Perspective Vaughan Globe and Mail 2019

Perspe ctive

TM

Vaughan | 2 0 1 9

FOR VAUGHAN, IT’S THE ULTIMATE OR NOTHING. the new mackenzie vaughan hospital will help double our communities’ access to health care.

Vaughan a destination spot for corporate and regional headquarters

Vision unfolding to create Healthcare Centre Precinct

Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC): A new downtown that has it all

Experience the art and nature of Canada in a day.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is Canada’s only major public art gallery devoted solely to collecting and exhibiting the art of Canada. From masterworks by the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson to Indigenous, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists, you will encounter old friends and discover new favourites. Nestled within 100 acres of woodland and hiking trails in the Humber River Valley, it’s all here and unlike anywhere else.

Located in the charming village of Kleinburg, just north of downtown Toronto.

Media Partner

For tickets and information:

mcmichael.com

Home to the Art of Canada

Franklin Carmichael (1890–1945), October Gold, 1922, oil on canvas, 119.5 x 98 cm, Gift of the Founders, Robert and Signe McMichael, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 1966.16.1

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an Agency of the Government of Ontario

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

3

P e r s p e c t i v e TM 1464 Cornwall Rd, Suite 5, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5 1-866-779-7712 info@perspective.ca perspective.ca

Publisher, CeO Steve Montague ViCe-PresiDeNT Ed Martin Editorial Meredith MacLeod About the cover

Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has more than 30 years of public service experience.

He was elected to lead Vaughan on an agenda of change in 2010 and is now in his third term. He also served as an MP for the area from 1988 to 2010.

Q&A MAYOR OF VAUGHAN

PERSPECTIVE: How has Vaughan changed since you became Mayor?

MAYOR BEVILACQUA: In my first speech as Mayor I said our goal was to be known as a city rooted in transparency, accountability and respect for taxpayer dollars. We have achieved that. The Vaughan Accord was signed unanimously by City Council in 2010. It’s a 12-point set of principles for productive, responsible and responsive government. It ushered in a new era for the City of Vaughan. We now have a 97 per cent satisfaction rate for quality of life among citizens and 91 per cent of business owners are satisfied with City services. Since 2010, we’ve added 60,000 jobs, issued $11 billion worth of building permits, achieved $30 million in budget savings, and we have one of the lowest tax rates in the GTA. PERSPECTIVE: What are your plans for the city?

MAYOR BEVILACQUA: City-building is a labour of love for me. Citizens are my greatest source of inspiration.

With the arrival of the subway in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, we will see 25,000 residents live there and 11,500 jobs will be created. Those strong fundamentals suggest a bright future. The only way to govern well is to focus on lasting change for future generations of Vaughan residents. My leadership style is not focused on the electoral calendar but rather on the contribution we can make to building the city of the future. Decisions we make today will have an impact on the city for centuries to come. The future of Vaughan looks extremely bright because we continue to build on a strong foundation. We are going to move the city forward without leaving people behind.

PERSPECTIVE: What are some of the key infrastructure projects that are completed or underway?

MAYOR BEVILACQUA: We have a new subway, the first outside of the boundaries of Toronto, that anchors the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC).

We have a new hospital scheduled to open in late 2020 that is the first in Canada with smart technology throughout. We have major employers in the VMC, like KPMG, PwC, HarleyDavidson Canada and BMO and more office towers are being built. We have the first university to be located in York Region. A world-class YMCA is coming.

The province has announced the north extension of the Yonge subway line and we are very happy about that. We have

all the physical, economic, and social infrastructure in place to create a true sense of place and belonging.

PERSPECTIVE: What are some of the key advantages Vaughan offers?

MAYOR BEVILACQUA: We are a modern, vibrant, welcoming, welleducated and multicultural city that speaks 105 languages. Our economic growth is among the best in North America, and we have the best employment in York Region. We have a population of 335,000 and 223,000 jobs. We are very close to Pearson airport and we have excellent highway connectivity. Within a 24-hour drive, is a market of 155 million people. We have a thriving small business sector, with 80 per cent of our jobs created by small business. And we are one of the safest communities in the country. We are a city of choice and our attitude is ambitious.

PERSPECTIVE: What are you most proud of about your city?

MAYOR BEVILACQUA: We are a dynamic, vibrant city under transformation that aims to be a worldclass city. I am most proud of the discipline, focus, determination and effort that it has taken to get us here and achieve success. This is a place where people are happy to live. Everyone has been part of the great renaissance that is underway. There is an ultimate belief that we are all in this together.

The City of Vaughan is undergoing rapid economic growth and is investing in major infrastructure developments including roadways, rapid transit and the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

PerspectiveTM Vaughan was produced independently of the City of Vaughan. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Perspective Marketing Inc. The publisher is not liable for any views expressed in the articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the City of Vaughan.

Every Child Deserves to Smile A Zone provides a warm, safe, and accessible space for children, youth, and their families who are facing health challenges – simply, a place to enjoy just being a kid! Zones can be transformed in existing waiting rooms, treatment rooms, or custom patient care spaces. Our Zones provide interactive and inclusive possibilities to all children, sharing with them the universal sign of happiness… a smile!

Smilezone Foundation | 557 Chartwell Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 4A8 905-951-2978 | SmileZone.com donate@smilezone.com

OUR PERSPECTIVE YOUR ADVANTAGE.

CBRE delivers commercial real estate outcomes that drive business and bottom-line performance. Last year, CBRE completed US$381 billion of lease, sale and debt transactions globally, while our 22 Canadian offices completed over 5,400 successful engagements. With over 142.1 million square feet of commercial real estate under management in Canada, we help our valued clients leverage the full potential of their real estate.

Transform your real estate into real advantage.

TORONTO NORTH 2005 Sheppard Ave E, #800 North York, ON M2J 5B4 +1 416 494 0600

TORONTO DOWNTOWN 145 King St W, #1100 Toronto, ON M5H 1J8 +1 416 362 2244

TORONTO WEST 5935 Airport Rd, #700 Mississauga, ON L4V 1W5 +1 416 674 7900

www.cbre.ca

CBRE 2019 BOMA - Toronto.indd 3

2019-09-04 4:04:57 PM

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

5

The City of Vaughan has 184 Corporate and Regional Headquarters What attracts them, and keeps even more businesses coming?

T

he City of Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and the largest economy in York Region with a real GDP of $20.6 billion in 2018. With its innovative ecosystem, robust transportation and outstanding infrastructure, the city brings together a massive pool of skilled labour, quality suppliers and diverse prospects.

Of the more than 12,000 businesses calling Vaughan home, 184 are corporate or regional headquarters with representation across many sectors. These include professional and business services, construction, transportation, warehousing, wholesale trade, retail services, diversified and advanced manufacturing, and many knowledge-based sectors.

Some of Vaughan’s reputed global brands include companies such as Toys “R” Us, Adidas Canada,Yum! Brands, Inc. (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), Mircom and St. Joseph Communications which all have their Canadian or regional headquarters in the city. Leading multinational companies, such as KPMG, Miller Thomson LLP., GFL Environmental Inc., Harley-Davidson Canada Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers also run successful business operations there. At least 37 of these companies employ 100 or more employees in their Vaughan locations.

