our future is now, let’s build it together

We are living in an exciting time in the City of Vaughan. All around us there is activity, movement and motion – and everywhere you look there are opportunities to improve our quality of life and realize the bright future of our City. One of the considerations that is in front of us now is an integrated entertainment and cultural district, including a gaming complex.

In May of this year, Vaughan Council declared its interest as a willing host to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s cultural and entertainment gaming complex. This decision reflects our commitment to respond to the citizens of Vaughan’s request to examine possible proposals for a cultural and entertainment district in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

This also reflects our commitment to becoming a key economic development driver in the GTA and Canada by creating jobs, encouraging investment and pursuing opportunities that will enhance our quality of life and standard of living. Building a world-class cultural and entertainment district in Vaughan is consistent with our mission to create and expand opportunities for our residents.

If Vaughan is chosen to host an integrated entertainment and gaming complex, gaming would be a relatively small component of this billion-dollar private-sector facility. It will also feature a five-star hotel, entertainment arts centre, convention space, retail opportunities and restaurants that will serve as an anchor for the local cultural and tourism industry. Plus, the revenue it generates for the City would allow us to invest more in the projects that matter to you.

It would also align with the vision we have put in place through our strategic plan – that Vaughan will be “a city of choice that promotes diversity, innovation and opportunity for all citizens” – and support our plan to build a dynamic downtown – Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. To realize our economic potential we need to promote our city to new markets.

The people of Vaughan have a vision for the future of our City. We envision a world-class city that will welcome visitors from around the world. We envision a vibrant new downtown – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre – that will be the heart of our community and be connected to the GTA by the subway extension. We are living in an exciting time in Vaughan – our future is now, let’s build it together.

Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.Mayor, City of Vaughan

Vaughan.Business Link.

business news and statistics from the city of Vaughan fall 2013

a cultural and entertainment district in Vaughan

On May 29, 2013, Vaughan Council voted in favour of being a willing “host to a world-class cultural and entertainment district, which will include an integrated convention, trade centre, five-star hotel and entertainment arts centre, including a gaming complex, and other infrastructure and services consistent with the City’s plan to improve the citizens’ standard of living and quality of life.”

Vaughan’s interest in hosting an integrated entertainment and gaming complex is contingent upon a number of terms and conditions that were endorsed by Council.

“The terms and conditions set out by the City of Vaughan are firm and driven by our ultimate objective of acting in the best interest of our residents and this city,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Council’s Terms and Conditions:• Theoperatorwouldprovideanonsiteresponsiblegamingsupportcentre.

• Thecasinoandtheoperatorwouldimplementasupplychaindiversitypolicythat encourages opportunities for local businesses and ensures that the gaming complex utilizes a continuing skilled labour force that resembles the diversity of the City.

• Theoperatorwoulddevelopajointemploymentandlabourmarketplan with the City to support the operation of the casino and related functions.

• Theoperatorwouldidentifyopportunitiestopartnerwitheducationalfacilities in the GTA to develop complementary skills training programs to support the joint employment and labour market plan.

• Theoperatorwoulddevelopaninternationalmarketingplananddemonstrate how the complex will attract tourists.

• Thegamingfloorwouldbeamaximumof15percentoftheentirecomplex,which would also feature hotels, convention space, retail opportunities and restaurants.

• Thegamingcomplexwillonlybeconsideredinaspecificgeographicalarea– the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (see map below).

• Theoperatorwouldberesponsibleforfundingthetransportationandother infrastructure it requires for the development and operation of the gaming complex.

• ThedevelopmentwouldconformwiththeCity’sOfficialPlanandbeconsistent with other planning, development and design policies and guidelines.

For a complete list of terms and conditions, visit the Major Projects and Reports section of www.vaughan.ca and download the May 28, 2013 report titled Potential of an Entertainment and Gaming Complex in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

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KLEINBURG

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400N

407InsIdE ThIs IssuECreative Economy and Cultural hub

healthcare Precinct Plan

Building statistics and Tax Rates

Business Bulletin The location of a vibrant, new downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

Creative Economy and Cultural Hub.

The integrated entertainment and cultural complex could open the doors to a multitude of new possibilities for this city through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.’s (OLG) Modernization Plan.

