My Plan for Healthy Communities & Supporting Seniors

Healthcare is one of the most common concerns I hear from residents.

Families are struggling to find family doctors. Seniors are concerned about aging at home. Many residents worry about hospital capacity and access to healthcare services.

While municipalities do not operate hospitals or healthcare systems, we can play an important role in supporting healthy communities, advocating for better services and helping residents access the supports they need.

What Has Been Achieved Over The Last Four Years

• Continued advancing Vaughan’s Healthcare Centre Precinct as a healthcare innovation hub supporting the future expansion of Mackenzie Health, healthcare research, teaching and long-term care.
  City of Vaughan: Advancing world-class healthcare innovation vaughan.ca
• Expanded Vaughan’s active transportation network, including new cycle tracks, sidewalks and multi-use pathways that support healthy and active lifestyles. In 2023, more than 11 kilometres of new cycle tracks and multi-use pathways opened, while more than 125 kilometres of active transportation infrastructure progressed through various stages of study, design and implementation.
  City of Vaughan: Creating more places to walk or ride your bike vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Active Transportation Network vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Trails vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Parks vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Recreation Services vaughan.ca

• Supported seniors’ organizations and expanded programs designed to keep older adults active, engaged and connected, including Aging Well in the City of Vaughan, new social and educational programming, and expanded services aimed at reducing isolation.
  City of Vaughan: Expanding services for seniors vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Free programs for older adults vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Vaughan Seniors Hub officially opens vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Recognized as an age-friendly community vaughan.ca

• Continued recognizing and supporting Vaughan’s volunteers and community organizations, including annual Volunteer Recognition Awards honouring residents whose service strengthened the city’s quality of life.
  City of Vaughan: Celebrating our volunteers in 2024 vaughan.ca

City of Vaughan: Celebrating Vaughan’s outstanding volunteers in 2025 vaughan.ca
Service Vaughan: Community Service Organizations sv.vaughan.ca

• Continued supporting the implementation of York Region’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which brings together local municipalities, police, residents and community organizations to advance preventive, targeted and community-driven solutions.
  York Region: Community Safety and Well-Being Plan york.ca
  York Region: Community Safety and Well-Being Plan 2022-2026 york.ca
  York Region: 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being progress update york.ca
• Built on Vaughan’s long-standing commitment to seniors by expanding age-friendly programs and services, earning acceptance into the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities and, in 2026, receiving Ontario’s Age-Friendly Community recognition.
  City of Vaughan: Acceptance into the WHO age-friendly network
  City of Vaughan: Ontario Age-Friendly Community recognition vaughan.ca vaughan.ca

My 6-Point Healthy Communities Plan

The Next Four Years

1Create a Vaughan Aging-in-Place Initiative

Most seniors want to remain in the homes and communities they love.

I will establish a Vaughan Aging-in-Place Initiative in partnership with:

• Mackenzie Health;
• Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital;
• York Region;
• Seniors' organizations; and
• Community service providers.

The initiative will focus on transportation, wellness programs, social isolation, caregiver supports and helping seniors access aging-at-home services.

Goal Help seniors remain independent, active and connected.

2Advocate for More Family Doctors

Too many residents cannot find a family doctor.

I will work with healthcare providers, hospitals and senior governments to advocate for more family physicians and primary care services in Vaughan.

Goal Better access to family healthcare close to home.

3Expand Seniors' Transportation Options

Transportation is one of the biggest barriers facing seniors.

I will advocate for expanded transportation options and improved connections between seniors and the programs and services they depend on.

Goal Help seniors stay active and engaged in community life.

4Support Healthy Living for Every Generation

I will continue supporting recreation, wellness, walking, cycling and community health initiatives that encourage active lifestyles.

Goal One of the healthiest communities in Ontario.

5Create a Community Health & Wellness Partnership Council

I will bring together healthcare providers, seniors' organizations, community agencies and residents to identify healthcare priorities and advocate for local solutions.

Goal A stronger voice for Vaughan residents on healthcare issues.

6Continue Fighting for Healthcare Infrastructure

As Vaughan grows, healthcare infrastructure must keep pace.

I will continue advocating for investments in:

• Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital;
• Mackenzie Health;
• Community healthcare facilities;
• Long-term care services; and
• Seniors' supports.

Goal Ensure healthcare services grow with our community.

Delivering Results

I did not just talk about supporting seniors and healthy communities. Long before entering politics, I helped establish community programs and organizations that improved the quality of life of seniors, youth and families across Vaughan. I have spent decades advocating for stronger community services, supporting seniors' initiatives and helping build the community infrastructure that makes Vaughan an exceptional place to live. Now I want to help seniors age at home, improve access to healthcare services and ensure residents have the support they need at every stage of life.