MINUTES - General Committee - 20220201 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Councillor Michael Thompson (Chair)
Mayor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Councillor Sandra Humfryes*
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor John Gallo*
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations*
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services*
Lisa Hausz, Acting Director, Planning and Development
Services*
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services*
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor*
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management*
Elizabeth Adams-Quattrociocchi, Manager, Financial Reporting
and Revenue*
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation*
Stephen Corr, Senior Development Planner*
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Samantha Yew, Deputy Town Clerk
Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
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1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
A moment of silence was observed in honour of former Councillor David Griffith,
who passed away on January 25, 2022.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 9:15 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
General Committee resolved into a Closed Session at 10:13 p.m. and reconvened
into open session at 10:50 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
General Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative
Services, and further revised the agenda on a two-thirds majority vote to include
Closed Session Item 14.1 - Personal matters about an identifiable individual,
including municipal or local board employees (Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal
Act, 2001); Re: Verbal Update from CAO.
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Brian Titherington, Director, Transportation & Infrastructure Planning, and
Lauren Crawford, Manager, Transportation Long-Term Planning, Re: York
Region 2022 Transportation Masterplan Update
Lauren Crawford and Brian Titherington, from the Region of York, provided
an update on the York Region 2022 Transportation Masterplan Project
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(TMP) and presented an overview of the process and study in developing
the TMP. They further provided details of the focus areas, proposed 2051
transportation networks, other programs and initiatives, and the next
steps.
General Committee received the presentation for information.
6. Delegations
6.1 Michael White, Resident; Re: Drainage Maintenance between Underhill Cres
and Rachewood Crt
Michael White referred to an ongoing dispute regarding the responsibility
of maintaining the catch basin, drainage swale and retaining wall located
behind his property, indicating that they are on Town property. He
requested that the Town investigate the concerns and assume
maintenance responsibilities.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation.
6.2 Phiona Durrant, Shurithi Sharad, and Rebekah Murdoch, representing Aurora
Black Community Association; Re: Black History Month Celebrations
Phiona Durrant referred to the upcoming Black History Month Celebrations
and Aurora Black Community (ABC) Association programs and activities
and inquired about the possibility of funding or sponsorship to help
facilitate the programs and celebrations in the future.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation.
6.3 Don Given, President, Malone Given Parsons Ltd, representing TFP Aurora
Developments Ltd.; Re: Item 9.2 - PDS22-005 - Application for Site Plan
Approval, TFP Aurora Developments Ltd, 20 and 25 Mavrinac Blvd
David Stewart, representing TFP Aurora Developments Ltd., provided
background and overview of the site plan application to permit the
development of 211 units on two common element condominiums on the
subject lands. He further provided details of the site plan, proposed
streetscape and elevations, sidewalk connections, and private parkettes.
Don Given, Steven McIntyre, Steven Yu, Doug Woo, and Eva Li were in
attendance to respond to any questions.
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General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation
to item 9.2.
7. Consent Agenda
General Committee recommends:
That Consent Agenda Item 7.1 be received for information.
Carried
7.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of December 17, 2021
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of December 17, 2021, be received
for information.
Carried
8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
General Committee recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting minutes 8.1 to 8.3 inclusive, be received
for information.
Carried
8.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2022
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January 12,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 18, 2022
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 18,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.3 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of January
19, 2022
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting
Minutes of January 19, 2022, be received for information.
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Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
The Committee considered the items in the following order: 9.2, 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, and
9.5.
9.1 CMS22-006 - SARC Gymnasium Addition – Project Update
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation, presented an overview of the Stronach
Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) gym addition project noting the
progress thus far and the community consultation process and outcomes.
She further provided details of the two design options and highlighted the
pros and cons of each design layout, site fit challenges, and budget
availability. It was noted that final design and updated cost estimate will
be provided upon further consultation.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS22-006 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with Option 1, a single gymnasium,
multipurpose space and renovated customer service and
administration space; and
3. That staff report back to Council with a final design and updated cost
estimate prior to tender issuance.
Carried
9.2 PDS22-005 - Application for Site Plan Approval, TFP Aurora Developments
Limited, 20 and 25 Mavrinac Boulevard, Blocks 1, 2 and 6, Plan 65M-3852,
File Number: SP-2021-08, Related File Numbers: OPA-2017-01, ZBA-2017-03
& SUB-2017-02
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS22-005 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2021-08 to permit the development
of 211 units (210 townhouse units and 1 single detached unit) on two
proposed common element condominiums be approved, in principle,
subject to the following conditions:
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i. That all outstanding comments and requirements from Town and
external agencies be addressed to the satisfaction of the Director
of Planning and Development Services, prior to execution of a Site
Plan agreement; and
ii. That the Owners enter into a Site Plan Agreement with the Town to
address requirements of the Town and external agencies,
including but not limited to, the provision for payment by the
Owner of all applicable fees, securities, and any other financial
obligations; and
3. That approval of future Draft Plan of Condominium Application(s)
required to implement Site Plan Application File SP-2021-08 be
delegated to the Director of Planning and Development Services.
Carried
9.3 CMS22-005 - Disc Golf Course Update
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS22-005 be received; and
2. That Highland Gate be removed as a potential location to build a disc
golf course; and
3. That the evaluation and review to build a disc golf course be referred
to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan review process.
Carried
9.4 CS22-002 - Updates to the Use of Corporate Resources for Election
Campaign Purposes Policy
General Committee recommends:
That the policy be amended to permit the rental of Town parks for
campaign purposes.
Defeated
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-002 be received; and
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2. That the policy be amended to disallow the rental of Town facilities for
election campaign purposes; and
3. That the policy be amended to allow candidates to use meeting videos
on the Town's YouTube Channel in their campaign material; and
4. That the amendments to the Use of Corporate Resources for Election
Campaign Purposes Policy be approved.
Carried as amended
9.5 FIN22-003 - Property Tax and Water Bill Payment Options
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN22-003 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the elimination of cash transactions at Town
Hall for property tax and water bill payments.
Carried
10. Notices of Motion
10.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Request to Dissolve Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
Whereas Municipalities across this province collectively spend millions of
dollars of taxpayer money and municipal resources developing Official
Plans that meet current Provincial Planning Policy; and
Whereas an Official Plan is developed through months of public
consultation to ensure, “that future planning and development will meet
the specific needs of (our) community”; and
Whereas our Official Plan includes provisions that encourage
development of the “missing middle” or “gentle density” to meet the need
for attainable housing in our community; and
Whereas our Official Plan is ultimately approved by the province; and
Whereas it is within the legislative purview of Municipal Council to
approve Official Plan amendments or Zoning By-law changes that better
the community or fit within the vision of the Town of Aurora Official Plan;
and
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Whereas it is also within the legislative purview of Municipal Council to
deny Official Plan amendments or Zoning By-law changes that do not
better the community or do not fit within the vision of the Town of Aurora
Official Plan; and
Whereas municipal planning decisions may be appealed to the Ontario
Land Tribunal (OLT; formerly the Ontario Municipal Board or “OMB”), an
unelected, appointed body that is not accountable to the residents of
Aurora; and
Whereas the OLT has the authority to make a final decision on planning
matters based on a “best planning outcome” and not whether the
proposed development is in compliance with municipal Official Plans; and
Whereas all decisions—save planning decisions—made by Municipal
Council are only subject to appeal by judicial review and such appeals are
limited to questions of law and or process; and
Whereas Ontario is the only province in Canada that empowers a separate
adjudicative tribunal to review and overrule local decisions applying
provincially approved plans; and
Whereas towns and cities across this Province are repeatedly forced to
spend millions of dollars defending Official Plans that have already been
approved by the province in expensive, time consuming and ultimately
futile OLT hearings; and
Whereas lengthy, costly OLT hearings add years to the development
approval process and acts as a barrier to the development of attainable
housing;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town of Aurora Council
requests the Government of Ontario to dissolve the OLT immediately
thereby eliminating one of the most significant sources of red tape
delaying the development of more attainable housing in Ontario; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Housing, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leaders of the
Liberal and Green Party, all MPPs in the Province of Ontario; the Large
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Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario, the Small Urban GTHA Mayors and
Regional Chairs of Ontario; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all Ontario
municipalities for their consideration.
11. Regional Report
None.
12. New Business
Councillor Humfryes offered her condolences to former Councillor David
Griffith's family and expressed appreciation for his and his family's contributions
to the Town.
New Business Motion No. 1
General Committee recommends:
That the comments from Delegation 6.1, by Michael White, regarding the
responsibility of maintenance of the catch basin, drainage swale, and retaining
wall between Underhill Cres and Rachewood Crt, be referred to staff to report
back to Council.
Carried
13. Public Service Announcements
Mayor Mrakas announced the following updates and activities in Aurora:
The Town will be celebrating Black History Month throughout February and
noted the formal flag raising ceremony held at Town Hall earlier today
Installation of outdoor rinks is complete; visit aurora.ca/outdoorrinks for
updates and location information
Mayor Mrakas noted that starting this week, the Province has permitted the
reopening of indoor facilities, gyms, cinemas, event spaces at 50% capacity; as a
result, the following Town programs and services will resume to in-person:
Payments for water, tax, parking tickets or pet licenses can be made at Town
Hall; contact info@aurora.ca or 905-727-3123 for more information
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Club Aurora Fitness Centre programs offered in-person and virtual; visit
aurora.ca/fitnessclasses for more information
Aquatic programs including lane swims, leisure swim, and aquafit classes;
more information is available at aurora.ca/aquatics
Drop-in programs at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex (AFLC); visit
aurora.ca/aflcdropin for more information
Councillor Gilliland announced that the Town is seeking entries to community
and individual photo contests and submissions can be emailed to
aaraujo@aurora.ca by the following dates:
Cabin Fever Reliever Photo Contest, by Monday, February 7, 2022, visit
aurora.ca/cabinfever for more information
Aurora's Snow Sculpture Contest, by Sunday, February 13, 2022, visit
aurora.ca/arcticadventure for more information
Councillor Gaertner extended a reminder to follow the public health guidelines to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
14. Closed Session
General Committee consented to resolve into Closed Session to consider Item
14.1 - Personal Matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or
local board employees (Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re: Verbal
Update from the CAO
14.1 Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or
local board employees (Section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001); Re:
Verbal Update from the CAO
General Committee recommends:
That the verbal update from the CAO be received for information.
Carried
15. Adjournment
That meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.