If Vaughan is selected to host the billion-dollar GTA complex, it could serve as the catalyst to realize the vision residents have for the future of this city:

• Createthousandsofhigh-payingjobopportunities

•Reducethefinancialburdenontaxpayers

•Generatemillionsofdollarstoinvestinthecommunity

• Improvethequalityoflife

InCREAsE ECOnOMIC ACTIVITY

An integrated entertainment and gaming complex will stimulate and promote economic activity in the City of Vaughan on several fronts.

Withaprojectedinvestmentof$1.2billionto$1.5billionbyaprivate-sectoroperator, the City can expect to receive approximately $32 million in annual hosting fees based on the OLG’s hosting fee formula. The hosting fee is a direct non-taxation source of revenue to the City to use as it determines.

The City will also benefit from millions of dollars in property taxes. Thecomplexwillproduceapproximately$16.3millionto$24.5million in property taxes each year:

• Citywillreceive$2.4millionto$3.7million.

• YorkRegionwillreceive$4.3millionto$6.4million.

• Educationwillreceive$9.6millionto$14.4million.

This economic driver in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre will not be a stand-alone casino; instead, this complex will be home to a number of complementary amenities, including a convention/trade centre, a five-star hotel and an entertainment arts centre.

Together, these establishments would attract people to the new downtown area and serve as a catalyst for the local tourism market by promoting overnight and multi-night stays.

All this economic benefit, with no requirement for public funds.

InCREAsE OPPORTunITIEs FOR ThE COMMunITYThe increased economic activity an integrated entertainment and cultural complex will generate for the City of Vaughan will result in more opportunities for the community.

A breakdown of average compensation for the gaming full-time jobs:

•Executive(5percent):$100,000+

•Middlemanagement(15percent):$60,000to$100,000

•Front-linestaff(80percent):$40,000to$60,000

It will also support trades and apprentice programs, among others.

The Economics.Billion-dollar private-sector investment will be a catalyst for economic activity.

$0 from the

City

$1.2-$1.5billion

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8,000 permanent

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$32 million

in annual hosting fees

3,000construction

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•8,000directpermanentjobs•3,000constructionjobs•4,000indirectjobs

•Attractdiversearts andculturaleventsto entertainmentvenue•Skillstraining

The Opportunities.Complex will help build a sustainable community.

For more information on this project, visit the Major Projects and Reports section of www.vaughan.ca.

IMPROVE ThE QuALITY OF LIFEThe millions of dollars in revenue generated from the integrated entertainment complex each year will be invested back into the City of Vaughan, improving the quality of life for our residents.

This new revenue will position the City to pursue projects and initiatives that otherwise would not be possible. Families will benefit from parks, playgrounds, artificial turf fields and performing arts space. Funding will be available to repair, landscape and beautify our roads, as well as reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Quality of life is also about safety. Over the past 18 years of casino gambling in Ontario, mayors in all 23 host municipalities have reported to the OLG that there is no correlation between gaming in their communities and crime rates. York Regional Police has indicated it does not anticipate an increase in crime as a result of a gaming complex, certainly no more than what would be expected as a result of any large developments.

Responsible Gaming: The OLG’s innovative responsible gaming program was recognized by the World Lottery Association with the highest certification for responsible gambling programs. The OLG will continue to focus on preventing and mitigating the effects of problem gambling. Vaughan Council has required that the OLG have a Responsible Gaming Resource Centre at the proposed site in Vaughan.

The Possibilities.•SupportVaughanhospital•Reducefinancialburden on taxpayers•Modernmulti-purpose sports facilities•Creationofavibrant downtown cultural hub

•Performingartsspace•Collegecampus•Betterroads•Enhanced facilities for youth, seniors and families•Employmentopportunities

Revenues will be reinvested to improve the quality of life.

Looking south east

Major Mackenzie Drive

Jane Street

Highway 400

Building Statistics and Tax Rates.

comParatiVe industrial and commercial ProPerty tax rates in the gta, 2013

Municipality Industrial Occupied Commercial Occupied

Vaughan 2.158917% 1.859228%

Mississauga 2.521798% 2.154999%

Toronto 3.055054% 3.035526%

Source: City of Vaughan, Economic Development Department, website survey ( June, 2013).

