The City offers invaluable planning advice, access transformational transit projects, including the
to industry experts, and workshops to help aspiring VMC Subway, seven high-rise towers that are
entrepreneurs and existing business owners now fully occupied, two new commercial office
through the Economic and Cultural Development buildings, immersive public art projects, vibrant
department. Since the onset of the pandemic, community event spaces, and many other exciting
we innovated, pivoted and transformed service developments.
offerings to provide virtual access to business
Despite the universal challenges presented by
information, resources, training and hands-on
COVID-19, Vaughan remains a city of choice.
assistance to start or grow a business.
Economic and Cultural Development 2020 Year in Review
Our economy is showing signs of resilience. Since I want to express my warmest and sincerest
2015, the VMC has attracted more than $9 billion gratitude and appreciation to our small businesses,
in economic activity, which is a testament to our which have made significant sacrifices throughout
ongoing efforts to exceed growth targets in our the pandemic to ensure our community’s safety
city’s core. A high standard of living, accessible and well-being. The Vaughan spirit is ready,
location, exceptional amenities, development resilient and resourceful. We remain focused on the
opportunities, a subway connection, and so much path forward. I am confident that if we continue
more position the VMC as one of the best places working together and supporting each other, we
to live, work and play. Building on this momentum, will emerge stronger.
Vaughan’s vision for the future is quickly becoming
a reality.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.
Mayor
2018-2022
CITY OF VAUGHAN
Members
of Council
First row, left to right: Linda D. Jackson, Regional Councillor; Gino Rosati, Regional Councillor; Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.,
Mayor; Mario Ferri, Regional Councillor, Deputy Mayor.
Second row, left to right: Alan Shefman, Ward 5 Councillor; Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 4 Councillor;
Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 3 Councillor; Tony Carella, Ward 2 Councillor; Marilyn Iafrate, Ward 1 Councillor.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
06 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
10 WHO WE ARE
12 RESILIENCE: WORKING TOGETHER TO EMERGE STRONGER
18 COMMUNITY BUILDING:
BRINGING VAUGHAN’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
28 CITY BUILDING: DESPITE COVID-19, CITY-BUILDING CONTINUES
32 2021 HIGHLIGHTS: ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
AND TOURISM VAUGHAN CORPORATION
6 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
Despite the COVID-19 ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
global pandemic, the City AND TOURISM VAUGHAN
of Vaughan continues to
be a city in demand. With The Economic and Cultural Development (ECD) department and
outstanding economic Tourism Vaughan played a critical role in supporting businesses
performance and population through the COVID-19 global pandemic.
growth prior to the In 2020, the ECD department and Tourism Vaughan:
pandemic, the City’s
resilient business ASSISTED DELIVERED ANSWERED PROVIDED
community and diverse
economy are anticipated 165 CONSULTATIONS
1,223
businesses
4,340
inquiries
207
seminars
to rebound and continue
the decade-long momentum tostart to 5,332
of strong economic growth or grow PARTICIPANTS
and prosperity. City of Vaughan, Economic and Cultural Development, 2021.
Economic and Cultural Development and Tourism Vaughan data, 2020.
REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
With exceptional economic growth pre-pandemic, Vaughan is anticipated to make a strong recovery.
$26B
$24B $24B
$24B
$23B $23B
$22B
$21B
$20B
$19B $19B
$18B
$17B
$22.61B
2020 Real GDP
GDP growth rate YORK REGION’S LARGEST ECONOMY: (chained in 2012 CAD)
nearly double the provincial Vaughan accounts for 37%
and national rates (2010-2019) of York Region’s total GDP.
The Conference Board of Canada. 2021. Regional Municipality of York Economic Forecast, 2009-2020.
Statistics Canada. 2021. Gross domestic product (GDP) [chained 2012 dollars], 2009 to 2019.
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT 7
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT
Vaughan’s highly educated and skilled workforce to rebound in 2021
and surpass pre-pandemic employment in 2022. 238K
228K 226K
220K
215K 214K
208K
200K
201K
194K
180K 186K 185K
174K
170K
160K 164K
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
FORECAST
Average Annual Growth Rate 2.74%
$213.5K
2020 Total Employment
Employment growth rate 2020 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 9.1%– HIGHLY EDUCATED WORKFORCE:
more than double the better than the provincial 70% post-secondary
provincial and national rates and national rates educated, ages 25 to 64
The Conference Board of Canada. 2021. Regional Municipality of York Economic Forecast, 2009-2020.
Statistics Canada. 2017. Vaughan, CY and Canada. Census, 2016.
Statistics Canada. 2021. Labour force characteristics, 2009-2020.
8 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
BUSINESS COUNTS - INDUSTRY SECTOR
Vaughan’s diverse economy key to stability and post-pandemic recovery
2020 Business Count (with employees): 18,955
2020 BUSINESS COUNT: EMPLOYMENT RANGE: SMALL BUSINESSES
• Small Business (1-19): 87% • Large (100-499): 2%
• Medium (20-99): 11% • Very Large (500+): 0.16%
DRIVE Vaughan’s economy
Statistics Canada, 2021. Canadian Business Counts, December 2020.
POPULATION
A fast-growing population with a 97% citizen satisfaction rate
Population growth higher than the provincial and national rates 2020 Population: 331.6K
Statistics Canada, 2020. Annual Demographic Estimates, July 2009-2020.
