KPMG selects VauGhan MetroPolitan centre in 2012

After a lengthy and comprehensive site selection process, KPMG, a leader in audit, tax and advisory services, is putting down roots in Vaughan. With a network of more than 6,000 people, operating in over 33 locations across the country, KPMG is synonymous with business knowledge. KPMG Enterprise will be expanding its private company practice in the City, signing a lease as a lead tenant on 350,000 square feet of Class A office building located in Vaughan’s new downtown: the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

A major factor for KPMG’s decision to open a new office in Vaughan, for more than 500 employees, is a result of the City’s diverse and growing entrepreneurial community

– more than 90 percent of Vaughan’s 9,900 businesses are small or medium-sized enterprises. “Our move to Vaughan demonstrates KPMG’s commitment to the GTA and our ability to address the business needs of the community. The City’s exciting plans for the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and the new subway give our people a variety of ways to keep connected with their clients and communities,” said Beth Wilson, GTA Managing Partner, KPMG LLP.

KPMG’s new Class A office will be designed by world leading architects, Diamond & Schmitt Architects, and built to meet LEED Gold standards. It will be part of the first phase of a master-planned site being developed by SmartCentres and Calloway REIT. The 53-acre site is being planned for multi-use to accommodate six million square feet of office, retail commercial and residential space built around a central park system, with pedestrian connections to the new subway station and regional bus terminal.

Office tenants are in the market for centralized locations that offer amenities that enrich the work and life experiences of employees – in today’s war for talent, it’s powerful ammunition to have in hand, modern efficient work spaces, but also affordable residences, restaurants, stores and great open spaces for skilled professionals. CBRE Canada – Commercial Real Estate Services collaborated with the City’s senior management team through the City’s Economic Development Department to successfully win the KPMG’s project for Vaughan. “The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre represents a new option for office tenants. While other markets either are fully car-dependent or offer older building stock, Vaughan offers the best of both worlds including new, efficient buildings, as well as a subway line to downtown, highway accessibility to the cottage or easy access to Pearson International airport. Vaughan is one of the fastest growing development nodes in Canada, and we see Vaughan increasingly on the radar for office tenants.” said John Haire, Executive Vice President / Managing Director, CBRE Canada.

“The City, the Region and the Province should be commended for their impressive coordinated effort to bring this complex urban plan together,” said Mitchell Goldhar, President and CEO of SmartCentres.

PlanninG for a new Downtown is well unDerway

The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) is a bold

plan to create Vaughan’s new downtown with mixed-

use development, high quality architecture, and a

distinct sense of place. It will be a dynamic and bustling

downtown that will house office and condo towers,

hotels, shops and cafés. It will also be the focal point for

entertainment and culture fully connected by the TTC

subway extension and York Region Rapid Transit.

The VMC will be a centre of commerce attracting global

investment. The City of Vaughan’s well-trained and

well-educated labour force offers a competitive edge to

our business community. The VMC will offer the kind of

urban lifestyle that will attract an increasing level of skilled

professionals to live and work in our new downtown.

The VMC will be a dynamic downtown that will become

the heart of the City capturing and defining its cultural,

economic and human spirit. The Vaughan Metropolitan

Centre represents a unique opportunity to shape the city

core and offers limitless potential for our community. The

ultimate goal is to create a vibrant and exciting downtown

that will become the heart of a world-class city.

Vaughan.Business Link.

Business news anD statistics froM the city of VauGhan winter 2012

InSIDE THIS ISSuE

Economic Development 2012 In Review

Small Business 2012 In Review

Building Statistics

Business Bulletin

See the City’s new downtown vision! Search, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre It’ll Move You,

at www.youtube.com

Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C.

Mayor, City of Vaughan

Economic Development 2012 In Review.

BuILDInG A WORLD CLASS CITY

The City of Vaughan took a focused approach to its marketing and public relations activities in 2012. From hosting to an urban design competition, to marketing the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, programs and activities were undertaken which serve to enhance the City’s identity and promote placemaking as a vital part of business attraction.

n Vaughan Metropolitan Centre It’ll Move You – A new 2:30-minute 3D video animation was launched in June. The video is a new marketing tool for the VMC, and is available on the City’s website and social media site, YouTube. Copies were made available to developers and the brokerage community. YouTube metrics indicate approximately 6,000 views.

n VMC Office Market Study – The City engaged Live Work Learn Play, to complete an Office Market Study for the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre providing an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of attracting office tenants; competing office nodes; assessing the influence of the subway; and, office market rents.

