MINUTES - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20160908
Town of Aurora
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date: Thursday, September 8, 2016
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Leksand Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair), Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair),
Don Constable, Marilee Harris, and Javed Khan
Member(s) Absent: Rosalyn Gonsalves and Bruce Walkinshaw
Other Attendees: 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 7:01 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 Marilee Harris
Seconded by Don Constable
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
3. Receipt of the Minutes
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Page 2 of 4
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9,
2016
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Don Constable
That the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 9,
2016, be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
None
5. Matters for Consideration
None
6. Informational Items
1. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Economic Development Action Plan – Mid-Term Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum. The Chair expressed
interest in holding a meeting in October to discuss Committee initiatives.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Javed Khan
1. That the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan –
Mid-Term Update be received for information.
Carried
2. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Bell Small Cell Pilot Project Update
Staff gave an overview on the progress of the small cell technology pilot
project, and noted that the Town is the first municipality in York Region to
implement this technology. Staff advised that this agreement is amongst the
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Thursday, September 8, 2016 Page 3 of 4
highest in financial value offered by Bell in Ontario, and the Committee
expressed enthusiasm for the project.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Don Constable
1. That the memorandum regarding Bell Small Cell Pilot Project Update be
received for information.
Carried
3. Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re: Activity Report
Staff noted that this report highlights investor inquiries, business openings
and business related events through the end of September.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Javed Khan
1. That the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for
information.
Carried
4. Extract from Council Meeting of June 28, 2016
Re: Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
June 9, 2016
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Javed Khan
1. That the Extract from Council Meeting of June 28, 2016, regarding the
Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 9,
2016, be received for information.
Carried
7. New Business
Javed Khan requested an update regarding the status of a hotel in Aurora. Staff
indicated that there is interest, and explained that York Region’s forthcoming
Development Charges By-law update could be a factor in the development of a hotel
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Thursday, September 8, 2016 Page 4 of 4
in Aurora. The Committee discussed various aspects of the proposed Regional
Development Charges By-law update, and potential marketing strategies.
The Vice Chair expressed concern regarding correspondence that was sent from
several Committee members to the Chair. The Chair advised that the correspondence
would not be considered during the meeting, and could be addressed outside of the
meeting. A copy of the correspondence was provided to the Council Secretariat. Don
Constable requested that a meeting be called by staff to discuss the correspondence
prior to the next Committee meeting.
Don Constable suggested that the Committee be dissolved, effective immediately, due
to lack of cooperation among some members. Staff advised that the Economic
Development Advisory Committee is a committee of Council, and that Council
approval is required to dissolve the Committee.
Councillor Abel requested that the Committee be provided with an update regarding
the Cultural Precinct, and that the Committee have an opportunity to provide comment.
Councillor Abel noted that he recently came across articles regarding incubators, pop-
up shops, and Ontario’s Investment Ready: Certified Site program that could be of
value to the Committee, and requested that the articles be circulated for information.
He further requested that staff investigate whether these ideas could be used within
the Town.
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.