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT 9
VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS
City-building continues: Strong industrial and residential demand drove development throughout 2020
$1.97B
$1.97B
$1.41B $1.41B
$1.41B $1.41B $1.32B
$1.32B
$1.15B $1.14B $1.15B
$1.04B $1.07B $1.15B $1.14B $1.15B
$1.04B $1.07B
$0.89B
$0.89B
$0.78B
$0.78B
$13.313B
$13.313B
2020 Value of Build Permits Issued: $1.15B
$1.15B
$1.15B
AN INDUSTRIAL POWERHOUSE: The 4th largest Average annual average
industrial market in the GTA by total inventory of building permits issued: $1.21B
City of Vaughan, Building Standards, 2021. Construction Activity, 2020.
Colliers International, 2021. Greater Toronto Area Industrial Market Report, Q4 2020.
10 WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
The Economic and Cultural Development (ECD) department A NEW ECD
works to make Vaughan a place where entrepreneurship, BRAND FOR AN
business, tourism, art and culture can prosper and grow. EVOLVING CITY
ECD’s objectives, as detailed in our 2020-2023 Strategic Business In 2020, Economic and Cultural
Plan, are to: Development launched a family
• enable a climate for businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs. of identity marks. The prominent
‘V’ icon has three angular blocks
• advance economic opportunities and attract new investment.
representing Vaughan’s small,
• enrich Vaughan’s communities and economy through public art medium and large businesses;
and cultural development. enviable transit and roadways;
and landmark towers announcing
• effectively pursue service excellence.
our rapid urbanization. The
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
and Vaughan Enterprise Zone
are represented by the same
icon but in distinct colours.
Tourism Vaughan has a
complementary but unique icon.
WHO WE ARE 11
MAKING VAUGHAN
A GREAT PLACE TO
LIVE, WORK AND VISIT
Launched on Jan. 1, 2020, Tourism Vaughan is the official
destination marketing organization (DMO) for the city of
Vaughan with the mission to market and develop Vaughan
as a destination for tourists and business travellers.
SUPPORTING A TOURISM BRAND
VAUGHAN’S FULL OF VIBRANT
ECONOMY ENERGY
TOGETHER
Tourism Vaughan revealed its
A City-owned corporation, first identity mark in 2020. It
Tourism Vaughan is supported is part of the same family as
through the City of Vaughan’s the Economic and Cultural
Economic and Cultural Development visual identity, but
Development (ECD) department has a unique “V” icon. Tourism
and supports the 2020-2023 Vaughan’s icon has two angular
ECD Strategic Business Plan blocks with a diamond in the
through the Tourism Vaughan center. The diamond represents
2020 Business Plan - focused on the high quality of the city while
supporting Vaughan’s tourism the blocks evoke a spotlight.
industry. Together, they look like a person
celebrating with their arms up.12 RESILIENCE WORKING TOGETHER TO EMERGE STRONGER Ready, Resilient and Resourceful defined the City of Vaughan in 2020. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vaughan, through the Economic and Cultural Development department and Tourism Vaughan, mobilized to provide critical and timely support services to help build resilience into Vaughan’s business community.
RESILIENCE 13
314
VAUGHAN BUSINESS COVID-19
ACTION PLAN ONLINE RESOURCES
In response to the COVID-19
An online resource was created EMAILS SENT
on vaughanbusiness.ca to
25%
pandemic, the City launched the
collect, curate and showcase
Vaughan Business Action Plan,
COVID-19-related business
which introduced a series of
temporary measures to support
information programs and AVERAGE
and protect the local economy.
grants. The resource page OPEN RATE
made it easy for local businesses
and organizations to find the
VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS: CONNECTING BETTER
critical support and information
MAINTAINING SMALL WITH OUR BUSINESSES:
they needed. The new
BUSINESS AND FOUR NEW ENEWSLETTERS
vaughanbusiness.ca website,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVICES launched in May 2020, features Four eNewsletters were
user-friendly access to programs, launched to help the business
In the face of COVID-19,
services, research products community stay informed. The
the Economic and Cultural
and marketing messages. Vaughan Business, Vaughan
Development department
It provides information and Entrepreneurs, Tourism Vaughan
quickly pivoted to offer advisory
resources for businesses within B2B, and Vaughan Arts and
consultations via tele- or video-
and surrounding Vaughan Culture newsletters highlighted
conference, email and phone.
and the diverse community COVID-19 and industry-specific
The department also hosted
of entrepreneurs, prospective news, events, programs and more.
and partnered in new and
investors, site selectors, realtors
educational webinars. Through
and potential residents.
these new virtual channels,
service quality and capacity were
maintained, which proved crucial
to helping local businesses
navigate new regulations and
access government assistance
and support programs. THE COVID-19 RESOURCES
PAGE WAS THE MOST
982 VISITED PAGE OF 2020 ON
VAUGHANBUSINESS.CA WITH
3,811
CONSULTATIONS
3,981 PAGE VIEWS
BUSINESS INQUIRIES14 RESILIENCE
MUNICIPAL CITY OF VAUGHAN: PATIO EXPANSION
ACCOMMODATION READY, RESILIENT In June 2020, Mayor Bevilacqua
TAX SUSPENSION AND RESOURCEFUL issued the first directive under
The Municipal Accommodation the City’s Emergency Measures
MAYOR BEVILACQUA
Tax (MAT) was suspended to By-law to allow local eating
ESTABLISHES THE
support the travel and tourism establishments and banquet
READY, RESILIENT AND
industry during COVID-19, with halls to apply for a permit
RESOURCEFUL COMMITTEE
endorsement from Tourism to temporarily expand or
Vaughan. From mid-March 2020 June 2020 marked the first establish additional patios
to the beginning of September meeting of the Ready, Resilient while maintaining physical
2020, all accommodation and Resourceful (RRR) distancing.
providers in Vaughan were not Committee of Council. Chaired
required to charge the MAT by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua,
to guests. the committee’s mandate is to
report on issues related to the
City’s ongoing response efforts
BUSINESS LICENSE
to the COVID-19 pandemic. The
RENEWAL DEFERRAL
115
committee works closely with
The City established a 90-day members of City administration
grace period for business licence to identify immediate and long-
renewals to support existing term impacts of the pandemic LICENCES ISSUED
local businesses. on City business and plan for
continued success.
SUPPORTING THE
RESTOCKING OF SHELVES,
ENHANCING THE MOVEMENT
OF GOODS AND IMPROVING
BUSINESS GROUND
TRANSPORTATION
Several municipal by-laws were
suspended to help retailers and
businesses during the pandemic
by allowing the prompt flow
of goods and services into and
across Vaughan.RESILIENCE 15
PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL, DIGITAL BOOST: The program provided volunteer
THE 2021 BUDGET AND VAUGHAN training and instruction to help
THE ZERO PER CENT TAX SMALL BUSINESS participants reach their business
INCREASE FOR 2021 RESILIENCY goals and offer mentorship
PROGRAM opportunities to bring their new
In the first wave of the
digital marketing strategies to life.
pandemic, the City provided The Economic and Cultural
an additional 30 days of relief Development department
on interim property tax bills launched the Digital Boost: TWO COHORTS,
300+
and a 30-day extension on Vaughan Small Business
final instalments for property Resiliency Program to help
owners. Later in the year, as the brick-and-mortar small businesses PARTICIPANTS,
5,000
pandemic continued, Mayor find new opportunities during
Bevilacqua and Members of COVID-19 by developing
$
Council approved the City’s digital marketing skills and IN PROVINCIAL AND
2021 Budget and 2022 strengthening their online REGIONAL GRANT
Financial Plan, which included presence. General Assembly, FUNDING AWARDED TO
a zero per cent increase to the an internationally recognized
18 LOCAL SMALL
property tax rate. provider of award-winning
BUSINESSES
education specializing in today’s
most in-demand skills, was
among other partners, including REGIONAL
the Province of Ontario, York SUPPLY CHAIN
Region, the Vaughan Chamber PARTNERSHIP
of Commerce and The Hub. During the first wave of the
pandemic, the Economic
and Cultural Development
All aspects of this program were vital to the digital boost department brought together
needed for my company. It helped me plan and forecast Supply Chain Canada, York
during the pandemic and to create realistic benchmarks, Region, and the Cities of
and also plan strategically while gaining more knowledge Markham, Richmond Hill and
in areas like digital marketing. Virtual networking sessions Vaughan to study the impact
introduced me to business owners in the community and of COVID-19 on manufacturing
also products created locally... The team in charge of this supply chains and gather best
program was very helpful and resourceful and helped practices to prepare for future
me every step of the way in answering questions and supply chain disruptions. Upon
providing directions on next steps. completion in March 2021, the
study will provide actionable
Sandra Awuku, SA Collective Inc. recommendations in the form
of a toolkit for businesses.16 RESILIENCE
ONTARIO TOGETHER: VAUGHAN RISING
VAUGHAN’S BLOG AND
MANUFACTURING PODCAST: SEASON 2
SECTOR
Building on the momentum of
CONTRIBUTES
the Vaughan Rising Podcast’s
TO THE COVID-19 VAUGHAN RISING
award-winning first season,
RESPONSE PODCAST: SEASON 1
Season 2 highlighted the bold
Through the Ontario Together and innovative ways that the WON A
Fund, several Vaughan-based Vaughan business community is 2020 AWARD
businesses received funds to demonstrating resilience during OF EXCELLENCE
expand their capacity and COVID-19. The new Vaughan FROM THE ECONOMIC
contribute to COVID-19 efforts. Rising Blog expanded on this DEVELOPERS COUNCIL
OF ONTARIO
More notably, RONCO received content by providing practical
more than $1.4 million to resources to help Vaughan
establish production capacity
to manufacture surgical masks
businesses adapt to a post-COVID
economy. 2,158
and respirators, and Sterling PAGE VIEWS
Industries received more than
$1 million to increase capacity 1,431
to make personal protective DOWNLOADS
equipment.RESILIENCE 17
so visitors can experience ‘Safe IT’S OUR TREAT
Travels.’ A Vaughan Business ACCOMMODATIONS
Safe Travels Toolkit was created INCENTIVE PROGRAM
and distributed free of charge
to Vaughan-based tourism It’s Our Treat was a new incentive
businesses with digital and print program designed to drive
assets to share the stamp with overnight stays to Vaughan
consumers. accommodations. From December
2020 to February 2021, any
two-night minimum stay
40 LOCAL
OVER REGIONAL received a $100 rebate, courtesy
RELIEF AND of Tourism Vaughan. With safety
BUSINESSES RECOVERY FUND as a top priority, guests received
RECEIVED THE STAMP a Play Safe Vaughan itinerary
Restaurants In 2020, Tourism Vaughan with things to safely see and do
Event venues successfully applied for the during their stay.
