TORONTO – Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua announced he will not be seeking re-election in the Municipal election later this year (October 24). He delivered the message at the annual Vaughan Mayor’s Gala Wednesday evening at the Universal Event Space in Vaughan. It was the first in-person Gala since 2019, following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The theme of this year’s Gala was: An Evening of Gratitude. The evening, aimed at celebrating the individuals and organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others was overshadowed by the Mayor’s surprising announcement.

Bevilacqua’s announcement followed his keynote address to a crowd of close to 800 people. It included the transformational $30-million gift from HBNG Holborn Group, a Vaughan-based independent investment and real estate management firm. In the Spirit of Generosity, the considerable donation helped the Mackenzie Health Ultimate Campaign, reach the $250-million milestone. The Mayor expressed his gratitude and thanks to John A. D’Angelo, Giuseppe Maio and Claudio Memme for their generous contribution to Mackenzie Health.

Over the past twelve years, the City has strengthened its foundation and built the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. It is a state-of the-art facility designed to deliver world-class health care services. The City has also welcomed Niagara University, the Region’s first university and improved transit infrastructure with a system that connects communities beyond the city’s borders.

The fund-raising event brought together donors, volunteers and supporters that showcase a community defined by a spirit of generosity and gratitude. When asked why the Mayor chose that moment to announce he would not seek re-election, he provided a curt response to the Corriere: “the City is in good shape”.

Photo credit: P. Pajdo