Businesses are in Vaughan to gain a variety of benefits, from ample commercial space and world-class amenities, to a thriving talent pool and superior transportation. These elements add to Vaughan’s attractiveness as a preferred business location, and there is room to grow. The city’s up-and-coming downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan

Centre, is on track to have 1.5 million square feet of commercial office space and 750,000 square feet of retail space by 2031. Another 612 hectares (1,512 acres) of developable land is available in the Vaughan Enterprise Zone (VEZ) making this very attractive for head offices, national logistics and distribution centres and manufacturing operations, among other sectors.

Vaughan is also focused on offering quality healthcare, wellness, education, shopping, dining and entertainment.

The VMC and the surrounding areas promise a wholesome experience and lifestyle to all its occupants, residential as well as commercial. Moreover,Vaughan’s inter-modal transit system includes access to three subway stations, a speedy commute via Highways 400, 407 and 427 and proximity to the Toronto Pearson International Airport. The city’s connectivity potential is well recognized by its existing business community. An excellent location, superior transportation

Mircom, a manufacturer and distributor of life safety and communications systems, is headquartered in Vaughan

Some of Vaughan’s reputed global brands include companies such as Toys “R” Us, Adidas Canada, Yum! Brands, Inc. (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), Mircom and St. Joseph Communications which all have their Canadian or regional headquarters in the city. Leading multinational companies, such as KPMG, Miller Thomson LLP., GFL Environmental Inc., Harley-Davidson Canada Inc. and PricewaterhouseCoopers also run successful business operations there.

At least 37 of these companies employ 100 or more employees in their Vaughan locations. and huge warehousing potential allows businesses to reach a market of 130-million people within a 500-mile radius and many more nationally and internationally.

Another interesting facet is the direct access to a large workforce of over 3.9-million people, and a versatile and sustainable talent pipeline. Around 330,000 students from colleges and

universities in the vicinity join the mainstream workforce every year.

Essentially, businesses can choose from a huge base of both experienced and new talent.

A growing recognition from across North America is that municipalities need to identify and help reduce obstacles that impede business growth.

The various departments in the City

of Vaughan have pledged to work together in collaboration to identify and eliminate barriers that hinder modernization, progress and business growth.

Lastly, the City of Vaughan’s effort to promote an innovative environment has led to initiatives, such as the Social Innovation Challenge, Starter Company Plus and Summer Company (which are provincially supported), with the goal to nurture and grow new and existing businesses, technologies, products and services. In 2018, 314 entrepreneurs were supported by these programs.

For companies looking to locate a head office in the GTA,Vaughan offers modern amenities, well-connected public transit, availability of residential and commercial space, and easy access to a qualified workforce.

AIM HIGHER.

At 61 storeys, CG Tower is Vaughan’s tallest building.

CONDOS FROM THE $400’s*

BUY NOW / CGTOWER.CA

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

7

Strong Labour Market Builds Business in Vaughan This city north of Toronto is growing at approximately six per cent annually

W

ith a well-connected, progressive and rapidly growing economy,Vaughan has piqued the interest of several employers, cutting across size, sector and industries.

With more than 222,000 jobs across 12,105 businesses,Vaughan is the largest employment centre in York Region. The city is emerging into a talent magnet for all types of businesses — small and large, retail and industrial, product-based, servicebased, start-ups and established companies.

Businesses here have access to an educated and diverse workforce of over 3.9-million people. With its central location just north of Toronto,Vaughan is one of the best gateways between skilled professionals and the growing base of employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Growing at approximately six per cent annually,Vaughan’s population in 2018 was more than 330,000 people. By 2041, this number is projected to reach 500,000.

The total workforce is more than 222,000 people and 170,000 Vaughan residents are engaged in the labour force. Moreover, 70% of Vaughan’s working population between ages 24 and 65 have a postsecondary certificate or degree.

Interestingly, within this upcoming talent base, 84,000 students are pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This means for employers, whether it is innovation in products, services, technology, or workflows, the future of progressive businesses will be in safe hands.

With eight colleges and seven universities within a one-hour commute from the city, collectively producing over 330,000 students every year, employers are offered a robust pipeline of fresh, trainable talent. Going forward, a large population of Gen Z is all set to enter Vaughan’s workforce. Employers will have easy access to a talent pool that brings technology skills and adaptability to dynamic work environments.

Interestingly, within this upcoming talent base, 84,000 students are pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This means for employers, whether it is innovation in products, services, technology, or workflows, the future of progressive businesses will be in safe hands.

In addition to a promising, next-gen innovation workforce, the city is also home to Niagara University—the first university in York Region. It has recently relocated its bi-national presence to the

Commuters at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre bus rapid transit vivastation on Highway 7 Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC).

The university offers students teacher training programs in either the bachelor of professional studies in education or the masters of science in educational leadership programs.

For those who are looking to expand their corporate footprint in Vaughan, both at present or in the future, the City of Vaughan offers a promising labour story.

PRESTO Tickets available from the Fare Vending Machines at all TTC subway stations.

2-Ride / 2 Trajets Expires/Expire 04 JUL/JUI 2019 1234 5678 990

A one-ride ticket costs $3.25, a two-ride ticket costs $6.50 and a day pass ticket costs $13.00.

Each person over the age of 12 requires their own PRESTO Ticket for proof-of-payment when travelling on the TTC. PRESTO Tickets are only valid on the TTC. Learn more about PRESTO Tickets at ttc.ca/presto

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

9

Combining Innovation, Technology & Healthcare

Architectural rendering of Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Photo reflects current design concept. Exterior colours and finishes may change.

Welcome to the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct

A

vision is unfolding to leverage the $1.6-billion Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital opening in late 2020 as an anchor in a Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct that will attract new investment, establish an innovation hub and create jobs.

A collaboration of Mackenzie Health, York University, ventureLAB and the City of Vaughan is undertaking a feasibility study to create a 10-year strategic road map for the precinct. The City-owned parcel at the northwest corner of Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive is 82 acres, with 40 acres leased to Mackenzie Health for 99 years.

“Each partner brings different expertise to the table and great synergies to move this forward. As a major city initiative, we are determined to create an area that represents our commitment to excellence in city building. The well-being of our

citizens is our priority”, said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

The feasibility study will “define the art of the possible,” said Altaf Stationwala, president and CEO of Mackenzie Health.

“These are substantive partners with different footprints in healthcare. We know the silo approach doesn’t work anymore.

I’m not aware of another partnership model quite like this one.”

Melissa Chee, president and CEO of ventureLAB, a leading innovation hub which has worked with more than 350 digital health companies, says healthcare is a key sector to its mandate to help technology companies build and scale to go global. The partnership is a “worldclass lens on how health innovation really works” because it brings together players in healthcare operations, technology, talent and academia and economic development.

Mackenzie Health is already a leader in technology adoption, testing products and practices through the Mackenzie Innovation Institute, says Chee. The

precinct will take that approach to a larger scale within a region that is already a powerhouse of 4,300 technology companies and 65,000 tech jobs.

“Scale-ups looking for anchor customers will be able to gain traction through collaboration with the global multinationals in the health precinct.”