Regional Relief and Recovery
Retail shops
Fund, granted by the Tourism
Festival and events Industry Association of Ontario CORPORATE
Attractions (TIAO) through FedDev Ontario MEETINGS AND
Hotels in the amount of $426,625. EVENTS RECOVERY
The fund helped Tourism STRATEGY
Vaughan support the local
SAFE TRAVELS industry through the pandemic This strategy was designed to
STAMP & TOOLKIT and prepare to drive visitors attract meetings and events
back into the community when to Vaughan and build strategic
Working with the Tourism
ready. Supported initiatives partnerships between Tourism
Industry Association of Ontario
include developing an Interim Vaughan, industry associations
(TIAO), Tourism Vaughan adopted
Tourism Business Meetings and and Vaughan’s tourism
the Safe Travels Stamp to
Events Recovery Strategy, the stakeholders and partners.
support local tourism businesses
It’s Our Treat accommodations The strategy outlines marketing,
to rebuild confidence among
incentive program, a meeting lead generation initiatives and
consumers to travel again. The
and event planner website, tools, including a customer
stamp is an international symbol
hosting a virtual familiarization relationship management (CRM)
designed by the World Travel
tour and more! system, bid templates, and a
and Tourism Council to help
meeting and event planner
travellers recognize businesses
website.
around the world that have
adopted globally standardized
health and hygiene protocols –18 COMMUNITY BUILDING BRINGING VAUGHAN’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY TOGETHER Community building is at the heart of what the Economic and Cultural Development department helps bring to the ever-growing City of Vaughan. The steps the department has taken, including new branding and websites and bringing Vaughan’s future talent and businesses together, have helped redefine how residents, visitors and investors alike come to see Vaughan as a city of choice in the face of economic uncertainties from the global pandemic.
COMMUNITY BUILDING 19
ECONOMIC The Smart City Task Force’s PROMOTING
PROSPERITY mandate is to advance a COLLABORATION,
AND SMART CITY culture of knowledge, pursuing PARTNERSHIPS
TASK FORCES continuous improvement; AND OPPORTUNITIES
provide advice to Council IN VAUGHAN
The City continued to and City administration;
leverage community expertise include high-level political 18TH ANNUAL VAUGHAN
through Council-led task and community perspectives BUSINESS EXPO
forces to address specific into developing a Smart City
The Vaughan Business Expo
matters of public importance. initiative; and endorse Smart
is the Economic and Cultural
The Economic and Cultural City technologies. Discussion
Development department’s
Development department topics to date include the task
premier annual business event,
is working closely with the force’s vision, mission and core
bringing together the local
Economic Prosperity and Smart values, goals and objectives, and
business community to exhibit,
City Task Forces to address data and privacy considerations.
network and discover new
city-building and smart city
opportunities. The February
115
initiatives in Vaughan.
2020 Expo featured targeted
The Economic Prosperity zones for Innovators, York
Task Force leverages industry EXHIBITOR Region Food Movers, Makers
knowledge to support BOOTHS and Shakers, Culture Creators
sustainable economic growth, WITH NEARLY and Business Builders.
leading to more jobs, higher
incomes, less poverty, higher
400
IN-PERSON
living standards and a healthier
ATTENDEES
municipality. Its mandate is
(PRE-COVID)
to advise how the City can
best deliver on commitments
made in the Council-approved
Economic and Cultural
Development department’s
Strategic Business Plan,
2020-2023.20 COMMUNITY BUILDING
ACTIVATE!VAUGHAN HEALTH
INNOVATION CHALLENGE The City of Vaughan and the Activate!Vaughan program
provided our team at Rekammend with an amazing
This market-driven innovation
platform to share the stories of individuals living with
program connected start-ups
speech and language disorders. Through the Healthcare
and scale-ups with large corporate
Innovation Challenge we connected with several
enterprises and industry leaders.
entrepreneurs, technologists, and healthcare professionals
In partnership with presenting
who are passionate about developing health-tech solutions
sponsors the Province of Ontario
where patients are at the centre of care. The program
and Sterling Industries, and
provided us the opportunity to develop our sales plan for
program partners Mackenzie
our software communication platform with mentors from
Health, the Mackenzie Innovation
ventureLAB. We are incredibly grateful for the support
Institute (Mi2), SE Health,
we’ve received from the City of Vaughan and are excited
ventureLAB, York Region and
to continue collaborating with local talent.
The Hub, the program presented
problem-based innovation Abi and Hannah, co-founders of Rekammend
challenges and offered validation,
collaboration and co-development
opportunities to support the
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION BUSINESS CAFÉ:
commercialization of emerging
ROUNDTABLES NETWORKING MADE EASY
technologies.
390
The Economic and Cultural
Development department hosted
78 industry collaboration roundtables
in partnership with ventureLAB
MEMBERS with
1,573
COMPANIES PARTICIPATED, and Ontario Centres of Innovation
$
45,000
IN PROVINCIAL GRANTS
(OCI) to foster collaboration
and partnership among local
businesses in key sectors, such INTRODUCTIONS MADE
AWARDED ACROSS as manufacturing, health tech
EIGHT WINNERS and smart city technology. The
roundtables spurred businesses
to collaborate and share best
practices related to COVID-19
resilience and recovery.
THREE ROUNDTABLES
HOSTED, MORE THAN
45 PARTICIPATING
COMPANIESCOMMUNITY BUILDING 21
SHAPING VAUGHAN’S VENTURELAB AND VAUGHAN A NEW ECONOMIC
FUTURE TALENT ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BRAND AND
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP VAUGHANBUSINESS.CA
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
First announced at Small The new website and brand
This year, along with the Business Week 2019, the City aim to ignite economic
Government of Ontario’s of Vaughan and ventureLAB prosperity in Vaughan by
Ministry of Economic launched a new partnership communicating business
Development, Job Creation agreement to support local propositions more clearly
and Trade, the City’s Economic innovation and entrepreneurship with current and potential
and Cultural Development – this agreement follows the businesses. Launched in May
department has partnered successful pilot with ventureLAB 2020, the new website –
with Niagara University (NU) earlier in 2019. incorporating the new brand
to deliver Summer Company – was designed to be an
To further establish Vaughan
program virtual training and appealing and robust platform,
as a hub for entrepreneurship,
mentorship to 11 participating highlighting the department’s
talent and innovation,
students. NU is offering programs, services, research
ventureLAB and Economic
workshops and experience- and products, and marketing
and Cultural Development’s
based learning opportunities messages in a more user-friendly
partnership includes the
focused on marketing, sales, and engaging way.