n Urban Design Awards – The City hosted the 2012 urban Design Awards to recognize excellence in architectural design, urban design and environmental sustainability. This award program promotes high quality developments and sets the bar for future projects. BuSInESS RESOuRCES AnD MARKETInG n Corporate Calling Program – City staff made 125 corporate visits to local businesses, providing advice and support on issues such as staff recruitment, market development, access to capital, property standards, and access to government and training programs.

n Award of Excellence from Economic Developers Council of Ontario received COnVERGEnCE SECTORS ADVAnCES The City’s Economic Development Strategy highlights several convergence sectors including Innovative Research Development and Design and the Creative and Cultural Industries. The economic development activities undertaken in 2012 focus on building capacity in these sectors:

Highlights:

n Building a Creative Economy:

n Presentations on the Artscape and Centre for Social Innovation Models – City staff organized presentations from representatives of Artscape and the Centre for Social Innovation to inform the VMC Sub-Committee on different models for encouraging a creative economy.

n Arts Exposed Conference – City staff assisted the York Region Arts Council with this year’s York Region Arts & Culture Conference, Arts Exposed, a two day event with approximately 248 attendees.

n Vaughan Film Festival – City staff helped launch the 2013 Vaughan Film Festival with a gala to promote the event on november 16. Also, this year’s Vaughan Film Festival event attracted more than 400 attendees.

n Innovation Park: Building and Clean Technologies – Support provided to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for the completion of a feasibility study on establishing a Innovation Park at the Kortright Centre.

n Tourism Initiatives:

n McMichael Canadian Art Collection – Marketing support provided to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection for their Painting Canada exhibition.

n Tourism Roundtable 2012

n Kleinburg Business Improvement Association (KBIA) – Through the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre, three business workshops were delivered to Kleinburg area businesses. Economic Development staff also work with Kleinburg merchants on a variety of issues including business permits and signage.

The Economic Development Department has been moving forward on the major goals and objectives of the City’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy that was adopted by Vaughan City Council in September 2010.

“Vaughan’s Economic Development Strategy provides a framework to capitalize on the highest-value opportunities for our business community and sees the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure our success,” said City Manager Clayton Harris.

In this last quarterly issue for 2012, we wanted to highlight some of the economic development activities, initiatives and accomplishments in the City of Vaughan. And, we look forward to continuing the exciting momentum of the City’s Economic Development Strategy with our business community. nEW BuSInESS InVESTMEnTS AnD EXPAnSIOnS

The Economic Development Department worked on projects totaling 2.2 million sq.ft., generating or retaining 1,640 jobs:

n CTG Brands Inc. – dist. of consumer products – 80,000 sq.ft. expansion

n Dock Edge – mfr. and dist. of marine products – 80,000 sq.ft. new facility, 80 jobs

nElias Custom Metal – mfr. of store fixtures – 78,800 sq.ft., 40 jobs retained

nHome Depot – dist. centre – 657,600 sq.ft., 300 jobs

nLind Furniture – mfr. of upholstered furniture – 42,000 sq.ft., 30 jobs

nReliance Worldwide – dist. of water control valves – 30,000 sq. ft., 10 jobs nOTABLE OFFICE InVESTMEnTS

n KPMG – business advisory services – lease 125,000 sq.ft., 500 jobs

n Yum! Brands – Canadian head office, restaurant operators – 30,000 sq.ft., 200 jobs

n Progressive Waste Solutions (BFI Canada) – head office expansion nOTABLE TOuRISM InVESTMEnTS

n Westin Element Hotel – six storey hotel, 131 rooms. $30 million investment

n Legoland Discovery Centre – 34,000 sq.ft., 100 jobs, $12 million investment DEVELOPInG VAuGHAn AS An ECOnOMIC GATEWAY In today’s global economy, the importance of developing international markets and establishing economic partnerships is pivotal in the pursuit of opportunities that serve to strengthen the City’s global engagement.

n Exploratory Mission to Israel in July – This mission focused on developing opportunities around the cleantech sector. Aided by the Government of Israel, Economic Mission to Canada and the united Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto, Vaughan officials secured meetings with key Israeli government officials and businesses.

n Mission to Italy in September – In co-operation with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Ontario, the City participated as part of a 17-member delegation to Italy. During the visit, the City held face-to-face meetings with more than 65 companies and sign Letters of Agreement with Rome and the Province of Milan.

n Business Mission to China in november – The City participated in a 71-person business mission organized by the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association. During the mission, the City signed a Letter of Intent with Zibo, China.

n City welcomed 18 international delegations from China, Italy, the Philippines, Russia and Taiwan.

n “Entering the Chinese Marketplace” Business Workshop in March – Hosted and organized with the Canada China Business Council; more than 100 businesses attended the workshop.

