Your Local Community Guideline
Living in Vaughan, Ontario
Vaughan is the only municipality in York Region that has City status. It has a population of approximately 306,233 residents and growing. The four main population centres in Vaughan are Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. Because of the city's location next to the northwest boundary of metropolitan Toronto is also known as "The City Above Toronto".
Vaughan’s residents benefit from one of the lowest tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is the first municipality outside of Toronto to get a TTC subway service and a new downtown - The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. While it still in the early stages of constructions, it consists of a 100-acre parcel of land and has been the vision for the City of Vaughan since the rapid growth of the 1980s and 1990s changed the city from a quiet collection of communities into a thriving urban centre.
The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is planned to become a vibrant, modern city centre for residents and businesses that offers all amenities of urban lifestyle: inspiring multi-use office towers, residences, subway access, open green space, urban squares, pedestrian shopping areas and restaurants, and walking and cycling paths.
The Council and City staff have also identified needs for affordable housing options in Vaughan, like the Secondary Suites Policy, that provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy what Vaughan has to offer.
School Districts and Neighbourhood Safety
Vaughan was rated one of the best places to live in 2018 by MoneySense Magazine. For years, Vaughan has placed itself in a position of growth for its residents, business and visitors.
Jobs and Employment Opportunities
Very competitive commercial and industrial tax rates, and excellent transportation corridors, have helped Vaughan attract a large manufacturing and industrial base. This has created jobs which in turn has helped attract many new residents to this city.
Vaughan Tourist Attractions and Activities
Tourists and visitors from across the Greater Toronto Area, come to Vaughan, to view the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, for the shopping at Vaughan Mills or to spend the day at Canada’s Wonderland.
The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, once it is completed, will also offer all amenities of urban lifestyle including open green space, urban squares, pedestrian shopping areas and restaurants, and walking and cycling paths.
Driving along Major Mackenzie Road reveals the ongoing construction of Vaughan’s first hospital and Canada’s first smart hospital which features fully integrated smart technology systems and medical devices.
History of Vaughan, Ontario
Traditionally an agricultural and milling community, Vaughan’s economy diversified over the latter half of the 20th century as immigration increased and the township developed into a city. Today it is a diverse and growing community that welcomes new residents into its multicultural community with a growing metropolitan core.