continuation of ventureLAB’s
leadership, time management,
business advisory services for
product development and
technology entrepreneurs
customer service to help
in Vaughan; the delivery of
students develop future-proof
Activate!Vaughan innovation
skills. Participants will receive
pitch challenges; the
a certificate of completion
engagement of Vaughan-based
from NU.
technology-driven companies
and the development of the
Vaughan Mackenzie Health
precinct as a catalyst for
economic development.22 COMMUNITY BUILDING
This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to
participate in the Vaughan Summer Company program
to bring my venture into fruition. I was provided with
extensive resources and connected to many wonderful
mentors who provided me with excellent advice in regards
to marketing and selling my product.
Thanks to the program, I have also been invited to speak at
several panels and events, and it has opened up a variety
of opportunities for me. I definitely recommend that all
teenagers with an entrepreneurial spirit apply for the
Summer Company program. It has truly helped me achieve
the impossible and I wouldn’t have learned what I know
today without the incredible support from the program
SUMMER COMPANY 2020
and my mentors.
Vaughan’s Summer Company Ananya Vishwanath, founder and CEO of VQueues
program, managed by the Small
Business and Entrepreneurship
team in Economic and Cultural
Development, provides young
students with the tools to start
their own companies, coaching
from local business leaders
and a provincial grant of up to
$3,000 toward startup expenses
and operating costs.
58
APPLICATIONS;
23
INTERVIEWED;
FOUR
STUDENTS ACCEPTEDCOMMUNITY BUILDING 23
MARKETING VAUGHAN FIRST SOCIAL MEDIA CONTEST
AS A CITY AND DESTINATION GARNERED MORE THAN
16,000 IMPRESSIONS,
7,500 UNIQUE USERS AND
150 PROFILE VIEWS
TOURISM VAUGHAN’S
BRAND AND THE LAUNCH OF
VISITVAUGHAN.CA: EXPLORE
ONLINE NOW, VISIT LATER
56,880 Tourism Vaughan’s brand
PAGE VIEWS BY
21,141
embodies the “vibrant, energetic
and diverse destination offering
USERS year-round, family-friendly
SINCE THE attractions, accommodations
MAY 2020 and experiences.” With brand
LAUNCH in hand, Tourism Vaughan
partnered with Central Counties
Tourism to launch a new
A NEW ECONOMIC TOURISM VAUGHAN: visitor website that offers an
DEVELOPMENT BRAND AND GETTING SOCIAL exploration of all there is to see
VAUGHANBUSINESS.CA and do in Vaughan from the
In December 2020, Tourism safety and comfort of home
The new website and brand Vaughan launched its during the COVID-19 pandemic.
aim to ignite economic Instagram page to focus on The explore online now, visit
prosperity in Vaughan by supporting local businesses later platform featured virtual,
communicating business during the pandemic. Along interactive content ensuring
propositions more clearly with #ShopVaughanLocal locals and visitors do not miss
with current and potential messaging, the account also a thing while enjoying the city
businesses. Launched in May features campaigns on all that from home.
2020, the new website – make Vaughan a great place to
incorporating the new brand visit and explore and other ways
– was designed to be an to support the local community.
appealing and robust platform,
highlighting the department’s
programs, services, research
and products, and marketing 400
INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
messages in a more user-friendly
and engaging way.24 COMMUNITY BUILDING
9,766
360-DEGREE TOUR AND FOREIGN DIRECT
MYVMC.CA REFRESH INVESTMENT (FDI)
PROMOTIONS
The department updated and PAGE VIEWS BY
re-launched the Vaughan
Metropolitan Centre (VMC)
3,643 USERS Despite COVID-19, FDI attraction
activities continued digitally.
SINCE THE
360-degree Virtual Tour and In partnership with the Province
the myVMC.ca website. These MYVMC.CA REFRESH of Ontario, the Economic
projects were substantially speakers. ULI Toronto reported and Cultural Development
updated to align with the VMC’s such strong engagement that department delivered a virtual
new brand and incorporate they launched a series of similar tour of Vaughan in the Ontario
the latest developments in webinars with other GTA Mayors. Innovation Ecosystem session,
Vaughan’s emerging downtown. highlighting its innovative
VAUGHAN business ecosystem to
METROPOLITAN CENTRE international delegates. Later in
(VMC) AWARENESS BUILDING the year, Vaughan showcased
549 VIEWS Continued awareness of the
its innovation ecosystem at the
Canada pavilion for the virtual
OF THE VMC VMC among business and
2020 Smart China Expo.
360-DEGREE TOUR commercial real estate audiences
via a robust program of To support future ability to
events, advertising and attract, retain and expand FDI in
ULI WEBINAR - ‘VAUGHAN
content development was a Vaughan, the department was
RISING: VAUGHAN
priority in 2020. The VMC awarded grant funding through
METROPOLITAN CENTRE,
was prominently featured the 2020 CanExport Community
SUBURBAN INTENSIFICATION’
at the NAIOP REX Awards, Investment Fund to research
The Economic and Cultural UN-Habitat Urban Economy Vaughan’s current investment
Development department Forum, ULI Webinar, CoreNet appeal and identify new and
partnered with Urban Land REmmy Awards Presidents of pursuable leads.
