Vaughan’s Economy PoisEd for growth with thE aPProVal of thE 427 ExtEnsion

As a result of Vaughan’s active lobbying of the Province, Premier Kathleen Wynne and other government officials made the exciting announcement on May 16 at Conair Canada that the Province has financially committed in Ontario’s 2013 budget to fund the extension of the Highway 427 in Vaughan.

“This is a major win for the City of Vaughan and the fulfillment of a promise to get the Highway 427 extension approved during this term of office,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “I am pleased that Premier Wynne and her government acted on this important file. This timely construction of the extension will accelerate investment growth and job opportunities by better connecting communities, and improving the flow of traffic as well as goods and services for our businesses in the Vaughan Enterprise Zone, one of the most valuable employment areas in the GTA.”

Highway 427 and the Vaughan Enterprise Zone (VEZ) serves as a regional economic gateway and hub for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) which encompasses 2,800 acres and is home to 48 million square feet of industrial space and 46,000 jobs at full build-out, servicing a projected 3.1 million people. Economic growth has always been dependent on increasing the capacity and rationality of transportation. It is also a necessity for specialization, allowing for production and consumption of products to occur at different locations.

Transportation plays an important role in economic growth and globalization, as strong transportation infrastructure allows for an increase in trade locally, nationally and internationally. This expansion makes it possible for further growth in the VEZ opening up an additional 620 acres, the potential for 10.8 million square feet of industrial space and 9,900 jobs.

Construction of the 427 extension is scheduled to begin in 2016/2017 and is part of the Ontario government’s commitment to improve infrastructure across the province. The highway extension includes three new interchanges, one at Langstaff Road, Rutherford Road and Major Mackenzie Drive; nine bridges; and production for a future transitway and transit stations along the west side of the highway.

Growth in this area is already at a fast pace with construction underway for the expansion of Conair’s head office and distribution centre, as well as Serta Mattress’ plans for a 263,000-sq.ft. distribution centre on Huntington Road and the Sorbara Group has recently signed a lease with Accuristix for its 230,000-sq.ft. building on Stone Ridge Road.

The Highway 427 Extension will further connect the VEZ to key Canadian and US markets, making the GTA an international gateway for flows of goods, services and capital. The extension is an integral part of the federal government’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

For more information about the Vaughan Enterprise Zone, visit www.vaughan.ca/VEZ

hElP Bring PositiVE changE to PEoPlE’s

liVEs! BE a Proud sPonsor

We are pleased to invite you to join the City of Vaughan at the

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua Annual Charity Golf Classic on

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at the Copper Creek Golf Club, located at

11191 Highway #27 in Vaughan. We are proud to once again

welcome Brian Bentz, President & CEO PowerStream Inc. as chair

of the organizing committee. This event is in support of not-for-

profit and community organizations that need our help to fulfill

their important and vital role of providing much needed services

to our citizens.

In addition to a round of golf at one of Canada’s top golf courses,

the event features a gourmet dinner, silent auction and other

activities, including the million dollar shootout.

There will also be a number of on-course activities including

hole-in-one competitions, closest to the pin and longest drive.

The tournament is a shotgun format. Space is limited so please

register early.

To download the event sponsorship package, visit www.vaughan.ca

and enter keywords: Mayor’s Golf Classic. There are several

sponsorship packages available that allow you to customize your

level of support.

For more information, please contact the City of Vaughan’s Event

Coordinators at 905-832-8585: Franca Gatto ext. 8037, or Jenny

Galati ext. 8022.

Vaughan.Business Link.

BusinEss nEws and statistics from thE city of Vaughan summEr 2013

InSIDE THIS ISSUE

Creative Sector Highlights

Economic Development Updates

International Business Development

Building Statistics and Tax Rates

Business Bulletin

Home Depot Canada’s new 657,600-sq.ft. Rapid Deployment Centre located in the Vaughan Enterprise Zone.

Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C., Mayor, and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne with Members of Council and government officials at the Highway 427 Extension announcement.

Vgn_BusinessLink_Summer2013.indd 1 2013-06-20 12:45 PM

CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR VISITORS

The tourism industry, as part of the Creative and Cultural Sector, is an

important and growing part of Vaughan’s economic fabric. This year the

addition of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre has increased Vaughan’s tourism

offerings and the City’s quality of life. The demand for fresh, new and exciting

events is unrelenting in the quest for tourist spending.

For the past three years, the City has hosted an annual Tourism Roundtable to

help local operators develop and enhance their business, share tools and best

practices to build brand awareness and visitation. The theme of this year’s

roundtable was ‘experiential tourism and product development’. Facilitated

by Richard Innes of Brain Trust Marketing & Communications, business

participants were introduced to experiential tourism tools.

