Vaughan's Super Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

Unlike most political figures, Vaughan’s mayor is actively involved in his city’s happenings. He’s a go-getter, an individual who strives for the best and someone who makes things happen. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua is the heart of Vaughan.

Since he was sworn in as mayor on December 6th, 2010, Bevilacqua has done all he can to be a part of the community. In one day he may attend an official opening of a new business, the inauguration of a new park, speak to students at a local school, visit a seniors’ centre, conduct an interview to promote his city with the media - he does it because he believes in what he does.

“You can’t just lead a city from behind your desk. You need to be present and involved in the evolution of the City by paying tribute to the citizens of this great city who are opening new businesses, advancing special causes, giving of themselves in many different ways to bring about positive change,” Bevilacqua tells Top Choice Magazine.

Mayor Bevilacqua is fully engaged in the transformation of Vaughan - a suburban municipality he wants to change into a world class city. The more events and functions he attends, the more he is left in awe of the citizens of Vaughan.

“I want them to know that because of them I am hopeful and confident about the future of the city,” says Bevilacqua. “As well, I want them to know that I respect them a great deal and that by working together we can achieve success.”

The City of Vaughan is a growing community; one of the fastest growing cities in Canada right now. Bevilacqua has a plan set in motion to support, and adapt to, this growth; one that will put a focus on pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, an urban approach to new developments, and a focus on job creation.

This plan includes a new downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, where the Spadina subway extension will bring the subway to Vaughan. It includes plans for complete communities focused around heritage villages and other local centres, linked by public transit; and it includes provisions for protecting existing residential and employment areas. A plan for the Vaughan hospital was also recently approved by the provincial government this summer.

With the continued growth of the community, comes the addition of new businesses. Mayor Bevilacqua says this is because Vaughan has location, a highly-educated and diverse population, accessibility to Canada’s largest airport, major highways, and great public transit, the new subway coming, an approved hospital plan, and they have a solid and well-managed city government.

“In essence, we have it all in Vaughan and we work hard to support our growing business community,” he says. “We care about our business community and we have a solid track record of supporting them, including low taxes. We know that their hard work helps drive our local economy, as well as create quality employment and job opportunities.”

The mayor also recognizes the efforts of businesses like Top Choice Magazine, who are all about promoting and shining a spotlight on local businesses.

“Top Choice is a great avenue to promote all that is positive about the City of Vaughan. I think it’s important to help local businesses get the word out,” says Bevilacqua. “They rely on the local economy in order to grow – they rely on us, the consumer, to tell people about where we eat, where we shop, or where we get our car repaired.”

“In today’s Vaughan, knowledge is key and this publication offers a lot of wisdom in that regard,” he continues. “Top Choice understands that it plays an important role in our city - generating awareness and promoting the very best of what Vaughan has to offer.”

So what’s the secret to being mayor of a city like Vaughan? For Mayor Bevilacqua, public service is not a job, it’s a vocation.

“I am anchored to the sound values of dignity, integrity and respect for our citizens. There really is no secret - this is what I love to do, it is what I was born to do,” he says. “I think one of most exciting aspects of politics today is the evolution of cities – they are becoming the magnets for investment, creating jobs, providing the quality of life and standard of living for the people – it’s been a very fascinating experience.”