MINUTES - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20151112
TOWN OF AURORA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Leksand Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair)
(departed 8:15 p.m.), Marilee Harris, Paul Smith, and Bruce
Walkinshaw
Member(s) Absent: Don Constable and Rosalyn Gonsalves
Other Attendees: Councillor Tom Mrakas, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Building & Bylaw Services, Afshin Bazar, Manager, Building
Services, Anthony Ierullo, Manager of Long Range and
Strategic Planning, Michael Logue, Program Manager,
Economic Strategy, and Samantha Yew, Council/Committee
Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved.
CARRIED
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 12, 2015 Page 2 of 4
3. RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 10,
2015
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of September
10, 2015, be received for information.
CARRIED
4. DELEGATIONS
(a) Techa Van Leeuwen, Director of Building & Bylaw Services, and
Afshin Bazar, Manager of Building Services
Re: Item 1 – Memorandum from Director of Building & Bylaw Services;
Re: Proposed Sign By-law
Staff gave a presentation regarding the Proposed Sign By-law, outlining the
proposed changes. Staff further explained that, if approved, the transition would
be implemented over a six-month period, and would include a public education
program and community plan.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Paul Smith
THAT the delegation by Techa van Leeuwen and Afshin Bazar be received
and referred to Item 1.
CARRIED
5. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
1. Memorandum from Director of Building & Bylaw Services
Re: Proposed Sign By-law
The Committee inquired about how the Proposed Sign By-law would help
businesses in Aurora. Staff explained that the changes are designed to
simplify the sign permit process.
The Committee inquired regarding various aspects of the Sign By-law and
asked questions regarding:
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 12, 2015 Page 3 of 4
• The cost and revenue generated by the sign program, and the total cost of
the Sign By-law update;
• The possibility of no Sign By-law enforcement;
• The consideration of vertical banner signs in the Proposed Sign By-law;
• Provisions for heritage signs, special event signs, sign ‘cornerstones’, and
the best practices for real estate signs; and
• The possibility of allowing sandwich board signs.
Staff advised that they would investigate and take all comments made by the
Committee into consideration.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Paul Smith
THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed Sign By-law be received; and
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee provide feedback
regarding the Proposed Sign By-law.
CARRIED
6. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
2. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Activity Report
Staff gave a brief update, highlighting positive steps toward hotel uses, partially
brought upon by the reduction of the local portion of hotel development charges.
Staff also provided an update regarding new interest in manufacturing
businesses locating in the Town.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
CARRIED
3. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Aurora Promenade Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Update
Staff gave a brief update regarding the Aurora Promenade Community
Improvement Plan, including information about various forms of promotion for
the program (media campaign, door-to-door visits, brochures), and information
regarding two applications that have been received.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 12, 2015 Page 4 of 4
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the memorandum regarding Aurora Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Update be received for information.
CARRIED
4. Extract from Council Meeting of October 13, 2015
Re: Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 10, 2015
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Paul Smith
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of October 13, 2015, regarding the
Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of September
10, 2015, be received for information.
CARRIED
7. NEW BUSINESS
The Chair advised that the Director of Planning & Development Services will be at
the next meeting to update the Committee on the proposed medical building.
The Committee inquired about the status of broadband internet in Aurora, and the
possibility of getting broadband internet service from all internet service providers.
The Committee mentioned that some smaller municipalities are offering their own
broadband internet, and discussed whether this is feasible for the Town of Aurora.
The Committee inquired whether there are any incentive programs offered for
businesses to move to Aurora. Staff responded and referred to benefits such as the
Concierge Program, Community Improvement Plan areas, and lower business taxes.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Paul Smith
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING.