2024 PUBLIC WORKS YEARBOOK Creating connections: building bridges in our community
2024 Public Works Yearbook Mission To best represent our team by showcasing the unwavering dedication, collaboration and forward-thinking mindset that continues to drive our portfolio towards a culture of innovation, while ensuring the well-being of our staff and delivering exceptional value to our residents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mayor’s Message ................................................... 4 City Manager’s Message ..................................... 5 Thanking Mayor and Members of Council . ............................................ 6 Deputy City Manager’s Message ..................... 7 Message from the Deputy City Manger’s Office ............................ 9 Guiding Principles ................................................ 10 Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations .................................... 11 Message from the Director ............................. 12 Park’s Forestry and Horticulture Operations . ................................. 13 Parks and Cemetery Operations . .................. 14 Horticulture Operations and Community Programs . ............................ 16 Forestry Operations .......................................... 17 Transportation and Fleet Management Services . ........................... 18 Message from the Director ............................. 19 Tranportation and Fleet Management Services . .......................... 20 Road Operations ............................................... 21 Traffic Services ................................................... 23 Fleet Management Services . .......................... 25
Environmental Services ..................................... 26 Message from the Director ............................. 27 Environmental Services .................................... 28 Solid Waste Management Services ............... 29 Water Services ................................................... 30 Waste Water Services . ..................................... 31 Business and Operational Support . .............. 32 Compliance and Training ................................ 33 Office of the Deputy City Manager .............. 34 Message from the Manager ........................... 35 Business Performance Assurance .................. 36 Contract Services .............................................. 37 Continuous Improvement ............................... 38 Quality, Risk and Safety ................................... 39 Digital Connections . ........................................... 41 Leannovation ..................................................... 42 Good Catches . .................................................. 44 CRM Dashboards .............................................. 45 Community Connections . ................................. 47 Community Connections ................................ 48 Positive Feedback ................................................ 49 Behind the Gallery . ............................................. 53 Staff Connections ................................................ 54 National Public Works Week .......................... 55 Employee Engagement . .................................. 58 Women Igniting Support and Empowerment . ......................................... 62 Golden Pylon Awards ...................................... 63
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Message from Mayor Steven Del Duca The City of Vaughan’s Public Works portfolio continues to bring innovative ideas to life that help us deliver Service Excellence to our residents, and this year was no exception. From launching the Automated Speed Enforcement program and approval of the Urban Forest Management Plan, to receiving a 100 per cent drinking water inspection rating and clearing our streets and sidewalks of snow all winter – this team continues to keep our residents safe while ensuring a high quality of life for all. I want to express my thanks to our dedicated Public Works team. Staff work day and night to make a meaningful impact in our community. Our city is stronger because of your hard work. Thank you for your passion and commitment to keeping Vaughan moving.
Steven Del Duca Mayor of Vaughan
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CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Message from City Manager Zoran Postic
The City of Vaughan’s Public Works team is committed to working together to deliver Service Excellence to our residents, businesses, visitors and colleagues. Whether they’re maintaining our roads, ensuring access to safe drinking water, beautifying our city or providing vital support behind the scenes, their work is truly valued. I want to give a big thank you to each member of the team for their ongoing dedication, professionalism and leadership in their efforts to keep Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful. The long list of achievements, prestigious awards and innovative projects in this Yearbook are the tremendous result of staff being prepared, focusing on residents, continuously improving processes and committing to business effectiveness. Thank you again to the entire Public Works portfolio for all you do
Zoran Postic City Manager
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THANKING MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
Steven Del Duca Mayor
Linda Jackson Deputy Mayor, Local and Regional Councillor
Mario Ferri Local and Regional Councillor
Gino Rosati Local and Regional Councillor
Mario G. Racco Local and Regional Councillor
Chris Ainsworth Ward 4 Councillor
Adriano Volpentesta Ward 2 Councillor
Gila Martow Ward 5 Councillor
Rosanna DeFrancesca Ward 3 Councillor
Marilyn Iafrate Ward 1 Councillor
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PUBLIC WORKS 2024 YEARBOOK
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE
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Message from Deputy City Manager Emilie Alderman
This was an exciting year for Public Works, which included the launch of the Automated Speed Enforcement program, the implementation of our Urban Forest Management Plan and the completion of the City’s largest and most comprehensive waste collection engagement initiative to date. Whether you are beautifying our City, keeping our roads safe, maintaining some of the City’s most critical infrastructure, responding to emergencies or working behind the scenes to further the success of our portfolio, your work touched the daily lives of residents across the City and continues to make Vaughan a City that is second to none. Throughout the year, many of you have worked around the clock to maintain safety within our community and keep our residents moving – showing remarkable leadership, readiness and resilience. And for that, I want to extend my upmost appreciation and gratitude.
The theme of our 2024 Yearbook, “Creating Connections: Building Bridges in Public Works,” demonstrates the collaborative spirit of our “One Team” approach to delivering Service Excellence. This theme highlights one of our team’s greatest strengths – our commitment – to one another, to the community we serve, and to the work we do to keep our City safe, clean and beautiful. I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you for how you have uniquely contributed to our collective achievements this year. Once again, these successes are not the result of any one particular team or by chance – they are the result of the work of a unified group of Public Works professionals with a common vision, a collaborative spirit and an unrelenting passion to make our City better.
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I would also like to thank our Public Works Extended Leadership Team – our Supervisors, Managers and Directors – for their unwavering guidance and commitment to their teams throughout this past year. Always only a phone call away, I have witnessed first-hand how you have supported one another and each other’s teams to accomplish so much this year. Lastly, I would like to recognize the work of this year’s Yearbook Committee, who responded to a call-out earlier this year and worked diligently to compile the accomplishments captured in the coming pages that we are all so very proud of. As we look forward to the coming year, I remain both excited and honoured to work with each of you in my new capacity and I look forward to building on our shared accomplishments and creating connections while keeping workplace culture and Service Excellence at the forefront of everything we do, together.
Emilie Alderman Deputy City Manager
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DEPUTY CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE MESSAGE
Message from the Deputy City Manager’s Office Reeta Singh
business excellence, the contributions of our team are the foundation of the quality of life we enjoy every day. Your passion, collaboration and tireless efforts inspire me to give my best every day. I extend my gratitude to each of you for the incredible work you do and look forward to supporting our continued accomplishments in the year ahead!
As we move into another exciting year, I reflect on 2024 with gratitude for the privilege I’ve had of continuing to support the Public Works portfolio. In my role, I have the unique opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive our success. Whether co-ordinating responses to daily requests from Members of Council and our community or supporting the team during emergencies, I am continually inspired by the dedication and hard work of this team. As a resident of Vaughan, I take immense pride in how we create connections and build bridges within the community through our work. From maintaining our roads and ensuring access to clean drinking water to enhancing the beauty of our city and embracing innovation and
Reeta Singh Executive Assistant to the DCM
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Five key objectives
Shared values
Our mantra Ready to serve together. Our “why” statement We believe in fostering a community where people have a better tomorrow.
Respect • Listen to understand • Appreciate differences and be inclusive • It all starts with a smile • Be open and supportive • Overshare success
1 Make our people a
priority through health, safety and wellness.
2 Improve employee engagement and culture. 3 Foster a culture
Accountability
of innovation by being business effective. 4 Create WOW moments by keeping our citizens safe and our community clean and beautiful.
• Be present, active, responsible and engaged • Be fully committed and determined • Be better: ask why, what, where and how? • Live what you say • Contribute to the greater good Dedication • Take ownership of tasks, actions and words • Be transparent and honest • Apply lessons learned from successes and failures
5 Be an ambassador for Public Works.
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PARKS, FORESTRY AND HORTICULTURE OPERATIONS
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
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Message from the Director Shanon Kalra-Ramjoo
Building connections within our teams, across the department and with the community is essential to our work. Every project we undertake contributes to fostering these bonds and ensures that we maintain a collaborative environment, allowing us to consistently deliver exceptional services and support to our residents. To each member of our PFHO team—whether you are nurturing our parks and horticulture, managing forestry operations, supporting cemetery services or ensuring the success of community initiatives—your contributions are invaluable. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your efforts make Vaughan a more beautiful, connected and thriving community for all.
As we look back on this past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the unwavering dedication and commitment of our Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations (PFHO) team. Your exceptional efforts have ensured that our community flourishes with beautifully maintained parks, vibrant horticultural displays and a resilient urban forest, bringing both beauty and environmental benefits to Vaughan. This year, we achieved remarkable milestones in enhancing our services and making Vaughan a more welcoming and appealing city. From refining our staff onboarding processes and maintaining more than 240 parks, to supporting community tree plantings and advancing city-wide beautification, our collective efforts have not only met, but exceeded community expectations. Our collaborative spirit within Public Works and across the City has been pivotal in establishing and implementing best-in-class infrastructure, operations and maintenance practices. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to keep Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful.
