STATEMENT: PROVIDING DIVERSE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO SUPPORT VAUGHAN’S GROWTH
2/10/2020 12:00 PM
SmartVMC by SmartCentres breaks ground on the VMC’s first purpose-built rental apartment building
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued a statement following the groundbreaking of a new purpose-built housing project in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). SmartVMC’s first purpose-built rental apartment building will have 36 floors, 450 rental units, a one-acre private park, access to a 25,000-square-foot super amenity, concierge and dog park, among other features:
“I want to thank the Province of Ontario and Minister Steve Clark for their partnership. We worked collaboratively in the process towards a Minister’s zoning order – a key element to unleash the full potential of the VMC as a powerful economic driver in the province.
“This project is in alignment with Vaughan’s commitment to meet provincial density targets and find a complete range of housing solutions for our diverse and rapidly expanding city. Solutions that better address current housing needs will provide flexibility for the City to respond to new opportunities.
“By 2031, the VMC will be home to more than 25,000 people living in a projected 12,000 units. With several new projects on the horizon, including condominium developments that will play an important role in meeting future density goals, finding a complete range of housing options for our growing community remains a priority.
“In Vaughan, we have always advocated for diverse and affordable housing options that are in keeping with our vision to move our city forward without leaving anyone behind. We have a laser-focused approach to provide an exceptional standard of living, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively participate in civic life and obtain equal access to opportunities.
“This is what makes Vaughan the place to be, and these principles have long been the foundation of our efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive city. By offering affordable housing options, we are creating new opportunities for people who may not have previously thought it possible to call Vaughan home.
“I have long maintained my creed in sensory-based planning. This means when you walk through the VMC, we want the human senses — sight, sound, smell and feel — to be activated and fully engaged. Our city-building efforts remain inspired by this mission and as such, we are forging ahead with a mindset that goes beyond mere structures. Vaughan’s present and future planning effort embodies a higher purpose. It reflects planning decisions rooted in convictions that seek to protect and elevate the exceptional quality of life for our citizens.
“With approximately 179 hectares of development opportunities, the VMC is the largest and most ambitious project in Vaughan’s history. It continues to reach new and unprecedented heights by attracting transformational projects and opportunities. In 2019, Niagara University expanded to a modern, new site in the VMC. This milestone marked the arrival of the first university in Vaughan.
“From 2015 to 2020, the VMC attracted more than $9 billion in economic investment, with much of this rooted in momentous construction projects that contribute to a growing skyline with new businesses and residential developments, like the one we are breaking ground for today. In fact, Vaughan Council has approved nearly 11,000 new residential units in the VMC.
“We recently held the grand opening of the PwC-YMCA Tower — a 240,000 square-foot SmartVMC by SmartCentes mixed-use project. In August 2019, the provincial Ministry of Environment approved a City-led flood prevention initiative in the VMC. The Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Project is essential in continuing the development of Vaughan’s downtown core and serves to strengthen the City’s relationship with our provincial partners even further.
“An integral part of planning Vaughan’s future growth is a well-developed transit and transportation network. As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, Vaughan is generating jobs, encouraging and retaining investment and pursuing opportunities that position the City as an economic leader in the GTA.
“Creating new connections to surrounding communities and making it easier for people to get where they need to go will contribute to our continued success. Higher-order transit provides an enormous advantage for attracting residents, businesses and talent to Vaughan.
“Mass rapid transit, which includes the opening of the SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal and vivaNext Rapidway on Highway 7, will continue to make our city a destination of choice. With the construction of these new city roads, we are meeting the rising demand of commuters by providing alternate routes to get in and out of our downtown core.
“Everyone should have an opportunity to live in our community and today’s groundbreaking is a step in the right direction. I look forward to building on our successes and to continue seeking innovative solutions that unleash the full potential of the VMC.”
