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AGENDA - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20160114ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY,JANUARY 14,2016 7 P.M. LEKSAND ROOM AURORA TOWN HALL PUBLIC RELEASE January 8,2016 TOWN OF AURORA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA DATE:Thursday,January 14,2016 TIME AND LOCATION:7 p.m.,Leksand Room,Aurora Town Hall 1.DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA RECOMMENDED: THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved. 3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of pg.1 December 10,2015 RECOMMENDED: THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of December 10,2015,be received for information. 4.DELEGATIONS (a)Mayor Geoffrey Dawe,Town of Aurora pg.5 Re:Hotel Development Update Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Page 2 of 2 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1.Memorandum from Director of Building &Bylaw Services pg.6 Re:Proposed Sign By-law RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed By-law be received for information. 2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning pg.8 Re:Vacant Employment Land Inventory RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding Vacant Employment Land Inventory be received for information. 3.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning pg.10 Re:Activity Report RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information. 7.NEW BUSINESS 8.ADJOURNMENT TOWN OF AURORA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Date:Thursday,December 10,2015 Time and Location:7 p.m.,Leksand Room,Aurora Town Hall Committee Members:Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair)(arrived 7:11 p.m.),Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair),Don Constable,Rosalyn Gonsalves,Marilee Harris,Paul Smith,and Bruce Walkinshaw Member(s)Absent:None Other Attendees:Councillor Tom Mrakas,Marco Ramunno,Director of Planning &Development Services,Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning,Afshin Bazar,Manager,Building Services,and Samantha Yew,Council/Committee Secretary The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Councillor Abel relinquished the Chair to Councillor Pirri at 7:18 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 Rosalyn Gonsalves Seconded by Don Constable THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved. CARRIED Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Minutes Page -1 -1 - Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday,December 10,2015 Page 2 of 4 3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2015 Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw Seconded by Marilee Harris THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of November 12,2015,be received for information. CARRIED 4.DELEGATIONS (a)Marco Ramunno,Director of Planning &Development Services Re:Update on Proposed Medical Building Mr.Ramunno advised that the property owners in the 2C Business Area committed to having the lands serviced within the next year.He mentioned that the lands are currently zoned for office and medical building uses and noted that one business owner has submitted an application for a business park. The Committee inquired about interested parties and whether there is a plan in place to advertise the medical building area.Staff responded that there has been some interest in the area,and agreed that they will provide more information.The Committee also inquired about guidelines around building medicinal marijuana facilities and staff advised that these facilities are heavily regulated. Moved by Marilee Harris Seconded by Don Constable THAT the delegation by Marco Ramunno be received for information. CARRIED (b)Dr.Brian Moore,Canadian Disc Institute Re:Item 1 –Extract from Council Meeting of November 24,2015;Re: BBS15-013 -Request for Sign Variance to Sign By-law No.4898-07.P for the Canadian Disc Institute at 15000 Yonge Street Dr.Moore gave a brief presentation,and spoke in support of the Sign Variance Request. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Minutes Page -2 -2 - Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday,December 10,2015 Page 3 of 4 Moved by Rosalyn Gonsalves Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw THAT the delegation by Dr.Brian Moore be received and referred to Item 1. CARRIED 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION 1.Extract from Council Meeting of November 24,2015 Re:BBS15-013 -Request for Sign Variance to Sign By-law No.4898-07.P for the Canadian Disc Institute at 15000 Yonge Street The Committee spoke in support of the Request for Sign Variance. Moved by Don Constable Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommend to Council: THAT the Request for Sign Variance to Sign By-law No.4898-07.P for the Canadian Disc Institute at 15000 Yonge Street be approved. CARRIED 6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning Re:Economic Development Action Plan Update Staff provided an overview on the current programs listed in the Economic Development Action Plan,including key programs such as the Business Ambassadors Program,Business Visitations,Medical Uses in the 2C Planning Area,Entertainment District and Community Square. The Committee inquired about business retention surveys,the status of the action plans and Business Ambassador Program,and the status of a hotel in Aurora. Staff advised on various aspects of these inquiries. Moved by Councillor Abel Seconded by Don Constable THAT the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan Update be received for information. CARRIED Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Minutes Page -3 -3 - Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday,December 10,2015 Page 4 of 4 7.NEW BUSINESS The Committee expressed interest in connecting with other municipal Economic Development Advisory Committees to gather information on their goals,projects and initiatives. The Committee inquired as to whether the Building &Bylaw Services department will be providing the Committee with an update and address questions asked regarding the proposed Sign By-law update.The Chair indicated that he would speak with staff. 8.ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw Seconded by Don Constable THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:26 p.m. CARRIED COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Minutes Page -4 -4 - DELEGATION REQUEST This Delegation Request form and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or Committees of Council must be submitted to the Clerk’s office by the following deadline: 4:30 P.M.ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED MEETING DATE COUNCIL/COMMITTEE/ADVISORY COMMITTEE DATE:January 14,2016 SUBJECT:Hotel Development Update NAME OF SPOKESPERSON:Mayor Geoffrey Dawe,Town of Aurora NAME OF GROUP OR PERSON(S)BEING REPRESENTED (if applicable): BRIEF SUMMARY OF ISSUE OR PURPOSE OF DELEGATION: To provide EDAC with an update on hotel development in Aurora. PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest?YES ☐NO ☐ IF YES,WITH WHOM?DATE: ☒I acknowledge that the Procedural By-law permits five (5)minutes for Delegations. Legal and Legislative Services 905-727-3123 CSecretariat@aurora.ca Town of Aurora 100 John West Way,Box 1000 Aurora,ON L4G 6J1 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Delegation (a)Page -1 -5 - MEMORANDUM DATE:January 14,2016 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee FROM:Techa van Leeuwen,Director of Building and Bylaw Services RE:Proposed Sign By-law RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed Sign By-law be received for information. BACKGROUND At the EDAC meeting of November 12,staff from Building and Bylaw Services Department presented an overview of proposed changes to the Town of Aurora Sign By-law.The presentation was received and a number of questions and comments were provided. Responses to questions related to the technical provisions for signs such as vertical banner signs,special events signs,real-estate signs,signs located on a heritage building or in a heritage area were provided for at the meeting.Comments respecting sandwich board signs will be considered during the final review of the by-law when all consultative groups have provided comments. Staff did commit to providing information respecting the cost and revenue generated by the sign permit program. COMMENTS Sign Permit fees are collected in accordance with the fee schedule outlined in the by-law. The current fee for permanent signs is based on of $5.00 per square metre of sign area with a minimum fee of $75.00 whichever is greater.In 2015,the building division issued 35 sign permits with total fees amounting to $6297.20.The average permit fee was approximately $180 per permit. 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4748 Email:tvanleeuwen@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Building and Bylaw Services Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 1 Page -1 -6 - January 14,2016 -2 -Proposed Sign By-law The table below provides a cost analysis of the program delivery.The activities are defined with average times per activity assigned.For the purpose of this analysis the hourly rate is a fee that has been established in the Town’s Building By-law for plan review and inspections as it is the same staff performing sign bylaw review and inspections.The hourly includes the direct costs of service delivery such as base salaries and benefits as well as indirect costs such as overhead,space allocation,IT support,payroll,general governance support,etc. This model of cost allocation has been established in accordance with the Building Code Act and is appropriate to apply in this instance as Signs are regulated by the Ontario Building Code.Each year indirect costs from the building department are allocated to other cost centres across the organization. The table indicates that on average a sign permit costs $357.50 in comparison to the current average fee being collected at $180.00.It should also be noted that progressive enforcement costs have not been included. Type Activities Average Time (min.)Hourly Rate Cost Administration Application Review 45 min.$110 $82.50 Cash handling Data entry Triage Review Sign By-law Review 60 min.$110 $110.00ZoningReview Building Code Review Inspection Footing /Foundation 60 min.$110 $110.00Final Re-inspection Enforcement Site visit(s) 30 min.$110 $55.00Documentation&record keeping issuance of the notices and orders Total Cost:$357.50 In conclusion the analysis indicates that current fees are not cost recovery and the service is subsidized through other building permit activities.Therefore staff has included in the proposed Sign By-law a fee increase to $150 per application plus $10 per sq.metre. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 1 Page -2 -7 - MEMORANDUM DATE:January 14,2016 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning RE:Vacant Employment Land Inventory RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the memorandum be received for information. BACKGROUND The Town of Aurora’s Vacant Employment Land Inventory (VELI)is updated periodically,with the most recent previous version being from January 2014.It is intended to provide prospective investors,new or expanding companies,realtors and site selectors with a snapshot of available employment lands.It accounts for all unbuilt parcels designated for employment uses,but does not include any buildings that may be built yet unoccupied,or any built parcels with opportunity for further expansion/infill. The diagram below indicates where VELI fits into the continuum or EDAC-related plans: 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742 Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Planning &Development Services Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 2 Page -1 -8 - January 14,2016 -2-Vacant Employment Land Inventory ANALYSIS In total there is just over 160 hectares (160.70 ha,or 397 acres)of vacant designated employment land in the Town of Aurora,broken down as follows: Industrial Parkway North 2.34 ha (5.77 acres),1.5% Industrial Parkway South 3.72 ha (9.18 acres),2.3% Aurora East 0.75 ha (1.85 acres),0.5% Magna/Preserve 17.20 ha (42.51 acres),10.7% Wellington/404 54.71 ha (135.18 acres),34.0% St John’s/404 82.00 ha (202.62 acres),51.0% Of note, only a few parcels remain in Aurora’s original employment areas along Industrial Parkway (North and South): 6.06 hectares, or 3.8% or the total supply. Three parcels in the Aurora East employment area have been absorbed since the last update, and this area is now also virtually built out, with one site at less than two acres remaining (0.5% of the total inventory). The fastest-developing employment area is the Wellington/404 area, with parcels being absorbed along Don Hillock Drive and Eric T. Smith Way since the last inventory update. Over half of the total supply, the St. John’s-404 employment area, does not currently have servicing connections, but is anticipated in 2016 (over 200 acres developable). These lands include those contemplated for an Aurora medical campus cluster. The bulk of the Town’s inventory and activity now resides in the concession adjacent Highway 404, in the Wellington-404 and St. John’s-404 employment areas, which make up 85% of the total inventory (136.7 hectares or 337.8 acres). The availability of large parcels of serviced employment land in proximity to a 400-series highway interchange will be a key economic driver in the coming years. ATTACHMENTS Town of Aurora Vacant Employment Land Inventory, January 2016 (to be provided at meeting) Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 2 Page - 2 - 9 - MEMORANDUM DATE:January 14,2016 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning RE:Activity Report RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the memorandum be received for information. BACKGROUND Inquiries The Economic Development Office received eight investor inquiries between November 1,2015 and January 1,2016.The nature of these inquiries were related to: Three proposed industrial uses One proposed hotel uses Four proposed commercial uses Business Openings The Town of Aurora’s Economic Development Office was advised of seven new business openings between October 15,2015 and December 15,2015.Please join me in welcoming the following businesses to Aurora: o EVERYDAY COOKING BY SANDRA KATANIC (416)471-0800 www.sandrakatanic.com o RBC ROYAL BUILDING CLEANING LTD. 158 Don Hillock Dr.,Unit 1 (905)727-6891 www.rbcclean.com 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742 Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Planning &Development Services Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 3 Page -1 -10 - January 14,2016 -2-Activity Report o GLOW MEDI SPA 15435 Yonge St. (905)726-9333 www.glowmedispa.ca o CROSSFIT AURORA CENTRAL 189 Earl Steward Dr.,Unit 5 (905)726-8686 www.crossfitAuroraCentral.com o CITYSCAPE REAL ESTATE LTD. 238 Wellington St.East,Suite 211 (416)726-8430 http://sellbuyreal.estate/ o HOFMANN AND ISAAC INDIVIDUAL &FAMILY COUNSELLING 15260 Yonge St.,Suite 202 (905)716-4698 www.hofmannandisaac.ca o GET FIT WITH DAVE (647)221-9534 www.GetFitwithDave.ca Upcoming Events •RNC Employment Services:Hiring Event,9:30-2:00,Jan 20 •YSBEC BizLaunch Series:How to Grow your Business in 2016 (webinar),Jan 26 •The Small Business Start-Up Option,Presented by York Region Small Business Centre (YSBEC),at RNC Employment Services,Aurora,Jan 28 •Aurora Chamber:Back to Business –A Strategic Planning Presentation,Jan 28 •YSBEC:How to Start a Small Business,YR Admin Centre Newmarket,Feb 3 •Aurora Chamber’s Annual Mayor’s Luncheon,Oakview Terrace,Feb 17 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 3 Page -2 -11 - TOWN OF AURORA ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday,January 14,2016 7 p.m. Leksand Room Item 4 –Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe pg.1 Re:A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora be received for information. Item 5 –Memorandum from Acting Manager of Corporate Communications pg.3 Re:2016 Community Recognition Awards RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding 2016 Community Recognition Awards be received for information. MEMORANDUM DATE:January 14,2016 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members FROM:Mayor Geoffrey Dawe RE:A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora RECOMMENDATIONS THAT the memorandum “A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora”be received for information. BACKGROUND Howard Johnson’s The Howard Johnson Hotel has been in Aurora for decades and at one time hosted several events such as banquets and dinner theatres,and in 2010 was the venue which hosted the 2010 Municipal Election debate sponsored by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. The Hotel has since ceased operations and currently has come into disrepair.The property is privately owned and,although a number of people and organizations have expressed interest in the property,the current owner is most uncommunicative and uncooperative. New Hotel A new hotel was proposed for the corner of Leslie Street and Wellington Street East in 2007/2008.The property had been acquired and Development Charges had been paid. To my knowledge,the operator lived abroad and the proposal was to build an “extended stay”type of hotel.However,due to changes in the economy,the owner cancelled their plans. This property was then sold to a small,Mississauga-based builder who had proposed a Best Western franchise.I met with them early in 2011;however,they elected not to proceed.As a result of not building within a defined time period i,the Development Charges that had originally been applied in 2007/2008 were now out of date,and any new build would be at the new Development Charges rate. 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4741 Email:mayor@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Office of the Mayor Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 4 Page -1 -1 - A Short History of a January 14,2016 -2-New Hotel in Aurora Development Charges Development Charges are fees charged by the Town/Region to cover infrastructure costs for water,sewers,etc.Development Charges are enacted with the passing of a by-law,after extensive consultation with industry representatives,for example,BILDii. The bulk of Development Charges (certainly in Aurora)are from the residential side (around 75%),with the remainder coming from industry (business park,commercial, industrial,and hotels). Hotels are charged at an increased rate.The rationale for this is that they are essentially a small apartment building with each room requiring water/wastewater connections. Development Charges Deferral In August 2015,staff brought forward Report No.PL15-060 with a recommendation to defer the excess portion of the Town’s Hotel Development Charges and to request the same of the Region.This was endorsed by Council. Investigations by staff had determined that the Development Charges for an 87-suite hotel in Aurora would be $2,756,627.28 as compared to $831,824.40 in Ajax.This obvious imbalance was the driver for the staff recommendation. I am currently working with a developer who is proposing a new hotel in the Leslie Street/Wellington Street East area in an effort to receive similar treatment on the Regional Development Charges.I am expecting a report to come forward to Regional Council in February 2016. i Note that a project not started within six months from permit issuance is then subject to the Development Charges that are in effect at the later date.ii BILD =Building Industry &Land Development Association Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 4 Page -2 -2 - MEMORANDUM DATE:January 14,2016 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Acting Manager of Corporate Communications RE:2016 Community Recognition Awards RECOMMENDED THAT the memorandum regarding the 2016 Community Recognition Awards be received for information. BACKGROUND In the fall of 2015,Council appointed a Community Recognition Review Ad Hoc Committee to review the structure,format and content of the Town’s Community Recognition Awards. Based on the Committee’s recommendations,Council recently approved a revised format for the 2016 Awards that includes a number of new Award categories including the Good Business Award. The Good Business Award is awarded to a business that demonstrates community involvement and contributes to building community capacity,and that supports the overall health and well-being of the community. In support of the initiative,the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee has requested that the Economic Development Advisory Committee assist in promoting the 2016 Community Recognition Awards as well as in encouraging the nomination of local businesses that warrant consideration for the Good Business Award. Detailed information and nomination forms are available at www.aurora.ca/cra. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 –2016 Community Recognition Awards Nomination Package 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742 Email:Aierullo@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Corporate Communications Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 5 Page -1 -3 - 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS –CATEGORIES &CRITERIA Friday,March 4,2016. Monday,May 30,2016. VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD • ** YOUTH VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • • ENVIRONMENTAL AW ARD • ACHIEVEMENT IN SPORTS AWARD • • • • • Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 5 Page -2 -4 - 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS –CATEGORIES &CRITERIA ARTS AND CULTURE AWARD • • COMMUNITY ORGANIZER/ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD • GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD •one • • • NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AW ARD • GOOD BUSINESS AW ARD • Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 5 Page -3 -5 - 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS –CATEGORIES &CRITERIA ACCESSIBILITY AWARD • CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD Special consi deration may be given to nominees younger than 16 years of age,if the evaluation group deems such a nomination applicable and the nominee meets all other criteria. The evaluation group will give priority to nominations that recognize a nominee’s recent or ongoing activities or contributions to the Town of Aurora.Special consideration may be given to posthumous nominations or to nominees whose activities or contributions occurred more than three (3)years ago,if the evaluation group deems such nominations applicable and the nominee meets all other criteria. Friday,March 4,2016. ATTENTION:JENNIFER NORTON 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD NOMINATION Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 5 Page -4 -6 - 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS –CATEGORIES &CRITERIA Friday,March 4,2016. Nominator Organization Category: I Nominate Additional Items for Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday,January 14,2016 Item 5 Page -5 -7 - 2016 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS –CATEGORIES &CRITERIA Please provide as much information on the nominee as you can as it pertains to the category chosen. 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