Shanon Kalra-Ramjoo Director, Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations
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PUBLIC WORKS 2024 YEARBOOK
Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations (PFHO) had another successful year, supported by a dedicated team of 210 staff members . This capable team maintains more than 135,000 boulevard trees , oversees more than 600 hectares of parkland , and beautifies the city with more than 1,000 horticulture displays across Vaughan. Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations
initiatives aimed at reducing litter, such as the SmartParks program. Our beautification projects also saw significant growth, reinforcing PFHO’s commitment to enhancing the community. Through these efforts, PFHO remains dedicated to fostering strong connections with both staff and the community to keep Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful.
Key achievements this year included the implementation of the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan and the expansion of major
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Parks and Cemetery Operations Parks Operations : Connecting people to nature spaces and each other
City-wide park amenities include 10 skate parks 22 splashpads 58 baseball diamonds 60 tennis facility locations and 127 courts 69 basketball courts 151 soccer fields
• Throughout the year, Parks Operations has been powered by a team of up to 150 dedicated staff , working tirelessly to maintain and elevate Vaughan’s green spaces that enrich our community. With a steadfast commitment to service, our team actively cares for more than 600 hectares of parkland and open spaces, encompassing 241 parks and more than 750 park amenities across the city . • Parks Operations recognizes that parks are more than just physical spaces—they are vital bridges that connect people, cultivate memories and lay the groundwork for a strong, united community.
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Special Projects : SmartParks • As part of the 2024-2026 Litter Reduction Action Plan, endorsed by Council in June 2024, Parks Operations advanced the innovative SmartParks initiative. By placing QR codes strategically throughout high-traffic parks, this program empowers residents to report issues related to littering or dumping, which directs service requests directly to the relevant district. This smart technology enables quick, efficient responses to community needs, ensuring that our parks remain clean and welcoming. • Thanks to staff dedication, the SmartParks project has expanded from 15 to more than 65 parks by Q4 2024 , with plans for continued growth in 2025. This project exemplifies our commitment to integrating technology for a more sustainable and beautiful Vaughan.
Cemetery and Event Operations: Honoring heritage and enriching community connections • Our dedicated team of eight — small but mighty — manages 20 active and inactive cemeteries across the city with respect and care, preserving these important sites that honor Vaughan’s heritage and serve as places for reflection. Beyond this essential work, the team also plays a vital role in facilitating 148 City and community events . From set-up to on-site operational support, their contributions ensure these gatherings are seamless and memorable. • Through the dedication of the Service-in-Kind team, Cemetery and Event Operations fosters a meaningful connection between the City and its residents, reinforcing our commitment to enriching the community’s shared experiences and traditions.
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Horticulture Operations and Community Programs
Horticulture and Community Programs : Cultivating Beauty, Growing Connections At Horticulture Operations and Community Programs, our team of 36 staff work tirelessly year-round to ensure Vaughan remains vibrant and beautiful. While the spring and summer months are our busiest — when we care for up to 750 hanging baskets and 800 shrub beds — our team remains dedicated throughout the year. During the winter, we stay focused on maintaining facilities and preparing for the upcoming seasons to ensure everything is ready to bloom. Each flower, shrub and green space we care for represents a shared commitment to creating connections and building bridges between people, nature and the spaces we all enjoy. Assets: 411 flower beds
Special Projects : Beautifying our City through Tourism Vaughan This year, Horticulture Operations, in collaboration with Tourism Vaughan, embarked on an ambitious initiative to enhance the beauty of our city. As part of this effort, our dedicated team took on the challenge of transforming green spaces in each ward, carefully selecting a vibrant mixture of color and texture to breathe new life into these areas. Our team’s creativity and hard work have led to the transformation of five high-traffic locations, creating welcoming and visually appealing spaces for residents and visitors. These enhancements not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of Vaughan, but also underscore our commitment to fostering pride in our city’s public spaces. Through careful planning, attention to detail and collaboration across departments, these beautification projects stand as a testament to the tremendous effort put in by our staff to make Vaughan a more vibrant and inviting place for everyone.
800 flower planters 750 hanging baskets
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Forestry Operations Forestry Operations : Strengthening our roots, building a greener future At Forestry Operations, our team of 20 dedicated staff work year-round to protect and grow the Vaughan’s vital tree canopy. With more than 135,000 trees and 180 hectares of woodlots under our care, our highly trained arborists and inspectors play a key role in nurturing the green spaces that connect our community to nature. Our work goes beyond just maintaining trees; it’s about fostering a healthier environment for future generations. From tree pruning and removals to planting new trees, issuing permits and upholding policies that protect our urban forest, we are deeply committed to preserving and expanding the City’s natural assets. By nurturing Vaughan’s urban forest, we are building bridges to a greener, more sustainable future that benefits residents and the environment alike. Awards and Accomplishments • February 2024 : Tree Cities of the World • March 2024 : Urban Forestry Management Plan endorsed by Council • June 2024 : CAMA Willis Award for Innovation – Population over 100,000 City of Vaughan - Innovation Reduces Wait Time for Forestry Service Requests • September 2024 : two Community tree plantings conducted. Community came together to plant 400 trees
Special Projects Urban Forestry Management Plan In March, the City reached a significant
milestone with the Council endorsement of its inaugural Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP). This comprehensive plan addresses the growing challenges of urbanization and population density, recognizing the critical role of our urban forest in sustaining a healthy, livable city. The UFMP provides a framework of long-term recommendations and ambitious targets aimed at maintaining and expanding Vaughan’s urban canopy, fostering a resilient and sustainable urban forest for future generations. Woodland Management Strategy Complementing the UFMP, Forestry Operations developed a Woodland Management Strategy to oversee the stewardship of Vaughan’s 27 community woodlands. This strategy is grounded in evidence-based recommendations designed to tackle emerging issues related to urbanization, globalization and climate change. With a focus on preservation and proactive management, the strategy ensures that Vaughan’s
woodlands are safeguarded and resilient, preserving these natural spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of our community today and in the future.
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TRANSPORTATION AND FLEET MANAGEMENT SERVICES
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
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Message from the Director Steve Fantin
We continue to engage and listen to the community, taking into consideration their experiences on our road network and specifically in their neighborhoods. Through our corridor reviews on Huntington Road and Martin Grove Road, we are integrating community feedback along with our data to form recommendations that can be applied to the road network to accommodate all modes of transportation and mobility. The Fleet Services team has collaborated with our internal stakeholders to procure new vehicles and reduce downtime, which enables us to maintain our service levels, and enhance the City’s brand in our community. In parallel with this, the team continues to acquire “green” vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas and do our part in protecting the environment. Lastly, our Roads Operations team continues to provide Service Excellence by keeping our roads safe and clean through all the seasons and by providing timely, professional and solution-oriented responses to our residents. I could not be prouder of the team’s accomplishments this past year, and I look forward to another exciting year of positive change and growth in 2025! Steve Fantin Director, Transportation and Fleet Management Services
Looking back, 2024 has been another remarkable year of growth and positive change as we continue to support the community’s needs. The success with Transportation and Fleet Management Services was not accomplished in isolation, but in collaboration with both the entire Public Works team and the various internal partners across the City. This truly demonstrates how powerful we are when work together and act as one! Equally important is our connection to the community, as we continue to not only deliver best in class service, but we strive to be responsive to resident questions and engage them for their feedback as we introduce changes. Road safety is paramount and at the centre of our business, ensuring residents can travel safely in our community. In support of this, as part of our MoveSmart Strategy, a toolbox of traffic calming measures has been introduced, which allows us to implement a range of safety tools that are designed to meet location-specific needs. These measures will be complemented through the implementation of the City’s Automated Speed Enforcement Program in early 2025. These are all game changers, and the combination of these measures will help promote safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists and all roads users across the city.
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Transportation and Fleet Management Services • Transportation and Fleet Management Services
(TFMS) is dedicated to enhancing the safety, accessibility and quality of Vaughan’s roadways, and ensuring the safe, efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the city. TFMS also manages Vaughan’s fleet of vehicles ensuring their reliability through comprehensive preventive maintenance, timely repairs and seasonal winterization. • This year, our team has achieved several significant milestones which demonstrate the dedication and expertise of our staff. We had our talented team members present at prestigious events, including the Institute of Traffic Engineers Canada 2024 Annual Conference, sharing valuable insights into our department advancements. Other noteworthy initiatives included the establishment of 104 community safety zones, the creation and completion of FASTER, the City of Vaughan’s Fleet and Asset Management System that
efficiently manages and maintains our fleet of vehicles and assets through streamlined operations and automated notifications to name a few of many other impactful projects. • Our successful and accomplished team remains committed to strengthening connections within our team and across the City, with a primary focus on resident satisfaction and safety.
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Roads Operations Roads department : Strengthening connections across Vaughan for safe and accessible travel The Roads department remains committed to enhancing the safety, accessibility and quality of Vaughan’s roadways. Through essential services, such as road repairs and winter maintenance, the department helps ensure residents and visitors experience safe, seamless and efficient travel across the city. Key infrastructure advancements, including an additional satellite yard for salt storage, strengthening our ability to serve the community effectively throughout the year.
Special Projects: Innovating for Community Connectivity and Safety • AI-driven Sidewalk inspection pilot: The Roads Department has initiated a pioneering, AI based sidewalk inspection program. This technology is an artificial intelligence tool that provides accurate assessment of the condition of sidewalks and their likely repair needs, to improve efficiency and effectiveness of resources. The program, by actively identifying maintenance needs, improves public safety, reduces claims and, therefore, reflects our commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to safe walkways. • AI-driven winter quality assurance inspections : Pioneering the way in improving winter quality assurance, the City is proud to pilot an AI-based snow and windrow monitoring initiative. This project aims to enhance winter road safety by optimizing resource utilization ultimately reducing winter road hazards. Through consistent monitoring and management of road conditions, we strive to make winter travel safer and more efficient for everyone.
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• Fastenal vending machine for inventory optimization To streamline asset management, the
department implemented a Fastenal Vending Machine system, ensuring essential tools and supplies are readily accessible while providing real-time data on inventory and usage. This project improves accountability, minimizes downtime and allows us to track resources more effectively. • OVIN Demonstration Zone (DZ) program partnership Our collaboration with the OVIN DZ program, a government-funded initiative, advances sidewalk inspection capabilities using cutting- edge technology. This partnership supports strategic, data-driven decisions that lead to more efficient maintenance practices, better service for the community and stronger connections with technology-driven solutions.
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Traffic Services Traffic Services: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Vaughan Traffic Services department is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles along Vaughan’s streets. Our division encompasses traffic operations and road safety, encompassing essential services that contribute to a secure and accessible community. Key responsibilities include maintaining clear and effective pavement markings, operating and servicing traffic signals, and managing streetlighting to enhance visibility and safety. Our team also oversees the school crossing guard program, supporting the safe passage of students across city streets and co-ordinates utilities and road permits to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency. Additionally, Traffic Services leads special initiatives under the MoveSmart Strategy, a forward-thinking approach to improving traffic flow, safety and sustainability across the city. Through these efforts, we build strong connections within the community and deliver responsive, high-quality traffic management services that support safe, efficient travel for all.
Awards and Accomplishments • Arvind Bhatia participated as a panelist at the OTC Active Transportation Symposium in March 2024. • Sari Liem joined with consulting firm WSP Canada, presented at ITE Canada 2024 Annual Conference in June 2024. Presentation was titled “Toward Safer Calmer Streets: Insights form the City of Vaughan’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Pilot Projects.” • Julia DeGasperis joined with consulting firm CIMA, presented at ITE Canada 2024 Annual Conference in June 2024. Presentation was titled “Vaughan Safer School Zone Plan.” • Margie Chung and Samar Saadi Nejad presented at TAC 2024 Annual Conference in September 2024. Presentation was titled “Neighborhood Area Traffic Studies – Paving the Way to Safe and Comfortable Streets.” Other presentations joined with CIMA included the Safer School Zone Plan and School Zone Assessments. • Grace Mulcahy and Sadia Khan presented
at 2024 ROW Management Conference in October 2024. Presentation was titled “Neighborhood Area Traffic Studies and Effectiveness.”
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Community Safety Zone’s Program City staff implemented 104 community safety zones, with over 600 community afety zone signs installed, with installations continuing in this year. Radar Message Board Program This year, speed boards were installed in 150 locations across the city. We have also added four RMB’s to our inventory this year. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project Traffic Calming Policy, Procedures, Toolbox and Guidelines were approved by Council in September 2024. Engineering standards for traffic calming tools will be updated by the end of 2024 approvals. Active School Travel Eight pilot schools and four new schools joined in the active school travel program this year.
Program and Special Projects Updates Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) ASE is a system that uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. The City has been planning and preparing to launch the ASE program in early 2025. Ten cameras will be rotating across the City. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Updates City staff completed the City’s first ITS Strategic Plan aimed at modernizing traffic signal infrastructure to accommodate future growth and enhance mobility within the City’s transportation network. Traffic signals upgrade, with Advanced Traffic Management System, is currently underway as a project identified. Implementation is scheduled for 2025.
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Fleet Management Services Fleet Management Services: Ensuring Operational Excellence Across Vaughan
• Fleet Management Services is responsible for acquiring and managing the City’s fleet of vehicles and assets, ensuring their efficiency and reliability through comprehensive preventive maintenance, timely repairs and seasonal winterization. Our team provides essential support, including fuel management and implementing Advanced Vehicle Location (AVL) tracking systems for real-time monitoring, which enhances operational efficiency and responsiveness. • Committed to safety and environmental compliance, the department adheres to stringent standards, offering ongoing training to staff to maintain a safe and skilled workforce. Year-round, Fleet Management Services ensures that Vaughan’s vehicles are well-maintained and ready to support city operations, playing a crucial role in delivering consistent, high-quality services to the community.
Achievements: • Added to the fleet: - 22 hybrid vehicles - Eight new sidewalk tractors to increase the reliability of winter operations - Procured 98 new vehicles , with anticipated delivery in 2025 • Transitioning all vehicle circle checks to digital format • Increased capability of vehicle monitoring through AVL, which will lead to lower fuel consumption, safer fleet driving, and less wear and tear on assets • Onboarded fleet management system to have a one-stop-shop for all fleet related activity, from tracking repair spending to ensuring vehicles’ preventative maintenance schedules are being followed • Onboarded new vendors for maintenance and repair of assets Special Projects Highlights: • Redeveloped Fleet Policy
• Developing Green Fleet Strategy • Consultant project completed with recommendations for best practices and suggestions on how to increase operational efficiencies
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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PUBLIC WORKS 2024 YEARBOOK
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Scan the QR code to watch a video message.
Message from the Acting Director Jennifer Gill
and secure waste collection services for the future. Additionally, critical advancements have been made in tracking inspections, operations, and maintenance of our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, particularly through our work with InfoAsset to enhance operational efficiency. We have also strengthened our partnerships with colleagues in Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations, the office of the DCM and Transportation and Fleet Management Services. These collaborations and ongoing support are crucial in advancing the work of Public Works as a unified team. Lastly, I would like to recognize the leadership and guidance of Emilie Alderman, our former Director and now Deputy City Manager. Her unwavering dedication and strong leadership have laid a solid foundation for the future of Public Works, and we are grateful for the lasting impact of her contributions and look forward to a bright future under her leadership. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Here’s to continued success in the year ahead.
As we reflect on 2024, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication, hard work and steadfast commitment throughout this year. This has been a year filled with both challenges and accomplishments and none of it would have been a success without the exceptional contributions of this team. This has been a year of growth, opportunity and transformation. From overcoming unexpected obstacles to embracing new projects and initiatives, each of you has demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity and teamwork. I would also like to acknowledge how we’ve continued to nurture a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within our team. It’s evident that the Public Works team members are not only committed to their work, but also to the success and well-being of their colleagues. Whether it’s offering assistance during busy periods, sharing innovative ideas or providing encouragement when faced with challenges, it is this collective spirit that makes our team truly outstanding. This year has been especially eventful for the Environmental Services department. Significant progress has been made on the innovative waste management contract, which will strengthen
Jennifer Gill Acting Director, Environmental Services
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Environmental Services
Report for proposed alterations for both the Sewage Collection CLI-ECA and the Stormwater Management CLI-ECA and achieving zero non-conformances in the DWQMS Internal Audit. • With these accomplishments, Environmental Services remains committed to building strong community connections as we continue to move forward.
• This year, Environmental Services continued to play a critical role in keeping Vaughan clean and sustainable by providing essential recycling and waste collection, water services, wastewater services and stormwater management to over 335,000 residents and 11,900 businesses across the city. • Key achievements included receiving the Silver Award in the 2024 Municipal Waste Association’s Promotion and Education Awards, advancing the Pressure Regulating Valve Enhancement Project, completing the Significant Drinking Water Threat Assessment
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Solid Waste Management Services Solid Waste Management Services:
Building connections through sustainable waste management • The Solid Waste Management team is dedicated to delivering waste collection services with an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural environment while fostering a sustainable community. By actively engaging with residents and stakeholders, we are collectively working towards a cleaner, greener future for Vaughan. • In 2024, we successfully collected 91,371.44 tonnes of material from 90,443 homes and 18,140 residential units . Encouragingly, our curbside waste generation rates are trending downward, reflecting a positive shift in community behaviour and a collective effort toward waste reduction and sustainable practices. Achievements • We are also proud to announce that Solid Waste Management received the Silver Award in the 2024 Municipal Waste Association’s Promotion and Education Awards for our 2024 Waste Collection Schedule in the Print Tool, Large Municipality category. This recognition underscores our commitment to effective communication and public education, highlighting the importance of building connections with our community in promoting sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can continue to enhance our environment and contribute to a more sustainable Vaughan.
Community Outreach Throughout the year, we strengthened our community connections through educational booths at various events, including: • Winterfest • Concerts in the Park • Mayor’s New Year’s Levee • Earth Hour • Councillor Ainsworth’s Annual Pet Costume Event • Public Works Open House These initiatives have been instrumental in building stronger relationships with residents, fostering a shared responsibility for our environment and promoting sustainable living.
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Water Services Water Services: Building connections through reliable water distribution
Our dedicated team is committed to the uninterrupted distribution of safe, potable drinking water to residential, industrial, commercial and institutional properties across Vaughan. We operate in strict alignment with regulatory requirements set by the Province, ensuring the highest standards of water quality and safety for all our customers. Special Project: Pressure Regulating Valve Enhancement Vaughan’s water distribution system is organized into seven distinct pressure districts, each separated by Pressure Regulating Valves (PRVs). These valves are essential for maintaining a reliable backup water supply during high-demand situations, such as fires or watermain breaks. Our enhancement project focuses on rehabilitating critical components of the PRVs and conducting thorough functional testing to ensure their reliability and performance. By investing in these enhancements, we are reinforcing the resilience of our water distribution system, safeguarding the community’s access to safe drinking water during emergencies.
Infrastructure Overview Hydrants: Vaughan active: 9,960 Vaughan unassumed: 659 Total: 10,619 Valves: Vaughan active: 51,080 Vaughan unassumed: 3,072 Total: 54,152 Service connections:
Alectra database, report as of 10/01/24, with duplicate property addresses removed
Commercial: 2,963 Residential: 85,609
Total: 88,572 Chambers: Vaughan active: 9,977 Vaughan unassumed: 673 Total: 10,650 Watermain: 1,163 kilometres Water booster pumping stations: 2 Water sampling stations: 150
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Wastewater Services The City is responsible for monitoring, operating and maintaining the municipal wastewater collection and stormwater management systems to protect people, the environment and property.
Achievements • We have successfully completed the Significant Drinking Water Threat Assessment Report for Proposed Alterations for the Sewage Collection CLI ECA and the Stormwater Management CLI ECA. • The team has shown continuous improvement and operational effectiveness in developing and implementing the City’s stormwater management pond inspection program to achieve compliance with the Provincial regulations. • We have successfully implemented critical improvements to the tracking and management of maintenance, repairs and inspections for maintenance holes, catch basins and other linear stormwater and wastewater infrastructure with the utilization of InfoAsset software.
This team manages:
13 pumping stations 151 stormwater management ponds 976 km of storm sewers 1,001 km of sanitary sewers
16,589 sanitary maintenance holes 22,474 catch basins
16,200 storm maintenance holes 95,000 lateral connections
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Business and Operational Support Business and Operational Support:
• Replacement of Aging Ductile Iron Infrastructure: modernizing our infrastructure to improve reliability. • Implementation of District Metering Areas: enhancing monitoring and management of water distribution. • Proactive Maintenance: regular upkeep to prevent issues before they arise. • Improved Data Tracking: utilizing advanced data analytics for better decision-making. • Non-Revenue Water Loss Strategy: developing strategies to reduce water loss that isn’t billed. • Annual Water Audits: conducting thorough audits to ensure system efficiency and integrity.
Building connections through efficient water management • The City delivers more than 42,000,000 cubic metres of water annually to more than 84,000 residential and 3,200 industrial, commercial and institutional customers . This extensive distribution network underscores our commitment to building connections and ensuring reliable water access for all. Innovative Programs and Initiatives Environmental Services has developed and implemented various programs to enhance efficiencies within the water distribution system, including: • Water Meter Replacement Program: upgrading meters to ensure accurate water usage tracking. • Leak Detection: Identifying and addressing leaks promptly to minimize water loss.
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Compliance and Training Compliance and Training maintains and continuously improves the Drinking Water Quality Management System, ensures the City is compliant with relevant regulations, acts and by-laws, and oversees, arranges and facilitates licensing and training programs for the Water and Wastewater/Stormwater Operations Divisions.
• Ensured annual training hour requirements were met for each Water operator (35 hours; 105 hours within 3-year license period) and Wastewater/Stormwater operator (40 hours) per Ontario Regulation 128/04 & 129/04 of the Safe Drinking Water Act . • Ensured regulated drinking water sampling was completed per Ontario Regulation 170/03 of the Safe Drinking Water Act , including 150 microbiological samples each month, daily chlorine residuals, quarterly chemical sampling (THMs, HAAs, NDMA, Nitrate/Nitrite), biannual lead, alkalinity and pH, and annual inorganic sampling.
Awards and Achievements • City of Vaughan Water Distribution System conforms to the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) and zero non-conformances identified. • Zero non-conformances identified in the DWQMS Internal Audit. • Processed 13 operator exam registrations, eight operator license renewal applications, and four operator upgrade applications in 2024.
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OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
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MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Message from the Acting Manager Matthew Stachowiak
continuous improvement, we remain adaptable and resilient in a rapidly changing environment. With a talented team of 11, we are committed to aligning with the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. We emphasize talent density and a culture of innovation, ensuring that Public Works is ready for today and well-positioned for the future. Our approach values ideas over hierarchy, driving service excellence and fostering an environment where high performance is both expected and celebrated. We are committed and ready to help departments meet their mandate objectives, building trust in our services and ensuring Public Works continues to excel in very aspect of our work. Matthew Stachowiak Acting Manager, Strategic Portfolio Management
Under the Office of the Deputy City Manager, Public Works, my team champions operational excellence and value-driven decision-making across Vaughan’s core services. We are dedicated to fostering trust in public service and delivering meaningful value to our residents. We empower our departments to drive impactful, resident- centered outcomes that enhance community well-being and satisfaction. Through our Strategic Portfolio Management team, we support key areas, including Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations, Transportation and Fleet Management Services, and Environmental Services. Our focus is on initiatives that modernize workflows and continuously develop our people. We are committed to influencing others, collaborating, and co-creating solutions that build trust in our services and the data that helps us become more citizen-centric, driving decisions that are aligned with the needs of our community. Our team thrives in a collaborative culture that values both technical expertise and essential soft skills—determination, curiosity, teamwork, and idealism. We believe in prioritizing accountability, financial readiness, and open, constructive feedback. As champions of Lean principles and
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Business Performance Assurance
Business Performance Assurance: Driving efficiency and strategic support
data mart in July 2024, streamlining business performance support functions and increasing data accuracy. Service Level Agreements and KPI Tracking : Continued implementation of the Customer Relationship Management System, including digitally tracked service-level agreements for each department through a Dynamics portal, achieving 97 per cent adherence to KPIs, improving service delivery and transparency. Special Projects • Led the RFI process for a work order management implementation project, defining business and technical requirements from the operations side and co-ordinating vendor demos. • Completed a parks audit and recommended an inventory management tool. • Developed and launched a procurement dashboard for improved reporting.
The Business Performance Assurance team supports three operating departments. We mitigate financial risks by setting the financial framework for budget and business planning in Public Works, prioritizing resource requests and working closely with teams to build lean, risk-minimized budgets. Our team monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), optimizes business processes and improves citizen experience by applying data science and business intelligence tools. We analyze business needs, document requirements, conduct strategic assessments and develop technical solutions to support audits, reorganizations and data quality improvements.
Awards and Achievements Financial Dashboards Automation :
Automated three crucial financial dashboards, previously manual, by migrating them to a
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Contract Services Contract Services: Streamlining procurement for operational excellence The Contract Services team, comprised of three dedicated contract co-ordinators, manages all procurement planning, administration, invoice payments and purchase order (PO) tracking for each operating department. We oversee more than 250 contracts , focusing on continuous improvement and collaboration across Public Works departments to enhance contract management. Our mission is to streamline procurements, ensure compliance and support the operational needs of the portfolio.
Awards and Achievements Continuous Improvement in Procurement : Established as a Public Works portfolio-wide initiative, we have minimized change orders and reduced non-compliant procurement practices, particularly for low-dollar purchases. Efficiency in Contract Management : Our centralized approach has significantly expedited procurement timelines, enabling the team to prioritize higher-priority items and improve overall operational efficiency. Team Qualities : We value cross-training and collaboration within our team, ensuring that we can effectively support each department’s needs while driving continuous improvement in contract management across the City.
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Continuous Improvement Continuous Improvement: Embracing Lean for a more efficient public works The City’s Public Works department is
undergoing a transformation led by our Process and Quality Improvement Specialist, who heads the Lean program based on the 2 Second Lean concept. This framework is designed to enhance operational performance and quality while minimizing waste. A dedicated Lean committee contributes no more than five per cent of their annual work plan to this initiative, demonstrating that the results are well worth the investment. Key Outcomes • 161 improvements implemented in as of October 2024, anticipated to save 3,950 hours of staff time annually. • 78 per cent of Public Works Staff are Lean White Belt Certified. • $1.3 million in cost avoidance and savings . Leannovation Program Leannovation combines Lean principles with innovative practices generated by our staff— empowering all 425 team members to streamline operations, boost efficiency and enhance service quality.
Core Activities LEAN Cafés : Quarterly meetings led by a Leannovation Lead and Lean Champions for open discussion on Lean concepts and collaborative problem-solving. Lean In Sessions : Team-focused sessions that promote Lean education, sharing best practices and celebrating improvements. Waste Watchers Newsletter and Video Series : Bi-monthly platforms highlighting successful Lean implementations and fostering a culture of recognition and innovation.
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