MINUTES - Council - 20191022
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland,
Humfryes, and Kim
Members Absent Councillor Thompson
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, 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,
John Firman, Manager of Business Support, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas relinquished the chair to Councillor Kim at 8:15 p.m. during consideration
of Motion (c) Community Planning Permit, and resumed the chair at 8:53 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the following
additional item, be approved:
• Delegation (a) Debbie Fletcher-Queen, representing DRAWDOWN-
Newmarket-Aurora; Re: Motion (b) Councillor Gilliland; Re: Declare Climate
Emergency
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 2 of 15
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
None
4. Delegations
(a) Debbie Fletcher-Queen, representing DRAWDOWN – Newmarket-Aurora
Re: Motion (b) Councillor Gilliland; Re: Declare Climate Emergency
Ms. Fletcher-Queen spoke in support of Councillor Gilliland’s motion that the
Town officially declare a climate emergency in Aurora. She noted that her
organization seeks to inspire action at the local level and raise awareness of
the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote energy efficiency, and
reduce waste. Ms. Fletcher-Queen requested Council’s urgent consideration of
the motion.
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion (b).
Carried
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C5 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2019
1. That the Council meeting minutes of October 8, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 3 of 15
C2. Council Closed Session Minutes of October 1, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of October 1, 2019, be adopted
as printed and circulated.
C3. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of October 1, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of October 1, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2019
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of September 25,
2019, be adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. FS19-030 – 2019 Interim Forecast Update – as at August 31, 2019
1. That Report No. FS19-030 be received for information.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of October 15, 2019
1. That the General Committee meeting report of October 15, 2019, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved,
with the exception of sub-items R3 and R5, which were discussed and
voted on separately as recorded below:
(R1) CMS19-026 – Library Square – Veil
1. That Report No. CMS19-026 be received; and
2. That the Veil Design (Muntz Bronze) be approved and incorporated
into the final design of the 22 Church Street School Addition.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 4 of 15
(R2) CS19-039 – Proposed Smoking and Vaping By-law
1. That Report No. CS19-039 be received; and
2. That a Smoking and Vaping By-law, being a by-law to prohibit the
smoking and vaping of tobacco, cannabis and non-tobacco
substances in prescribed locations, be brought forward to a future
Council meeting for enactment.
Carried
(R3) CS19-038 – Motor Vehicle Collision Cost Recovery Program
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CS19-038 be received for information.
Carried
(R4) CAO19-003 – Community Engagement Policy Report
1. That Report No. CAO19-003 be received; and
2. That the attached Community Engagement Policy be approved.
Carried
(R5) PDS19-078 – Changes to the Proposed Provincial Policy Statement
(2019)
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS19-078 be received; and
2. That the recommendations of this report be forwarded to the
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ontario as the official response from
the Town of Aurora.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 5 of 15
(R6) PDS19-089 – Kitimat Crescent and Aurora Heights Public School
Alternative Solutions to Safety Concerns
1. That Report No. PDS19-089 – Kitimat Crescent and Aurora Heights
Public School Alternative Solutions to Safety Concerns be referred
back to staff for further consideration and to report back to Council
at the General Committee meeting of November 5, 2019.
Carried
(R7) PDS19-094 – Proposal for Interim Control By-law Exemption
1. That Report No. PDS19-094 be received; and
2. That a by-law be presented to a future Council meeting to exempt
126 Wells Street from the Interim Control By-law.
Carried
S2. Budget Committee Meeting Report – 2020 Capital Budget Review of
October 5, 2019
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report – 2020 Capital Budget
Review of October 5, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
R1. FS19-036 – 2020 Final Capital Budget Approval Report
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. FS19-036 be received; and
2. That the Town’s Strategic Asset Management Policy be received; and
3. That the 2018 Asset Management Plan be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 6 of 15
4. That the updated Ten-Year Capital Investment Plan be received; and
5. That the 2020 Capital Budget for Repair and Replacement of existing
infrastructure totaling 20,013,509 as listed in Attachment 4, be approved;
and
6. That the 2020 Capital Budget for Growth and New Capital totaling
$3,253,700 as listed in Attachment 5 be approved; and
7. That the 2020 Capital Budget for Studies and Other Projects totaling
$1,090,000 as listed in Attachment 6 be approved; and
8. That the funding sources for each capital project included in this report
be approved as those reviewed and recommended by Budget Committee
on October 5, 2019.
Carried
8. Motions
(a) Councillor Gaertner
Re: Helping Urban Pollinators
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas all plants require pollination in order to produce seed and fruit; and
Whereas insects are the most common pollinators, especially bees and
butterflies; and
Whereas their natural habitat of meadows, grasslands and rural roadside
design is diminishing due to urbanization, pesticides and the increasing effects
of severe weather; and
Whereas this, and in particular the plight of the monarch butterfly, has caught
the attention of our youth; and
Whereas Ms. Shillolo’s class from Hartman Public School, in their current
investigation of the Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship, is using
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 7 of 15
the plight of the Monarch as an example of how citizens could work with their
municipal government to make a difference; and
Whereas they have asked our Council to help make a welcoming garden “filled
with milkweed and flowers”; and
Whereas this would be an wonderful example of political/public co-operation
and environmental protection;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to locate a
space for this dedicated garden; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the children be involved by the providing staff
with their research from this education unit.
Carried
(b) Councillor Gilliland
Re: Declare Climate Emergency
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas at least 457 Canadian municipalities have declared a "climate
emergency”—in Ontario this includes Kingston, Hamilton, Ottawa, Burlington,
Halton Hills, Greater Sudbury, St. Catharines, London, Vaughan, Prince
Edward County, King, and Toronto; and
Whereas all of the cities who have declared climate change a state of
emergency have established a goal of reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) by
80 per cent by 2050, per the Paris Accord; and
Whereas there is an urgent need to have a transformative action plan to
reduce GHG to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees to avoid catastrophic
climate change; and
Whereas climate change is currently affecting human habitats through rising
sea levels and other extreme weather patterns; such as, hurricanes, intense
heatwaves, frigid temperatures, ice storms, drought and flooding; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 8 of 15
Whereas climate change is currently threatening the survival of many species
and other natural environments worldwide, stressing local and worldwide eco
systems; and
Whereas climate change has a direct result of billions of dollars in property
damage worldwide, negatively affecting local and global economies; and
Whereas local governments around the world have recognized the extreme
emergency that climate change embodies and have expedited their own
actions, and have called on provincial and national governments to strengthen
action on climate change; and
Whereas the solutions for reducing GHG provides other positive impacts on
health, social inequity and economy;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora officially
“declare a climate emergency” for the purposes of naming and deepening
our commitment to protecting our eco systems by identifying key criteria to
help reduce our carbon footprint and protect our community from the
impacts of climate change; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to prioritize the process of
creating a Climate Action Plan, once the Region releases its climate action
plan report, for the Town of Aurora focused on reducing emissions and
adaptation at the community level; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to look for opportunities for
economic growth, stimulation in the low-carbon economy, and cost
benefits for all who consume energy; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to refer to other municipal
and global initiatives and forums such as Global Covenant of Mayors for
Climate and Energy and report to Council with more information; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of
Ontario and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 9 of 15
(c) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Community Planning Permit
Council consented to vote on the first and second operative clauses of the main motion
as amended separately.
Main motion
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the Province, in its revisions to the Planning Act through Bill 108, has
provided by means for a new development approval framework, the
Community Planning Permit (CPP) by-law, which combines three existing
planning approvals such as zoning, site plan, and minor variances into one
application submission and approval process; and
Whereas the role of the Community Planning Permit is to prescribe
development standards and criteria for an area that are in keeping with the
desires and expectations of the community; and
Whereas a Community Planning Permit provides greater certainty about how
an area should see change through development while limiting amendments
to the CPP by-law for five years; and
Whereas a CPP by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height,
lot coverage, and location of buildings on properties similar to a Zoning By-
law; and
Whereas Community Planning Permit is a land use planning tool available to
municipalities that is meant to streamline development approvals and promote
collaborative and predictable community building and implement growth
objectives; and
Whereas the downtown core has been identified as a significant area in the
Town through the development of the Aurora Promenade plan;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to amend the
Aurora Official Plan to identify the Promenade Area as a proposed
Community Planning Permit area as part of the Official Plan Review; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 10 of 15
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to develop a by-law
establishing a Community Planning Permit for the Promenade area for
enactment and identifying the necessary resources required to implement
a Community Planning Permit in a future report to Council.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the wording in the second operative clause of the motion be changed
from “for enactment” to “for consideration of enactment”.
Carried
Main motion as amended (1st operative clause)
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to amend the
Aurora Official Plan to identify the Promenade Area as a proposed
Community Planning Permit area as part of the Official Plan Review; and
Carried as amended
Main motion as amended (2nd operative clause)
Moved by Mayor Mrakas
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to develop a by-law
establishing a Community Planning Permit for the Promenade area for
consideration of enactment and identifying the necessary resources
required to implement a Community Planning Permit in a future report to
Council.
