Vaughan is on the move – in more ways than one

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 Woodbridge, Maple, Thornhill, Concord and Kleinburg communities, 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.

Hub of activity

With Hwys. 400 and 407 right there, and Hwy. 7 also running through town, transportation and transit have long been important parts of 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 to the best use of lands surrounding the site of the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.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."This feasibility study is an illustration of how partnerships can be truly effective when values, principles and beliefs are perfectly aligned," says Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. "The new state-of-the-art Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital will be a catalyst for other uses, like medical offices, labs and research space, healthcare incubators, and education and conference rooms related to healthcare. This is where thought leaders, subject matter experts and innovators will come together to advance a shared vision of healthcare innovation. This transformational collaboration will benefit the healthcare of residents of Vaughan and beyond."

Lowrise living

Though Vaughan is noteworthy for a lot of condominium development centring around new transit infrastructure, there's also noteworthy new lowrise communities in the area. This is where buyers come for expansive single-detached homes and large lots.And 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 housing developments

Adesso Modern Towns by Capital North CommunitiesCopperwood by Sorbara GroupCountryWide Homes in Woodbridge by CountryWide HomesNew Kleinburg by Paradise DevelopmentsNew Kleinburg by Arista HomesNew Kleinburg by Fieldgate HomesPort Royal Collection at Kleinburg Crown by Caliber Homes

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