Name: Maurizio Bevilacqua
Occupation: Mayor City of Vaughan
How long have you lived in YR? I’ve lived in York Region since 1986.
Why did you make YR home? York Region is an exceptional community to live in. It is blessed with many opportunities to fulfill your potential. It is a community where everyone lives together in harmony. A place where people feel at home. A place with world class amenities including recreational facilities, art galleries, libraries, shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment venues, green spaces, places of worship and a diverse population make the York Region experience very unique.
What do you do for fun in YR? Find what you love and life becomes enjoyable. Such as my case. As Mayor, I truly enjoy the wonderful opportunities York Region offers to grow and flourish. Life is fun in York Region with wonderful, caring and compassionate people who do interesting things. Each activity I participate in that enriches the human spirit, brings me much joy, fun and hope.
What is one summer/winter event that you never miss in YR? Two of the events I look forward to every year are the award-winning Vaughan Celebrates Winterfest and Canada Day. They are much-anticipated celebrations that bring the community together to experience the best of what Vaughan has to offer. With world-class entertainment and activities for people of all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These annual events are also an opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to the values, principles and beliefs that connect us all and make us proud to call Vaughan and York Region home.
What are your favourite restaurants in YR? Too many to mention. We speak 105 different languages and are blessed with an international culinary experience.
What YR attractions/events/happenings would you recommend to friends who visit YR? As one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions and home to people from all over the world, York Region has many remarkable attractions that captivate visitors and residents. Some of my favourites include the McMichael Canadian Art Gallery, North Maple Regional Park, which is larger than New York City’s Central Park, Canada’s Wonderland and the Kortright Centre for Conservation, to name a few. I would encourage anyone visiting York Region to ensure these attractions are on their must-see list!
Bio:
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua P.C., BA, MA, LL.M, ICD.D
Mayor, City of Vaughan
The Honourable Maurizio Bevilacqua is currently serving his third term as Mayor of the City of Vaughan. He is a former Member of Parliament for 22 years, serving in several roles, including Minister of State for Finance, Minister of State for Science, Research and Development, and Chairman of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
Mayor Bevilacqua is Chair of the Finance and Administration Committee for York Region, Chair of the York Regional Police Services Board and Vice Chair of the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. He also serves as a Director on the Alectra Inc. Board. He is also on the Board of Directors for The Abraham Global Peace Initiative. Additionally, Mayor Bevilacqua is Chair of Mackenzie Health Foundation’s $250-million Ultimate Campaign and Chair of the Hospice Vaughan Capital Campaign.
Mayor Bevilacqua holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, a Master of Arts degree from Fordham University, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Toronto.
