MINUTES - Council - 200801022 TOWN OF AURORA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NO. 08-01
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck (until
10:30 p.m.), Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger,
MacEachern, Marsh, McRoberts and Wilson.
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services/Town Clerk, Director of Building, Director of
Leisure Services, Director of Planning, Director of
Financial Services/ Treasurer and Council/Committee
Secretary.
Mayor Morris called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department,
with the following additional items, be approved:
New Delegation (d)
Mr. Jack Gibbons of the Clean Air Alliance
Re: Ontario Power Authority Delegation (a)
Supplemental material to accompany Delegation b)
Re: Sport Aurora
Revised Schedule B - to accompany By-law 4988-08.F
Re: Fees for applications, permits, the sale of Town publications,
and to prescribe service charges for administrative matters
CORRECTED CLOSED SESSION ITEM
Legal Matter, solicitor client privilege
THAT Council convene into a Closed Session to consider a
legal matter, solicitor client privilege, regarding a proposed
memorandum of understanding related to 230 Wellington
Street East.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 2 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
III OPEN FORUM
None
IV ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Council Minutes of December 11, 2007, Meeting Number 07-32
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Council minutes of December 11, 2007, meeting number 07-32
be amended to reflect the accurate Mover and Seconder for Delegation
(d) and be adopted as amended.
CARRIED
Special Council - Public Planning Minutes of December 12, 2007, Meeting
Number 07-33
Moved by Councillor Collins- Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the Special Council - Public Planning minutes of December 12,
2007, meeting number 07-33 be adopted as printed and circulated.
CARRIED
V PRESENTATIONS
None
VI PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councillor Granger advised that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce is
coordinating a winter promotion for local restaurants called “Auroralicious” which
will be taking place from January 25, 2008 through to February 9, 2008.
Councillor Granger encouraged residents to go to www.aurorachamber.on.ca to
view the delicious choices of meals being offered at each of the participating
restaurants, Bistro 171, Graystones Restaurant & Lounge, Jonathan's
Mediterranean & More and Oakland Hall Inn.
Councillor Marsh advised that she and Councillor Collins-Mrakas attended the
launch of the Neighbourhood Network, which was initiated by the Honourable
Belinda Stronach, along with Magna International, and is being ambassadored by
the former Mayor of Aurora, Mr. Tim Jones as well as the former Mayor of
Newmarket, Mr. Tom Taylor. Councillor Marsh advised that Neighbourhood
Network offers a service of locating and matching volunteers in the community
with charities who help individuals and families in need of various kinds of
assistance. Councillor Marsh advised that interested parties may find out more
on their website www.neighbourhoodnetwork.org.
Councillor McRoberts, on behalf of the Mayor and Council, thanked all of the
people who helped make the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive a huge
success this season by raising the highest amount on record for the Town of
Aurora with donations totalling $25,545.35. Councillor McRoberts thanked Karen
Oreto of Info Aurora, Town staff; Kelley Powis, Shelley Ware, Robyn Smart,
Captain John Adema of Central York Fire Services, the local businesses who
participated in the drive and all of the volunteers who attended the kettles.
Councillor McRoberts also thanked Mr. Dick Illingworth of ACI as well as all of
those who kindly contributed toward this worthy cause.
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 3 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mayor Morris advised that the Grand Opening ceremony for the new Wal-Mart in
Aurora will be taking place on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 6:30 a.m.
Mayor Morris advised that the Aurora Tigers will be playing against the
Newmarket Hurricanes on Friday, January 25, 2008 and on Sunday, January 27,
2008 against Collingwood.
Mayor Morris Advised that the Right to Dry campaign, which began in Aurora in
1996 to do away with outdated restrictive land use covenants, has reached
national news coverage. As of Monday, January 21, 2008, the Honourable Mr.
Gerry Phillips, Minister of Energy is working toward reversing the agreement that
prohibits outdoor clothes lines.
VII DETERMINATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 3(3), 3(4), 3(13), 3(21), 3(25), 3(28), 3(29), 5, 7, 8 and By-laws 4981-07.P
and 4990-08.H were identified for discussion.
VIII ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the following recommendations respecting the matters listed as
“Items not Requiring Separate Discussion” be adopted as submitted to
Council and staff be authorized to take all necessary action required to
give effect to same:
1. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-01 Monday, January 7,
2008
THAT the report of the January 7, 2008 Special General Committee
Meeting No. 08-01 be received and the recommendations carried by the
committee be adopted.
2. Special General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-02 Tuesday, January 8,
2008
THAT the report of the January 8, 2008 Special General Committee
Meeting No. 08-02 be received and the recommendations carried by the
committee be adopted.
4. PL08-004 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Boland & Farrell
130 Industrial Parkway North
Part of Lot 103, R.P.246
File: D14-01-07
THAT Council enact Implementing Zoning By-law Amendment 4974-07.D.
6. Memorandum from the Manager of Engineering Services
Re: Anti -Whistling - Update Related to York Region
THAT the memorandum from the Manager of Engineering Services
regarding anti-whistling - update related to York Region, be received for
information.
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 4 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
9. Extract from Leisure Services Advisory Committee Meeting 08-01 Thursday
January 17, 2008
17. Ms Sandra Humphries
Canada Day Parade Proposal (ADDED DELEGATION)
THAT the proposal presented by Ms Sandra Humphries be referred to staff
for a report to the February 21, 2008 LSAC meeting; and
THAT the Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee meet with staff to discuss
this matter further prior to the February 21, 2008 Leisure Services Advisory
Committee meeting.
18. Recommendation from Closed Session
Appointments to the Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee
THAT the following people be appointed to the Canada Day Parade Sub-
Committee:
Carolyn Barclay, Tracey Cox, Melissa Hrychuk, Sandra Humfryes, Margaret
Kingerski, Merilyn McCart, Cynthia Proctor, Sher St. Kitts, and Pat Stade.
CARRIED
IX DELEGATIONS
(a) Mr. Jason Chee-Aloy, Procurement, Electricity Resources,
Ontario Power Authority
Re: Update on the Northern York Region Electricity Supply
Mr. Jason Chee-Aloy, Procurement, Electricity Resources, Ontario Power
Authority provided an overview of the demand on power in the northern
York Region, current and projected and highlighted the integrated
solutions for the high demand in this area. Mr. Chee-Aloy provided an
overview of energy conservation initiatives and targets for the next 3
years. Mr. Chee-Aloy advised of the next step which is the issuance of a
Request for Quotation for new generation projects.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegates be received; and
CARRIED
(d) Mr. Jack Gibbons of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance
Re: Ontario Power Authority Delegation (a)
Added Item
Mr. Jack Gibbons of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance addressed Council to
advise of his concerns regarding the level of conservation targets and the
limited opportunities within the Request for Quotation with respect to types
of power generation.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the comments of the delegate be received.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 5 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the presentation and questions from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance
be referred to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) for a written response to
Council; and
THAT the presentation be referred to the CAO for a report to provide
options to Council.
CARRIED
(b) Mr. Philip Dodgson of Sport Aurora
Re: Information Regarding the Sport Aurora Group
Mr. Philip Dodgson of Sport Aurora addressed Council to illustrate what
Sport Aurora entails and what contributions they have made to the sports
community in Aurora. Mr. Dodgson advised that Sport Aurora has been
active since 2006 and that their mission is to promote participation in sport
and recreation for all citizens of the community. Mr. Dodgson outlined the
group’s future plans which include the creation of a Community Sport Hall
of Fame, Town “Breakfast of Champions” to celebrate local sport
achievement, Coaching Certification events, funding options for individuals
lacking resources and an event to recognize volunteers. Mr. Dodgson
thanked the Mayor and Members of Council for their ongoing interest and
support and stated that he looks forward to the Town’s continued support
with these initiatives as they evolve.
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the comments of the delegate be received for information.
CARRIED
(c) Mr. David Tomlinson and Mr. Gordon Barnes
Members of the Environmental Advisory Committee
Re: Community Wildlife Park Master Plan
Mr. David Tomlinson and Mr. Gordon Barnes of the Environmental
Advisory Committee provided a presentation regarding a proposal to
develop a Community Wildlife Park within the East Aurora Wetlands
Complex. Mr. Tomlinson reviewed the natural value of the lands and the
numerous species of wildlife and flora which exist in this delicate and
diminishing ecosystem, which would be protected and preserved by this
plan. Mr. Tomlinson requested that Council endorse the proposal and
allow the necessary steps to be taken to develop a Community Wildlife
Park Master Plan.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the comments of the delegates be received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT Council endorse the Community Wildlife Park; and
THAT the technical working group meet with staff to further define the next
steps and determine what is required to conduct a water management
balance study, and
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008
THAT staff provide mapping for the technical working group, that indicates
what lands are owned by the Town and what lands are privately owned;
and
THAT staff work with the technical working group to determine options and
report to Council on ways and means of expediting and finalizing the
buffers on the east side of the wetlands; and
THAT Council adopt the recommendations as proposed by the technical
working group as follows:
THAT the following steps be taken to establish a Community Wildlife Park
Master Plan:
• Present Master Plan to Ducks Unlimited, Region of York, Lake
Simcoe Conservation Authority and the District Office of the
Ministry of Natural Resources requesting approval of the plan and
requesting technical assistance from their staff; and
• Establish a technical working group to review and refine the Master
Plan and develop a management strategy with a view to early
implementation; and
• Meet with developers and land owners, and hold public meetings to
explain Master Plan and receive input; and
• As soon as possible, establish boundaries on the east side of the
park including buffer zones, future recreational land, storm water
pond locations and possible extension of grasslands; and
• Accelerate land transfers to bring remaining land within the park
into Town ownership to enable early construction of the North
South trail system and fencing to prevent unauthorized routes and
usage from developing within the park; and
• Survey grades and water levels of all existing and proposed water
features, ponds, storm water ponds, wader scrapes, streams and
creeks within and adjoining the park; and
• Conduct a water control study to assess how existing water
features in and surrounding the park can be linked to control all
water levels within the park. Water level control in wetland habitats
is vital to the long term success of the project.
On a recorded vote the motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
YEAS: 9 NAYS: 0
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, Granger,
MacEachern, Marsh, McRoberts, Wilson and Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: None
X CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
3. General Committee Meeting Report No. 08-03 Tuesday, January 15, 2008
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-03, TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008
(28) Correspondence from Ms Elaine Markson
Re: Parking Concerns on Walton Drive - (Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 7 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
THAT the correspondence from Ms Elaine Markson regarding parking
concerns on Walton Drive be received for information.
CARRIED
(29) Correspondence from Ms Nancy Wright
Re: Parking Concerns on Walton Drive - (Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from Ms Nancy Wright regarding parking
concerns on Walton Drive be received for information.
CARRIED
(3) AAC07-06 – Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes December
5, 2007
1) Full Service Gas Stations
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
Whereas, it is in the public interest to ensure accessibility to a full range of
services and facilities for all members of the public; and
Whereas the elderly and persons with physical disabilities or limitations
require access to full service gas stations; and
Whereas there are NO full service gas stations presently operating in the
Town of Aurora;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
THAT the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute be requested to discuss
with its members the need to ensure that gas stations make provisions for
full service to patrons having special needs; and
THAT the Ministry of Community and Social Services be requested to
assist in the issue of accessibility to gas station services as part of their
customer service standards contained in the AODA Regulations released
in 2007; and
THAT the Town of Aurora and staff use all available tools to ensure the
provision of a full service component for all future gas station facilities in
the Town of Aurora; and
THAT the Town of Aurora utilize its web site and the Notice Board to
encourage the public to sign a petition requesting gas stations to provide
full services for patrons with special needs, and that staff determine the
means of executing the petition; and
THAT the Town of Aurora correspond with all gas station operators within
the town to request them to review their current operations to see what can
be done to accommodate persons with physical disabilities and special
needs; and
FURTHER THAT copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Canadian
Petroleum Products Institute, Petroleum Companies, the Minister of
Community and Social Services and all gas stations in Aurora.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 8 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
(4) EAC07-09 - Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
December 6, 2007
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting minutes from the
December 6, 2007 meeting be received and the recommendations
contained therein be adopted.
CARRIED
(25) FS08-003 – Cancellation, Reduction or Refund of Property Taxes under
Section 375 and 358 of the Municipal Act
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the property taxes in the amount of $105,661.58 be adjusted in
accordance with Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O.
2001 c. 25 as amended, of which the Town of Aurora’s share totals
$19,787.36; and
THAT the associated interest, if applicable, be cancelled in proportion to
the property taxes adjusted; and
THAT the Director of Finance/Treasurer be directed to adjust the
Collector’s Roll to reflect these property tax adjustments.
CARRIED
(13) PL08-006 – Planning Applications Status List
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Planning Applications Status List be received for information;
and
THAT staff contact the owners of vacant lots, particularly in the downtown
core, to discuss the status of the development; and
THAT By-law Services staff also have discussions with these owners in
order to bring the properties up to appropriate standards and report back
to Council quarterly on the progress made.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the balance of the report of the General Committee Meeting No. 08-
03 be received, as amended, and the recommendations carried by the
committee be adopted.
CARRIED
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 9 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
5. PL08-005 – Stewart Burnett Park
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT report PL08-005 – Stewart Burnett Park be referred to staff to
place the legal opinion pertaining to this matter, which was provided
in closed session, along with the report onto the public agenda for
the next General Committee meeting; and
THAT, if staff have any concerns regarding the legal opinion being
made public, staff report to Council on these concerns prior to
making the document public.
CARRIED
7. Memorandum from the Mayor
Re: 2008 Year of Arts, Culture and Heritage in Aurora - Logo
Moved by Councillor Wilson Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the memorandum from the Mayor regarding 2008 Year of Arts,
Culture and Heritage In Aurora - Logo, be received for information.
CARRIED
CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION FROM THE
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING NO. 08-03, TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008
(21) Council Proclamation
“The Year of Arts, Culture and Heritage in Aurora”
THAT the following be proclaimed; and
THAT the proclamation be referred to the Heritage Advisory Committee:
PROCLAMATION
Designating the year beginning January 1, 2008, as the
‘Year of Arts, Culture and Heritage (both natural and built) in Aurora’
Moved by Councillor Collins-MrakasSeconded by Councillor McRoberts
WHEREAS Aurora is a community known for the vitality of its arts and
culture and richness of its heritage; and
WHEREAS the Members of Council of the Town of Aurora recognize the
benefits and contributions provided by Arts, Culture and Heritage; and
WHEREAS Goal B of the Town’s Strategic Plan states: Promote a
sustainable community that respects its historic culture and character and
embraces diverse cultural development and renewal in harmony with
sound environmental management and business development activity;
and
WHEREAS the Objectives for Goal B of the Town of Aurora’s Strategic
Plan describe the various components of historic culture and character,
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 10 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
such as architectural heritage, planned growth, historic downtown, historic
and cultural activities and art and heritage preservation; and
WHEREAS Arts, Culture and Heritage enrich every sphere of life in
Aurora, forming an important part of our local economy that employs many
people, enhances our community life, significantly improves the education
of our children and attracts the people and businesses necessary for a
successful society and prosperity; and
WHEREAS Aurora’s proud history has included:
• millennia of settlement by First Nations peoples;
• opening of Yonge Street in 1794;
• building of the first Railway in Canada West to Aurora in 1853;
• establishment of Foundries, Mills and other early industries in the late
1800s which led to the settlement of the community;
• the service by many citizens of Aurora in the wars of the 20th Century
including 77 local men in the First World War and 55 local men in the
Second World War who did not return;
• establishment by radio pioneer Edward S. (Ted) Rogers in 1927 of the
first transmitter site for one of Canada’s earliest commercial radio
stations;
• development of the modern community over the past six decades;
ando
WHEREAS Aurora has been the home of people who have made a
difference to our community, province, nation and the world community
including:
• the Hon. Lester B. Pearson, a Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel
Peace Prize Winner;
• John Bowser, the builder of the Empire State Building;
• Fred Tilston, a Holder of the Victoria Cross;
• Lloyd Chadburn, Canada’s most decorated pilot of the Second World
War;
• Caroline Louisa Josephine Wells, the first Canadian Woman Dentist,
who received her training at the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of
Ontario in 1893;
• Charles H. Sheppard, one of Ontario’s leading timber executives in the
early 20th Century and a former Mayor of Aurora whose family estate is
today enjoyed by all Aurora residents as the Sheppard’s Bush
Conservation Area;
• Edith May Peckham Sheppard, daughter of Aurora Mayor Charles
Henry Sheppard, in 1925 who was among the first women called to the
Ontario Bar; and
WHEREAS Aurora has a wealth of built heritage resources and one of
Ontario’s most progressive heritage conservation programs including
more than 30 properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the
Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District, Hillary House
National Historic Site, and the Aurora Heritage Centre, Aurora Armoury
and Aurora Train Station Provincial Historic Sites; and
WHEREAS Aurora has considerable natural heritage resources including
the Oak Ridges Moraine, Holland River Valley, Sheppard’s Bush
Conservation Area, Mackenzie Marsh, Aurora Arboretum, East Aurora
Wetland Complex and an extensive pedestrian trail system that connects
Aurora’s parks and natural heritage features with over 25 kilometres of
trails, including being the only major municipality with a downtown situated
directly on the Oak Ridges Trail; and
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 11 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
