MINUTES - General Committee - 20220705 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Councillor Rachel Gilliland*
Councillor Sandra Humfryes*
Councillor Michael Thompson
Members Absent: Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director of Operations
Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications*
Demetre Rigakos, Manager, Human Resources*
Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner, Land Use & Real
Estate*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
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2. Land Acknowledgement
General Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the
Anishinaabe lands, the traditional and Treaty #20 territories of the Chippewas of
Georgina Island, recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here
continues to this day and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the
stewardship of this land. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas of the Credit, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative
Services.
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
None.
5. Community Presentations
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 Michael White, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - PDS22-110 - Retaining Wall at 22
Rachewood Court
Michael White spoke to the staff report and provided background on the
construction of the drainage swale, retaining wall, and subdivision behind
his property. He noted the retaining wall is on Town property and
suggested it was put in place to rectify a mistake in the design or
construction of the drainage swale. Mr. White further noted the unfairness
of a neighbour changing the grading, unilaterally without consultation, and
destabilizing his property.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation
to item 9.1.
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7. Consent Agenda
7.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 22, 2022
General Committee recommends:
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of April 22, 2022, be received for
information.
Carried
8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
General Committee recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 8.1 to 8.2 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
8.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 6, 2022
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 6,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2022
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 14,
2022, be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS22-110 - Retaining Wall at 22 Rachewood Court
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS22-110 be received for information.
Carried
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9.2 OPS22-014 - Phragmites Remediation
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS22-014 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to initiate a Phragmites Control Program
utilizing chemical herbicide for treatment and controlled burn where
applicable; and
3. That the Phragmites Control Program’s incremental annual service
costs be included in the Town’s future four (4) year operating budget,
commencing in 2023 for Council consideration.
Carried
9.3 CAO22-002 - Post-Pandemic Wrap-up
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CAO22-002 be received for information.
Carried
9.4 CS22-031 - Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery and Future Work Model
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-031 be received; and
2. That the Guiding Principles for the development of future Alternative
Work Policies be adopted.
Carried
9.5 CS22-040 - Deputy Mayor Options
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-040 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward an amendment to the Procedure By-law to
institute a rotation of the Deputy Mayor position as described in this
report; and
3. That the amendment to the Procedure By-law take effect on November
15, 2022.
Carried
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9.6 FIN22-023 - 2022 Interim Forecast Update - As of April 30, 2022
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN22-023 be received for information.
Carried
9.7 OPS22-015 - Tree Removal Permit Application - 72 Harrison Avenue
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS22-015 be received; and
2. That the Tree Removal Application for 72 Harrison Avenue be
approved.
Carried
9.8 PDS22-085 - Notice of Objection to Notice of Intention to Designate 34
Berczy Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS22-085 be received; and
2. That the designation by-law be brought before Council for enactment.
Carried
9.9 PDS22-107 - Application for Site Plan Approval, York Region District School
Board, 377 Hartwell Way, File Number: SP-2021-12
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS22-107 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2021-12 to permit the development
of a two-storey JK-8 elementary school (638 students) with a Gross
Floor Area of 5,985.50 m² (64,427.0 ft²) and accessory childcare
facility (48 children), bus drop-off lane, parking areas, additional
student drop off lanes, asphalt play yard, outdoor fenced play areas
and green space throughout, be approved.
Carried
10. Notices of Motion
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10.1 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Update of By-law No. 5429-12 - Registration of
Second Suites
Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, in subsection 11(2) provides that a
lower-tier municipality may pass by-laws respecting the health, safety and
well-being of persons and the protection of persons and property; and
Whereas on April 23, 2012, Aurora Council revoked existing By-law 5221-
10, with the updated 5429-12, to establish new regulations for the
registration of second suites with additional clarification from an
administrative perspective; and
Whereas Section 3, PROHIBITION, restricts residential occupancy per
Dwelling to one Unit unless a Two-Unit House has been registered with the
Registrar; and
Whereas Section 4, REGISTRATION, (b), requires inspection to ensure
safety under the Building and Fire Codes, which may be refused; or
revoked if the Unit ceases to meet requirements; and
Whereas due to lack of supply and the cost of housing there has and will
be an increasing need for Two Unit Homes; and
Whereas the number of Units that are not Registered is also increasing
due to lack of information or intent; and
Whereas it may be impossible for staff to have knowledge and inspect all
of these, the Town has a List of Two Unit Houses that have been Reported;
and
Whereas the ability to inspect these non-conforming homes, as required in
the By-law, can be problematic due to lack of entry permission by the
tenant or owner who does not reside in the house; and
Whereas this can leave tenants living in unsafe conditions for months, in
one known case years;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff, who have knowledge
of the historical and current problems enacting the Sections of this By-
law required for safety, be directed to bring forward Updates to at the
very least ensure that a house has a working hardwired fire alarm
system and a second means of emergency escape.
10.2 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lessons Learned from Highland Gate Development
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Whereas there have been many issues that have and continue to affect
residents in the adjacent neighbourhood; and
Whereas the Town will be doing a substantial redevelopment through
intensification in existing residential neighbourhoods; and
Whereas the Highland Gate development can provide us with valuable
information and knowledge on how to improve the quality of life for those
experiencing construction disruptions going forward;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That a Committee to report on
Lessons Learned from the Highland Gate development be formed.
11. Regional Report
None.
12. New Business
Councillor Gilliland inquired about whether the upcoming Parks and Recreation
Master Plan Update would include a study to determine the need for washroom
facilities in neighbourhood parks. Staff provided a response and agreed to
investigate the matter.
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on Lions Park regarding the invasive
plants and shrub maintenance issues. Staff agreed to follow up and provide a
response.
Councillor Gaertner noted that residents are worried about the new LCBO store
moving into the Metro store plaza at Yonge Street and Henderson Drive, and she
inquired about the parking rate and whether the Town has any jurisdiction over
the location of an LCBO store. The Mayor and staff provided clarification.
13. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland announced that Movies in the Park and Aurora's Ribfest are
upcoming in August 2022.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town’s Concerts in the Park series will begin
on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 7 p.m.; visit aurora.ca/summerconcerts for more
information.
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Councillor Gaertner extended congratulations to Town staff for the successful
Canada Day celebrations.
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.