Health is one of the fastest-growing areas of study, research and community

providers from community health, primary and acute care to rehabilitation, home, long-term and palliative care.”

The precinct is a manifestation of what we can collectively achieve through focus, discipline and determination, says Bevilacqua.

“When we first started talking about a hospital in Vaughan, people said it would never happen.

“These are substantive partners with different footprints in healthcare. We know the silo approach doesn’t work anymore. I’m not aware of another partnership model quite like this one.” Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan. engagement at York University, says Rhonda L. Lenton, president and vicechancellor of York University.

“We look forward to contributing our expertise in research and education, to a partnership focused on improving community health, economic development, innovation, and timely access to a connected system of outstanding healthcare

As a result of our collective will, we will have a new, state-of-the-art Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital that will be a catalyst for other uses, like medical offices, labs and research space, healthcare incubators, and education and conference space related to healthcare. This will be transformational and a tribute to our desire to build a great city with exceptional healthcare”.

It’s All Happening Here

Whether you are looking to record a demo, bring your toddler to a fun-filled storytime, do homework with your friends, relax and read in a quiet place or just about anything in between, Vaughan Public Libraries is your place! Vaughan Public Libraries is dedicated to empower people, inspire opportunities and build communities. Visit any of our ten welcoming and vibrant locations to enjoy our limitless resources, innovative creation spaces and exciting programs and events.

Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff are committed to delivering quality programs, exceptional services and valuable resources to Vaughan citizens of all ages and interests such as Born to Read, Pokémon League, Headshots for Young Professionals, Vaughan Fan Con, a Night of Mystery with Maureen Jennings, Writers’ Room for Amateurs, Repair Café, and so much more.

Check out our three unique Maker Spaces equipped with the latest technology. Experience virtual reality use 3D printers, code robots, record videos, and learn new skills with classes like Recording Studio Masterclass, Claymation, Code the ‘Bot and Green Room 101. Unleash your inner maker and create lasting memories at the Library.

Sign up for a free library card and experience all that Vaughan Public Libraries has in store for you. We look forward to serving you!

Enrich Inspire Transform vaughanpl.info @vaughanpl

@vaughanpl

vaughanpubliclibraries

Vaughan Public Libraries

905.653.READ (7323)

Perspective

V W i n d s o -uEU x N10 Vr aA gsG hs H aE A n 11

3

TM

Farhi Holdings Corporation TWO HOSPITALS ARE – increasing footprint BETTER THAN ONE. in City of Windsor

Hospital will experience. Mackenzie Health is transforming the way health care is provided to the communities of Richmond Hill, Vaughan and King — and it’s already begun.

T H E U LT I M AT E S U I T S YO U

is expected to increase by more than 35 per cent over the next 20 years.

hospital and the first net new hospital in York Region in more than 30 years.

Scheduled to open in late 2020, the new 1.2-million-square-foot hospital One hospital just can’t keep up with Farhi Holding has plans to create a large mixed-use development that will Richmondmulti-units Hill the needs of this growing community. include residential, commercialwill and join someMackenzie retail space.Townhomes, Mackenzie Health’sParkway.

Now, Mackenzie Health hasand an single detached Hospital homes willand be available near Lauzon Information and Management community-based locations to unrivalled opportunity to achieve the Holiday Express consisting from hospitality, residential, commercial, Systems Society (HIMSS) Nicholas double theInn communities’ accessof 156 a vision for thetoultimate health rooms (4 suites) and the Hilton’s Double mixed-use properties and subdivisions.

E. Davies Award of Excellence. The to exceptional care. 46 suites. experience in York with Tree housing 161 patient rooms including “Windsor has done Region a great job of the award recognizes an approach to construction of from Mackenzie In addition to the hotel expansion, Farhi transforming itself Canada’sVaughan automobile Holding plans to createthrough a large mixed-use capital to a — more diverse first economy,” digital health that has helped patients Hospital Canada’s smartsays Plannedhasand designed development will include residential, Farhi. “There are a variety of reasons I felt access care and recover faster. the eyes of that the patient, linked to commercial, and retail space. The plan is this was the city in which to expand our sustainable tonature, includeenvironmentally 278 single-family residential holdings, but one of the most important Mackenzie Health is celebrating and enabled by integrated walk-up units over 9 acres nearsmart Lauzon was the staff at the City of Windsor. From Parkway and also include 119 single family theCOMMUNITY-BASED early days to now the administration this success while also staying technology, Mackenzie Vaughan and detached homes over 14the acres.

A variety and councilCARE at City SERVICES Hall showed us they HEALTH acutely aware that York Region Hospital will encourage essential of commercial spaces have been allocated were very progressive and very open to is one of the country’s bond9between and theirspaces across acres and patients further mixed-use listeningMACKENZIE to our ideas. The bottom line for fastest growing and most caregivers, support healing over an additional 6 acresa on the same site. them is job creation, expanding the tax base RICHMOND HILL Farhi Holdings foraccommodate some time has also and pushing the Region forward and we diverse communities environment, HOSPITAL Diabetes Autism additional in the are on the same page with their goals.” Educationbeen acquiring Clinics Rehabilitation in Canada, with more patient and familyland participation, Services Windsor Region. One of the purchases In addition to R Vease in dealing with S Ethe E IC than 100 languages and empower patients.

Chronic Complex Available at includes 53-acres on County Road 42, the City ofRWindsor, both hospitals Farhi mentions Kidney Continuing spoken. Its population directly across from the proposed site of another keyCritical factorCare in his confidence in Disease

ES

Mackenzie Health became the first Canadian acute care hospital with an emergency department and intensive care unit to receive the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) Stage 7 certification. This recognizes and celebrates the important role of health care innovation in a busy hospital environment. It was also the only

& Spa and the Idlewyld Inn & Spa in London’s Old South neighbourhood.

FHC has been investing in Windsor since 2004, when founder Shmuel Farhi bought the Lear Seating factory and surrounding 110 acres of land.

The factory is long gone – a victim of the 2008 economic downturn – but the city-owned 40-acre WFCU Canadian hospital to home receive Centre on part of thein site2018 is now thetheCollege Healthcare Information to OHL’s of Windsor Spitfires.

Farhi Holdings is feeling very confident Management Executives’ (CHIME)’s in the Windsor market. To Currently “most wired” award. top it off, the company has a vast portfolio of Mackenzie Health also recently developments that arewas ongoing or in the named aprocess recipient ofathe Healthcare approval across variety of sectors

CO

W

here others see challenges, Farhi Holdings Corporation (FHC) sees opportunity.

Founded in 1988, the London, Ontario based real-estate development company has a long track record for heritage restorations, design-build, and partnerships with federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The company currently We deserve themore verythan best4in health ownsalland manages million care. fact, we deserve the ultimate. squareInfeet of office, retail, hospitality and residential well assingle over 2,500 acres And that’sspace whatasevery person of current future land development who walksand through the doors of in more than two dozen communities Mackenzie Richmond Hospital throughout Ontario.

