General Information

Adopt-a-Park Community groups, schools, and associations are encouraged to adopt-a-park and assist in keeping parks safe from vandalism, free of garbage and to establish a sense of community ownership. Participant names appear on the park sign. Groups who commit to a minimum of three park events per year will have their name appear on the park sign in recognition of their commitment. Community involvement in this program has continued to flourish, involving many children’s groups.

Boulevard Maintenance- The Parks Services division is responsible for the maintenance of grass and shrubs on all city owned roadways and boulevards. In addition, the City is currently contracted to provide this service to the Region of York for most right of ways within Vaughan excluding rural roads. Parks Services performs the following functions: Prepares grass cutting and shrub bed maintenance contracts; Updates maps and measures new areas for maintenance; Inspects areas; Monitors work of contractors; Responds to requests for services from the public; Makes repairs to damaged boulevards or shrub beds.

Contract Maintenance - Prepares and manages contracts for: Boulevard grass maintenance; Cemetery maintenance; Transit bus shelter clearing; Portable washroom supply; Supply of winter calcium; Pesticide spraying; Park security.

Debris on City Owned Property - The problem of debris and illegal dumping is a growing concern within the City of Vaughan. Illegal dumping can be reported by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or By-Law Enforcement at 905-832-8505.

Street litter on municipally owned roads is cleaned by the City of Vaughan’s Boulevard Maintenance contractor usually once per week or as requested by the Parks Services. Debris clean up includes the removal of bag signs placed illegally on the boulevard.

Large loads of illegally dumped material are first inspected by By-Law then removed by Public Works if on City owned property.

The City of Vaughan promotes and encourages anti-litter education and works with both the Region of York and it's GTA partners to actively discourage street litter.

Graffiti & Vandalism - The City of Vaughan Parks Operations and Public Works Department, operates a Hotline that is answered by a live operator seven days a week from 8:00 am. to 12:00 a.m. After hours, the calls are recorded and responded to by the next day. This service allows residents to report suspicious activities, acts of vandalism, loitering, improper use of public lands, and other non-emergency activities. The City of Vaughan operator will take the required information and contact the proper authorities. The Hotline is not intended to replace emergency calls to police, fire or ambulance.

Horticulture - In the City of Vaughan, flowerbeds are used to highlight community gateways and to accentuate beautiful landscaping and architectural design. Well-maintained and cultivated beds are carefully prepared early in the season. The horticultural division maintains 547 planters and 763 hanging baskets. Flower beds - cultivate once a week; water 2-3 times per week; fertilize once per month; turn beds once per year. Hanging baskets - water 2-3 times per week; fertilize and dead head 2 times per month.

LEAF - Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests - please contact www.yourleaf.org

Long Grass and Weeds– The Noxious Weed Act is administered by the Parks Department Weed Inspector for the growing season. The Weed Inspector provides the necessary notices to land owners on properties containing noxious weeds as per the Act. In the case of neglected properties, the City will hire a contractor to cut the weeds and then bill the landowner. Where the Weed Act does not apply, a new by-law the ‘Debris By-Law’ allows the City to order long grass and weeds to be cut when they exceed 30 cm and after seven days notice. Residents and businesses that fail to comply may be subject to fines and may have to paythe cost of a City appointed contractor who will be sent to do the work.

Park Patrol, By-Laws & Crime Stoppers – Parks in Vaughan are clearly marked with the appropriate By-laws to keep them safe and vandalism-free.

During the summer months parks are patrolled weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to midnight and throughout the week-ends by calling our after hours dispatch (905-832-2281, push 0), we will respond to your concerns as soon possible.

Vaughan is also in partnership with Crime Stoppers. Residents are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers (1800-222-8477) to report any acts of mischief.

Dog owners are to stoop and scoop and to keep dogs on leashes at all times.

Parks and Open Spaces Grass Cutting - Parks Operations schedules grass cutting for parks on a 2 week rotation while increasing the frequency during peak growing times when weeds are more predominate.

Whenever suitable to the surroundings, Parks are left natural especially along streams and on nature trails. Often homes back onto drainage ditches or undeveloped Park land in which case the fence lines will be cut on a monthly rotation.

Recognizing that the need for areas to run, walk, play or to just sit quietly are extremely important for the community’s well being, parks are designed to give residents an opportunity to relax or stretch in areas well away from the sports field activity as well.

Park Security - To ensure that only valid permit holders use our playing fields the Parks Services division: Contracts seasonal security services; Patrols fields throughout the Spring and Summer; Monitors weather conditions; Closes or open fields for play; Inspects permits; Opens or closes gates of various parks for permitted use such as picnics or special events; Reports illegal activities to police or By-Law Enforcement; Writes daily reports.

Pesticides/IPM – Many new initiatives are being used to control weeds without pesticides. The City of Vaughan is pesticide free in all their parks & sports fields. Prevention is the best approach for managing pests. Increased frequency of grass cutting along with innovative non-pesticide techniques (aquaside sprayer) have produced a natural and safe turf for residents to enjoy.

Playground Maintenance - Using fully qualified and trained staff the Parks Services division maintains play structures to CSA standards by: Inspecting all units on a bi-monthly basis; Maintains inspection reports; Performing repairs as needed; Preparing replacement lists; Responding to service requests. The City of Vaughan currently maintains an inventory of over 200 playgrounds that provide a great place for children to exercise and play safely. All units comply with current CSA requirements.

Services in Kind & Event Setup – Deliver, set-up for special events such as: Santa Claus Parade, Canada Day, Ceremonies, Concerts in the Park, etc. Contact the Recreation permit section to arrange a Service-In-Kind request. 905-832-8500 ext. 8823

Sidewalk and Facility Snow Removal – The Parks section assists residents and businesses to clear snow and ice from 775 km of sidewalk which is divided into 27 routes of approximately 30 km each. Parks also clears snow and ice from 44 facilities, heritage homes, fire halls and libraries throughout the winter.

Sports Fields – Parks Operations staff maintain all sports field turf including fertilization, aeration, overseeding, topdressing, cutting, lining, repairs, and net installation.

Tree / Bench Dedication - The tree and bench dedication programs provides an opportunity for trees and benches to be placed in parks commemorating a birthday, anniversary, a milestone, or other special event. Call 905-832-8577 ext. 6168 for an application.

Trail Systems - For further information please click to the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority’s web page where the trails along the Humber and Don Watersheds are identified. Also there is a link on the City web site to the Bartley Smith Greenway web site as www.bartleysmithgreenway.ca.

Urban Forestry & Woodlots – pruning program based on a 5 year rotation (12,000 trees per year). Tree replacement/inspection programs (1300 trees per year). Mulching/fertilization/watering programs. Woodlot management plans.

Walkway Lighting – Please go to Building & Facilities website.

Weed Control - Throughout the summer Parks Operations receives numerous complaints regarding long grass and weeds on both private and public property. Long grass and weeds on land that is under a site plan agreement (developers land) is looked after by Engineering Services. On private residences By-Law Enforcement will respond to these complains as this applies to the Properties Standards Act.

York Transit Bus Shelter Snow Clearing – Contact York Region Transit at 905-792-2100 or www.yorkregiontransit.com

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