MINUTES - General Committee - 20210323 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor John Gallo
Members Absent: Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance
David Waters, Director of Planning and Development Services
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development and Policy
Anca Mihail, Manager, Engineering Services
Natalie Kehle, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
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1. Procedural Notes
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
2. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative
Services.
3. 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.
4. Community Presentations
None.
5. Delegations
General Committee consented to permit an additional five minutes for Delegation
5.1.
5.1 George Skoulikas, President, Henderson Forest Ratepayer Association; Re:
Henderson Forest Minor Variance Applications
Mr. Skoulikas spoke about the recent Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
decision regarding the Minor Variance Applications for 672 and 684
Henderson Avenue and the overall minor variance application process. He
further emphasized the importance of protecting the subject lands from
future development proposals as they are an environmentally sensitive
area for wildlife habitats and mature woodland.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation.
6. Consent Agenda
None.
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7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
General Committee recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be received.
Carried
7.1 Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting Minutes of January
19, 2021
1. That the Library Square Project Monitoring Task Force Meeting
Minutes of January 19, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
February 17, 2021
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting
Minutes of February 17, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2021
1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February
18, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2021
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
February 24, 2021, be received for information
Carried
7.5 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2021
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March 8,
2021, be received for information.
Carried
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8. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
8.1 PDS21-036 - Economic Development Strategic Plan – Implementation
Matrix 2021-2022
Tim Hammill, Chair, Aurora Economic Development Corporation, spoke to
the Economic Development Strategic Plan Implementation Matrix for 2021
to 2022 and introduced Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development and
Policy who presented details of the implementation matrix. The matrix
includes the four goal areas being targeting growth sectors and new
investment, creating a competitive business climate, establishing
downtown Aurora as a focal point for the community, and improving the
quality of life through heritage, arts, culture, tourism, and community
engagement. She further provided details on the specific implementation
strategies within each area and the associated next steps.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS21-036 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the attached Economic Development Strategic
Plan – Implementation Matrix 2021-2022 attached hereto as
Attachment 1 as endorsed by the Aurora Economic Development
Board.
Carried
8.2 PDS21-038 - Pedestrian Connection from Library Square to Town Park
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS21-038 be received; and
2. That a sidewalk on the north side of Metcalfe Street, from Victoria
Street to Wells Street, serve as the pedestrian connection between
Library Square and Town Park; and
3. That staff proceed with the in-house design of a sidewalk, including an
arborist report, on the north side of Metcalfe Street from Victoria to
Wells Street, including an arborist report; and
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4. That staff report back on the findings to a future General Committee
meeting prior to the project being included in the 2022 Capital Budget.
Carried
8.3 PDS21-029 - Electric Vehicle Charging Station Policy
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report PDS21-029 be received; and
2. That Council approve the Town of Aurora Electric Vehicle Charging
Station Policy and Process attached hereto to this report; and
3. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be enacted to
reflect changes in the Highway Traffic Act for electric vehicle charging
stations.
Carried
8.4 FIN21-012 - 2022 Budget Process and Timeline
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN21-012 be received; and
2. That the proposed budget timeline as detailed in Table 1 be approved.
Carried
8.5 FIN21-013 - Statement of Remuneration of Expenses for Members of
Council, Committees and Local Boards
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN21-013 be received.
Carried
General Committee recommends:
1. That all future statements of remuneration and expenses for members
of Council, Committees and Local Boards be posted solely on the
Town’s website on a semi-annual basis; and
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2. That staff update Administrative Policy No. 57 accordingly to reflect
this change in reporting format.
Defeated
8.6 PDS21-037 - Appointments to the Aurora Economic Development
Corporation's (AEDC) Board of Directors
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS21-037 be received; and
2. That Council appoint Councillor Harold Kim to the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation’s (AEDC) Board of Directors.
Carried
8.7 CAO21-002 - Return to In-person Council Meetings
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CAO21-002 be received for information.
Carried
9. Notices of Motion
9.1 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Highway 413
Whereas the proposed GTA West Transportation Corridor, Highway 413,
originated as a component of the 2005 Places to Grow Act that set out
population, density and growth targets for municipalities, while aiming to
direct growth away from agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands;
and
Whereas the proposed highway will pave over 2,000 hectares of land
including important agricultural and environmental lands contrary to
mandate of that Act; and
Whereas in July 2020 the Province’s omnibus Bill 197 removed many
environmental regulations and opened a “streamlined” environmental
assessment process, skipping over parts of Ontario’s assessment system
and removing the requirement for a comprehensive environmental
assessment; and
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Whereas City of Vaughan and City of Mississauga Councils have
withdrawn their long-standing support because it would have a disastrous
impact on the environment; and
Whereas no comprehensive environmental assessment has been done to
date to address the above;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that Aurora join the
municipalities of Brampton and Caledon to pass a motion requesting a
Federal environmental assessment of the proposed route, and further
work on Highway 413 be placed on hold until this is completed; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That this motion be sent to Premier Doug Ford,
Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, Jeff Yurek, Minister of
the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Government House Leader
Paul Calandra, the Regions of York and Halton, and all Greater Toronto
Area Municipalities.
9.2 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Climate Lens
Whereas the Town of Aurora declared a Climate Emergency for the
purposes of naming and deepening our commitment by protecting human
health, eco systems and infrastructure by identifying key criteria to help
reduce our carbon footprint and protect our community from the impacts
of climate change; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora supports the Community Energy Plan,
Corporate Environmental Action Plan, Energy Conservation and Demand
plan, and other green initiatives; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora has committed to create a Climate Action
Plan for the Town of Aurora, focused on reducing emissions and
adaptation at the community level; and
Whereas staff are directed by Council to look for opportunities for
economic growth, stimulation in the low-carbon economy, and cost
benefits for all who consume energy; and
Whereas other municipalities and levels of government are including a
climate lens approach in their governance and operations, such as Halton
Hills and Kingston; and
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Whereas Town operations and Council would benefit from incorporating a
climate lens approach to better understand the environmental impacts
and/or achievements made by Council decisions and over all operations;
and
Whereas a climate lens will help raise awareness amongst proponents of
infrastructure systems to integrate climate change considerations into the
core of project planning and design phases, as well as a project’s long-
term climate risk;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff investigate ways to
include a climate lens approach in Town operations and governance to
better understand the environmental impacts and achievements; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the addition of a climate lens be included
in General Committee and Council reports as of June 2021, when
applicable.
9.3 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Minister's Zoning Order - 50-100 Bloomington Road
Whereas the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for the Bloomington property
partially rezones land previously zoned as ‘Institutional’ to allow for
residential housing in addition to permitting a Long Term Care (LTC)
facility; and
Whereas the Minister’s Zoning Order was issued
without prior consultation or support from the Town; and
Whereas the land is already zoned ‘Institutional’, and MZO is not required
to achieve the purpose of developing a LTC; and
Whereas Official Plan Amendment No. 34 only allows for two units per
gross acre for residential development; and
Whereas the MZO issued by Minister Clark will allow for 18 units per
acre for residential development; and
Whereas the MZO issued by Minister Clark will increase the density per
acre by 800%; and
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Whereas the Province and Minister Clark has stated that no MZO would be
issued without the full support of the local municipality;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora Council
does not support nor has ever supported the Minister’s Zoning Order
(MZO) that was issued on August 12, 2020, for the lands in the Town
of Aurora, in the Regional Municipality of York, in the Province of
Ontario, described as Part of Lot 71, Concession 1, designated as Part
2 on Reference Plan 65R-36717, and further identified by Property
Identification Number 03671- 0060 (LT) registered in the Land Registry
Office for the Land Titles Division of York Region (No. 65), known as
50-100 Bloomington Road; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora requests that the
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, repeal the
Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) for 50-100 Bloomington Road forthwith;
and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this motion be sent to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Christine
Elliott, Deputy Premier, The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, Andrea Horwath, Leader of the New
Democratic Party, all MPPs in the Province of Ontario, and the
Regional Municipality of York.
9.4 Councillor Humfryes; Re: Arts Help
Whereas the Aurora Library Square Initiative has been kicked off and many
project steams are being developed and created; and
Whereas it is imperative that we have a powerful communication vehicle
to support all Library Square Events, Arts, and Initiatives via world class
digital methodologies; and
Whereas founded on the principle of art making the world a better place,
Arts Help is the #1 Art Publisher, with a community of 2.5 million
members; and
Whereas Arts Help is a non-profit organization with large institutions to
develop impactful projects and programming who believes art is a vehicle
for social change; and
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Whereas Arts Help delegated to Aurora Town Council in December of
2020 and Council Members were excited and hoping to understand more
of what the Arts Help Organization could offer Library Square;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town staff meet with Arts
Help to understand both cultural and economic benefits of having a
large Multi-Media Multi-Digital company to increase awareness and
growth of the new Library Square and that Town staff report back to
Council by June 2021.
10. Regional Report
10.1 York Region Council Highlights of February 25, 2021
General Committee recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of February 25, 2021 be
received for information.
Carried
11. New Business
Councillor Gaertner referred to the Development Planning Fees and Charges
update report discussed at the March 2, 2021 General Committee meeting and
expressed concerns regarding the lack of fee increase for planning applications
from the Stable Neighborhood area.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the communication process in an event of a
network blackout and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the ongoing repairs on Yonge Street by the Region
of York and referred to the notices provided to residents regarding the project
noting that the notices should be more detailed.
Councillor Gaertner referred to her motion regarding Highway 413 forthcoming to
the March 30, 2021 Council meeting noting there are revisions to the operative
clauses which was circulated. She requested that it be revised during the
discussion of the motion at the meeting.
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12. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gaertner extended wishes to those who celebrated the Persian New
Year Navroz on Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Councillor Gaertner referred to the various fundraising events held by the Ontario
SPCA and emphasized the importance of donating to the organization and its
cause.
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder that the Town is hosting the fourth
virtual open house for Phase 2 of the Town's Official Plan Review on Wednesday,
March 24, 2021, focusing on Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, noting more
information is available at engageaurora.ca/opr.
Councillor Gilliland announced that nominations to the Aurora Sports Hall of
Fame will be accepted until Friday, April 9, 2021.
Councillor Gilliland announced that the Local Legions will be hosting the
Veteran's Car Rally Scavenger Hunt event beginning on Saturday, March 27, 2021
noting that teams can register by emailing requests to vetcarrally@gmail.com.
Councillor Gilliland referred to the changes in restrictions in restaurant capacities
noting that restaurant owners planning to open patios should follow the Public
Health guidelines and obtain the required permits and extensions accordingly.
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that the Town is accepting
applications for the Town’s 2021 Community Recognition Awards until Friday,
April 2, 2021, and more information is available at aurora.ca/cra.
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged that Passover begins on Saturday, March 27,
2021.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Aurora's online Skylight Gallery will be featuring
artist Amanda Gallagher in her show "Remnants and Revelations" for the month
of April, noting more information is available at aurora.ca/skylightgallery.
Mayor Mrakas announced that pre-registration begins on Thursday, March 25,
2021 for various spring outdoor and interactive activities for the Town's Hello
Spring event on Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., noting more
information is available at aurora.ca/hellospring.
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Mayor Mrakas announced that Earth Hour will take place on March 27, 2021 from
8:30 p.m. and encouraged everyone to participate.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that from March 12 to 28, 2021, the Town of
Aurora, in partnership with the Canadian Food and Wine Institute and the Aurora
Chamber of Commerce, will be conducting the Auroralicious To Go event, noting
more information is available at exploreaurora.ca/auroralicious.
Mayor Mrakas announced that various family programs and activities will take
place from April 10 to 18, 2021 at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and the
Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, noting more information is available at
aurora.ca/eplay.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Spring Break Arts Buffet will be held from
April 12 to 16, 2021 noting more regarding programs, activities, and registration
is available at auroraculturalcentre.ca.
Mayor Mrakas noted that updates on Aurora’s Library Square project is available
at engageaurora.ca/librarysquare indicating that subscription to the consultation
page to receive email updates is also available.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that the Town is accepting applications for
the 2021 John West Memorial Scholarship until Saturday, May 1, 2021, noting
that more information is available at aurora.ca/leadersoftomorrow.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that registration for Aurora's Teen Idol is now
open until Friday, June 4, 2021 for residents between the ages of 12 and 17, and
more information is available at aurora.ca/teenidol.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that COVID-19 vaccination appointments can
now be booked for those above the age of 70 through york.ca/covid19vaccine.
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.