ThatHill includes two and theinns: future Mackenzie Vaughan historic Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn

Care

the marketplace – the City of Detroit BehaviourWindsor’s new mega-hospital and scheduled Emergency Management Laboratory to begin construction within the next five just across the river, “you can see a very and Surgical Integrated Mental is his what theprovide future years. This Farhi says land will an ideal tangibleMedical turn around in Detroit.

The billions Medical Imaging Stroke Health Mackenzie Health has more than location for commercial, retail, residential and of dollars being poured into the city has of health care looks Pharmacy created a spillover effect forObstetrics Windsor.” Brain hospitality development needed to support Pediatrics Dialysis like, and regional it’s going tofacility.

Services medical The Detroit effect is one of the reasonsInjury the state-of-the-art MACKENZIE VAUGHAN are long-term investors,” says Farhi is expanding his hotel operations Services “We happen right here at Farhi. “We believe in Windsor and its and focus HOSPITAL into mixed-use development.

Mackenzie Health. future and see a bright opportunity With tourist visits and long-term stays Cardiovascular Rehabilitation ahead to grow and prosper as part of continuing to increase, Farhi Holdings has On the cover: Rehabilitation Services the Windsor business community.” three major hotels comprising 623 new Dr. Kogon (left), Division Head, Urology and Donor To learn moreOncologist about Farhi Farhi Holdings has three major hotels under construction comprising suites in the city. The Best Western Plus Dr. Passaperuma (right), andHoldings Donor Corporation visit www.fhc.ca over 600 new suites or bedrooms in the City. houses 306 rooms including 21 suites with Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault

Perspective

TM

Va A W i n d s o -uEU x N10 Vr gsG hs H aE A n 12

4

A SAFE AND SERENE SPACE FOR MENTAL Farhi Holdings Corporation HEALING AND RECOVERY –HEALTH increasing footprint in City of Windsor “The mental health unit at Mackenzie Vaughan Fear, isolation, hopelessness. These are just some of the overwhelming and debilitating feelings that set in when someone is experiencing here others see challenges, a mental health crisis. Corporation Farhi Holdings

W

(FHC) sees opportunity.

Founded in 1988, theofLondon, Ontario Mental health is one the biggest based development company healthreal-estate care concerns right now. has a long track record for heritage Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital restorations, design-build, and partnerships doesn’t haveprovincial, the capacity to cope with federal, and municipal with the growing numbercurrently of people governments.

The company owns and manages anxiety more than 4 million with depression, and other square feet of office, retail, hospitality and mental illnesses, which has increased residential space as well as over 2,500 acres bycurrent about 28 centland since 2012. of andper future development in more than two dozen communities Patients need the right throughout Ontario.

That space includes two historic inns: Ingersoll’s Hurst Inn to give them the best Elm chance

to manage mental illness and recovery. With the opening of the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Mackenzie Health has a unique opportunity to make this possible.

Every aspect of the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is designed specifically for

the safety, wellness and comfort of patients. The mental health care team will confidentially assess, treat, monitor and in a&serene & Spastabilize and the patients Idlewyld Inn Spa inspace.

London’s Old South neighbourhood.

The newhas inpatient unit will FHC been investing in Windsor since 2004, when founder Shmuel enable an increase of seven Farhi bought the to Lear factory beds compared theSeating current and surrounding 110 acres of land.

25-bed unit at Mackenzie The factory is long gone – a victim Richmond Hill Hospital.

In – of the 2008 economic downturn addition to 32 patient rooms, but the city-owned 40-acre WFCU Centre on part of the site is now home there will be tranquil to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. outdoor courtyards Farhi Holdings is feeling very confident and and in thepatient Windsor market. Currently family lounges the company has to a vast portfolio of developments that are ongoing or in the increase privacy, approval processand across a variety of sectors reduce noise,

provide access to computers for patients preparing to transition to home and work — all in a warm, home-like setting.

Hospital will be a bright light, a place where patients can receive empathy and acceptance and access all the supports they need to continue their journey towards wellness.”

S I M ONE ( L E F T ) , PAT IE N T C A R E M A NAG E R , M E N TA L H E A LT H PRO G R A M

Farhi Holding has plans“No to create a large mixed-use development matter how many timesthatI will include residential, commercial and some retail space.Townhomes, multi-units and single detached homes available near Lauzon Parkway. comewilltobeMackenzie Health, from hospitality, to residential, commercial, mixed-use properties and subdivisions.

“Windsor has done a great job of transforming itself from Canada’s automobile capital to a more diverse economy,” says Farhi. “There are a variety of reasons I felt this was the city in which to expand our holdings, but one of the most important was the staff at the City of Windsor. From the early days to now the administration and council at City Hall showed us they were very progressive and very open to listening to our ideas. The bottom line for them is job creation, expanding the tax base and pushing the Region forward and we are on the same page with their goals.”

In addition to the ease in dealing with the City of Windsor, Farhi mentions Mackenzie Health designed ain another key factor in has his confidence 37,000-square-foot state-of-the-art the marketplace – the City of Detroit just across the river, “you can see a very space capable of supporting tangible turn around in Detroit.

The billions approximately 100,000 patient of dollars being poured into the city has visits a year, virtually doubling created a spillover effect for Windsor.” access to emergency forthe reasons The Detroit effect is care one of southwest York Region.

Farhi is expanding his hotel operations and focus into mixed-use development.

With tourist visits and long-term Named in recognition of a $10stays million continuing to increase, Farhi Holdings gift from Magna International Inc.,has the three major hotels comprising 623 new Magna Emergency will feature seven suites in the city. The Best Western Plus spacious zones,21including houses 306treatment rooms including suites with

thethe Holiday Innare Express consisting of 156 staff friendly, rooms (4 suites) and the Hilton’s Double warm and Tree housing 161comforting rooms including— 46 suites.

In addition to the hotel expansion, Farhi just what I need guide Holding has plans to createtoa large mixed-use development that will include residential, me through a crisis.” commercial, and retail space. The plan is to include 278AY, single-family L INDS G R AT E FU Lresidential PAT IE N T walk-up units over 9 acres near Lauzon Parkway and also include 119 single family and detached homes over 14 acres. A variety of commercial spaces have been allocated across 9 acres and further mixed-use spaces over an additional 6 acres on the same site.

Farhi Holdings for some time has also been acquiring additional land in the Windsor Region. One of the purchases includes 53-acres on County Road 42, rooms acute directly dedicated across fromto theresuscitation, proposed site of care, minor treatments, mental health, Windsor’s new mega-hospital and scheduled to begin construction the next five and domestic abuse within and sexual assault. years.unique, Farhi sayspatient-centred his land will provide an ideal This approach location for commercial, retail, residential and will help to streamline diagnosis and hospitality development needed to support treatment and reduce overall waitfacility. times the state-of-the-art regional medical are long-term investors,” says by“We providing the right space, services Farhi.expertise “We believe in Windsor and its and at the right time. future and see a bright opportunity ahead to grow and prosper as part of the Windsor business community.”

To learn more about Farhi Holdings Corporation visit www.fhc.ca

TWO FULL-SERVICE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS From broken bones and heart attacks, to car accidents and mental health crises, emergencies are an unfortunate reality of life. A trip to the hospital emergency department can leave most people and their loved ones feeling anxious, scared and vulnerable.

and get them back home sooner. Still, emergency care and wait times remain among the longest-standing health care concerns for residents across York Region and the entire province.