The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development Department in collaboration

with Ontario’s Central Counties RTO6 are committed to bringing new

attractions but also to evolve product offerings to visitors, travel and

convention market. The focus is to form stronger relationships with local

businesses, involving them in building a critical mass of activities and

diverse tourism offerings, and providing visitors with

exceptional, authentic experiences.

As well, Central Counties Tourism RTO6 will be

following up with individual businesses to assist

in developing their plans. For more information or

roundtable presentation materials, please contact

the Business Development Officer, Dolores Rotondo:

Tel. 905-832-8585 ext. 8187

Email: Dolores.Rotondo@vaughan.ca

www.vaughan.ca/tourism

INAUGURAL VAUGHAN FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHED WITH GREAT SUCCESS

The first ever Vaughan Film Festival (VFF) launched

with exceptional success, this April. The two-day

event kicked-off with the Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua,

P.C., Vaughan Mayor, cutting the film ribbon and

culminated with the Golden Reel Awards at the

Grand Social Gala. The sold-out screenings held at

the Colossus Cineplex showcased 18 international

short films, including Oscar-winning Best Live-

Action Short documentary, Curfew. Although the VFF

started by local film-makers Antonio Ienco and Mark

Pagliaroli of Reel Films is primarily a showcase of

films, it also featured live performances and an arts

exhibition.

“The arts and creative industries are powerful

economic generators. It’s an expression of our

passions and it’s fun, but we want to plant the seed

that it can be a business too,” said Mark Pagliaroli.

Close to 600 guests were greeted with an exhibition

of artwork by local artists and musicians during the

Grand Social Gala. Hosted by ET Canada’s Rick

Campanelli, the Grand Social saw performances

by jazz band Luke Maxim, Musaic School of Music

students and opera pop group Naria. Festivities took

on a new dimension when a flash mob was formed

and quickly spread to include Carla Collins (Laugh

Factory), Fatima Ptacek (Oscar winner and voice of

Dora the Explorer), Tony Rosato (Saturday Night

Live), Discovery Channel president Paul Lewis, as

well as other Festival participants.

Economic DevelopmentUpdates

Together the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment (MEDTE) and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) under their shared ‘Research, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Division’ have just announced the launch the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), previously known as the Ontario Network of Excellence. This newly formed network is supported by a new website www.ONEBusiness.ca, a site where entrepreneurs can find on-line resources and be directed to the appropriate member ‘entry’ point.

The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs will bring together Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs), Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), Northern Development and Mines Regional Economic Development Offices and Business Advisory Services (BAS) as a newly integrated network; which includes the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC).

This new network is driven by a desire to ensure the Province is effectively leveraging existing resources and encouraging a higher level of collaboration across all Centres. The goal is to ensure that small and medium sized businesses are connected to the business advice and in-person assistance they require, in a quick and convenient manner.

NEWLY CREATED ONTARIO NETWORK OF ENTREPRENEURS (ONE)

Through the ONE Network Vaughan based businesses will now have direct access to the vast services offered by the various Centres making it even easier to offer support and expertise to entrepreneurs of all types irrespective of the size of their company or the stage they are in within their business life cycle (e.g., starting, growing, expanding).

Small businesses play a critical role in our economy and VBEC continues to be one of the busiest SBECs in the 57 SBEC Ministry network. In the past six months VBEC has consulted with more than 368 clients. VBEC is the first-stop in ensuring that an entrepreneur is provided with the necessary knowledge and advice to take their dream, put them on the right path and fuel their business success. Being a hub of business expertise in Vaughan, they are committed to providing excellence in business advice and in-person assistance in a quick and efficient manner.

For more information, please contact VBEC:

Tel. 905-832-8526 Email: VBEC@vaughan.ca

www.vaughan.ca/VBEC

Creative Sector Highlights

On June 4, Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C., Mayor, addresses Vaughan Tourism

Roundtable business attendees at Vaughan City Hall.

Local businesses: Scotiabank, Roy Foss Woodbridge, Mini Moose Media, Interior

Home Improvement, and Façade Academy of the Arts supported the Festival and

participated in the Festival as award presenters. “Mini Moose Media was really

pleased to work with Reel Films and we’re hoping to bring the Festival to the next

level, with more films and more media exposure,” said Dustin Fox, Mini Moose’s

Managing Director.

The VFF and Reel Films is already having a positive impact on Vaughan youth.

The VFF awarded scholarships, donated by Façade Academy of the Arts, to two

Woodbridge students, Christina Laronga and Selina Testani from Father Bressani

Catholic High School. They were each awarded $1,500 towards their post-secondary

education, as well as a 36-week arts program. Through a partnership with the

Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre, Reel Films will be mentoring young film-makers,

producing a short documentary that will be presented during Small Business Week in

October.

Vgn_BusinessLink_Summer2013.indd 2 2013-06-20 12:45 PM

International BusinessDevelopment

Space is limited, so register online today! www.vaughan.ca/Israel

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN VAUGHAN: 2012 vs. 2013 ISSUED BUILDING PERMIT DOLLARS, YEAR-TO-DATE (JAN. - MAY)

Building Statistics and Tax Rates

STRONG MARKET ACTIVITY

According to Colliers Canada, the GTA North industrial market was fairly active this quarter, with the availability rate declining from 4.8 per cent at the end of 2012 to 4.4 per cent at the end of the first quarter. Vaughan’s availability rate fell below the average, standing at 3.8 per cent, down from 4.9 per cent for the same time last year. Seven transactions occurred during Q1 2013, with approximately 2.7 million square feet still available on the market. Significant lease transactions in Vaughan included 121 Stone Ridge Road (leased by ATS Andlauer Transportation Services); 8150-8162 Keele Street (leased by Calibre Marketing & Sales) and 111 Creditview Road (purchased by Del Monte Canada for their own use).

From January to May 2013, the City of Vaughan issued permits worth $278.6 million, a 10.7 per cent increase ($26.9 million) compared to the same period last year. Institutional permit values were disproportionately high due to the Black Creek Pioneer Village subway station permit issued in February.

VAUGHAN’S COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TAX RATES, 2013

The City of Vaughan’s new property tax rates for industrial occupied property is 2.158917 per cent, a decrease from 2.231555 per cent in 2012. The 2013 budget impact for an industrial property assessed at $100,000 is $8.70. Similarly, the new commercial occupied tax rates will be decreased to 1.859228 per cent from 1.921736 per cent in 2012. The 2013 budget impact for a commercial property assessed at $100,000 is $7.41.

Source: City of Vaughan, Finance Department, Tax Rates Effective July 2013Source: City of Vaughan, Building Standards Department, June 2013

VAUGHAN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TAX RATES – 2012 VS. 2013

Year Industrial Occupied Commercial Occupied

2012 2.231555% 1.921736%

2013 2.158917% 1.859228%Residential Commercial Industrial Institutional Miscellaneous

20122013

$250,000,000

$300,000,000

$200,000,000

$150,000,000

$100,000,000

$50,000,000

$02012

013

$251.7 Million $278.6 Million

CleanTech Exhibition 2012, Vaughan 2012 Exploratory Mission to Israel. Far right: Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman, and Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella.

2013 Vaughan Business Mission to IsraelSeptember 28 - October 6

Tel Aviv Haifa Eilat/Eilot Jerusalem

VAUGHAN LAUNCHES 2013 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MISSION TO ISRAEL THURSDAY, JUNE 27

The City invites the business community to attend the launch program and a pre-mission information session to learn more about the competitive advantages of participating in the City of Vaughan’s international business mission to Israel this fall. The launch and pre-mission information session will be held on Thursday, June 27 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Vaughan City Hall, Multi-Purpose Room. This fall the City of vaughan is leading a business delegation to Israel in partnership with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the Government of Israel Economic Mission to Canada, the Canada Israel Chamber of Commerce, and ColdSpring Commerce.

The mission will feature one-on-one business meetings with pre-qualified Israeli companies, visits to world leading technology parks and business incubators. Network with business owners from a targeted set of industries that can help your business grow and help the City of Vaughan execute its Economic Development Strategy. These include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Environmental and Green Products & Services – Water, Energy, Construction, Building Products

• Security – Transportation, Logistics, Warehousing & Distribution , Public Safety & First Responders

• Information Technology – Hardware, Software, Specific Applications

• Scientific and Technical Products & Services – Health Care & Edcuation

See how Renewable Energy, Health and Infrastructure initiatives have opened up new avenues of economic growth and opportunity for Israel’s southern most city of Eilat/Eilot.

For more information: Jennifer Ladouceur Director of Economic Development Economic Development Department Tel: 905-832-8585 ext. 8093 Email: Jennifer.Ladouceur@vaughan.ca

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ONTARIO BUSINESS GRANTS FOR MANUFACTURERS

Looking to grow your business to the next level? Take a look at the top government fundingprograms available for manufacturers:

IRAP Accelerated Review Process (ARP) Research and Development Funding Grants The IRAP Accelerate Review Process (ARP) is available to provide grant funding for small business that supports 80 per cent of direct labour costs and 50 per cent of subcontractor fees, up to $50,000.

IRAP Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP): Grant Funding for Business Software Implementation This particular program is popular among companies searching for funding to implement software technology, such as ERP system implementation and upgrading projects.

Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) or iSTEM: Grants for Hiring Recent Grads iSTEM Ontario small business grants offer businesses the ability to hire graduates from any of the STEM fields. This program covers 50 per cent of the graduate’s wages over six months, up to $10,000 for a Bachelor’s graduate, and up to $15,000 for a Master’s or PhD graduate.

Yves Landry AIME Initiative: Ontario Business Grants for Training The Yves Landry AIME Initiative covers 50 per cent of trainer expenses as well as direct labour hours of trainees, up to $50,000. This program supports the training costs associated with the adoption of new technology, equipment, software, and/or new processes or procedures in order to assist with export expansion by utilizing present equipment to build a competitive advantage.

For information, please contact the Director of Economic Development, Jennifer Ladouceur:

Tel.905-832-8585 ext. 8093 Email: Jennifer.Ladouceur@vaughan.ca www.vaughan.ca/business CREATE A PROFILE ON VAUGHAN.CA FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

The City of Vaughan has a new website that makes it easier for you to stay in touch with your City.

With a vaughan.ca profile you’ll get updates on: • Business news • City events • Workshop and seminar notifications • Applications, permits, and licensing • And more!

PLUS! Create an online profile on vaughan.ca by August 16 for a chance to WIN GIFT CARDS to popular Vaughan attractions! Visit vaughan.ca to register your profile, and for complete contest details, rules and regulations.

Business Bulletin

UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION WITH YORK REGION THIS SUMMER

The Regional Municipality of York, in partnership with the City of Vaughan, will be contacting local businesses from May through August. Please take a few minutes to update your company’s information with a York Region Employment Surveyor when they visit your workplace. This year will mark the 13th consecutive annual update undertaken by York Region in collaboration with all nine local municipalities.

One of the benefits of participating in this survey is the opportunity to receive a FREE listing in local and regional online business directories.

The collected information is used for many purposes, including: monitoring local economic trends and emerging sectors; updating the York Region Business Directory; analyzing and marketing local business sectors; creating business attraction and retention strategies; forecasting infrastructure and hard service requirements; and, transit service planning.

New this year, the Region will be surveying home and farm-based businesses on a voluntary basis.

For more information, please contact Amanda Iafrate, Planner, York Region Long Range Planning Branch:

Tel. 1-877-464-YORK ext. 1576 www.york.ca/businessdirectory CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE IN VAUGHAN

• Quality Cheese Inc. crowned Grand Champion at the 2013 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix. • Mircom Group of Companies received the 2013 Gold Edison Award for Smart Systems.

Printed in Canada © City of Vaughan 2013

CITY OF VAUGHAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada L6A 1T1 tel: 905-832-8585 email: ecdev@vaughan.ca www.vaughan.ca

STAY INFORMED.Subscribe to the Economic Development e-News! Send an email with the subject line “Sign me up for e-News!” to ecdev@vaughan.ca

CONGRATULATIONS! VAUGHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS WINNERS

The 2013 Business Achievement Awards winners are:

• Business of the Year: Small Business – Under 25 Employees - Cameraworks Productions Inc.

• Custom Builder - StateView Homes

• Builder of the Year - Arista Homes

• Consumer Business - Leather Treaty Inc.

• Construction Services & Products - Aluma Systems International

• Environmental Leadership - H2FLOW

• Exporter - Unique Broadband Systems Ltd.

• Accessibility - The Schwartz/Reisman Centre

• Manufacturing - J Roberts Manufacturing Inc.

• Professional Service - Little Morello Vettese Segreto LLP

• Hospitality & Entertainment - DreamWorld

Event Planning Inc.

• Innovation - Vecture Inc.

• 2013 Philanthropic Business Person of the

Year - Mario Romano

WOODBRIDGE VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET JUNE 15 TO OCTOBER 12 EVERY SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Come and visit the annual Woodbridge Village Farmers’ Market opening every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting now to October 12, located at Woodbridge Pool & Memorial Arena at Highway 7 and Islington Avenue.

For more information or to participate, please contact Jamie Maynard:

Tel. 905-851-0690 Email: jamiemaynard@bellnet.ca

www.woodbridgevillagefarmersmarket.com.

HOLD THE DATE! Small Business Week October 21-25Small Business Week is an annual fall event in Canada, celebrating small businesses. The City of Vaughan will be hosting a week full of networking events and informative business seminars.

For more information, contact the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC): Tel. 905-832-8526 Email: VBEC@vaughan.ca

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