2,915
Institute (ULI) Toronto to host Enterprising Organizations
the webinar ‘Vaughan Rising: conference and in publications,
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, including the Invest in Ontario
Suburban Intensification’ featuring Report, the Real Estate News PEOPLE REACHED
Mayor Bevilacqua and other key Exchange and Urban Toronto. ACROSS BOTH EVENTS
140
WEBINAR ATTENDEES
436,864
PEOPLE REACHED
$
11,500
IN GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED
PLUS EARNED MEDIA COVERAGE ACROSS ALL CHANNELS
IN THE TORONTO SUN AND
HAMILTON SPECTATORCOMMUNITY BUILDING 25
FIRST PUBLIC features the graphic design
ART INSTALLATION of established Vaughan-based
IN THE VAUGHAN artist Frank Mazzuca and stands
METROPOLITAN at 63-feet wide and 10-feet tall.
CENTRE (VMC) This is the City’s first installed
work of public art in the VMC
2020 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
FINALIST
In collaboration with Menkes and will serve as the gateway
Developments Ltd. and QuadReal to the South VMC.
Property Group, the City FROM THE ECONOMIC
MORE THAN
unveiled a temporary public DEVELOPERS COUNCIL
art installation prominently 28 MILLION OF ONTARIO
situated along Highway 7, ANTICIPATED ANNUAL CAR AND
leading into the heart of what PEDESTRIAN ENGAGEMENTS
will soon become Vaughan’s
BUILDING INITIATIVES -
cultural and entertainment hub
URBAN OVER
– VMC. Entitled “Metropolis
in Motion,” this City-curated, 100,000
lenticular public art installation POPULATION
Frank Mazzuca, Metropolis in Motion, 2020.26 COMMUNITY BUILDING
VIRTUAL
REAL ESTATE
CONFERENCE 2020
In partnership with the Vaughan
Chamber of Commerce, the City
hosted the first-ever, two-day
online real estate conference
in November for realtors,
developers, planners and local
business owners in Vaughan.
Attendees had the opportunity
to tune in and engage in
meaningful discussions about
CULTURE DAYS CURATED ART the impact of COVID-19 on
GOES VIRTUAL GALLERIES JOIN Vaughan’s real estate market.
THE DIGITAL
MORE THAN
For the 11th year of Culture FRONTIER
Days and the first year going
virtual, Vaughan was chosen In keeping with new tech trends to 300
ATTENDEES FROM
as the featured municipality enhance public art appreciation,
for Ontario. As a national and as well as promoting responsible ACROSS THE GTA
provincial event celebrating social distancing, the department
arts, culture and heritage pivoted from installing exhibitions
across Canada, the event had for in-person art viewing at
an incredible four-week run, Vaughan City Hall to leveraging
from Sept. 25 to Oct. 25, with digital channels. Five curated
more than 50 virtual events virtual art galleries were
and more than 65,000 social brought online and made
media *impressions for the accessible on Flickr, including
entire month across the City of Art Integration Collection,
Vaughan’s social media channels. Symbolic Expressionism
*Impressions are the number of times your | Reflections on Jewish
content is displayed,regardless of whether Heritage, Waterscapes,
it was clicked on or not. An impression
Treescapes and Earthscapes.
means that content was delivered to
1,225
someone’s feed.
GALLERY PAGE VIEWSCOMMUNITY BUILDING 27
TOURISM VAUGHAN
FAM TOUR
Tourism Vaughan held its first
familiarization (FAM) tour in
November. Together with six
local industry partners, twenty
meeting and event planners
attended a 1.5-hour-long
virtual session about why
they should choose Vaughan
to host their next meeting or
event. Educational trivia games GROW WITH
and prizes were included. VAUGHAN
The goal was to familiarize HORTICULTURE
clients with what Vaughan SPONSORSHIP
has to offer for meetings and PROGRAM
events, connecting attendees
and partners. Vaughan’s A new partnership program
accommodations partners also developed by Vaughan’s
donated room night stays for Economic and Cultural
the attendees. Development and Parks, Forestry
and Horticulture Operations
departments, Grow with
Vaughan aims to beautify
the city through engaging the
business community in low-dollar
value sponsorships on City
flower beds.
21 FLOWER BED
SPONSORSHIPS TOTALLING
$38,00028 CITY BUILDING DESPITE COVID-19, CITY BUILDING CONTINUES While the global COVID-19 pandemic made its mark on the Canadian economy, city-building continued in Vaughan. With the City bringing in new investment and major development projects staying the course, investor’s confidence has proven Vaughan was and still is in demand. From 2010 to 2020, the City of Vaughan issued more than $13 billion in building permits, with 2020 being no exception pulling in $1 billion.
CITY BUILDING 29
CORTELLUCCI rooms, technologically signed between the City, York
VAUGHAN HOSPITAL: advanced diagnostic imaging University, Mackenzie Health
BUILDING A and specialized programs. The and ventureLAB to identify
FUTURE HEALTH new $1.7-billion Cortellucci transformational opportunities
AND WELLNESS Vaughan Hospital marks to maximize the best use of
INNOVATION DISTRICT Vaughan’s first hospital and lands surrounding the site of the
Canada’s first smart hospital. Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital
CORTELLUCCI VAUGHAN Generating more than 1,800 through a feasibility study. The
HOSPITAL REACHES jobs in the community, the study will determine how best
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION 1.2-million-square-foot facility to create a centre of healthcare
has capacity for up to 350 beds. excellence and explore various
Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital
options, including expanding
reached substantial completion
ventureLAB to create another
in August 2020. It opened in EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES:
regional innovation hub in
February 2021 as a pandemic HEALTHCARE PRECINCT
Vaughan. The feasibility study
response hospital with an FEASIBILITY STUDY
connects to additional activities
exclusive focus on creating
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in occurring, such as Mackenzie
ICU and acute care capacity
Vaughan, the City is leading a Health collaborating with York
to help address the surge in
collaboration to transform an University on academic health
COVID-19 cases in Ontario.
