MINUTES - Community Advisory Committee - 20191010
Town of Aurora
Community Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2019
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Sera Weiss (Chair), Barry Bridgeford, Councillor Rachel
Gilliland, Balpreet Grewal, Janet Mitchell, Jennifer Sault,
Laura Thanasse
Members Absent: Chris Gordon, Denis Heng (Vice Chair), Chris MacEachern
Other Attendees: Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services, John
Firman, Manager, Business Support, Sara Tienkamp, Parks
and Fleet Manager, Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation, Linda
Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
The Chair welcomed new Committee member Laura Thanasse.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Jennifer Sault
Seconded by Janet Mitchell
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item, be approved:
• Delegation (a) Marion Howell, Resident; Re: Item 2 – CAC19-003 – Future Off-
Leash Dog Park Locations
Carried
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Thursday, October 10, 2019 Page 2 of 5
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. Receipt of the Minutes
Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2019
Moved by Balpreet Grewal
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 20, 2019, be
received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
(a) Marion Howell, Resident
Re: Item 2 – CAC19-003 – Future Off-Leash Dog Park Locations
Ms. Howell, on behalf of residents in her neighbourhood, expressed support
for the staff report recommendation.
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Laura Thanasse
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 2.
Carried
5. Matters for Consideration
1. CAC19-002 – 276 and 310 Hartwell Way – Non-Programmed Park Design
Staff provided an overview of the staff report and two preliminary design
concepts for a natural, non-programmed park at the north end of the
Community Wildlife Park. The Committee and staff discussed various aspects
of the proposed park features including dog park size, naturalized playground
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Thursday, October 10, 2019 Page 3 of 5
options, community gardens structure and management, and concerns
regarding the setback/barrier to residential rear yards and the presence of
coyotes in the area. The Committee suggested including accommodation for
green vehicles, an open space between the dog park and children’s play area,
portable toilets, and a water feature in the dog park.
Moved by Jennifer Sault
Seconded by Laura Thanasse
1. That Report No. CAC19-002 be received; and
2. That the comments and suggestions regarding Report No. CAC19-002 –
276 and 310 Hartwell Way – Non-Programmed Park Design be received
and referred to staff for consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
2. CAC19-003 – Future Off-Leash Dog Park Locations
Staff provided an overview of the staff report and concept plan for a leash-free
dog park at a future Highland Gate subdivision, noting that the identified
possible off-leash dog park locations are based on residents’ feedback.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects of the potential land within
Phase 2 of the Highland Gate Development including options for surface
material, a path around the dog park, water feature, smaller-dog or passive-
dog area, plantings and trees within the park, and agility training-type facilities.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects of the potential Hydro One
Corridor Lands including options for fencing, plantings, providing a buffer
between the potential dog park and residential rear yards, interactive/agility
training features including the repurposing of tunnel slides from playgrounds,
parking, and maintenance vehicle access. Staff noted that Hydro One’s criteria
regarding conductivity in the area would need to be considered.
Moved by Laura Thanasse
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
1. That Report No. CAC19-003 be received; and
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Thursday, October 10, 2019 Page 4 of 5
2. That the comments and suggestions regarding Report No. CAC19-003 –
Future Off-Leash Dog Park Locations be received and referred to staff for
consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
6. Informational Items
3. Memorandum from Manager, Business Support
Re: Outdoor Sports Field Development Strategy
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum providing an update on the
development of a strategy to address the short-term and long-term needs for
outdoor sports fields, noting that the consultant’s report would be brought
forward to Council by the year-end. The Committee inquired about the
opportunity to include washrooms and a play area at sports fields, and noted
the need to protect the Town’s tree canopy.
Moved by Balpreet Grewal
Seconded by Laura Thanasse
Recommended:
1. That the memorandum regarding Outdoor Sports Field Development
Strategy be received for information.
Carried
4. Memorandum from Manager, Recreation
Re: Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study – Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum including preliminary findings
of the study and possible design options. The Committee discussed and
inquired about various aspects including the potential for expansion of existing
facilities, parking, tree removal and replacement, building to last and climate
resiliency, multi-level versus sprawling facility, and diving provisions.
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Thursday, October 10, 2019 Page 5 of 5
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Janet Mitchell
Recommended:
1. That the memorandum regarding Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study –
Update be received for information.
Carried
5. Memorandum from Deputy Town Clerk
Re: Advisory Committee Chair Rotation
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and it was agreed that the
election of the Committee’s Chair and Vice Chair for the year 2020 would be
addressed at the next Committee meeting.
Moved by Jennifer Sault
Seconded by Laura Thanasse
Recommended:
1. That the memorandum regarding Advisory Committee Chair Rotation be
received for information.
Carried
7. Adjournment
Moved by Balpreet Grewal
Seconded by Barry Bridgeford
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Carried