AGENDA - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20160310ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2016
7 P.M.
HOLLAND ROOM
AURORA TOWN HALL
PUBLIC RELEASE
March 7,2016
TOWN OF AURORA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
DATE:Thursday,March 10,2016
TIME AND LOCATION:7 p.m.,Holland 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
January 14,2016
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
January 14,2016,be received for information.
4.DELEGATIONS
5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Page 2 of 3
6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.6
Re:2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business Directory
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding 2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business
Directory be received for information.
2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.8
Re:Bell Canada Small Cell Technology
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Bell Canada Small Cell Technology be
received for information.
3.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.10
Re:Economic Development Action Plan Update
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan
Update be received for information.
4.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.13
Re:Activity Report
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for
information.
5.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.15
Re:Medical Campus Update
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Medical Campus Update be received
for information.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Page 3 of 3
6.Extract from Council Meeting of February 9,2016 pg.17
Re:Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 14,2016
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of February 9,2016,regarding the
Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January
14,2016,be received for information.
7.NEW BUSINESS
8.ADJOURNMENT
TOWN OF AURORA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Date:Thursday,January 14,2016
Time and Location:7 p.m.,Leksand Room,Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members:Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair),Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair),
Don Constable,Rosalyn Gonsalves,Marilee Harris,Paul Smith,
Bruce Walkinshaw,and Mayor Geoffrey Dawe (ex-officio)
Member(s)Absent:None
Other Attendees:Councillor Tom Mrakas,Councillor Michael Thompson,Doug
Nadorozny,Chief Administrative Officer,Anthony Ierullo,
Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning,Michael
Logue,Program Manager,Economic Development,and Linda
Bottos,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 Councillor Abel
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services,with the following
additions,be approved:
Item 4 –Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe;Re:A Short History of a New
Hotel in Aurora
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Minutes Page -1
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Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,January 14,2016 Page 2 of 5
Item 5 –Memorandum from Acting Manager of Corporate Communications;Re:
2016 Community Recognition Awards
CARRIED
3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 10,
2015
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of December
10,2015,be received for information.
CARRIED
4.DELEGATIONS
(a)Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re:Hotel Development Update
The Committee consented on a two-thirds vote that the requirements of section 3.8(c)of the
Procedural By-law be waived to permit the delegation to speak for more than five minutes.
Mayor Dawe provided an overview of the information detailed in Item 4 (added
item)regarding the history and future potential of hotel development,and
Development Charges,in Aurora.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
THAT the delegation by Mayor Geoffrey Dawe be received for information.
CARRIED
5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Minutes Page -2
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Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,January 14,2016 Page 3 of 5
1.Memorandum from Director of Building &Bylaw Services
Re:Proposed Sign By-law
Staff gave a brief overview and background of the memorandum.Staff provided
clarification to the cost analysis and noted that further analysis was needed.The
Committee expressed opposition to the proposed permit fee increases.
Moved by Paul Smith
Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves
THAT the memorandum regarding Proposed By-law be received for information.
CARRIED
2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re:Vacant Employment Land Inventory
Staff gave a brief overview of the memorandum and attachment.The
Committee inquired about the Inventory criteria,frequency of updates,and
vacant buildings,and staff provided clarification.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the memorandum regarding Vacant Employment Land Inventory be
received for information.
CARRIED
3.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
Re:Activity Report
Staff gave a brief overview of the memorandum regarding business inquiries,
openings,and upcoming events,and noted that business closings would be
included in the annual update.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
CARRIED
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Minutes Page -3
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Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,January 14,2016 Page 4 of 5
4.Memorandum from Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
Re:A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora
(Added Item)
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
THAT the memorandum regarding A Short History of a New Hotel in Aurora
be received for information.
CARRIED
5.Memorandum from Acting Manager of Corporate Communications
Re:2016 Community Recognition Awards
(Added Item)
Staff gave a brief overview of the background to the memorandum and noted
that the Committee was being asked to help promote the 2016 Community
Recognition Awards and encourage nominations for the Good Business Award.
The Committee provided comments regarding the Good Business Award in
relation to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce,communications,and business
feedback.Staff clarified that the Good Business Award is a corporate social
responsibility award,and it was indicated that the Committee’s comments would
be shared with the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee.
Moved by Don Constable
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
THAT the memorandum regarding 2016 Community Recognition Awards be
received for information.
CARRIED
7.NEW BUSINESS
The Committee requested clarification on the current role of the Economic
Development Advisory Committee.Mayor Dawe advised that the new Chief
Administrative Officer is in the process of an organizational review and more
information would be forthcoming.
The Committee inquired about the status of a potential medical campus in Town.Staff
responded regarding the marketing strategy and communication plans for this project.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Minutes Page -4
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Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,January 14,2016 Page 5 of 5
The Committee inquired about the status of high speed broadband in Aurora.Mayor
Dawe advised that a Regional task force would be meeting in February 2016 to
discuss strategy.
The Committee suggested that there is a need for increased efforts in relation to
business retention and communications in Town.
8.ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:14 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,March 10,2016 Minutes Page -5
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DATE:March 10,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business Directory
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding 2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business Directory be
received for information.
BACKGROUND
Employment Survey (YRES).The YRES is an annual Region-wide survey of all
businesses,in partnership with all nine local municipalities.The 2015 survey
was conducted between May and August,and the primary method of data collection
was through door-to-door interviews at business locations.Aurora has been surveyed
annually as part of this project since 2001.Information collected from the employment
survey is used for planning and analysis purposes,with confidential data such as
contact names and exact employment numbers kept internal-only.Public information
that forms part of the business directory includes:business name,address,industry
sector,website,email,phone,and employment range.
COMMENTS
After instituting several further methodological improvements for the 2015 YRES cycle,the
5
employment survey data in February 2016 .After a
period of internal review,the public portion of the employment survey data is being made
available as 5-2016 business directory on www.businessaurora.ca,to coincide
with the release of this memo.
Following the standard established for 2014-2015,the new 2015-2016 Business Directory is
being made available in two formats;as a downloadable spreadsheet (excel format)suitable
for manipulation and analysis,and as part of an interactive,searchable map-based
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,March 10,2016 Item 1 Page -1
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March 10,2016 -2-2015-2016 Business Directory
directory,hosted by York Region,and accessible at www.businessaurora.ca/directory.
These two options have eliminated the previous need for the use of a third-party website,
and eliminated demand for a PDF or print version of a directory.
The 2015-2016 Business Directory for Aurora contains 1,468 businesses,an increase from
the 2014-2015 directory.A forthcoming memo will be shared with the committee,analyzing
the latest employment survey data for Aurora,in terms of business and employment growth.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 1 Page -2
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:March 10,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
RE:Bell Canada Small Cell Technology
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding Bell Canada Small Cell Technology be received for
information.
BACKGROUND
In late 2015,Bell Canada reached out to York Region and it’s nine local municipalities,
including Aurora,to reveal their future plans for the emerging technology known as
small cell communications.
In Bell’s words,they are beginning to install pole mounted small cell antenna systems,
also known as micro cells.Small cells operate with lower transmit power relative to
traditional cell sites and are designed to blend into the environment and cover small
areas.
As per Bell,small cells facilitate an improved customer experience by:
–Augmenting network availability to users in heavily trafficked areas
–Improving network quality (speed)and capacity (availability)
–Reducing the overall equipment real estate foot-print required
–Potentially decreasing the number of traditional ‘cell sites’required
ANALYSIS
Under the premise of exponentially increasing wireless data needs,Bell seeks to
integrate Small Cell and Fibre infrastructure to support growing coverage and capacity
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,March 10,2016 Item 2 Page -1
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March 10,2016 -2-Bell Canada Small Cell Technology
requirements,utilizing the Region’s existing infrastructure,while also looking for trial
small cell locations.
Staff have initiated communications with Bell Canada,and will update this committee at
a future meeting regarding the results of those efforts.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 2 Page -2
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:March 10,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:Economic Development Action Plan Update
RECOMMENDATIONS:
THAT the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan Update be
received for information.
BACKGROUND
The following flow chart was endorsed by EDAC in May of 2015,as an overview of
ongoing economic development activities,plans,and strategies,and the committee ’s
advisory role.
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,March 10,2016 Item 3 Page -1
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Economic Development
March 10,2016 -2-Action Plan Update
Subsequently,staff and EDAC discussed and proposed an update to the Economic
development Action Plan,which was approved by Council in August 2015.
COMMENTS
The following provides a brief update of the significant activities that have taken place since
the approval of the revised Economic Development Action Plan.
Business Ambassadors Program
Major Puzzle Piece(s):Business Support Services &Downtown Revitalization
Smaller Puzzle Piece(s):Community Improvement Plan &Connecting Businesses
The Business Ambassadors program was approved by Council and funding has been
approved for the 2016 budget.The Town will be recruiting program participants and
preparing marketing materials in February/March.
Medical Uses in 2C Planning Area
Major Puzzle Piece(s):Innovation Centre /Campus
Smaller Puzzle Piece(s):Medical Campus
The Town is working with the Emery group to deliver a marketing campaign targeted to
medical uses for their lands at Highway 404.
Entertainment District
Major Puzzle Piece(s):Downtown Revitalization /Community Square
Smaller Puzzle Piece(s):Aurora Promenade /Festivals and Events
The Town has initiated a Cultural Precinct Plan in the Aurora Promenade.The Cultural
Precinct is a three block area bounded by Mosley Street to the north,Larmont Street to the
east,Metcalfe/Church Street to the south and Yonge Street to the west.The area is home to
the highest concentration of built heritage and cultural landscape resources in Aurora’s
downtown.This area has been the heart of Aurora for over 100 years.The vision and
concept for this area will focus on the key components for the Precinct including:place
making,streetscapes,building massing,open spaces,green infrastructure,ecology,
recreational programming,heritage value,infrastructure demands,parking needs,and
economic development strategy.Council will consider the Cultural Precinct Plan in the
spring of 2016.
Broadband
Major Puzzle Piece(s):Business Support Services
Smaller Puzzle Piece(s):Growth/BR&E
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 3 Page - 2
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Economic Development
March 10,2016 -3-Action Plan Update
The Town is initiating discussions with Bell and AMO on a potential partnership related to
the Small Cell Broadband program.The program would utilize the technology within the
Town’s new LED Streetlights to create a wireless network.
Business Directory
Major Puzzle Piece(s):Business Support Services
Smaller Puzzle Piece(s):Growth/Enhancing Existing Resources
The Town is in receipt of the information that will constitute the 2015 -2016 Business
Directory,from the Regional Municipality of York (our employment survey partner).The data
is being reviewed and prepared for posting online.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 3 Page - 3
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:March 10,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:Activity Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
BACKGROUND
Inquiries
The Economic Development Office received 15 investor inquiries between January 1,
2015 and March 1,2016.The nature of these inquiries were related to:
Six proposed industrial uses
Four proposed hotel use
Four proposed commercial uses
One proposed institutional use
Business Openings
The Town of Aurora’s Economic Development Office was advised of six new business
openings between December 15,2015 and February 15,2016.Please join me in
welcoming the following businesses to Aurora:
o FUNDPAGE
(647)984-3863
www.fundpage.com
o SYNERGY CHIROPRACTIC NATUROPATHIC
258 Earl Stewart Drive,Unit 5
(905)750-0090
www.synergyscn.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,March 10,2016 Item 4 Page -1
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March 10,2016 -2-Activity Report
o DENTISTRY ON CHURCH STREET
13 Church Street
(905)727-0007
www.dentistryonchurchst.com
o MOVE SENIORS LOVINGLY
(416)254-0782
www.moveseniorslovingly.com
o THE CAR GIRLS
9 Industrial Parkway South,Unit 200
(289)648-1614
www.theCarGirls.ca
o WILLOWBRAE ACADEMY AURORA
126 Wellington Street West
(905)841-7779
www.willowbraeacademy.com/index.php/5004
Upcoming Events
Town of Aurora:Youth Job Fair,Aurora Family Leisure Complex,March 17
Aurora Chamber of Commerce:Managing Performance:HR Workshop,March 22
RNC Employment Services:Assertive Communication Strategies,March 22
YSBEC &Towns of Aurora,Whitchurch-Stouffville:Digital Innovation for
Business Success,Meadowbrook Golf &Country Club,March 29
YSBEC:How to Start a Small Business,YR Admin Centre Newmarket,April 6
Aurora Chamber Home Show,Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex,April 15-17
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 4 Page -2
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:March 10,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:Medical Campus Update
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the memorandum regarding Medical Campus Update be received.
BACKGROUND
In late 2015,staff discussed the potential opportunity to pursue a medical campus on
employment lands at Wellington Street and Highway 404.The site offers a number of
characteristics that would benefit a medical campus including the following:
location on arterial roadways (Leslie Avenue)with direct 404 exposure;
proximity to residential growth areas;
proximity to Southlake Regional Health Centre;
large contiguous greenfield development environment;and,
existing planning permissions that allow for medical uses on several sites.
Staff contacted the property owner for the subject lands (Emery Investments)who is
interested in working with the Town to establish the medical campus and attract
potential users.The proposed campus could include a wide range of medical uses
including manufacturers,research and development,support services and practitioners.
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,March 10,2016 Item 5 Page -1
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March 10,2016 -2-Medical Campus Update
In order to promote the opportunity to potential medical campus users,staff will work
with the property owner to deliver a targeted marketing campaign.The following
activities will be undertaken by the Town to support the property owner in attracting the
desired investors:
Partner with Southlake Hospital and CreateIT Now at Southlake to market the lands
to incubator clients and potential investors;
Issue a media brief to educate members of the local media and potentially increase
the profile of the opportunity;
Deliver a direct mail campaign targeting executives at relevant large organizations
currently operating in the GTA;and,
Deliver an information session in partnership with the land owner to clarify any
questions.
Staff are currently in discussions with Emery Investments regarding the timing of the
servicing of the subject lands and will coincide any marketing activities with the
availability of the lands as well as related marketing activities planned by the property
owner.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 5 Page -2
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Page 1 of 1
7.ADOPTION OF ITEMS NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
Items 1 (with the exception of sub-items 2,3,6,10,and 11),and 2 were identified as items not
requiring separate discussion.
Moved by Councillor Pirri
Seconded by Councillor Thom
as submitted to Council and staff be authorized to
take all necessary action required to give effect to same:
1.General Committee Meeting Report of February 2,2016
THAT the General Committee meeting report of February 2,2016,be received and the
following recommendations carried by the Committee be approved:
(14)Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January
14,2016
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
January 14,2016,be received for information.
CARRIED
EXTRACT FROM
COUNCIL MEETING OF
TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 9,2016
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,March 10,2016 Item 6 Page -1
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