Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca says the city will take “bold action” in 2026 to strengthen public safety, while continuing to advance development and infrastructure projects in one of Canada’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Reflecting on 2025, Del Duca said Vaughan experienced both challenges and achievements but made significant progress across cultural, bylaw and public safety fronts. Among the highlights was the launch of the city’s first Festa d’Italia, a free cultural celebration recognizing Vaughan’s Italian community through music, food and entertainment. Following its success, the festival will return as a two-day event on June 6 and 7, 2026, at Boyd Conservation Park.
Other milestones cited by the mayor include the return of the Santafest Parade, amendments to the city’s nuisance bylaw targeting loitering and deceptive panhandling, the controversial removal of automated speed enforcement, and broader efforts to address crime.
Public safety remains a central focus after a spike in violent crime in 2025, including the high-profile home invasion killing of Abdul Aleem Farooqi in Kleinburg. The case sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls from residents and city leaders for bail reform and tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
Del Duca said that through “strong and stable leadership,” Vaughan will prioritize community safety in the coming year, though he did not outline new measures in detail. However, the city has already committed funding to support York Regional Police as it expands crime prevention efforts.
York Regional Police announced in September that it will expand its stationary CCTV network using automated licence plate recognition technology to help track stolen vehicles. Vaughan is funding 10 additional cameras from its own tax base, equipped with both licence plate recognition and shot-spotter technology to detect gunfire. Installation is expected in early 2026.
Emergency services will also be expanded with the opening of Fire Station 7-12 near Weston and Rutherford roads. The facility will become Vaughan’s 11th fire station, improving response times and easing pressure on neighbouring stations.
Beyond safety, Del Duca said the city will continue building “complete communities” and strengthening the local economy. Major projects expected to advance in 2026 include the long-awaited family recreation area at North Maple Regional Park, a $26-million development featuring playgrounds, waterplay areas and a winter skating trail, scheduled to open in the summer.
Infrastructure work will also continue, with the long-delayed widening of Rutherford Road from Highway 400 to Westburne Drive — expanding it from four to six lanes — now expected to be completed in the fall.
“Vaughan is growing rapidly, and we must manage that growth responsibly,” Del Duca said, adding that expanding emergency services, infrastructure and community spaces remains key to ensuring the city’s long-term success.