WHEREAS Aurora has dedicated citizens committed to preserve,
enhance, appreciate and monitor its considerable natural and built
heritage and historical resources; and
WHEREAS the schools of Aurora, with their excellent programs in fine
arts, craftsmanship, music and drama and inclusion of local historical
education, play a key role in the nurturing of talents and interests of
Aurora’s youth in the Arts, Culture and Heritage; and
WHEREAS the Arts and Culture Fund, established in 1973 and sponsored
by the late Mr. David Merkur of the Aurora Shopping Centre and in recent
years the fund was enhanced by donations from Mr. Joseph Lebovic of
Lebovic Enterprises. The funds provide invaluable financial assistance to
citizens or organizations in the Town of Aurora to promote and enrich
cultural and artistic activities in the community and are annually presented
by Mr. Lebovic and Mrs. Shauna Tepperman, daughter of the late David
Merkur; and
WHEREAS Aurora is a centre of musical performance, home to the
award-winning Aurora Opera Company, the York Chamber Ensemble
series and the town’s summer Concerts-in-the-Park series held at
Aurora’s historic Town Park; and
WHEREAS Aurora has a vibrant local theatre scene including Theatre
Aurora, a multi-award winning theatre group and one of the most
acclaimed in Ontario, outstanding local high school theatre, and the award
winning Marquee Productions Theatre group; and
WHEREAS Aurora’s church communities have made notable
contributions to the preservation and enhancement of the town’s
architecture and to cultural experiences derived from music, oratory and
diverse religious experiences; and
WHEREAS Aurora is home to many talented visual artists, among them
members of the Aurora Seniors Art Group, who host an annual show and
sale from which the Town selects and purchases a piece of artwork
annually from within the “Preserve Aurora” category, and is also home to
the Society of York Region Artists, which showcase works at the annual
Aurora Art Show and Sale; and
WHEREAS Aurora is home to several private galleries of fine art and
businesses devoted to arts instruction; and
WHEREAS people who live and work in Aurora are also engaged in
many other creative professions, including structural and landscape
architecture, industrial and graphic design, writing and culinary arts; and
WHEREAS Doors Open Aurora and the Aurora Historical Society annual
tour of homes provide Aurora residents and visitors with a unique
opportunity to experience and enjoy Aurora’s Heritage, Arts and Culture;
and
WHEREAS Aurora has a rich tradition of community festivals, parades
and shows which for more than a century have celebrated local arts,
culture and heritage, included in those heritage events there was the long
running and acclaimed Aurora Agricultural Society’s Fair and Horse Show,
and enjoys celebrations associated with Canada Day since adopting the
title of Canada’s Birthday Town in 1969; and
WHEREAS awareness and participation in Aurora’s Arts, Culture and
Heritage has been supported through outstanding coverage in the local
newspapers and one of the few independently and locally owned and
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 12 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
operated cable television and community access programming television
production facilities in Canada; and
WHEREAS an invaluable source of local coverage for Aurora’s Arts,
Culture and Heritage over the past quarter century has been “Our Town”
hosted by former Town Mayor, Dick Illingworth, and which is the longest
continuous running community cable television program in Canada; and
WHEREAS every year our community spills onto Yonge Street in June for
the World’s Longest Street Festival with the enthusiastic support and
encouragement of Aurora’s Chamber of Commerce to enjoy street
performances and view and purchase the work of many talented crafts
people and artists; and
WHEREAS many Aurorans believe the development of culture includes
the elevation of the body and the mind, and express this through their
involvement in personal physical improvement, physical artistic
expression, high levels of engagement in sports for adults and youth and
belief in the character and community-building benefits derived from
participation; and
WHEREAS the Aurora community has supported Arts, Culture and
Heritage through; the Arts and Culture fund, municipal policies and the
efforts of local groups and advisory committees such as, the town’s new
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, the Heritage Advisory Committee of
Aurora, the Aurora Environmental Advisory Committee, the Aurora
Historical Society, the Historica Fair, The Aurora Public Library, Aurora
Opera Company, Theatre Aurora, the Society of York Region Artists, local
schools, The Pine Tree Potters Guild, the Aurora Garden and Horticultural
Society and the Aurora Arboretum; and
WHEREAS by dedicating 2008 as the year of Arts, Culture and Heritage
in Aurora, we honour our Town’s rich heritage and cultural fabric, unique
artistic customs and the powerful role that Arts, Culture and Heritage play
in our lives and reaffirm our commitment to fostering appreciation and
education about Arts, Culture and Heritage in our community,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, on behalf of the Members of
Council for the Corporation of the Town of Aurora, I, Mayor Phyllis M.
Morris, do hereby proclaim 2008 as the year of the celebration of Arts,
Culture and Heritage in Aurora and urge our citizens and visitors to
discover and participate in a wide variety of programs and activities in
order to develop and nurture arts, culture and an appreciation for our
natural and built heritage in the Town of Aurora; and
THAT the Proclamation Designating the year beginning January 1,
2008, as the ‘Year of Arts, Culture and Heritage (both natural and
built) in Aurora’ be included in the Notice Board.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT this meeting be extended beyond 10:30 p.m. in order to address the
remaining items on the agenda.
CARRIED
Councillor Buck left the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 13 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
8. Memorandum from the Mayor
Re: Staff’s Pending List of Council Directions
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT a Special General Committee meeting be called on the first
available Monday in February, 2008 to continue working on staff’s pending
list of Council directions.
CARRIED
XI REGIONAL REPORT
Mayor Morris provided an update on the status of her work with the Regional
Planning and Economic Development Committee regarding the pending adoption
of Amendment No. 53 to the Official Plan of the Region of York pertaining to the
2C lands in Aurora. Mayor Morris advised that she has requested that the Region
of York amend their report to indicate that the Town of Aurora, after completing a
comprehensive planning review, has established that the projected population for
the Town of Aurora will be 71,000 by the year 2031.
Mayor Morris also advised that the Region supported the local Official Plan
amendment, draft plan of subdivision and the draft plan of condominium by
Westhill Redevelopment Company Limited in Aurora, which provides for private
servicing, at its last Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting.
Mayor Morris advised that she met with staff and a resident to discuss the
ongoing issues pertaining to the intersection at Yonge Street and Wellington
Street. Mayor Morris advised that the Region will be providing a presentation at
an upcoming meeting where they will provide a draft study and outline options.
Mayor Morris added that the next step will be a future public meeting where input
pertaining to this issue will be welcome.
Mayor Morris advised that the Region has approved their tax levy increase this
year at approximately 4.25%
XII READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT the following listed by-law 4981-07.P be amended to lower the age
of seniors from 65 to 55 years of age; and
THAT the following listed by-law, as amended, be given 3rd reading and
enacted:
4981-07.P BEING A BY-LAW to amend the Pet Licensing Fees in the
Town’s Dog and Cat By-laws
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4990-08.H BEING A BY-LAW to Appoint By-law Officers
(S. Munoz and W. Davis)
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 14 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
THAT the following listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4966-07.T BEING A BY-LAW to establish highways on Part of Blocks
10 and 14 Plan 65M-3072 (Aurora Facility Inc.)
4968-07.T BEING A BY-LAW to assume aboveground and
belowground municipal services; to assume certain lands;
and to establish highways (Prato Estates – Phase I & II)
4974-07.D BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law No. 2213-78, as
amended, being the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora
(Part Lot 16, Concession 2 EYS, File: D14-01-07)
4976-07.D BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest
“Brooklands” - The Sheppard Estate House & Grounds, 93
Industrial Parkway South
4977-07.D BEING A BY-LAW to designate a certain property as being
of Historical and/or Architectural Value or Interest “The
Aurora-Whitchurch-King War Memorial and Peace Park”,
14659 Yonge Street
4986-08.F BEING A BY-LAW to authorize temporary borrowing by the
Corporation pending the receipt of Municipal revenues,
pursuant to Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001, SO
2001, c. 25 as amended
4987-08.F BEING A BY-LAW to levy an Interim Property Tax Rate for
the taxation year 2008
4988-08.F BEING A BY-LAW to establish a schedule of fees for
applications, permits, the sale of Town publications, and to
prescribe service charges for administrative matters
4989-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions by Council resulting
from the meeting of January 22, 2008
4991-08.P BEING A BY-LAW to amend By-law 4321-01.P being a By-
law to Regulate the Provision of Fire and Emergency
Services, and to Establish a Consolidated Fire and
Emergency Services Department. (Establishment of the
Consolidated Aurora and Newmarket Fire Department)
CARRIED
XII CLOSED SESSION
Legal Matter, Solicitor Client Privilege
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the Closed Session legal matter, solicitor client privilege, regarding
a proposed memorandum of understanding related to 230 Wellington
Street East be deferred to the Special General Committee meeting of
Thursday, January 24, 2008.
CARRIED
XIV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor MacEachern
Council Meeting No. 08-01 Page 15 of 15
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
CARRIED