In contrast to the ever-growing trend of holiday secularism, the City of Vaughan has commemorated a large, unapologetic Nativity scene in the heart of its City Hall, with Mayor Steven Del Duca and company promising its return every Christmas from now on. 

A visual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas, the display’s appearance follows council support of one of the city’s Members’ Resolutions brought forward by Del Duca and Ward 2 councillor Adriano Volpentesta just weeks ago, requesting city staff obtain and install the Nativity scene ahead of Christmas. 

Located on the main floor of Vaughan City Hall, the traditional Nativity finds itself at home in a large, visible and open atrium used for community celebrations. Del Duca recalled how the scene came to be despite it all happening so fast. 

Advertisement

“We are blessed to live in a city where we not only respect, but celebrate, the various faith traditions that we have in the City of Vaughan. More than 50 per cent of Vaughan residents identify themselves as Christians, we have a strong, and I would say growing Christian community, so we wanted to do something to honour that Christian tradition and faith,” he said. 

Both Catholic, Volpentesta and Del Duca had a discussion that led to the concept of installing a Nativity scene. The mayor believes the overarching premise of celebrating the observance is a net good for many in the community. 

“I think it makes a lot of sense when we live in an era where I think many people are struggling to hold on to the values and the foundations that they were raised with. I am very much of the belief, unlike a lot of other politicians, that it's perfectly OK. In fact, it's a good idea for us to embrace spirituality, faith and religion as a foundation that people can have full and wholesome lives around,” he said. 

For years, however, various governments have been cracking down on similar religious signage and expressions in and around public spaces. In 2017, Edmonton’s City Hall removed its Nativity scene after more than 40 years, replacing it with a smaller art display indoors. Terrace, B.C., saw city staff remove a decades-old Nativity from city hall's entrance in 2022, and just last year, Kelowna’s Kerry Park removed a sign that read “Keep the Christ in Christmas” near an outdoor Nativity scene.

Advertisement

It’s a reality Del Duca has both noticed and refused to follow during his tenure.

“ We've seen a strong rise of secularism in the last couple of decades within the public sphere for sure, and while I understand and respect that not every individual is comfortable with religious faith or organized religions, we're not forcing anyone to believe anything they don't want to believe,” he said, 

It’s not the first act of religious celebration the City of Vaughan has offered, having done an official menorah lighting to mark the start of Hanukkah, yearly Christmas tree lightings and even a yearly Iftar event for its Muslim community. 

“We try to do it all, and I don’t think there's anything at all wrong with political and governmental leaders embracing all faith communities and saying that there really doesn't need to be some kind of aggressive division between the public sphere and organized faith communities. In fact, they really should be working together with one another.”

The Nativity was officially opened Dec. 10 with members of council joined by Toronto Auxiliary Bishop John A. Boissonneau, who was present to bless the scene, as live music from the North City Church band performed for those in attendance. 

Now installed, blessed and celebrated, the Christmas nativity scene is slated to remain on display until the Epiphany, Jan. 6. 

Advertisement

Wishing a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, Del Duca hopes it's a testament that faith still has a welcome home in the public square.

“ We are not a municipality that's shy about religion: Our churches, our mosques and our synagogues are well attended. There are very strong faith communities here that serve such an important role, not only spiritually, but in real, tangible ways in people's day-to-day lives. I think we need to keep celebrating and honour that,” he said.