MINUTES - Council - 20200714
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Video Conference
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Cindy Shaver,
Communications and Community Engagement Specialist, Patricia
De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Linda
Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 20.1 of the Town's Procedure By-
law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
The Mayor relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 7:50 p.m., during consideration of
Motion (b) Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and Wellington Intersection, and resumed the
chair at 8:22 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item, be approved:
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 2 of 17
• Delegation (b) Jim Sinkovic, Resident; Re: Motion (b) Mayor Mrakas; Re:
Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and Wellington Intersection
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 5 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland, and Kim,
Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Absent: Councillors Humfryes and Thompson
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
3. Community Presentations
(a) Julie Stephenson, Youth Programmer
Re: John West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award
Ms. Stephenson announced the 2020 recipients of the John West Memorial
“Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award: Ms. Kiana Mirshahi and Ms.
Amanda Bishop, both graduates of Aurora High School; and presented an
overview of the recipients’ achievements and community involvement.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 3 of 17
4. Delegations
(a) Tristan Coolman, Pflag Canada York Region
Re: Motion (b) Mayor Mrakas; Re: Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and
Wellington Intersection
Mr. Coolman, President of Pflag Canada York Region, provided background
on his organization and expressed support for the proposed Rainbow
Crosswalk.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (b).
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(b) Jim Sinkovic, Resident
Re: Motion (b) Mayor Mrakas; Re: Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and
Wellington Intersection
Mr. Sinkovic expressed concerns regarding the proposed Rainbow Crosswalk
in relation to safety, cost and effective use of funds, location, and priorities.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (b).
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 4 of 17
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C11 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of June 23, 2020
1. That the Council meeting minutes of June 23, 2020, be adopted as
circulated.
C2. Council Closed Session Minutes of March 3, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of March 3, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Minutes of April 28, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of April 28, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
C4. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of April 28, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of April 28, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
C5. Council Closed Session Minutes of May 19, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of May 19, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
C6. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of May 19, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of May 19, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
C7. Council Closed Session Minutes of May 26, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of May 26, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 5 of 17
C8. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of May 26, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of May 26, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
C9. Council Closed Session Minutes of June 16, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of June 16, 2020, be adopted
as circulated.
C10. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of June 16, 2020
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of June 16, 2020, be
adopted as circulated.
C11. Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of May 22, 2020
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 22, 2020, be received for
information.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That the General Committee meeting report of July 7, 2020, and the Audit
Committee meeting report of June 23, 2020, be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committees approved, with the exception of
sub-items S1(R3) and S1(R8), which were discussed and voted on separately
as recorded below.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 6 of 17
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of July 7 2020
(A1 ) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2020
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
10, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) CMS20-016 – Aquatics Feasibility Study
1. That Report No. CMS20-016 be received for information.
Carried
(R2) PDS20-048 – Stable Neighbourhood Policy Review – Urban Design
Guidelines
That Report No. PDS20-048 – Stable Neighbourhood Policy Review –
Urban Design Guidelines be deferred to a September 2020 General
Committee meeting and a notification letter be sent to the residents of
the four stable neighbourhoods.
Carried
(R3) CMS20-017 – Downtown Street Wall Mural Program Guidelines
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CMS20-017 be received; and
2. That the Downtown Street Wall Mural Program Guidelines be
approved; and
3. That Community Services department staff be directed to initiate
the selection process for the first mural through an online Call for
Artists Application Process; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 7 of 17
4. That staff include a member of the Our Lady of Grace Church
Council on the selection committee; and
5. That funding up to a maximum of $5,000 be made available for the
installation of the first mural from the Council operating contingency
budget.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(R4) PDS20-011 – Heritage Permit Application File: HPA-2019-08
67 Catherine Avenue, Plan 116, Lot 20 and Part Lot 1
1. That Report No. PDS20-011 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2019-08 be approved to
permit the partial demolition of the rear portion of the existing
dwelling at 67 Catherine Avenue and to construct a new addition
with a floor area of 28.9m2 (311 ft2).
Carried
(R5) PDS20-017 – Streetscape Improvements in the Northeast Old
Aurora Heritage Conservation District
1. That Report No. PDS20-017 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to prepare a cost analysis for all the
remaining streetscape improvement measures recommended in the
Northeast Old Aurora Conservation District Plan to be submitted as
part of the 2021 budget process.
Carried
(R6) PDS20-026 – BIA 2020 Business Plan and Budget
1. That Report No. PDS20-026 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 8 of 17
2. That the Aurora Business Improvement Association’s (BIA) 2019
audited financial statements attached hereto as Attachment 2 be
received; and
3. That the 2020 Business Plan and Budget attached hereto as
Attachment 3 for the Aurora BIA be approved in part; and
4. That the Aurora BIA’s audited 2019 surplus in the amount of $6,293
be carried over to 2020.
Carried
(R7) PDS20-028 – Request to Designate 15074 Yonge Street (“Poplar
Villa”) under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
1. That Report No. PDS20-028 be received; and
2. That the property at 15074 Yonge Street, including the building
known as “Poplar Villa” and its surrounding yards, be designated
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of Cultural
Heritage Value or Interest; and
3. That the Town Clerk be authorized to publish and serve Council’s
Notice of Intention to Designate in accordance with the
requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and
4. That the designation by-law be brought before Council for adoption
if no objections are received within the thirty (30) day period as per
the Ontario Heritage Act.
Carried
(R8) PDS20-030 – Heritage Street Naming for Cedartrail Subdivision
14288 Yonge Street, File: SUB-2014-04
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS20-030 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 9 of 17
2. That the name “Phila Lane” be endorsed for the private road in the
Cedartrail Subdivision (SUB-2014-04) to satisfy the heritage
condition imposed by Council on July 4, 2017, for delisting the
property from the Town of Aurora’s Heritage Registry.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(R9) FIN20-015 – 2019 Year-End Budget Report – as at December 31,
2019
That Report No. FIN20-015 – 2019 Year-End Budget Report – as at
December 31, 2019 be referred to the Finance Advisory Committee.
Carried
S2. Audit Committee Meeting Report of June 23, 2020
(1) FIN20-016 – 2019 Audited Financial Statements with Audit Report
1. That Report No. FIN20-016 be received; and
2. That the 2019 Audit Reports and Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 2019, be approved and published on the
Town’s website; and
3. That the 2020 year-end audit plan as proposed by BDO Canada
LLP be endorsed.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None
8. Motions
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 10 of 17
(a) Councillor Humfryes
Re: Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
(IHRA)
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas on April 30, 2020, the Regional Municipality of York adopted the
following resolution; and
Whereas the Regional Municipality of York and the Town of Aurora are rooted
in the values of democracy, equity and inclusion; and
Whereas in June 2018, the Inclusion Charter for York Region was endorsed as
a community initiative, bringing together businesses, community organisations,
municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation
authorities and agencies who share a vision to foster a welcoming and
inclusive community; and
Whereas we have a shared responsibility to stop antisemitism in all its forms
through education and public consciousness as antisemitic demonstrations
continue to threaten communities and undermine democracy; and
Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is an
intergovernmental organization founded in 1998 that consists of 34 countries
including Canada, each of whom recognizes that international coordination is
needed to combat antisemitism; and
Whereas six percent of York Region residents identify themselves as Jewish,
which is a higher representation than Canada and Ontario; and
Whereas on February 27, 2020, Bill 168, the Combating Antisemitism Act,
which directly mentioned IHRA, unanimously passed a second reading in the
Ontario legislature with all-party support; and
Whereas on January 28, 2020, Vaughan Council unanimously endorsed Mayor
Bevilacqua’s motion to declare January 27 as International Holocaust
Remembrance Day, which included the adoption of the IHRA definition of
antisemitism; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 11 of 17
Whereas York Regional Police dedicated a community room at District #4
headquarters to Holocaust survivor Max Eisen, in recognition and appreciation
of his remarkable efforts to eliminate racism and bigotry; and
Whereas York Region is enriched by its thriving, active and engaged Jewish
and Israeli communities;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora adopt the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working
definition of antisemitism and its illustrative examples as adopted at the
IHRA Plenary on May 26, 2016, as follows:
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as
hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of
antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or
their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious
facilities.”