VAUGHANISONEOFTHETOPTHREEPERFORMINGINDUSTRIALMARKETSINTHEGTAArticle courtesy of CBRE

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) north industrial market is roughly 123.2 million sq. ft., of that Vaughan accounts for more than half of the industrial inventory. With various construction projects currently underway in Vaughan, suchasthe658,000sq.ft.HomeDepotRapidDeploymentCentreonhuntington Road, it is expected that the inventory will increase over the next several quarters.

Currently, the availability rate is at 4.4 per cent, which is significantly lower than the 6.4 per cent last year and lower than the five-year quarterly average of7.0percent.Withthegrowingdemandforlargewarehouseandlogisticsspace, buildings with clear heights greater than 26 feet are in high demand. The availability rate for such buildings is less than 1 per cent, which has been steadily dropping since last year.

Vaughan has recorded more than one million sq. ft. of positive absorption year-to-date, which makes this market one of the top three performing markets in the entire GTA. Average asking lease rates have been steadily risingsincethefirstquarterof2011andiscurrentlyat$5.24psf.Significantlease transactions in the second quarter of 2013 include 8162 Keele street, a120,172sq.ft.propertyleasedbyCalibreSalesInc.Duetofavourablefinancing costs, the average asking sale price has dramatically increased from $89.64 psf in the first quarter of 2013 to $132.86 psf in the second quarter of 2013. The average asking sale price of $132.86 psf for distribution space is the highest rate that Vaughan has seen.

building and construction actiVity, ahead of 2012 leVels

Source: City of Vaughan, Building Standards, September 2013

TOTALVALUEOFbUILDINGPERMITSISSUEDyEAR-TO-DATE,JANUARy–AUGUST,2012VS.2013

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$520.9

$699.2

CITY OF VAuGhAn MOVEs AhEAd WITh VAuGhAn hEALThCARE CEnTRE PRECInCT PLAn

The City of Vaughan is moving forward with the development of the Vaughan healthcare Centre Precinct Plan. A draft plan was presented at a public meeting at Vaughan City hall on september 3, 2013 that outlined the framework for the development of the 82-acre City-owned parcel of land just north of Canada’s Wonderland at Major Mackenzie drive and Jane street.

“The vision for the Vaughan healthcare Centre Precinct Plan is to transform these lands into a vibrant healthcare centre that will include a new hospital and a range of other related uses,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “The City is moving quickly to complete the groundwork to facilitate the development of this land. This Precinct Plan moves the community closer to the level of healthcare service it requires and will improve the quality of life for all our residents.”

The Vaughan healthcare Centre Precinct Plan provides a detailed framework for the development of the site including a servicing strategy,

a transportation plan, a community energy strategy and urban design guidelines. The Precinct Plan allows for the development of a hospital in addition to healthcare related uses including medical and dental offices, research and laboratory facilities, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, education, training, meeting and conference facilities related to healthcare, and businesses or health facilities that promote wellness.

The comments gathered from the public meeting will provide the basis for further refinement of the Precinct Plan, which will be reported on at a future Committee of the Whole meeting. The final Precinct Plan is expected to go before Vaughan Council later this year.

Further information is available on the City’s website at www.vaughan.ca/PrecinctPlan.

TheHealthcarePrecinctPlanencompasses33ha.(82acre)parceloflandownedby the City of Vaughan located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of JaneStreetandMajorMackenzieDrive,asshownonthemap.

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Vaughan HealthcarePrecinct Lands

Healthcare Precinct Plan.

celebrAteSMAllbUSINeSSWeeK:october21-25

In partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, COsTI Immigrant services, Welcome Centre and Vaughan Public Libraries, the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) will be hosting small Business Week from October21-25.AcrosstheprovinceSmallBusiness Week is a much anticipated annual event which features a week with seminars and workshops dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses. Last year, the event drew more than650businesses.

This year’s small Business Week theme is, Transformation Grows Business, business experts will be discussing topics such as finance, marketing, personal branding and much more, at any of the 20 seminar sessions. This year’s opening keynote speaker is TsuFIT, author of the award-winning book, step into the spotlight – A Guide to Getting noticed.

Focus On Youth Entrepreneurship

small Business Week will also shine a spotlight on youth this year. Youth considering entrepreneurship as a career path are invited to a special evening dedicated to learning and networking with other young and energetic business leaders. Come meet with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and learn how you can access funding for youth-related ventures.

All seminars are free of charge. Advance registration is required, as space is limited. A calendar of events is posted on the website, www.vaughan.ca/VbEC.

Email: VBEC@vaughan.ca Tel:905-832-8526

3rdANNUAlArtSeXPoSedcoNfereNce:october4-5

Arts Exposed is a dynamic two-day conference offering an unparalleled learning and networking experience for arts and culture stakeholders. Building on past success, the third annual Arts Exposed conference will be the capstone cultural event of 2013!

This year’s conference theme is: Experiencing the Arts – Creating, Marketing & Living the Experience! The conference includes expert speakers and sessions covering topics on: creative placemaking, cultural tourism, festival strategies and models, how to market your stories, developing experiences, and how to succeed in the industry.

network with artists of all disciplines, municipal leaders and planners, and those affiliated with cultural firms and nonprofits, festivals, museums, galleries, professional theatre, film, major attractions, tourism providers, arts education and more!

Meet with industry experts in your field of specialization. Whether you are visual, literary or performing artist, or a filmmaker, archivist, or multidisciplinary artist – you can engage with industry leaders.

To register or for further information, visit: www.ArtsExposed.ca

12tHANNUAlVAUGHAN bUSINeSS-to-bUSINeSS eXPoANdtrAdeSHoW:febrUAry12,2014

VBEC’s 12th Annual EXPO, Branded, invites all

businesses to learn about the importance of

building a business brand, as well as branding

yourself as a professional in your field.

The EXPO will teach local business owners how

to get an edge over their competition through

the development of a strong, consistent brand

that effectively communicates the company’s

message to its target market. Businesses

are invited to have a booth, or to attend as a

participant. The day will consist of networking

opportunities, industry expert guest speakers,

and workshop activities.

Participants will be offered complimentary

consultations with brand experts, elevator

speech spot check, image assessment and

receive500freebusinesscards.Attendees

will also have the opportunity receive free

consultations with experts in sREd, Trade

Marking, and sales.

Exhibitors, sponsors, and conference attendees

are encouraged to contact VBEC:

Email: VBEC@vaughan.ca

Tel:905-832-8526

www.vaughan.ca/VbEC

Printed in Canada © City of Vaughan 2013

CITY OF VAuGhAn ECOnOMIC dEVELOPMEnT dEPARTMEnT2141 Major Mackenzie drive, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada l6a 1t1 tel:905-832-8585•email:ecdev@vaughan.ca•web:vaughan.ca

sTAY InFORMEd.SubscribetotheEconomicDevelopmente-News! Sendanemailwiththesubjectline“Signmeupfore-News!”toecdev@vaughan.ca

BusinessBulletin

TRANSFORMATIONCONTINUESALONGHIGHWAY7WESTArticle courtesy of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (vivaNext)

IthasbeenabusysummerwithvivaNextrapidwayconstructionalongHighway7West.Thebeginningof the transformation can be seen all along the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) corridor, but just because colder temperatures are around the corner doesn’t mean the work is done.

Throughout the fall and winter hydro, gas, utilities, retaining wall construction and Cn bridge work continues. Construction throughout the VMC will stay in high gear with traffic shifts and lane closures alongHighway7forroadwideningfromHighway400toBowesRoad.ThevivaNextrapidwayisscheduledto be in service in 2016 to coincide with the completion of the Toronto-York spadina subway Extension.

ThevivaNextinformationcentrelocatedat7800JaneStreetisopenonMondaysfrom9a.m.–12p.m.and Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. to ask questions, see project maps, provide feedback and obtain project information. You can also contact your vivanext Community Liaison, Carrie slattery, at 289-716-0091withanyquestionsorcomments.Signupforconstructionnoticesatwww.vivanext.com

WoodbrIdGeVIllAGefArMerS’MArKet eVerySAtUrdAyfroM9A.M.-1P.M. UNtIloctober12

Woodbridge Pool & Memorial Arena atHighway7andIslingtonAvenue

For more information:

Email: jamiemaynard@bellnet.ca

www.woodbridgevillagefarmersmarket.com