Steven Del Duca

Mayor of Vaughan. Together, let’s Get Vaughan Moving.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

This has been an incredibly difficult week for the men and women who serve in uniform across Ontario. On behalf of the City of Vaughan, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and colleagues.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

Vaughan has been at the forefront of addressing housing affordability by taking decisive action to reduce development charges and lower the costs that too often get passed on to homebuyers. I want to thank Premier @fordnation, Minister @RobFlackEML and the federal government for recognizing municipalities that have shown leadership in this area and for supporting a more collaborative approach to funding the infrastructure needed to enable responsible growth.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

Thank you to @YRP and the @TorontoPolice for their swift investigative work in connection with the March 7 shooting at BAYT.

See my full statement below.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Paulo Da Silva on his appointment as the next Chief of @YRP .

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

Thank you @YRP. At a time when antisemitism and Jew hatred is on the rise, we must be vigilant and do everything possible to support and protect our Jewish residents. Anyone with information is asked to please contact them immediately.

[York Regional Police @YRP]

HATE/BIAS-MOTIVATED INCIDENT
09:35am
7026 Bathurst Street, Vaughan
Sephardic Kehila Centre
- male suspect (pictured below) attempted to force his way into a Synagogue and assaulted a victim prior to fleeing the scene
- the victim was not injured
- York Regional Police Hate Crime Unit is investigating
- Please call 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7441 with any information
#GO26139957

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

I have been made aware of a deeply disturbing assault at the Sephardic Kehila Centre. @YRP is investigating and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

@stevefleck @Sflecce @PrabSarkaria The land is immediately adjacent to a large residential neighbourhood that thousands of Vaughan families call home. It's an ideal location, and we are grateful to @Sflecce, @PrabSarkaria, and @fordnation for their help to make this happen.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

I’d like to thank Premier @fordnation, Minister @RobFlackEML and Prime Minister @MarkJCarney for taking meaningful action to reduce the cost of development charges for municipalities. As one of the first municipalities to take bold steps to lower these fees, Vaughan welcomes this announcement and looks forward to seeing others follow our lead.

Reducing the cost of building homes is critical to improving affordability, and this partnership will help more families achieve homeownership while ensuring our construction workers continue to benefit from strong, stable employment.

[CityNews Toronto @CityNewsTO]

#NEW: Ford government, feds to cut development charges on new homes in half to stimulate new builds. https://t.co/ZF4jfZMjjo

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

Today’s announcement is a welcome step toward making housing more affordable for families across Ontario. I want to thank Premier @fordnation, Ministers @PBethlenfalvy, @RobFlackEML and the federal government for taking action on home ownership and affordability. Here in Vaughan, we’re doing our part by reducing development charges to help lower costs and support the construction of new homes.

[CP24 @CP24]

#BREAKING: All Ontario buyers will be eligible for HST rebate on new homes for one year as province, feds expand relief https://t.co/vQvgAhibSx

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

@thesaleshole @fordnation Please let me know how I can help. My email address is [email protected]. Thanks!

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

Once again, our community has been shaken by a violent home invasion—one that forced a homeowner to defend their family inside their own home. I want to thank @YRP for their swift response. No one should ever be put in that position, and I am thankful that the homeowner has not been charged, as this was an act of self-defence.

[York Regional Police @YRP]

UPDATE – Suspect Arrested, Three Outstanding After Armed Home Invasion in Vaughan
- discharged firearm determined to be from homeowner
- a male was dropped off at a Toronto-area hospital shortly after home invasion reported, determined to have been shot as a result of the home invasion
- three suspects remain outstanding
- suspect at hospital remains in police custody in stable condition
- homeowner not charged based on evidence obtained by investigators

Full details here: https://t.co/rtXtyJCEQ2

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

I want to thank Premier @fordnation for taking action by instructing the Attorney General to seek an injunction to prevent the Al-Quds Day rally.

This is a critical moment in our province and country, and leaders at all levels need to be decisive in defence of Jewish Canadians who have been unfairly targeted and terrorized since October 7th, 2023. Anti-semitism and Jew hatred can never be tolerated or glossed over and ignored.

[Doug Ford @fordnation]

This afternoon, I’ve instructed my Attorney General to pursue an injunction against the Al-Quds Day demonstration planned for Toronto.

Hate, violence and intimidation have no place on the streets of Canada and our government will fight it however we can.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

As Mayor of the first municipality in Canada to approve a bubble zone bylaw protecting all vulnerable social infrastructure, including places of worship, I am encouraged to hear that Premier @fordnation is exploring taking similar action at the provincial level. And I also commend Aurora Mayor @TMrakas for announcing his intention to bring forward a bubble zone motion in his community. Residents accessing places of worship, schools, daycares, hospitals and other similar venues should always be free from harassment and intimidation.

[Colin D'Mello | Global News @ColinDMello]

Premier Doug Ford, asked about protection zones around places of worship says:

We're going to look at that.

Ford also says he’s asked the Sol Gen to look at crime cameras around places of worship and creating special prosecution teams for hate crime.

#onpoli

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

On behalf of the City of Vaughan, I want to thank Chief Jim MacSween for his years of dedicated service and steadfast leadership. Throughout some of the most challenging moments facing our community, Chief MacSween led with strength, integrity and resolve. Under his leadership, we opened two new substations in Vaughan, strengthened our fight against crime and ensured those who threaten public safety were held accountable. Thank you, Jim. Our city — and York Regional Police — are stronger because of your leadership and commitment to keeping our community safe.

[Chief Jim MacSween @chiefmacsween]

Today, I announced that I have made the decision to retire as Chief of York Regional Police, effective June 26, 2026.

It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead the dedicated members of York Regional Police, who put the professionalism, compassion and commitment to public safety into action every day. I would like to thank the Police Service Board, our members, our partners and our communities for the trust and confidence you have placed in me over the past six years, and for my entire career.

Being privileged to work alongside and lead thousands of exceptional people, I am retiring with immense gratitude and pride. But I am still looking forward, and my commitment over the coming months is simple: Supporting a disciplined and seamless transition, so the organization’s focus stays exactly where it belongs—on building and protecting safer communities well into the future.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

I understand many residents have been feeling frustrated as their power has been impacted over the last several days across Vaughan. I share your concerns as my own neighbourhood has also been affected.

I have been in touch with Alectra (our electrical utility) conveying residents’ concerns and asking for an update.

Here is the information Alectra has provided to me:

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

The news coming out of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends of the victims. I’ve asked for flags at all City of Vaughan facilities to be lowered to half-mast in memory of those impacted by this tragic mass shooting. Its impact is felt across the country, and Vaughan holds the people of Tumbler Ridge in our hearts.

[Steven Del Duca @StevenDelDuca]

@ThisGuySaysHi @CriticalHippo99 @City_of_Vaughan Please send the details regarding your ticketing concern to me at [email protected]. Thanks.