MINUTES - Council - 19980325
TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING
NO. 09-98
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
8:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
Hartwell, Healy, Hinder, Hogg, McKenzie, Morris, and
West.
STAFF MEMBERS Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services, Director of Planning, Director of Building
Administration, Director of Leisure Services, Director
of Public Works, Fire Chief, Treasurer, and
Council/Committee Secretary.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Hartwell declared an interest in the letter of petition from residents of Aurora
regarding Health Club Memberships to the Aurora Golf and Country Club by virtue of his
residence in the vicinity and as a former member of the Aurora Highland’s Ratepayers
Association Executive and did not take part in or vote on any questions in this regard or
attempt in any way to influence the voting on such questions.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
#165. Moved by Councillor Hinder Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as outlined herein with the
addition of correspondence from Mayor Jones regarding a request to hold
a Special Council Meeting on April 6, 1998.
CARRIED
PRESENTATIONS
Bruce Macgregor, Transportation and Works Department,
Region of York re: Regional Water Supply
Mr. Bruce Macgregor provided a visual presentation regarding the Region of York’s
Long Term Water Strategy and 1998 Work Plan which would consist of completing
optimization of the south area water supply; Water Efficiency
M I N U T E S
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 2
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
Program; Class Environmental Assessment (Lake Simcoe); and Individual
Environmental Assessment (Lake Ontario). Mr. Macgregor outlined the Region’s high
and low range projections regarding water production of the Yonge Street Aquifer which
included water supply for the communities of Aurora, Newmarket, Holland Landing,
Queensville, and Sharon. He advised that limited groundwater sources to
accommodate future growth have resulted in the Region’s proposal to ultimately provide
the necessary infrastructure to draw surface water from Lake Ontario. An overview of
the Regional Infrastructure to accommodate both short and long term water related
servicing requirements of the Town was provided. Mr. Macgregor indicated that when
completed, Aurora would be connected with the Metro water system and a blending of
groundwater and lake based water would occur within the municipal system. He
explained that the capital waterworks for the proposal would be funded through
Development Charges (80%) and through water rates (20%). Mr. Macgregor then
responded to a number of inquiries from Members of Council relating to the Town’s
groundwater sources, the financial implications of the proposal, and the rationale for
providing groundwater to the proposed new community in Queensville at the expense of
Aurora.
#166. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the presentation be received as information.
CARRIED
B. Harrison, Transportation and Works Department,
Region of York re: Class Environmental Assessment for
St. John’s Sideroad from Yonge Street to Woodbine Avenue
Mr. Harrison introduced Mr. Dino Basso, who was present to make the presentation and
Mr. Paul May, who was in attendance to respond to specific traffic concerns. Mr. Basso
provided a visual presentation which outlined the need and justification for the Class
Environmental Assessment for St. John’s Sideroad. He addressed certain safety issues
such as poor visibility, narrow shoulders and inadequate road strength. Mr. Basso
outlined development issues including the rate and type of growth controlled by existing
development processes, and the current development of the surrounding vacant lands.
In response to questions from Members of Council, Mr. May provided background
information related to traffic studies for the subject area and explained that the Region’s
model to forecast future traffic volumes assumes 30-35% transit usage compared to 5%
transit usage at the present time. Mr. Basso outlined natural environmental issues
including concerns related to the importance, function and/or the possible destruction of
the McKenzie Marsh, wildlife fatalities, and water quality issues. Mr. Basso assured
Council that an independent Wetlands Study would be conducted to address the
concerns in this regard. Mr. Basso advised that the Region is currently involved in
fulfilling the criteria necessary to file the Environmental Study Assessment Report which
is targeted for late 1998. Mr. Alan Wells, Regional Chief Administrative Officer
suggested holding a future workshop in Aurora to provide the public with further
information and details of the proposal for St. John’s Sideroad Reconstruction.
#167. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the presentation be received as information.
CARRIED
At 10:00 p.m. Council recessed. At 10:05 p.m. Council reconvened.
DELEGATIONS
B. Kestein, People Against Restructuring Known Sanctuaries (PARKS)
re: Concerns relating to Traffic Problems, Aurora Transit, and
Housing Construction
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 3
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
Mr. Kestein, representing People Against Restructuring Known Sanctuaries advised that
the Region’s proposal to reconstruct St. John’s Sideroad would be physically difficult to
achieve due to the multiple elevation levels which occur between Yonge Street and the
CN railway crossing. Mr. Kestein suggested that the construction of a bridge would be
more appropriate for this section of road. He acknowledged the need for improvements
to St. John’s Sideroad although he opposed the Region’s proposed option of a four-lane
highway. He enquired about the possibility of developing the McKenzie Marsh into
parkland since the land is too sensitive to build on. Mr. Kestein also suggested that
municipalities should slow down the development of subdivisions by allowing for only
one development to proceed at a time.
#168. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the comments of the delegate be received as information and
forwarded to the Region of York for information.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Ministry of Environment Southwestern Region re:
Township of Colborne’s Resolution regarding the
Contamination of Groundwater caused by E-Coli Bacteria
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
York Region re: Application by The City of Toronto
to Host the 2008 Olympics
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
Region of York re: Resolution to Retain
Region of York’s Existing Sign By-law and
Continue to Prohibit Advertising Devices
THAT the correspondence be received and referred to Staff.
Correspondence from Councillor Hartwell re:
1998 Street Sale, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, June 7, 1998
THAT Council authorize the 1998 Street Sale to be held on Sunday, June
7, 1998 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
THAT permission be granted for various vendors to sell goods within the
designated area during the 1998 Street Sale;
THAT the Public Works and Fire Departments participate in the
preparation for the planned events;
THAT Staff be directed to notify the Town’s insurer of the event;
THAT the Chamber of Commerce be requested to notify the York
Regional Police and the York County Hospital Ambulance Services of this
event; and
SECTION “A” – CONSENT ITEMS
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 4
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
THAT Staff be directed to introduce the necessary By-law to temporarily
close Yonge Street between Murray Drive and Wellington Street during
the required hours for the 1998 Street Sale.
Navy League of Canada, Newmarket Branch re:
Request for Tag Days – March 27 to 29, 1998
THAT permission be granted to the Navy League of Canada, Newmarket
Branch to conduct tag days from March 27 to 29, 1998 in the Town of
Aurora.
Jim Hayward, Resident re: Request Permission for Street Party
Saturday, June 20, 1998 on Avondale Crescent
THAT permission be granted to the residents of Avondale Crescent to
close off Avondale Crescent from 6:00 p.m. to midnight for a street party
on June 20, 1998;
THAT the residents notify the Aurora Public Works Department regarding
the provision of barricades to close off the street if necessary; and
THAT the residents notify the Aurora Fire Department, York Regional
Police and York County Hospital Ambulance Services and all residents on
the said street of this event.
Letter of Petition from Residents of Ransom Street re:
Request for By-law to Prohibit Parking on Ransom Street
THAT the correspondence be referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory
Board.
Susan Miller, Resident re: Left Turn Restrictions -
Yonge Street and Wellington Street
THAT the correspondence be received and referred to Staff.
Committee of Adjustment - Notices of Decisions
Application: A-18-98/D13-18-98 (Aurora Toyota)
Application: A-15, 16, 17-98/D13-15, 16, 17-98 (1158144 Ontario Inc.)
Application: A-14-98/D13-14-98 (Brookfield Homes Ltd.)
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
#169. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the suggested resolutions respecting the matters listed as “Consent
Items” be adopted as submitted to Council and Staff be authorized to take
all necessary action required to give effect to same.
CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing re:
Proposed Draft Legislation for a Greater Toronto
Services Board, and News Release
#170. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
SECTION “B” – MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 5
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Alan Tonks, Moderator, Greater Toronto Area re:
Draft Legislation for a Greater Toronto Services Board
#171. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor West
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Memorandum from Mayor Jones re:
Request to Hold Special Council Meeting, Monday, April 6, 1998
Proposed Draft Legislation for a Greater Toronto Services Board
#172. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT a Special Council Meeting be held on Monday, April 6, 1998 at 7:00
p.m. to meet with Alan Tonks, Moderator, Greater Toronto Area and to
consider a Staff Report regarding the Town’s position in relation to the
draft legislation to create a Greater Toronto Services Board which was
released by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on March 12,
1998.
CARRIED
AMO Member Communication re:
Province Releases Proposals for
Municipal Referendum Legislation
#173. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT the correspondence be received and referred to Staff for a Report.
CARRIED
AMO Member Communication re:
Province Passes a Regulation to Increase
Upper-Tier Interim Levy for 1998
#174. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Region of York re: Proposed New Municipal Act
#175. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Region of York, Transportation and Works Committee
re: York-Durham Sewage System, Aurora Pumping Station
and Forcemain Consultant Selection
#176. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 6
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Region of York, Transportation and Works Committee
re: Long Term Water Project, Lake Simcoe
Water Treatment Facility - Environmental Assessment
and Recommended Supply Concept for Aurora/Newmarket
#177. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the Town of Aurora request the Region of York to forthwith allocate
the $7,000,000.00 which was paid by the Town to install wells throughout
the Town to support the groundwater supply for the Aurora area as
compensation to the Town of Aurora for the costs associated with the
installation of the wells and that the compensation be directed to the
installation of water and sewer infrastructure proposed for Wellington
Street east to the 404 lands for future development.
At this point in the meeting, the Chair determined that further debate and consideration
of the motion on the floor should be dealt with under the Unfinished Business Section of
the agenda.
#178. Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the provisions of the Procedural By-law be waived, the hour of
adjournment be extended and the agenda be completed.
CARRIED
Mayor Lastman, City of Toronto re: Proposed Rule for
Reducing Regional Transport of Ground Level Ozone (SMOG)
#179. Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
WITHDRAWAL: The motion was withdrawn with the consent of the mover and
seconder.
#180. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor West
WHEREAS most airborne Nox gases originate from automobile and other
transportation usage;
AND WHEREAS automobile usage is greatest where public transit
systems are ineffective;
AND WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has regulated the capital and
operating costs of Regional transit to local municipalities through the
Greater Toronto Transit Authority;
THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT Ontario’s proposed Smog Plan
include initiatives to reduce dependence on automobile usage within the
GTA through support for an integrated and expanded GO Transit system
and a renewed financial commitment to Regional and local urban transit
systems;
AND THAT the Province of Ontario reconsider its decision to not
contribute to the necessary costs for these transit systems through
gasoline taxes or other general tax revenues;
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 7
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all Local and
Regional municipalities in the GTA, M.P.P.’s in the GTA, and the Minister
of the Environment for the Province of Ontario.
CARRIED
STAFF REPORTS
BA98-005-074 re: On-Site Sewage Systems and Plumbing
#181. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Council inform the Regional Municipality of York that:
• The Town of Aurora is prepared to assume responsibility for the
enforcement of Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code respecting on-
site sewage systems commencing April 6, 1998.
• The Town of Aurora is prepared to assume responsibility for the
enforcement of Part 7 of the Ontario Building Code respecting
plumbing, commencing January 1, 1999 or on such earlier date as
may be reasonably co-ordinated.
• The Town of Aurora will provide opportunity for employment
through its hiring process for the "Plumbing Inspector" position
which exists within the departmental organization of the Building
Administration Department.
• The Town of Aurora requires further direction as to the intent of the
Region of York respecting other responsibilities such as the
Backflow Prevention and Stormwater Management Programs, as
well as the current practice of licensing Plumbing and Drain
Contractors, so that the municipality might effectively deliver these
programs and practices.
CARRIED
CO98-018-075 re: Ratification of 1998/99 Collective Agreement
with Aurora Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA)
#182. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Collective
Agreement attached to Report CO98-018-075 between the Corporation of
the Town of Aurora and the Aurora Professional Firefighters Association,
Local 2870 of the International Association of Firefighters, representing
terms of employment for Fire Bargaining Unit Employees for the period
April 1,1998 to March 31, 2000.
CARRIED
CONSENT ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
AMO, For Your Information re: AMO Prepares
to Respond to the Draft New Municipal Act
#183. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Hinder
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 8
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing re:
Proposed Official Plan Amendment No. 3 to the Official Plan for the Region of York
#184. Moved by Councillor Hartwell Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
TR98-006-073 re: Public Meeting for the Extension of
Moratorium on Imposing Development Charges on Industrial Additions
#185. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council authorize Staff to hold a Public Meeting on April 22, 1998 at
7:30 p.m. to consider the extension of the moratorium on imposing
Development Charges on Industrial Additions until January 12, 1999; and
THAT the Aurora Hydro Electric Commission be approached to consider a
similar extension to the Hydro’s portion of the Development Charges.
CARRIED
Councillor West left the meeting at 11:25 p.m.
York Region, Transportation and Works Committee re:
Clause No. 4, Report No. 4 – “King City By-pass –
Class Environmental Assessment – Work Program”
#186. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the correspondence be received as information; and
THAT a copy of the correspondence be provided to the Traffic Safety
Advisory Board for information.
CARRIED
Labour Council of Metropolitan Toronto and York Region re:
Request for Proclamation, “National Day of Mourning”,
Monday, April 28, 1998
#187. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hinder
THAT Tuesday, April 28, 1998 be proclaimed “National Day of Mourning in
the Town of Aurora;
THAT the flag at the Aurora Town Hall be flown at half mast; and
THAT Staff be advised of the proclamation.
CARRIED
Letter of Petition from Residents of Aurora re:
Aurora Health Club Memberships concerning the
Proposed Development of Aurora Golf and Country Club
by ClubLink
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 9
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
#188. Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the correspondence be received as information.
CARRIED
Councillor Hartwell having previously declared an interest in the letter of petition, did not
take part in the vote called for in this regard.
FI98-003-070 re: Whitchurch-Stouffville
Fire and Emergency Service Agreement
#189. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the executed copies of
an Agreement between the Town of Aurora and the Town of Whitchurch-
Stouffville for the provision of fire and emergency service protection for the
area noted on Schedule “A” of the Agreement.
CARRIED
FI98-006-071 re: Inspection Partnership
#190. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Hogg
THAT Council authorize the Fire Chief to acknowledge participation in the
Ministry of the Solicitor General and Correction Services Inspection
Partnership.
CARRIED
PW98-013-072 re: Acceptance of Municipal Services
Corridor Enterprises (Phase I), Registered Plan 65M-2281
#191. Moved by Councillor Hogg Seconded by Councillor Hartwell
THAT Council approve the acceptance of the municipal services within the
subject development as described by Registered Plan 65M-2281; and
THAT the Director of Public Works be authorized to issue a Certificate of
Acceptance of Municipal Services.
CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Region of York, Transportation and Works Committee
re: Long Term Water Project, Lake Simcoe
Water Treatment Facility - Environmental Assessment
and Recommended Supply Concept for Aurora/Newmarket
#192. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT Resolution No. 177 as moved by Councillor West and seconded by
Councillor Morris at this meeting respecting the Town’s investment in
water infrastructure be tabled indefinitely.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 10
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
CARRIED
#193. Moved by Councillor Morris Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT the concept of supplementing the groundwater supply for
Aurora/Newmarket with a Lake Ontario based water supply be endorsed
subject to enacting the Town of Aurora’s request, in the strongest possible
terms, that the Town’s investment in the well based groundwater
infrastructure which is now being gradually transferred to our northern
neighbours be reinvested, so as to expeditiously implement Aurora’s
Highway 404 water supply initiative.
CARRIED
BY-LAWS
#194. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT First and Second reading consideration of Bill 3925-98.C, being a
By-law to amend By-law 3737-98.C as amended, to govern the
procedures of the Council of the Town of Aurora (Appointment of Deputy
Mayor) be deferred until the next Council Meeting.
CARRIED
#195. Moved by Councillor Healy Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for First Reading:
3923-98.T Being a By-law to dedicate certain
lands as public highways forming
part of Stone Road.
3927-98.D Being a By-law to adopt Official
Plan Amendment No. 22 (Bayview
Business Park “Bayview Wellington
Phase III).
AND THAT the same be taken as read a First Time.
CARRIED
#196. Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for Second Reading:
3923-98.T Being a By-law to dedicate certain
lands as public highways forming
part of Stone Road.
3927-98.D Being a By-law to adopt Official Plan
Amendment No. 22 (Bayview Business
Park “Bayview Wellington Phase III).
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Second Time.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 11
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
CARRIED
#197. Moved by Councillor McKenzie Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for Third Reading:
3918-98.D Being a By-law to adopt Offical
Plan Amendment No. 23
(Amberhill Phase II).
3919-98.T Being a By-law to repeal By-law
1801-68 to dedicate Part of Block G,
Plan 475 for highway purposes.
3920-98.L Being a By-law to authorize the
division and conveyance of lands
being Block A, Plan M-1582.
3921-98.T Being a By-law to amend Parking
By-law No. 3377-92 as amended,
with respect to Aurora Heights Drive
and Crawford Rose Drive.
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Third Time.
CARRIED
#198. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor McKenzie
THAT leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
bills for Third Reading:
3923-98.T Being a By-law to dedicate certain
lands as public highways forming
part of Stone Road.
AND THAT the same be taken as read a Third Time.
CARRIED
QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
Councillor Hogg Enquired about the status of the Town’s plan for
computer system compatibility for the year 2000.
Enquired about the addition of Councillors Morris
and Hinder as official Council Members to serve on
the Ad Hoc Communications Committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Aurora Public Library re: Request to Allocate Surplus
Library Revenues for 1997 and for Succeeding Years
#199. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Morris
THAT the request to allocate surplus Library revenues for 1997 and for
succeeding years to a general Library Capital Reserve that will serve to
contribute to the funding of future capital projects be approved.
Aurora Council Minutes No. 09-98 Page 12
Wednesday, March 25, 1998
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
#200. Moved by Councillor Griffith
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:52 p.m.
CARRIED
___________________________
_____________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR L. ALLISON, MUNICIPAL CLERK