Carried as amended
9. Regional Report
None
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 11 of 15
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo requested a motion to be reinstated as a member of the Joint
Council Committee and Financial Advisory Committee.
New Business Motion No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Procedure By-law requirement for a Notice of Motion to introduce a
Motion to Reconsider be waived.
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried
New Business Motion No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the June 25, 2019 motion regarding Council appointments to the Joint
Council Committee and Finance Advisory Committee be reconsidered.
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried
New Business Motion No. 3
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Councillor Thompson be removed from the Joint Council Committee;
and
2. That Councillor Gallo be appointed to the Joint Council Committee.
Carried
New Business Motion No. 4
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Councillor Kim be removed from the Financial Advisory Committee;
and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 12 of 15
2. That Councillor Gallo be appointed to the Financial Advisory Committee.
Carried
Mayor Mrakas and Councillor Gallo expressed appreciation to Councillors
Thompson and Kim for standing in for Councillor Gallo when needed.
Councillor Gallo inquired about plans to establish a committee as part of the
Official Plan Review process and opportunities for Council’s participation. Staff
provided a response noting that Council members would be invited to join the
intended Official Plan Review steering committee.
Councillor Gaertner referred to resident complaints about not receiving notification
of the Tamarac Park design changes and inquired about the notice process. Staff
provided a response regarding the consultation/notice process and suggested that
area residents could be notified about the changes and final design of the Park.
New Business Motion No. 5
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That a notification be sent to area residents to advise of changes to the
Tamarac Park design for their information.
Carried
Mayor Mrakas inquired about the timeline of the appeal involving fifteen heritage
properties on Yonge Street, and staff provided a response.
Mayor Mrakas inquired about the appeal involving Metropolitan Square Inc., at
Wellington Street East and Industrial Parkway North, and staff provided a
response.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland announced that an unsupervised quiet room, to provide relief
for children and adults that may need a sensory break, would be available at the
Aurora Family Leisure Complex in Program Room B during Aurora’s Haunted
Forest event this month.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 13 of 15
Councillor Gilliland announced that Aurora’s Haunted Forest will be held on
Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sheppard’s Bush, and more
information can be found at aurora.ca/hauntedforest.
Councillor Humfryes noted that the Town is reviewing its electoral system through
an independent team of consultants who are seeking resident input regarding the
design of a ward system, and an online survey will remain open until October 28,
2019, at surveymonkey.com/r/aesr.
Councillor Kim advised that the Town is now accepting applications for entries to
Aurora’s Santa Under the Stars Parade, and further details are available at
aurora.ca/santaparade.
Councillor Kim announced that the Aurora Seniors’ Centre will be hosting its
annual jewelry and craft sale in the lounge from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to Town staff for another successful
Colours of Fall Concert, which was held on October 10, 2019, and included a
tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
Councillor Gaertner extended congratulations to the 140 Aurora Royal Canadian
Air Cadet Squadron—founded by retired Lt. Col. Ferguson Mobbs—on their 30th
Anniversary.
Councillor Gaertner announced that the Aurora Seniors’ Centre will be hosting a
coffee break fundraiser for the Alzheimer Society of York Region from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Councillor Gallo advised that the Town’s Community Services, and By-law and
Animal Services, will be closed on Friday, October 25 and Monday, October 28,
2019, while their offices are relocated from Town Hall to the Joint Operations
Centre at 229 Industrial Parkway North.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Aurora’s Youth Innovation Fair will return on
Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, noting
that the Town is looking for creative and innovative youth to participate and those
interested can apply at aurora.ca/youthinnovation.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 14 of 15
Mayor Mrakas announced that the 11th annual Aurora Prayer Breakfast will be held
at 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Sport Aurora Mayor’s Breakfast of Champions
2019 will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the annual Hillary House Ball will be held at 6 p.m.
on Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the last market day for the Aurora Farmers’ Market and
Artisan Fair is Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Park.
12. By-laws
Council consented to vote on By-laws (a) and (b) separately from By-law (c).
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6221-19 Being a By-law to define the delegation policies and
procedures for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
(b) By-law Number 6222-19 Being a By-law to regulate cross connections and
backflow prevention in private plumbing systems as required to protect the
Town of Aurora drinking water system from contamination.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following by-law be enacted:
(c) By-law Number 6223-19 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6048-18,
as amended, to impose interim controls on the use of land, buildings, or
structures within certain areas of the Town of Aurora.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Page 15 of 15
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6224-19 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on October 22, 2019.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk