Vaughan is a city on the move – in more ways than one

If you understand that proximity to highway and transit infrastructure is one of the most important influences on real estate, then you know why Vaughan is enjoying a resurgence.

Indeed, Vaughan is a city on the move – quite literally, and in more ways than one. Located north of Toronto in York Region, Vaughan has long been one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, with a population now exceeding 306,000.

Comprising the communities of Woodbridge, Maple, Thornhill, Concord and Kleinburg, each with their own characteristics and enjoying their own growth, Vaughan is a hub of development and activity. Once known as the city above Toronto, it’s now “the place to be.” And with good reason.

Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

With Hwys. 400 and 407 right there, and Hwy. 7 also running through town, transportation and transit have long been essential features in Vaughan. Now they’re central to its future, with the new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre rapid transit station, the north terminus of the western section of the Toronto subway’s Line 1. It is also a major transit hub for York Region Transit and the Viva and Zum bus rapid transit services.

Economic growth is occurring in lockstep. Vaughan is now the third largest employment centre in the GTA after Toronto and Mississauga, and the largest contributor to York Region’s economy.

Manufacturing is the star economic performer here, accounting for 22 per cent of total employment, followed by construction, retail and wholesale trade, and transportation and warehousing. United Parcel Service, in fact, operates a signature shipping warehouse near Jane and Steeles.

In the near future, you can add healthcare to the mix of economic and lifestyle benefits, as the City has entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with Mackenzie Health, York University and ventureLAB.

The City is leading the collaboration to transform an 82-acre parcel of land at Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive into the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct. Vaughan, York University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB are to study the best use of lands surrounding the site of the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. The hospital opened in February 2021.

The goal of the collaboration is for the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct to leverage resources to bring healthcare, innovation and jobs to this growing community.

Highrise living

Though Vaughan is noteworthy for expansive single-detached homes and large lots in communities such as Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge, recent condo development around new transit infrastructure has really put the city on the highrise map.

The centrepiece of it all is Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Several condo projects have sprouted up around the major intersection of Jane and Hwy. 7. Solmar Development, for example, has Park Avenue Place 1 and 2 at Jane and Rutherford Road. And a partnership between Townwood Homes, Guglietti Brothers Investments Ltd. and Rosehaven Homes recently announced Vincent Condominiums, opening later this summer at Jane and Hwy. 7.

Once you’ve bought a home in Vaughan, Improve Canada will help you furnish and operate it. Located in Concord and more commonly known as the Vaughan Home Improvement Centre, the complex is a unique offering of about 400 home improvement stores.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Located in the Regional Municipality of York; bounded by Brampton to the west, King to the north, Markham and Richmond Hill to the east and Toronto to the south; more than 273 sq. kms; population 306,233; includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge.

KEY LANDMARKS

• Canada’s Wonderland
• Kortright Centre for Conservation
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection
• Reptilia Zoo
• Vaughan Home Improvement Centre
• Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
• Vaughan Mills

SELECT CONDO DEVELOPMENTS

Festival
By Menkes
menkes.com

Park Avenue Place
By Solmar Development Corp.
solmar.ca

Rose Hill Condos
By Capital North Communities
therosehillcondos.com

SXSW Condos
By Primont Homes
primonthomes.com

The Vincent
By Townwood Homes
Guglietti Brothers Investments Ltd.
Rosehaven Homes
thevincent.ca