MINUTES - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20161013
Town of Aurora
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, October 13, 2016
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Leksand Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair)
(departed 7:15 p.m.), Rosalyn Gonsalves, Marilee Harris, and
Javed Khan, and Bruce Walkinshaw
Member(s) Absent: Don Constable
Other Attendees: Councillor Tom Mrakas, Councillor Michael Thompson, Doug
Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Anthony Ierullo,
Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning, and Samantha
Yew, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
1. Declarations 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 Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Page 2 of 4
3. Receipt of the Minutes
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9,
2016
Moved by Rosalyn Gonsalves
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
That the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 9,
2016, be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
(a) Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Building Services
Re: Library Square and Town Park Update
Mr. Ramunno provided an update on Library Square and Town Park,
including the conceptual plans, public survey results, and next steps. The
Committee spoke in support of the conceptual plans, and inquired about the
location and proposed uses for various features and buildings, survey results,
timelines and budget, and the public consultation process in relation to the
Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves
That the delegation be received for information.
Carried
5. Matters for Consideration
None
6. Informational Items
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Page 3 of 4
1. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Economic Development Action Plan – Mid-Term Update Discussion
Staff provided background to the memorandum, and noted the Action Plan will
shape what the remainder of the term will look like in terms of strategy. The
Committee expressed support for the current framework, and discussed
aspects of the plan including music and culture initiatives in the Action Plan,
the Business Ambassadors Program, and business retention and expansion.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
1. That the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan –
Mid-Term Update Discussion be received; and
2. That the Economic Development Advisory Committee continue to
endorse the Economic Development Action Plan for the remainder of
the term.
Carried as amended
7. New Business
Javed Khan advised that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the
inaugural Tech Expo from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at
King’s Riding Golf Club in King City. He noted that the event is for small business
owners and entrepreneurs in the Town and York Region to assist with finding
solutions to technological challenges. Mr. Khan mentioned that the Tech Expo will
host over twenty expert exhibitors and that attendees can attend at no cost if pre-
registered, or pay a $10 admission fee at the door.
New Business Motion No. 1
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
That the Economic Development Advisory Committee endorse the Library
Square/Town Park Conceptual Plans, as presented.
Carried
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Page 4 of 4
It was noted that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce representative did not vote on
New Business Motion No. 1, as he was not prepared as the representative to
provide comment at this time.
Marilee Harris inquired about what actions the Town may undertake to capitalize,
from an economic development perspective, on Magna International Inc.’s
decision to remain as a viable member of the business community. Staff indicated
that information will be provided when available.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Javed Khan
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
CARRIED
Committee recommendations are not binding on the Town unless adopted by Council at a
later meeting.