With the opening of a second fullservice emergency department The expert team at Mackenzie at Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Richmond Hill Hospital works hard to Mackenzie Health will be better able provide the best possible emergency address the increasing demand Farhi Holdings has to three major hotels under construction comprising care experience to treat patients faster forover urgent and emergency care.in the City.

600 new suites or bedrooms

Perspective

TM

A ONE-STOP SUITE OF Farhi Holdings Corporation SERVICES FOR WOMEN –AND increasing footprint CHILDREN in City of Windsor

W

here others see challenges, Farhi Holdings Corporation (FHC) sees opportunity.

Founded in 1988, the London, Ontario based real-estate development company has a long track record for heritage restorations, design-build, and partnerships with federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

The company currently They say it takes a village to raise a owns managesatmore than 4 million child.and Everyone Mackenzie Health square feet of office, retail, hospitality and couldn’t agree takes the residential spacemore. as wellInas fact, over it 2,500 acres whole community.

Health of current and futureMackenzie land development in more thana two dozensuite communities is creating one-stop of services throughout Ontario.

That includes two to fully support women and children historic inns: Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn

through some of life’s most poignant moments — from pregnancy and delivery, to neonatal and pediatric care.

When the Woman and Child Program relocates to Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital in late 2020, the diverse and growing communities of Richmond Hill, Vaughan and King will benefit from more beds, seamless and compassionate care and a unique family focus.

& Spa and the Idlewyld Inn & Spa in London’s Old South neighbourhood.

FHC has been investing in Windsor since 2004, when founder Shmuel Farhi bought the Lear Seating factory and surrounding 110 acres of land.

The factory is long gone – a victim of the 2008 economic downturn – but the city-owned 40-acre Modelled on research thatWFCU shows Centre on partofoflabouring, the site is now home the benefits delivering, to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. recovering and receiving Farhi Holdings is feeling postpartum very confident care the same spaceCurrently and with the in theinWindsor market. the company hassame a vasthealth portfolio of team — support of the care developments are ongoingnurses or in the comprised ofthat obstetricians, and approval process across a variety of sectors

other health care professionals — Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will feature 22 labour, delivery, recovery and postpartum (LDRP) rooms.

The new birthing centre will be equipped for close to 4,000 births a year compared to the current volume of 2,650. Each spacious recovery room will include a sleeper sofa for family, a large private washroom with a shower or hydrotherapy tub, and hidden cabinetry to keep equipment safe and accessible.

From labour, delivery and recovery to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic (PUCC), every unit in the new state-of-the-art Woman and Child Program will boast private rooms, plenty of natural light, a home-like “The NICU really is feel and space for extended family. a special place. The What’s more, the entire program will be located on the same floor with a care is so personal.” dedicated elevator, so women and C L AU DI A , M OM OF F OR M E R children can transition faster between N EON ATA L I N T E N S I V E C A R E services, and health care providers U N I T PAT I E N T S ( T W I N B OY S PIC T U R E D AT R IG H T ) can collaborate on care plans that Farhi Holdings has three major hotels under construction comprising honour the needs, expectations over 600 new suites or bedrooms in the City. and beliefs of the entire family.

V W i n d s o -uEU x N10 Vr aA gsG hs H aE A n 13

5

SMART TECHNOLOGY – AN ENABLER OF EXCEPTIONAL CARE Mackenzie Health is using the enormous power of new technologies to transform the delivery of health care — empowering patients, improving the hospital experience and reducing errors and wait times.

SMART BEDS THAT SUPPORT PATIENT COMFORT AND SAFETY

Each patient room within Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will feature smart beds that will automatically monitor patients, giving health care providers real-time information without This digital transformation is well disturbing them. Features include underway at Mackenzie Richmond smart sensors that will help prevent Hill Hospital, where some of this falls by sending an alert if a patient smart technology is already being is at risk for falls, and integration tested and implemented. Mackenzie with staff members’ smart mobile FarhibeHolding has plans to create awhich large mixed-use development that will Vaughan Hospital will Canada’s devices can be programmed include residential, commercial and some retail space.Townhomes, multi-units first smart hospital, a place where automatically silence and single detachedtohomes will be available nearalarms Lauzon Parkway. technology and information when they enter a patient’s room. the Holiday Inn Express consisting of 156 from hospitality, will be used to toresidential, anticipatecommercial, the rooms (4 suites) andAT theTHE Hilton’s Double mixed-use properties and subdivisions.

TECHNOLOGY BEDSIDE needs of patients and health care Tree housing 161 rooms including 46 suites.

“Windsor has done a great job of FOR A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE providers, and identify health In additionHealth to the hotel expansion, Farhi transforming itself from Canada’s automobile Mackenzie is proud to issues they become serious.

Holding has plans to create a large mixed-use capital to abefore more diverse economy,” says partner withthat Flexity to become development will include residential, Farhi. “There are a variety of reasons I felt one of the first Canadian hospitals commercial, and retail space. The plan is this was the city in which to expand our to include 278 single-family residential holdings, but one of the most important with a customized smart bedside walk-up units overan9 integration acres near Lauzon was the staff at the City of Windsor. From tablet. Through with Parkway and also include 119 single family the early days to now the administration Mackenzie Health’s electronic medical and detached homes over 14 acres. A variety and council at City Hall showed us they record, the MyCare tablet uses of commercial spaces have been allocated were very progressive and very open to across 9 acres from and further mixed-use spaces listening to our ideas. The bottom line for technology GetWellNetwork® to over additional 6 acres on the same site. them is job creation, expanding the tax base give an patients access to personalized Farhi Holdings for some time has also and pushing the Region forward and we health information, including been acquiring additional land in the are on the same page with their goals.” tailored Region. educational directly Windsor One videos of the purchases In addition to the ease in dealing with includes County Road 42, the City of Windsor, Farhi mentions for their53-acres specificonneeds, prescribed directly acrossand froma the proposed site of another key factor in his confidence in medication discharge checklist.

Windsor’s new mega-hospital and scheduled the marketplace – the City of Detroit The same tablet will control room to begin construction within the next five just across the river, “you can see a very lighting, meal selection andan ideal years.

Farhioffer says his land will provide tangible turn around in Detroit. The billions entertainment optionsretail, as well as location for commercial, residential and of dollars being poured into the city has hospitality development neededmedical to support created a spillover effect for Windsor.” provide access to a patient’s the state-of-the-art regional medical facility.

The Detroit effect is one of the reasons charts, upcoming appointments “We are long-term investors,” says Farhi is expanding his hotel operations and their care team.

Farhi.

“We assigned believe in Windsor and its and focus into mixed-use development.

With tourist visits and long-term stays continuing to increase, Farhi Holdings has three major hotels comprising 623 new suites in the city. The Best Western Plus houses 306 rooms including 21 suites with

future and see a bright opportunity This technology well as ahead to grow andas prosper as smart part of beds the Windsor business community.” will also be available at Mackenzie To learn more about Farhiafter Holdings Richmond Hill Hospital 2020.