As a result of the International Business Development program, the City is pursuing a number of leads in advanced manufacturing, food, packaging and solar industries. In addition, the City facilitated introductions and business meetings for local companies in the food, personal care products and building technologies sectors.

On September 24, 2012, Vaughan Mayor signs agreement with Province of Milan.

Small Business 2012 In Review.

Building Statistics.

vaughan annual ConstruCtion aCtivity Comparisons: 2011-2012

Type of Construction 2012 2011 Percent Change

residential $476,434,505 $619,637,458 -23.1%

Commercial $113,675,270 $67,344,120 68.8%

industrial $172,327,363 $78,608,894 119.2%

institutional $9,809,097 $268,671,579 -96.3%

miscellaneous $5,802,771 $4,908,681 18.2%

total $778,049,006 $1,039,170,732 -25.1%

annual ConstruCtion aCtivity: 2002-2012 Base upon value of issued Building permits ($millons)

CuLTIVATInG SMALL BuSInESS AnD EnTREPREnEuRS

The Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) successfully expanded its

services for small business owners with the support of strategic partnerships

from community-based organizations, namely: COSTI, Human Endeavour/

EPIC, York university, Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, next Steps, Seneca

and Thornhill HuB Employment Agencies, Research Innovation Centre (RIC),

Venture Lab, Welcome Centre Vaughan, and Vaughan Public Libraries.

From the period of January to December 31, 2012, VBEC assisted 714

business owners through one-on-one consultations. This led to the start-

up of 171 new businesses and expansions, resulting in 281 new jobs being

created in Vaughan.

During the same period, more than 149 seminars and events were offered to

the small business community with 2,162 participants who gained valuable

insight in social media, sales and marketing, and workshops on business

fundamentals such as accounting and business plan creation. VBEC’s

outreach programs include: an Annual Vaughan Business To Business Expo

(226 attendees); and, Small Business Week (519 attendees); International

Women’s Day Conference (95 attendees); and, Import/Export Conference

(109 attendees).

Leveraging its partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development

and Innovation (MEDI) as well as private sector partners, VBEC delivers

programs tailored towards youth entrepreneurship.

Source: City of Vaughan, Building Standards Department, January 7, 2013

VBEC SERVICES

January to deCemBer 31, 2012

General Inquiries 2,185

Consultations 714

new Businesses and Expansions 171

Jobs Created 281

Seminars, Outreach, and Event Activities 149

Total Attendees and Contacts 2,162

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (1.3%)

Utilities (0.3%)

Construction (12.0%)

Manufacturing (4.5%)

Wholesale Trade (4.1%)

Retail Trade (8.0%)

Transportation & Warehousing (0.8%)

Information & Cultural Industries (1.5%)

Real Estate, Rental & Leasing (0.4%)

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (3.4%)

Administrative and Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services (0.8%)

Education Services (3.9%)

Health Care and Social Assistance (4.1%)

Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (3.1%)

Accommodation & Food Services (9.2%)

Other Services(Except Public Administration)(37.7%)

Other (4.9%)

VBEC CONSULTATIONS BY SECTOR 2012

$0

$500

$1000

$1500

$2000

MiscellaneousInstitutionalIndustrialCommercialResidential

2002

$1119.3$1056.8

$890.6$837

$1306.3

$1601.8

$1026.7$1050.6

$1406.7

$1038.9

$778

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

VAUGHAN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY UPDATES

Between January and December 2012, there were $778 million worth of

building permits issued in Vaughan compared with $1.039 billion during

the same period in 2011. Decreases were experienced in the residential

and institutional sectors. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has

noted a cooling in the construction of single-detached homes in Vaughan

as well as other municipalities in the York Region. Institutional permits are

down due to the large subway infrastructure investment in 2011.

Commercial, industrial and miscellaneous permits experienced strong

increases of 68.8 percent, 119.2 percent and 18.2 percent over the previous

year, respectively. The three largest industrial projects of 2012, tenanted by

Dock Edge, Dynamic Tire and Home Depot, are situated in the Vaughan

Enterprise Zone accounting for 95 percent of the total new industrial

construction values. On the commercial side, the Element Hotel by Westin

was the largest project coming in at over $25 million in permit value, or 39

percent of all new commercial construction.

VAuGHAn COunCIL SuCCESSFuLLY InCORPORATES A MuLTI-YEAR BuDGET FRAMEWORK

Vaughan City Council marks a significant milestone as it has successfully incorporated a multi-year budget framework into the 2013-2016 budgeting process.

“The City of Vaughan has a long standing commitment to sound financial planning through progressive best practices and practical financial guidelines,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “Building on the financial planning efforts to date, the budget process now includes a future focus and this forward-looking approach will provide our residents with more certainty about the direction of City services, finances and tax levels. As the City moves forward, financial sustainability will continue to be a key priority.”

Multi-year budgeting is intended to proactively identify future challenges and opportunities, and prepare for the future by understanding the longer-term financial implications of present and past initiatives. It provides many advantages over the traditional annual budgeting process, including increased long-term planning and a more strategic approach to allocating resources.

The need for a long-range financial plan was recognized by the City as early as 1994 and the concept of multi-year budgets was originally introduced in 2010 as a phased-in approach to the budgeting process. The City’s goal of achieving a four-year rolling budget began with implementing a two-year plan in 2010 and adding an additional year to each subsequent budget cycle. As a result, the four year target has been reached, building a comprehensive long-term financial planning model.

“Vaughan Council continues to demonstrate financial leadership and discipline as it undertakes the four-year budgeting platform,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “Forecasting future budgets is based on assumptions and estimates. Estimates are continually revised as better information becomes available. Consequently, Council approves the first year budget and then is informed of forecasts addressing future requirements and opportunities.”

The City of Vaughan’s Finance and Administration Committee held public meetings for the Draft 2013 Budget and 2014-2016 Plan on november 12, november 26, December 3 and December 10, 2012. Two public meetings are scheduled in January, 2013:

• Monday, January 14 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Monday, January 21 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

All meetings are held at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive. Draft budget documents, presentations and meeting schedules are on the City’s website: www.vaughan.ca

Business Bulletin.

2012 uRBAn DESIGn AWARDS SHOWCASE BEST OF CITY’S uRBAn DEVELOPMEnT

The 2012 Vaughan urban Design Awards were presented on november 14 to recognize local development initiatives that exemplify excellence and innovation in urban development in the City of Vaughan.

The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the wide range of projects that represent the best in architecture, landscape architecture and environmental stewardship in the City of Vaughan,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “These award-winning projects highlight our commitment to sustainable city-building, and help build a distinct image of Vaughan as an emerging world-class city with a unique style and growing civic pride.”

A jury of design professionals from the design industry, members of Vaughan Council and City staff judged qualified entries on the following criteria: Significance – City Wide Scale; Significance – Community Wide Scale; Sustainability Design; Accessibility; Compatibility, Innovation and Creativity; and, Execution.

Vaughan City Hall, submitted by KPMB Architects and Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg Landscape Architects, was recognized by jury members (excluding City staff and Vaughan Council) as an excellent example of a civic-minded community building, and for its leading-edge environmental and landscape features. It is expected to be one of the largest civic buildings in Canada to achieve Gold certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. An official opening was held in September 2011.

The awards program invited submissions from architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, developers, contractors, owners and the general public. Eligible project entries included: residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, sustainable development, streetscape improvement and heritage. A total of 20 projects were chosen this year as nominees.

Of the 20 entries picked as nominees this year, a total of six projects were presented with the 2012 urban Design Awards. The list of award winners is published in the Jury Report and posted on the City’s website: www.vaughan.ca

Printed in Canada © City of Vaughan 2012

CITY OF VAuGHAn ECOnOMIC DEVELOPMEnT DEPARTMEnT2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada l6a 1t1 tel: 905-832-2281 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

Vcc Business achieVeMent awarDs – May 16, 2013

The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC)Business Achievement Awards celebrate business excellence in the City of Vaughan. The 2013 Business Achievement Awards bestow “Business of the Year” recognition to nominees in a number of categories.

Business of the Year – Accessibility is a new award category that has been added to the 2013 Business Achievement Awards program. This award recognizes a Vaughan business that has demonstrated leadership in adopting standards under The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, also known as the AODA. The accessibility standards will apply to private and public sector organizations across Ontario. The goal of the AODA is an accessible Ontario by 2025.

The 2013 Business Achievement Awards Presentation Gala will be held on:

Thursday, May 16, 2013 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Venetian Banquet & Hospitality Centre

To sponsor, or to register for the 2013 Business Achievement Awards Presentation Gala, please contact the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce: 905-761-1366 or info@vaughanchamber.ca

worK is unDerway on raPiD transit in VauGhan

Vivanext has begun preliminary construction on the first phase of the Highway 7 West rapidway, located in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, from Edgeley Boulevard to just east of Bowes Road. Some work will continue through the winter so that construction and utility relocations can begin next spring.

Vivanext and the TTC will soon be opening a project information centre at the northwest corner of Jane Street and Highway 7, so that those who live and work in Vaughan can have a place to talk to project staff, see the latest maps and visuals, and find out about upcoming construction.

To sign up for construction updates, find materials from vivanext’s open houses and read about rapid transit in York Region, visit: www.vivanext.com

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council with winners of the

2012 Vaughan urban Design Awards.