Three years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack against Israel, murdering hundreds of innocent people, including Canadian citizens, and taking many others hostage. In the three years since, Jewish communities here in Canada and around the world have faced an alarming rise in antisemitism and Jew hatred. We have seen threats, intimidation, vandalism and violence directed at Jewish Canadians simply because of who they are.

"I am aware of the devastating news of a shooting at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, just as the Jewish community was beginning to mark the start of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. I have been in contact with @YRP this evening and have been assured that they will be increasing patrols around our city's synagogues. I sincerely hope that the brave police officer injured tonight in Belleville recovers fully, and my thoughts are with them and their loved ones. And I thank all first responders for their exceptional efforts."

As Vaughan’s Jewish community prepares to observe the High Holy Days, I want residents to know that my office has been in direct contact with @YRP regarding community safety. YRP has advised that it is proactively increasing patrols and deploying its Command Post at strategic locations across York Region throughout the High Holy Days. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence near synagogues, faith-based institutions, community centres and other gathering places across Vaughan. Shanah Tovah and Chag Sameach to everyone celebrating.

Our crews are out in full force again today cleaning up the aftermath of the storm and addressing areas that continue to be impacted. Some roads remain closed, and we ask everyone to continue to use caution and avoid affected areas. I want to thank our dedicated City staff, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service and York Regional Police, who have been working tirelessly around the clock to keep our residents safe and help our community recover.

Our community was hit with extreme weather today that has caused significant damage and disruption for many families across Vaughan. I have heard from residents who are dealing with flooding and downed trees, among other issues. City crews are out in full force responding. I know this has not been easy for many of our residents, and I respectfully ask for patience as our staff work as quickly and as safely as possible to deal with this situation. Please stay safe and use caution. As a community, we will get through this.

I have been made aware of two incidents of hateful, antisemitic graffiti at separate locations in our city this weekend. Antisemitism and Jew hatred are alive, and we have to stop looking the other way, permitting these acts to become normalized. Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact @YRP at 1-866-876-5423.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.