82-acre parcel of land at Jane sciences.
Once the surge in COVID-19
Street and Major Mackenzie
cases has stabilized, it will
Drive into the Vaughan
open as a full-service hospital,
Healthcare Centre Precinct.
as originally planned, with
A memorandum of
an emergency department,
understanding (MOU) was
surgical services and operating30 CITY BUILDING
TOURISM ONLINE VACANT NOTABLE
VAUGHAN’S EMPLOYMENT INVESTMENTS
DESTINATION LAND DIRECTORY
MASTER PLAN VAUGHAN’S E-COMMERCE
To support development GROCERY FACILITY A FIRST
Tourism Vaughan is in the in Vaughan, the Economic IN NORTH AMERICA
process of developing the and Cultural Development
September marked the
Vaughan Destination Master department launched a
launch of Sobeys’ new
Plan, alongside consultant new digital and interactive
250,000-square-foot
CBRE Ltd. brought on board in Vacant Employment Land
distribution centre, a
November. The plan will focus Directory in October. With
state-of-the-art automated
on developing a strong strategic this launch, the department
customer fulfilment centre in
foundation to power the city continues its momentum of
Vaughan. Powered by Ocado’s
and Tourism Vaughan forward, digitizing products and services
industry-leading technology,
charting out the tourism to promote Vaughan. The
Voilà by Sobeys president, and
industry’s recovery in the directory’s interactive nature
CEO of Sobeys’ parent Empire
short- and long-term. makes it more efficient for
Company Ltd, Michael Medline
The goal is to guide industry external stakeholders to identify
has a “vision for the future of
and municipal investment development opportunities in
online grocery retail in Canada.”
in developing Vaughan as Vaughan’s employment areas,
At capacity, Voilà by Sobeys
a destination over the next spurring new job creation and
will bring about 1,500 jobs
five years. improving overall economic
to the area.
prosperity in Vaughan.CITY BUILDING 31
AVID HOTEL VAUGHAN
BREAKS GROUND
Expected to open by spring
2022 as an investment by
InterContinental Hotels Group –
one of the world’s leading hotel
companies – the new Avid
hotel in Vaughan will offer
119 rooms across six floors.
VISION PROFILE EXTRUSIONS
RECEIVES FUNDING TO
INTEGRATE LEADING-EDGE
ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION
WALMART CANADA TO PwC DIGITAL Vision Profile Extrusions
BUILD A NEXT-GENERATION RESILIENCE CENTRE has received a $2.3-million
DISTRIBUTION CENTRE repayable contribution from
PwC Canada has opened its
FedDev Ontario to adopt
Set to open in 2024, Walmart first Digital Resilience Centre
leading-edge robotics and
Canada and Condor Properties in Vaughan, Canada. The
automation processes – creating
broke ground on a state-of- Centre helps organizations
36 skilled jobs and maintaining
the-art, 550,000-square-foot unify their defences against
30 others.
distribution centre at 11110 digital threats by bringing
Jane St. – anticipated to create together thought leadership and
hundreds of jobs in Vaughan. capabilities across cybersecurity,
privacy, anti-fraud, anti-money
laundering, physical security and
AMAZON CANADA
safety.
TO LAUNCH DELIVERY
STATION IN 2021
Amazon is opening two
delivery stations in Vaughan.
The 209,000-square-foot station
at 600 Tesma Way recently
opened and a 193,000-square-
foot facility at Keyes Court will
open in 2021.32 2021 HIGHLIGHTS: ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT With 2020 being defined as a year for readiness, resilience and resourcefulness, 2021 is a new chapter for the City of Vaughan and the Economic and Culture Development department to build on these principles and support Vaughan’s continuing innovation and growth. With 2021 comes exciting new projects that help define Vaughan as a city in demand and a city people want to live, grow and succeed. Here is just some of what the Economic and Cultural Development department has in store for 2021.
2021 HIGHLIGHTS 33
ACTIVATE!VAUGHAN VAUGHAN INTERNATIONAL
SMART CITY HEALTHCARE VIRTUAL TRADE
CHALLENGE CENTRE PRECINCT PROGRAMS
PARTNERSHIP
The Activate!Vaughan Smart As the global COVID-19
City Challenge is a call To be completed in 2021, pandemic shifted the landscape
to start-ups and scale-ups to with the implementation or of inbound and outbound
propose innovative solutions recommendations to follow,
delegations, the department
that leverage smart city the Vaughan Healthcare
has pivoted its effort to deliver
technology to enhance quality Centre Precinct Feasibility
trade programs by working
of life in Vaughan. The City, in Study will assess the
virtually with foreign chambers
partnership with the province of economic development and
of commerce and foreign trade
Ontario, York Region, The HUB, transformational opportunities
and investment agencies.
Alectra Utilities, Mackenzie to maximize the best use of
We continue to support
Health, Mackenzie Innovation lands surrounding the site of the
Vaughan-based and international
Institute (Mi2), ventureLAB Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
businesses with market
and Vaughan Public Libraries,
The City of Vaughan, York intelligence and serve international
is calling on entrepreneurs to
University, Mackenzie Health trade and Foreign Direct
pitch smart city solutions in
and ventureLAB are working Investment opportunities.
four challenge areas: Electric
together to bring healthcare,
Mobility, Municipal Services
innovation and jobs to this
Route Optimization, Age- DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER:
site, which has the potential
friendly Communities and OPPORTUNITIES FOR ISRAELI
to become an epicentre of
Intelligent Placemaking. COMPANIES IN VAUGHAN
healthcare excellence in the city.
With $25,000 in provincial Continuing the success of the
grant funding available, 2019 business mission to Israel,
Activate!Vaughan will provide VAUGHAN RISING the City of Vaughan is partnering
mentorship, validation and PODCAST: SEASON 3 with the Israel-Canada Chamber
co-development opportunities of Commerce and the Canada
with the City and other The third season of the Vaughan
Rising Podcast will look ahead Israel Chamber of Commerce via
corporate partners to support
to the major initiatives that will webinar to highlight Vaughan as
the commercialization of
shape Vaughan’s next decade. a premier destination for Israeli
new smart city solutions.
This includes City-led projects business expansions.
The challenge runs from
February to August 2021. like the Vaughan Healthcare
Precinct and Vaughan
Four challenge areas: Metropolitan Centre Cultural
• Electric Mobility Arts Centre, regional and
• Route Optimization provincial initiatives like the
• Age-Friendly Communities Yonge subway extension and
• Intelligent Placemaking private sector developments.34 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
VAUGHAN
METROPOLITAN
CENTRE AWARENESS
BUILDING
The pandemic has created
uncertainty about the future
of office space, but experts are
optimistic about transit-oriented
suburban nodes like the
Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
(VMC). To ensure that the VMC HOSTINVAUGHAN.CA CITY-WIDE PUBLIC
is top-of-mind for business ART PROJECTS
leaders and commercial realtors, Launching in early 2021,
the City will continue building HostInVaughan.ca is a meeting The City is liaising with the
awareness through targeted and event planner website development community
events, advertising and content that provides planners with to advance 11 City-wide
development. easy-to-use tools to host their public art projects, with most
next event in Vaughan. The projects sited at the Vaughan
website features a handy Metropolitan Centre and several
venue finder that is sortable others slated for Thornhill,
GREAT TASTE OF
by venue type, capacity and Concord and Woodbridge. Later
ONTARIO ROADTRIP
more; RFP inquiry booking; this year, the City will launch
In partnership with the Culinary familiarization tour registration an expansive 20-metre-tall,
Tourism Alliance (CTA), Tourism and a compelling case for why suspended glass curtain wall
Vaughan is participating in the Vaughan is the best place to for the digital light gallery on
Great Taste of Ontario Roadtrip host any meeting or event. the south façade of Transit City
to showcase some of the best in Tower 3 infrastructure to exhibit
food and beverage in Vaughan. a curated, rotating digital art
To create the ultimate culinary collection that is activated at
experience, Tourism Vaughan night. It is anticipated to be the
will create a passport of local public art highlight of 2021.
food and beverage businesses
as part of several itineraries
to eat and explore local. The
program will run throughout
2021.2021 HIGHLIGHTS 35
on the SLATE CULTURAL speaking to their efforts on forging
ART EXHIBITIONS: AND HERITAGE ahead through COVID-19 and
builtFORM | the art CELEBRATIONS 2021 what they’ve learned through
of placemaking this unprecedented and
BLACK HISTORY challenging time.
In keeping with the Vaughan MONTH: FEB. 1
Metropolitan Centre’s
To celebrate Black History Month, INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
transformational vision, a
the City’s 2021 Virtual Observance MONTH: JUNE 1
collective of accomplished
Event featured Honourable
artists were commissioned to In June, Canadians celebrate
Jean Augustine, who spoke
explore the dynamic relationship National Indigenous History
about cultural advances and
between builtFORM and Month to honour the history,
developments with the Ontario
placemaking in an urban heritage and diversity of
Black community and the
context. The artists selected Indigenous peoples in Canada.
importance of paving the way
for this exhibition bring diverse The month is a time for
for future support and success.
creative backgrounds into the learning about, appreciating
interpretive mix, representing and acknowledging how First
architecture, urban design, INTERNATIONAL Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples
painting, photography, sculpture, WOMEN’S DAY: MARCH 8 have helped shape Canada.
digital media, industrial design,
This virtual event featured a panel
engineering and interior design.
of women leaders representing CANADA
on the SLATE atrium gallery will
various sectors in the City of MULTICULTURALISM
be located at Vaughan City Hall,
Vaughan, such as business, DAY: JUNE 27
Level 1.
diversity, inclusion and education,
Canada Multiculturalism Day is
a national event celebrated by
the City with activities from various
cultures that bring Canadian
society and cities to life.
CULTURE DAYS:
SEPT. 24 TO OCT. 24
As a proud annual participant
of Culture Days, a free national
event celebrating arts, culture,
creativity and inspiration, the
City’s 12th year will be another
full month of free, virtual
facingNORTH: art | symbol | story exhibition, on the SLATE, 2020. city-wide activities.CONNECT WITH US The City of Vaughan’s Economic and Cultural Development (ECD) department works to make Vaughan a place where entrepreneurship, business, tourism, arts and culture can prosper and grow. To connect with us or learn about our services, programs and more, please visit: VAUGHAN ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT vaughanbusiness.ca | ecd@vaughan.ca Sponsorships and Partnership: vaughan.ca/CorporatePartnerships Arts and Culture: vaughan.ca/ArtsandCulture Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC): myVMC.ca Vaughan Smart City: smartcity.vaughan.ca TOURISM VAUGHAN CORPORATION: visitvaughan.ca | tourism@vaughan.ca hostinvaughan.ca
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