MINUTES - Council - 20190611
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas, on behalf of Council, welcomed the new Director of Finance, Ms. Rachel
Wainwright-van Kessel.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved, including the
acceptance of Delegation (a) on the agenda and the following addition:
• Delegation (b) Dr. Sandra Sangster, representing Regency Acres Ratepayers
Association, Aurora Heights Ratepayers Association, and Town Park Area
Residents Ratepayers Association; Re: Item S1(R5) – PDS19-056 – Stable
Neighbourhood Study – Follow-up Information
On a two-thirds vote the motion
Carried
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2. 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.
3. Community Presentations
(a) Clovis Grant, representing 360okids support services
Re: Youth Homelessness
Mr. Grant addressed Council to raise awareness on the issue of homeless
youth in York Region and presented an overview of the causes and risks,
noting that family breakdown is the main reason for youth homelessness and
an estimated 80% of homelessness represents the “hidden” homeless. He
reviewed the services and programs provided by 360okids, including
employment and education supports, health and wellness support services,
and housing programs. Mr. Grant asked that Council: (1) think differently
about homelessness and recognize that it is not a choice; (2) be aware of the
hidden nature of homelessness and continue to encourage investments in
services that strengthen families and avoid family breakdown; (3) be aware of
the available services like those offered by 360okids; and (4) encourage
continued investment in different housing options and creative partnerships.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
(a) Travis Skelton, Skale Developments Inc.
Re: Item R1 – PDS19-047 – Amending Zoning By-law Enactment and
Technical Revisions, 15370 Leslie (Skale) Inc., 15370 Leslie Street,
File Number: ZBA-2017-02, Related File Number: SP-2017-02
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Mr. Skelton provided clarification regarding details of the proposed Zoning By-
law amendment.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item R1.
Carried
(b) Dr. Sandra Sangster, representing Regency Acres Ratepayers
Association, Aurora Heights Ratepayers Association, and Town Park
Area Ratepayers Association
Re: Item S1(R5) – PDS19-056 – Stable Neighbourhood Study – Follow-
up Information
Dr. Sangster expressed concerns about the methodology used in calculating
the gross floor area (GFA) and suggested the use of a weighted average in
determining the GFA for the four Stable Neighbourhood Study areas.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item S1(R5).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C3 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of May 28 , 2019
1. That the Council meeting minutes of May 28, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2019
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of May 22, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
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C3. Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of April 26, 2019
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 26, 2019, be received for
information.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of June 4, 2019
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That the General Committee meeting report of June 4, 2019, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items R1 and R5, which were discussed and voted on
separately as recorded below:
(A1) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2019
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of May
8, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) PDS19-039 – Stable Neighbourhood Study – Recommendation
Report: Zoning Standards
(R5) PDS19-056 – Stable Neighbourhood Study – Follow-up Information
Council consented to vote on the fourth clause of the main motion as amended
separately.
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS19-039 and Report No. PDS19-056 be
received; and
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2. That the staff refinements presented in this report be approved; and
3. That the implementing Zoning By-law be presented at a future
Council meeting for enactment.
4. That staff finalize the Urban Design Guidelines and report back to a
future Council meeting.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That the weighted average of 3,767 square feet for gross floor
area be the maximum allowed in the Stable Neighbourhood
Study Area.
Defeated
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That the Zoning By-law amendment for Stable Neighbourhoods
exempt the lots fronting Royal Road between Edward Street
and Cameron Avenue from the maximum building footprint
standard for a one-storey dwelling.
Carried
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
That the properties of 107, 109, and 111 Metcalfe Street be
removed from the Stable Neighbourhood Study Area.
Defeated
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Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS19-039 and Report No. PDS19-056 be
received; and
2. That the staff refinements presented in this report be approved; and
3. That the implementing Zoning By-law be presented at a future
Council meeting for enactment; and
5. That the Zoning By-law amendment for Stable Neighbourhoods
exempt the lots fronting Royal Road between Edward Street
and Cameron Avenue from the maximum building footprint
standard for a one-storey dwelling.
Carried as amended
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
4. That staff finalize the Urban Design Guidelines and report back to a
future Council meeting.
Carried as amended
(R2) OPS19-014 – Tennis Court Resurfacing – David English Park
1. That Report No. OPS19-014 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional approval of Capital
Project No. 73231 – Tennis Court Resurfacing – David English Park
in the amount of $20,000.
Carried
(R3) OPS19-015 – Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program – Kwik
Kopy Trail Improvements
1. That Report No. OPS19-015 be received; and
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2. That an application be submitted to the Regional Municipality of
York for funding under the Municipal Streetscape Partnership
Program (MSPP) in the amount of $150,000 for a one-third cost of
the streetscape enhancements and improvements to St. John’s
Sideroad and Yonge Street as part of Capital Project No. 73107 –
Kwik Kopy Trail; and
3. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute the
Agreement between the Town of Aurora and the Regional
Municipality of York, and any and all documents and ancillary
agreements required to give effect to same, for the maintenance of
the improvements within the Regional right-of-way once
constructed.
Carried
(R4) PDS19-048 – Transfer of Servicing Allocation and Application for
Removal of (H) Holding Provision, Shimvest
Investments Ltd., Prato Estates Inc., and Preserve
Homes Corp., 323 River Ridge Boulevard, Block 156,
Plan 65M-4485, Block 231, Plan 65M-3971 and Block
164, Plan 65M-3946, File Number: ZBA(H)-2017-09,
Related File Numbers: ZBA-2017-09 and SUB-2017-04
1. That Report No. PDS19-048 be received; and
2. That an allocation of 81 persons be granted from the reserve to
service the development of 25 single detached dwellings on the
approved Draft Plan of Subdivision; and
3. That the Application to Remove the (H) Holding Provision (File
ZBA(H)-2017-09) from Lots 1 to 25 inclusive on the approved Draft
Plan of Subdivision (SUB-2017-04) be approved; and
4. That the amending By-law to remove the (H) Holding Provision be
presented for enactment at a future Council meeting; and
5. That the Mayor and Town Clerk be authorized to execute any and
all agreements, documents and ancillary agreements required to
give effect to the development.
Carried
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7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. PDS19-047 – Amending Zoning By-law Enactment and Technical
Revisions, 15370 Leslie (Skale) Inc., 15370 Leslie Street,
File Number: ZBA-2017-02, Related File Number: SP-2017-02
On a motion by Councillor Thompson seconded by Councillor Humfryes, Council
consented to consider Item R1 prior to consideration of Item S1(R1, R5).
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. PDS19-047 be received; and
2. That the Amending Zoning By-law be enacted with the following:
(a) Private Open Space (O2) Zones at the eastern portion of the
subject lands; and
(b) The maximum permitted building height be 12.6 metres, and that in
calculating the height of a building, any construction used as an
ornament, railing, stair enclosure/access, storage enclosure, and/or
rooftop amenity shall be allowed to project above the maximum
building height by a maximum of 2.2 metres.
Carried
8. Motions
(a) Councillor Gilliland
Re: John West Way – Speed and Sightline Issues
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas John West Way has increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to
increased residential dwellings, an active Aurora Seniors Centre, various well-
attended events and attractions such as the Petch House and Town events, a
new secondary school and accessible park; and
Whereas sightline issues occur around the bend south of the Seniors Centre,
north past Amberhill Way; and
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Whereas residents and visitors find it difficult and unsafe to turn onto John
West Way due to sightline issues and speed; and
Whereas John West Way speed signs are marked as 50 km per hour;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the speed limit on John West
Way be reduced from 50 km per hour to 40 km per hour to match all
residential streets in the Town of Aurora; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff bring a report on options to address
additional safety and sightline issues on that part of John West Way such
as a three-way stop at Amberhill Way.
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – May 16, 2019
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the Regional Report of May 16, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the status of the accessibility trailer, and staff
agreed to provide an update to Council regarding the new arrangement with the
Markham Fair.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about two items in the Accessibility Advisory
Committee meeting minutes of May 8, 2019—Item 2 respecting removal of the
closed captioning project from the Accessibility Plan; and Item 4 respecting
changes to social assistance—and staff provided clarification.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about a matter on the trail at the northeast corner of
Orchard Heights Boulevard and Whispering Pine Trail, and staff provided a
response noting that the issue has been resolved.
Councillor Kim inquired about the guidelines respecting donations to the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), and Councillor Gaertner agreed
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to investigate and provide an update. Councillor Gallo offered to forward the
LSRCA financial statements and noted that the Lake Simcoe Conservation
Foundation helps to support the LSRCA.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gallo announced that Aurora’s nine-week Concert in the Park series will
begin on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Town Park, noting that
more information is available at aurora.ca/summerconcerts.
Councillor Thompson extended a reminder that June is Recreation and Parks
Month and a listing of all activities is available at aurora.ca/recreationparksmonth.
Councillor Gaertner noted her attendance and appreciation of the Aurora
Community Band’s recent Spring Concert, and advised that the Band will be
playing at the Aurora Farmers’ Market & Artisan Fair on Saturday, June 22, 2019.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the Town is celebrating Pride Month during the
month of June and encouraged all to participate at the York Pride Diversity
Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2019, noting that more details can be found at
yorkpridefest.com.
Councillor Kim expressed the Town’s appreciation of its partners at Desjardins for
offering free recreational activities for Aurorans, noting that the schedule of free
programming is available at aurora.ca/desjardinsdays.
Councillor Kim encouraged all to attend a screening of the film Screenagers on
Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at 7 p.m., at Wellington Public School, 125 Wellington
Street West, at a cost of $10 cash at the door, to learn more about the impact of
technology and screen time on our children.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Canada Day celebrations will begin at 10
a.m. with a parade on Yonge Street and continue at 11 a.m. in Lambert Willson
Park, noting that more information can be found at aurora.ca/canadaday.
Councillor Gilliland announced that the splash pads are now open at Aurora Town
Park, Trent Park, and Ada Johnson Park every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder about the ParticipACTION Community
Better Challenge event taking place from May 31 to June 16, 2019, and
encouraged everyone to participate.
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Mayor Mrakas announced that as of June 10, 2019, York Region Transit has
expanded the service area for the Mobility On-Demand Aurora GO pilot service,
noting that users may sign up at yrt.ca/AuroraGOsignup.
12. By-laws
None
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6188-19 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on June 11, 2019.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk