Have you driven by the large lot just north of Wonderland lately? There, a sign identifies the property as the future site of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital. Years ago, to show the province how serious the city was about building a hospital, it purchased the property. Without a doubt, that act helped secure the estimated one billion provincial dollars for this project.
Construction is expected to begin within the next few years.
Have you also noticed the construction taking place in the Jane Street and Highway 7 area? It will be the University subway line extension that will end at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. It is expected to be completed in late 2016. Without the efforts of Vaughan City Council many years ago, the new line would have ended at York University. Our new downtown is starting to be built in the area around the subway terminus.
Have you been to the Vaughan Civic Centre yet? If not, come and take a look at one of the most environmentally sustainable public buildings in Canada. In the next couple of years, a new library and a public square will be constructed to provide a gathering place.
In this new year rather than look back, I say, look forward to the future and to the great things that are happening in our city. We have so much to look forward to.
For more information on these issues and others, subscribe to the W5 Update eNewsletter at www.vaughan.ca/enews/subscribe_alan.html.
I can be reached at 905-832-8585, ext. 8349, or by e-mail at alan.shefman@vaughan.ca.