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
(b) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and Wellington Intersection
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas Aurora and other communities across the province have shown their
support for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community by raising the Pride flag in June
every year; and
Whereas the permanent installation of a rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of the
Town of Aurora’s acceptance of, support for, and commitment to diversity and
inclusiveness; and
Whereas the intent of this initiative is to show vulnerable people in our
community that Aurora is a town where everyone is welcome and accepted;
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 12 of 17
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council approve and direct
staff to install a Rainbow Crosswalk at the intersection of Yonge and
Wellington Streets (south side); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the installation of the Rainbow Crosswalk be
completed by Town staff/contractors who can ensure that it is installed
safely and complies with all appropriate accessibility and Ministry of
Transportation Ontario (MTO) requirements.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 5 Nays: 2
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gilliland, Humfryes, Kim, and
Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillors Gaertner and Gallo
(c) Councillor Kim and Mayor Mrakas
Re: Anti -Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the Town of Aurora has endorsed a Diversity and Inclusion Charter,
a signed commitment to creating “…an inclusive environment…where
everyone can participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and
freedom from discrimination”; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to building a more inclusive society
by “working to identify, address and prevent systemic racism in municipal
policy, programs and services”; and
Whereas systemic barriers to full participation in our community continue to
affect the lived experiences of Black Ontarians; and
Whereas the United Nations proclaimed 2015-2024 the Decade for People of
African Descent, an important step in the international community recognizing
that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights
must be promoted and protected; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 13 of 17
Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to taking meaningful action to
address anti-Black racism and affect long-term systemic change;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That an “Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force” be established; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the purpose of this committee is to develop
strategies to eliminate anti-Black racism and anti-racism in our
community and the Municipal Corporation; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff work with Black community groups
within Aurora and York Region to identify and develop priorities for the
proposed task force, identify opportunities to increase Black community
engagement and foster an increased public awareness of anti-Black
racism; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism
Task Force be comprised of two (2) members of Council and seven (7)
citizen members; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to advertise, in accordance
with the provisions of the “Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and
Local Boards”, for applications from members of the public for
appointment to the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force; and
6. Be It Further Resolved That the Chief Administrative Officer be directed
to appoint one appropriate staff liaison to support the work of the Anti-
Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force; and
7. Be It Further Resolved That each employee will have the responsibility
to support the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion effort of the Town of
Aurora; and
8. Be It Further Resolved That the Task Force will report at least annually
on the progress made on diversity and inclusion in alignment with the
Employment Equity Act and Bill C-25.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 14 of 17
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – June 25, 2020
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Regional Report of June 25, 2020, be received for information.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether any measures were being taken by the
Town to prevent loose dogs from causing disturbances in the wildlife park during
nesting season, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner advised that she would not be attending this year’s Association
of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in August. Mayor Mrakas noted that
the conference would be held virtually and no members of Council were planning
to attend.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about how a resident could make a donation through
the Mayor’s Golf Classic Funds Committee, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Thompson inquired about whether there were any plans for re-opening
Town facilities in August 2020, particularly Club Aurora and the walking track, and
staff provided a response.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 15 of 17
Councillor Gilliland noted that the Arts and Culture round table discussion group
that she has been hosting along with Councillors Gallo and Humfryes would be
holding its last meeting on July 22, 2020. She stated that the group has been very
helpful and engaging with stakeholders and she hopes to continue with an informal
discussion group to support the Culture Days through September and October.
Mayor Mrakas expressed his appreciation to the Councillors for their participation
in the discussion group.
Councillor Kim inquired about the ownership and responsibility for a green cable
box in need of repair, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Humfryes noted that the Town’s Drive-In Movie night on July 24, 2020,
is sold out and stated her belief that residents are anxious for Arts and Culture
events to resume. Mayor Mrakas expressed appreciation to the Special Events
team for their efforts in organizing the Drive-In Movie nights and other events.
Councillor Humfryes expressed appreciation to staff for providing clarification on
the concerns raised by Ms. Rebecca Beaton, who delegated at last week’s
General Committee meeting regarding capital project nos. 31118 and 31119.
Councillor Humfryes inquired about the reconstruction work being done at 95
Edward Street, and staff provided a response.
Mayor Mrakas advised that a donation of $10,000 has been secured from the
community toward the installation of the Rainbow Crosswalk at the Yonge and
Wellington intersection.
11. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-law be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6270-20 Being a By-law to amend Parking and Traffic
Control By-law Number 4574-04.T, as amended, with respect to No Parking
on various highways in the Town of Aurora.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 16 of 17
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following by-law be enacted:
(b) By-law Number 6271-20 Being a By-law to establish ward boundaries for the
Town of Aurora.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 4 Nays: 3
Voting Yeas: Councillors Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson,
Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, and Gilliland
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following by-law be enacted:
(c) By-law Number 6272-20 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 21.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 6 Nays: 1
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gallo, Gilliland, Humfryes, Kim,
and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: Councillor Gaertner
12. Closed Session
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 Page 17 of 17
13. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6273-20 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on July 14, 2020.
On a recorded vote the motion
Carried
Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Voting Yeas: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson, Mayor Mrakas
Voting Nays: None
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk