John Graves Simcoe, lieutenant-governor when Upper Canada was founded in 1791, would be proud of the progress made in the community he named so long ago. Vaughan, originally a township, was christened in honour of the British negotiator of the Peace Treaty of Paris. In 1991 Vaughan celebrated its newly attained city status.

The fastest-growing community of its size in Canada during the past decade, Vaughan has ample cause to celebrate. Located in the Region of York immediately north of Metro Toronto’s west end, it offers many advantages to both businesses and individual residents.

The city is well served by highways and public transit systems and is less than a 15-minute drive away from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Set in the midst of the biggest market and best labour pool in the country, Vaughan has a vibrant, diversified economy. Commercial and industrial developments are encouraged; appropriate integration ensures that they complement existing neighbourhoods.

Municipal politicians and administrators pride themselves on their group effort and efficiency in accommodating development. Their planning ensures that all the amenities expected in a first-class city are provided to the more than 4,000 businesses and over 100,000 people calling Vaughan home.
 

1. Afternoon, Algonquin Park is one of the most renouned works in the Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven Collection (couresty/McMichael Canadian Art Collection) 2. The City of Vaughan is strategically located at the centre of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

The industrial expansion of the 1980s spurred the construction of retail centres and housing subdivisions. The city centre has now become another focus for development.

Vaughan’s vision of the future has not obscured the appreciation of the past. Long-established communities within the city, such as Concord, Thornhill, Kleinburg, Maple and Woodbridge have retained their old-town charm. In preserving the warmth of 19th century architecture, Vaughan has incorporated a sense of history into its renewed pioneer spirit of growth.

The natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area contribute to its tourist appeal. Extensive green areas, including the Kortright and Boyd Conservation Areas, offer trails through mixed woodlots and open parkland as well as nature education programs.

Black Creek Pioneer Village has transported generations of Canadians back to a time when the land was first settled. Authentic exhibits and informative staff in period costume bring history to life. Every year rural traditions are revived with local events such as the Binder Twine Festival in Kleinburg, the Thornhill Village Festival, the Woodbridge Fair and the Maple Syrup and Pancake Festival.

Historic Kleinburg, steeped in an early Canadian atmosphere, is also home to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. This collection of over 5,000 works is probably best known for its landscape paintings and, in particular, the premier works of the famous Group of Seven.

A more recent attraction, Canada’s Wonderland is an amusement park on a grand scale, with something for everyone.

For work or play, and a good life, there’s no better place than Vaughan to call home. The City is committed to growth and its residents.