On Feb. 13th, Mayor Bevilacqua addressed an audience of more than 800 business, government and community leaders – making this the largest event ever hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Bevilacqua reflected on past accomplishments, outlined a series of transformational city-building initiatives and spoke passionately about the importance of purpose-driven leadership during a keynote address at the 2019 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Luncheon.

“Sound public finances, fiscal transparency and Service Excellence have been fundamental to our efforts to attract, retain and ignite new job-creating opportunities and to elevate Vaughan’s place in the world as an economic powerhouse,” Mayor Bevilacqua said, announcing that “since 2010, the City of Vaughan has issued more than 45,000 building permits representing nearly $11 billion. This also includes more than another $1 billion in permits issued in 2018.”

During the speech, Mayor Bevilacqua announced that the City signed an agreement with Bell Canada to bring a next-generation fiber optic broadband network to local residences and businesses in Vaughan. This is a significant $180-million investment that will provide Vaughan with leading internet technology and the fastest data speeds available in Canada.

In January, Mayor Bevilacqua made the historic announcement that Niagara University had expanded to the VMC, marking the arrival of the first university to Vaughan and York Region. Mayor Bevilacqua used the occasion of his luncheon on Feb. 13 to present Niagara University President Rev. James J. Maher with the Key to the City. This marks only the second time in Vaughan’s history that a Key to the City has been presented. This acclamation is reserved for distinguished individuals and Father Maher is among the select few.

Investing in the health and well-being of the citizens was central to the Mayor’s address. As Honorary Chair of the Better Ending Capital Campaign to build a Residential Hospice and Centre of Excellence, Mayor Bevilacqua proudly announced a series of new donations, adding that “we have reached our $12 million goal. Our campaign has been successful, and we are now even closer to building this state-of-the-art facility in Vaughan.”

For more information you can visit: www.vaughanchamber.ca