Corporation visit www.fhc.ca

Perspective

Va A W i n d s o -uEU x N10 Vr gsG hs H aE A n 14

6

TM

Farhi Holdings Corporation – increasing footprint in City of Windsor

W

$250 MILLION

is needed to build and &equip Mackenzie Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.

Spa and the IdlewyldVaughan Inn & Spa in here others see challenges, London’s Old South neighbourhood.

Farhi Holdings Corporation FHC has been investing in Windsor (FHC) sees opportunity. since 2004, when founder Shmuel Founded in 1988, the London, Ontario Farhi bought the Lear Seating factory based real-estate development company and surrounding 110 acres of land. has a long track record for heritage The factory is long gone – a victim restorations, design-build, and partnerships The Province of Ontario ofhas This $250-million campaign — Together, we will build Mackenzie theinvested 2008 economic downturn – with federal, provincial, and municipal $1.3 billion in Mackenzie Vaughan chaired by Maurizio Bevilacqua, Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at but the city-owned 40-acre WFCU governments. The company currently Centre on part of the site is now home owns and manages Hospital more than — 4 million which is a significant Mayor of the City of Vaughan — is the Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, to the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. square feet of office, retail, hospitality and portion of the cost of construction. fundraising campaign ever led purchase lifesaving equipment and Farhi Holdings is feelinglargest very confident residential space as well as over 2,500 acres by a community hospital in Canada. new technology that will attract and in the Windsor market. Currently of current and future land development But acommunities portion of construction costs has anda vast portfolio of the company in more than two dozen Farhi Holdingbest-in-class has plans to create a large mixed-use inspire specialists and development that will that are ongoing or in your the support to make it throughout Ontario.

That includes two expensedevelopments include residential, commercial and some retail space.Townhomes, multi-units the considerable of purchasing We need health care detached teams at both approval process across a variety of sectors historic inns: Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn and single homes willhospitals. be available near Lauzon Parkway.

IT’S UP TO US, TOGETHER all medical equipment, from stretchers to MRIs and CT scanners — called the local share — needs to be funded by donations from the people who will use, work in and benefit from the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

happen. So when you donate, make it count. Splurge. Every single gift, Holiday Inn Express consisting of 156 from hospitality, to residential, commercial, JOIN US IN the CREATING rooms (4 suites) and the Hilton’s Double mixed-use properties and subdivisions. of every size, will help Mackenzie Tree housing 161 rooms including 46 suites.

“Windsor has done a greatTHE job of ULTIMATE. Health provide thetransforming ultimate initself from Canada’s automobile In addition to the hotel expansion, Farhi health care to our community.

Holding has.ca plans to create a large mixed-use capital to a more diverse economy,” says the ultimate suits you development that will include residential, Farhi.suits “There are a variety of reasons I felt After all, the ultimate you.

commercial, and retail space. The plan is this was the city in which to expand our to include 278 single-family residential holdings, but one of the most important walk-up units over 9 acres near Lauzon was the staff at the City of Windsor. From Parkway and also include 119 single family the early days to now the administration and detached homes over 14 acres. A variety and council at City Hall showed us they of commercial spaces have been allocated were very progressive and very open to across 9 acres and further mixed-use spaces listening to our ideas. The bottom line for over an additional 6 acres on the same site. them is job creation, expanding the tax base Farhi Holdings for some time has also and pushing the Region forward and we been acquiring additional land in the are on the same page with their goals.”

Windsor Region. One of the purchases In addition to the ease in dealing with includes 53-acres on County Road 42, the City of Windsor, Farhi mentions directly across from the proposed site of another key factor in his confidence in Windsor’s new mega-hospital and scheduled the marketplace – the City of Detroit to begin construction within the next five just across the river, “you can see a very TH AT’S WH Yturn S H Earound DON ATE D TO H E LPbillions BUILD CAN ADA’ S says his land will provide an ideal years.

Farhi tangible in Detroit.

The FI RST ART poured HOS PIinto TAL .the YOcity U Shas HOULD TOO. location for commercial, retail, residential and of dollarsS M being hospitality development needed to support created a spillover effect for Windsor.” the state-of-the-art regional medical facility.

The Detroit effect is one of the reasons “We are long-term investors,” says Farhi is expanding his hotel operations Farhi. “We believe in Windsor and its and focus into mixed-use development. future and see a bright opportunity With tourist visits and long-term stays U LTIMFarhi ATE SU ITS YO has U ahead to grow and prosper as part of continuing THE to increase, Holdings the Windsor business community.” three major hotels comprising 623 new To learn moreNURSE about Farhi Farhi Holdings has three major hotels under construction comprising suites in the city. The Best Western Plus JENNIFER, REGISTERED AND Holdings DONOR Corporation visit www.fhc.ca over 600 new suites or bedrooms in the City. houses 306 rooms including 21 suites with

FOR JEN, IT’S THE ULTIMATE OR NOTHING.

Liuna FP OHBA Gear 2018:Layout 1 5/30/19 2:01 PM Page 1

BUILDING ONTARIO SINCE 1903

WE Build Communities And Careers.

When a community is built from the ground up, there is no labour force on the planet, better skilled to get the job done right the first time. LiUNA members and retirees made a commitment to their careers, which means a commitment to our communities.

A commitment to build the BEST schools, airports, hospitals, office buildings, pipelines, tunnels, power plants, roads, bridges, low rise and high rise housing in the country. When the work is done, LiUNA members and retirees continue to live, play and grow in their communities, with the guarantee of a pension that is also....simply the BEST! Jack Oliveira

Joseph S. Mancinelli

Business Manager

President

Luigi Carrozzi

Carmen Principato

Robert Petroni

Mike Maitland

Brandon MacKinnon

Secretary-Treasurer

Vice President

Recording Secretary

Executive Board Member

Executive Board Member

Ontario Provincial District Council visit www.liunaopdc.ca today

Wealth Management Practice Are the markets confusing you? It may be time to talk.

Ask Chris Coderre for a second opinion.

At Caldwell Securities Ltd., we believe preserving and growing your wealth is achieved through a personalized, customized and flexible plan defined by our heritage of fostering deep and enduring long-term partnerships with our clients.

Investment management

Our client relationships are reinforced by our experienced and sophisticated investment advice since 1980.

We are Wealth Managers.

Preserving your wealth and helping it grow.

5 LOCATIONS ACROSS ONTARIO CaldwellSecurities.com

PROtectIng YOUR legacY

FInancIal stRategIes

Chris Coderre

Portfolio Manager, Vice President & Investment Advisor

Please contact

Chris Coderre (905) 901-1892 Ext. 234

ccoderre@caldwellsecurities.com

Investing involves uncertainty and risk that you may not recoup the amount originally invested. Caldwell Securities Ltd (Caldwell) makes no representations, warranty or guarantee of investment performance. Caldwell is regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).

IMPACT A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR The greatest good you can do for the next generation is to help them find their own way.

Join our network of almost 3,000 volunteer mentors today.

RESOURCES. FINANCING. MENTORING.

mentor.futurpreneur.ca

1.800.464.2923

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

17

How Vaughan is Growing its Tourism Sector World-class attractions and a combined 16 hotels and motels are driving factors.

V

aughan is a thriving tourist hub thanks to the huge draws of attractions like Canada’s Wonderland,Vaughan Mills, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Kortright Centre for Conservation and North Maple Regional Park, to name a few. That can only grow with a new tourism promotion organization and investments in existing attractions.

In 2018, the combined accommodations, food services, arts, entertainment and recreation sectors accounted for 1,085 businesses, employing more than 21,500 people and generating $479 million in GDP. The City of Vaughan has implemented a four per cent municipal accommodation tax (MAT) on overnight stays that is expected to raise about $3.3 million a year.

The City has established the Tourism Vaughan Corporation as a destination marketing organization that will receive 50 per cent of the MAT revenues to attract visitors, encourage investment in tourism amenities and grow the sector.

There are 16 hotels and motels in Vaughan, with three development applications approved by Council. That includes a 125-175-room Hyatt-branded hotel planned for construction at Canada’s Wonderland in 2021 or 2022.

“Visitors discover we have exceptional welcoming citizens, terrific international cuisine, great trails and parks, and impressive arts amenities,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. He highlights the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the historic communities of Kleinburg and Woodbridge, and the Kortright Centre for Conservation.

Canada’s largest theme park At 3.79 million visitors in 2018, according to industry reports, Canada’s Wonderland was number 13 on the list of the most-attended parks in North America and ranked as the top seasonal park.

Canada’s Wonderland is tied for the second most roller coasters in the world.

Canada’s largest amusement park continually adds rides, shows and entertainment most recently the Yukon Striker, the fastest, longest and tallest dive coaster in the world, said Dave Phillips, vice-president of marketing and sales at Canada’s Wonderland. Next year the park will add a cliff-jumping attraction to its water park and an airplane ride to one of its children’s areas.

The park offers a month-long Halloween Haunt and this year will hold its first WinterFest, a holiday-themed event that will extend the park’s season to the end of December.

The park opened on 330 acres in 1981, surrounded by farm fields. It was the first

Canada’s Wonderland was recently named one of the World’s Greatest Places by TIME

“When we were evaluating the business case, Vaughan ticked all the boxes in terms of the number of visitors, its location and the local population.

Vaughan Mills, Canada’s Wonderland and LEGOLAND already make it a tourist destination.” Marie-Josée Lamy, Cirque du Soleil Creactive producer major theme park in Canada and has been owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company since 2006.

“We’ve grown alongside Vaughan and the GTA. Any way you leave the park now, it’s business and residential development,” said Phillips.

Cirque du Soleil Creactive: A new name in family fun Vaughan Mills, a 1.3-million-squarefoot mall just a kilometre south of Canada’s Wonderland, attracts more

than 14 million shoppers a year. It’s anchored by Bass Pro Shops among its 245 stores, and also features Canada’s first LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

Coming in 2020,Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre will be home to Cirque du Soleil Creactive, a family entertainment centre that offers acrobatic, artistic and other Cirque du Soleilinspired recreational activities.

“It will be like going behind the curtain and experiencing what it’s like to be an artist at Cirque du Soleil,” said producer Marie-Josée Lamy. That

will include bungee jumping, circus activities, parkour, juggling, dance, makeup and mask design, and virtual reality activities.

One such activity remains true to the Cirque du Soleil experience. “Families will get a chance to become a character and be on stage and get applause from a crowd,” said Lamy. “It’s a great connection to our brand and makes the experience participative versus being a spectator.”

Vaughan is the ideal place for the first ever Cirque du Soleil Creactive, says Lamy.

“When we were evaluating the business case,Vaughan ticked all the boxes in terms of the number of visitors, its location and the local population.

Vaughan Mills, Canada’s Wonderland and LEGOLAND already make it a tourist destination.”

At TMS, I am known.

When students are genuinely known, their learning can be fully understood and beautifully supported. They can thrive.

TMS creates opportunities for children to be inspired by learning through experimentation, exploration and self-discovery.

Located in Richmond Hill, the Montessori Lower School is for students 18 months to Grade 6. The Upper School (Grades 7-12) offers the only independent International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme in York Region.

But don’t just take our word for it. Finding the right school for your child is too important. You have to visit and see and feel it for yourself.

Our Montessori start and IB finish provide a unique framework within which your child can say I Am Known.

www.tmsschool.ca We are worth the visit.

Richmond Hill

Join the skills revolution The job market is changing, and it’s changing fast.

It’s no longer enough to just be “good at

Emerging Technology

Operations

requires a unique blend of technical and

IT Audit Execution

Human Resources

human skills—and you don’t get that from

Cyber Security

Business

taking one course or bootcamp.

Cloud Computing Strategy

Accounting

Our innovative certificate programs are

Full-Stack Web Development

Risk Management

your job”. Getting hired and promoted now

well suited for working professionals with busy schedules, so you can build the skills you need faster, and get hired faster.

School of Continuing Studies yorku.ca/continue

Machine Learning

Digital & Content Marketing

Data Analytics

Public Relations

User Experience (UX) Design

Perspective

TM

V a u g h a n

20

Vaughan is Building a New Downtown from the Ground Up Growth in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is exceeding expectations, fueled by an unprecedented vision and new subway station.

T

he City of Vaughan is an amalgamation of two towns and three villages that lacked a shared downtown. Planning began a decade ago to create a core to stitch them all together. That accelerated when it became official that the TTC would extend its subway service to Vaughan, making for the first connection outside Toronto. A secondary plan for the 179-hectare Vaughan Metropolitan Centre – at the intersection of Hwy 7 and Jane Street – was adopted by Council in 2010.

The plan calls for 12,000 residential units, 11,500 jobs, 1.5 million square feet of office space and 750,000 square feet of retail space by 2031.

“Our objective is to build a world-class city that encompasses good urban design and public spaces that foster community well-being. The VMC is at the heart of achieving this vision,” said Christina Bruce, director of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Program.

“It is fast becoming the vibrant heart of the city – economically, culturally and physically. It is truly mixed-use density, highly urban and walkable, and benefits from the amazing potential to enhance the natural amenities that already exist,” said Bruce.

Pedestrians walk along New Park Place in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre with Expo City, the home of Niagara University, in the distance

Engaging the senses The VMC is designed to inspire residents, to bring out the best in people’s experiences in the city, says Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

That includes trails, parks and green spaces, civic gathering spaces, cultural amenities, visionary architecture, and a tightly knit and walkable street network of shops, restaurants and patios.

“It’s about engaging people’s senses with amenities that provide a memorable and beautiful experience in everyday life.”

Growth in the VMC has exceeded expectations. Residential development is already at 164 per cent of the residential unit target, with office, retail and employment numbers right on track. It’s all fuelled by the arrival of subway service, along with regional and rapid bus service. These numbers continue to increase regularly.

Close to 15,000 daily commuters move through the VMC Subway Station, which delivers commuters to York University in five minutes and to Union Station in 45 minutes.

The VMC’s vision is unprecedented, said Bruce, especially at the scale of intensification being achieved on lands where low-density commercial and industrial uses once ruled. “Literally, our city’s skyline is changing by the week.”

“Our objective is to build a world-class city that encompasses good urban design and public spaces that foster community well-being. The VMC is at the heart of achieving this vision,” said Christina Bruce, director of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Program.

Perspective

TM

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Subway Station opened in December 2017 and connects to Union Station in 45 minutes.

Attracting employers The VMC’s first office building, the 15-storey, 365,000-square-foot KPMG Tower at SmartCentres Place, is fully occupied with approximately 1,300 employees, 800 of which are KPMG employees. Other tenants include Miller Thomson LLP, GFL Environmental Inc. and Harley-Davidson Canada Inc. BMO moved into two floors of the KPMG Tower in May, to house a team of more than 60 people in a co-location that brings personal, business and wealth offerings together.Vaughan is the fifth national rollout of the concept.

“We are quite excited to be there, given what we see as the prospects for the VMC. We want to be where our customers are and have an opportunity to go above and beyond for them – we have an opportunity to do that here,” said Julie Barker-Merz, Regional President of Greater Toronto Region, Personal Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“There is so much development all around us and the VMC will evolve quite dramatically over the next few years. We wanted to put a stake in the ground that says this is a growing market and we want

to be on the ground floor of it as it grows.

Vaughan is the perfect location for us.”

Sixteen office, residential and mixeduse developments are completed, underway, or proposed in the VMC. That includes the PwC-YMCA building, opening for office tenants this year and as of next year will be home to a state-of-the-art YMCA, along with a new Vaughan Public Library branch, performing arts studios and a community kitchen.

“When I became Mayor in 2010, people said Vaughan couldn’t compete with Toronto in office developments,” said Bevilacqua. “But I always believed that we could attract firms into our downtown core because we have a lot to offer. With office towers now fully leased the demand for office space in Vaughan is growing. The Vaughan Advantage is a powerful magnet and our location is extremely attractive to forward-thinking companies.”

Making History in York Region Bevilacqua made it his mission to land a university for Vaughan and to locate it in the VMC. Cities are built on anchors,

V a u g h a n

21

Sixteen office, residential and mixed-use developments are completed, underway or proposed in the VMC, including the PwC-YMCA building (foreground), which will be home to PwC, Scotiabank, and a new community centre. most essentially in health and education, says the Mayor.

When an opportunity to bring a York University location didn’t materialize, Bevilacqua was not deterred. He turned to Niagara University, based in Lewiston, New York. It’s a bi-national university, with about 5,500 of its graduates working in education in Ontario.

Bevilacqua says after a number of meetings with university president Reverend Father James Maher it was apparent to both that Vaughan would be the right place for a Niagara University campus that would centralize Ontario offerings in one location. With focus, discipline and commitment Bevilacqua, in partnership with Father Maher, delivered an important educational anchor to the community.

York Region’s first university campus opened in January in the Cortel Group’s Expo City. More than 300 students are enrolled in either a bachelors of professional studies or a masters of science in education: educational leadership program.

“The Vaughan site provided greater learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Being embedded in

the community allows the university to build pathways for service and professional experience for our students, faculty and staff,” said Maher. “And it’s a great opportunity for us to be part of the VMC, which is growing and has so much to offer.”

Subway service and great highway access played a big part in Niagara University’s decision to relocate to Vaughan, says Maher. But the city’s diversity and upward trajectory were the lynchpins.

“We feel so blessed, honestly, to be here and to be part of the great things happening in Vaughan. There is a great quality of life and people are so proud to live here. There is no better advertisement for us than happy students and we think our students will be happy here.”

Bevilacqua says Vaughan will soon announce further ventures with postsecondary institutions.

“I think bringing Niagara University is a great example of what can be achieved through the power of discipline and focus. There are no shortcuts on the road to success. It requires the desire to achieve and the determination to serve the greater public good.”

daarr Raaad R

ts ents men pm hiip Sh

Delivering Real Results for Vaughan million raised for the $160 Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital -

$11

new jobs have been created since 2010

Since 2010 Vaughan’s average annual economic growth is % MORE THAN

to Union Station

since 2015

4

Home to the

12,000 businesses that employ more than

first university

The Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will be Canada’s first smart technology hospital with a capacity of

97

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

%

Vaughan is the

first municipality

of citizens feel

in Canada to sign

Nearly

good or very good in Vaughan

quality of life to be either

LEADERSHIP ACCORD ON GENDER DIVERSITY

200

km of NEW roads

One of the

lowest

New policy allowing secondary suites was APPROVED

in York Region

550 beds

223,000

7 minutes to York University 42 minutes

SAVINGS

since 2010

I N C A N A DA

105 languages spoken

More than 14,000 daily commuters

in BUDGET

COMMUNITIES

Welcoming city

VMC SUBWAY

permits

SAFEST

will be larger than New York’s Central Park

60,000

in building

Vaughan is one of the

North Maple Regional Park

30 million

$

Billion

Exceptional Care Belongs Here Campaign

900 acre

MORE THAN

tax rates

in the GTA

12

$

More than

22,000

trees have been planted as part of the City’s tree replacement plan

million for Hospice

Vaughan Capital Campaign ACHIEVED

IT’S THE ULTIMATE LIST. THE ULTIMATE DONATION DESERVES THE ULTIMATE APPRECIATION. THANKS TO THESE DONORS AND MORE THAN 4,700 OTHERS, WE’VE RAISED $162 MILLION TO DATE. NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET US TO THE $250 MILLION FINISH LINE. SO WHEN YOU DONATE, PLEASE BE GENEROUS.

PILLARS OF COMMUNITY $25 M+ The Cortellucci Family

BUILDERS $10 M - $24.99 M Vic & Angelina De Zen & Family Magna International Inc. The Muzzo Family & the De Gasperis Family Fieldgate Group of Companies The Kohn/Eisenberger/Gunsburg Jakubovic Families TACC Group of Companies The Giovanni De Gasperis Family

DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN $5 M - $9.9 M Carlo & Angela Baldassarra Family Edward Sorbara, Marcella Tanzola, Gregory Sorbara Vaughan Health Campus of Care, Michael De Gasperis, Chair & Vaughan Health Care Foundation, Sam Ciccolini, Chair

VISIONARY $2 M - $4.99 M

TH E ULTIMATE SUITS YOU

t h e u l t i mat e s u i t s you .ca

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada The Berwick Family, King City City of Vaughan Mayor’s Gala Lorenzo & Melina De Meneghi & Families The Gucciardi Family

John A. D’Angelo, Giuseppe Maio & Claudio Memme RBC Foundation Joe Zanchin Family, Zanchin Auto Group

CHAIR’S CIRCLE $1 M - $1.99 M Alectra Inc. Anatolia Tile & Stone Anonymous Antonio & Clara Battistella & Family Borg Fence & Contracting BMO Financial Group Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario (Local 27 & 675) CIBC Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. The Greenbaum Family (Morris, Louis, Garry, children & grandchildren) Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario Meinhard & Marianne Kehren Longo’s Family Charitable Foundation The Mayvon Foundation Paradise Homes Corp.

RE/MAX PREMIER INC. Scotiabank TD Bank Group Goffredo & Robert Vitullo Family Joe & Wanda Zentil & Family Christopher & Franca Zeppa & Family