MINUTES - General Committee - 20220913 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael Thompson
Members Absent: Councillor John Gallo
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
Daniel Bitonti, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications*
Sebastian Contarin, Energy and Climate Change Analyst*
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management*
Anca Mihail, Manager of Engineering and Capital Delivery*
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
The Town of Aurora mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and extends its
deepest condolences to the Royal Family. A moment of silence was observed in honour
of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022.
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1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
General Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on 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 the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and
waters of this territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the
stewardship of these lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the
treaty lands of the Mississaugas and Chippewas, 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
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 Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John, Executive Director, and Lindsay Carbonero, Board
Member, The Women's Support Network of York Region; Re: Request to
Endorse Resolution for Increased and Sustainable Funding for Community-
based Sexual Assault Support Centres
Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John and Lindsay Carbonero shared critical
information regarding the issue of sexual violence in our communities,
and requested Council's endorsement of a resolution calling upon the
Province of Ontario for increased and sustainable funding for community-
based sexual support centres.
General Committee recommends:
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1. That the community presentation from The Women’s Support
Network of York Region be received; and
2. That Council endorse the draft resolution provided in the
presentation; and,
3. That a copy of this resolution be sent to all York Region
municipalities and the Province of Ontario.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Abraham Gamus, Resident; Re: Concerns re Henderson Drive, Contract
Costs, Property Damage, and Downtown Aurora
Abraham Gamus expressed concerns regarding subcontractor damage to
his property and repair responsibility, general Town construction delays
and cost loading, and Henderson Drive issues including heavy truck traffic,
structural failure of the road, speeding, and noise. He further requested an
update on the enhancement of the downtown core and comments
received from the public.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation for
information.
7. Consent Agenda
General Committee recommends:
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.3 inclusive, be approved.
Carried
7.1 CMS22-037 - Culture and Recreation Grant Update July 2022
1. That Report No. CMS22-037 be received for information.
Carried
7.2 PDS22-097 - Minor Variance Activity in Stable Neighbourhoods
1. That Report No. PDS22-097 be received for information.
Carried
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7.3 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 24, 2022
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 24, 2022,
be received for information.
Carried
8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2022
General Committee recommends:
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes
of August 18, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 FIN22-027 - Community Benefits Charge (CBC) By-law
Gary Scandlan, Managing Partner, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.,
presented an overview of the Community Benefits Charge strategy. Byron
Tan, Senior Project Manager, was also in attendance.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN22-027 and presentation be received; and
2. That the Community Benefits Charge approach to calculate the
charges on a uniform Town-wide basis be adopted; and
3. That the capital project listing as set out in Chapter 4 of the
Community Benefits Charge Strategy dated August 11, 2022, be
approved subject to further annual review during the budget
process; and
4. That a dedicated reserve fund account be established which will
hold all Community Benefits Charge collections until they are used
for their intended purposes; and
5. That the Community Benefits Charge Strategy dated August 11,
2022, be approved; and
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6. That it hereby be determined that no further public consultation is
required; and
7. That the Community Benefits Charge By-law as set out in
Attachment 2 be approved.
Carried
9.2 PDS22-123 - Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP)
Jay Maloney, Analyst, Climate Risk and Resilience, WSP Canada Inc.,
presented an overview of the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan,
including top risks and recommendations. Hana Lapp, Advisor, Climate
Risk and Resilience, was also in attendance.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS22-123 and presentation be received; and
2. That the attached Town of Aurora Climate Change Adaptation Plan
be endorsed; and
3. That the future capital and operating budget requirements as listed
in the Plan (Tables 9-12, pages 24-47) be included in the Town’s
future capital and operating budgets on a priority basis for
consideration as part of the budget process.
Carried
9.3 CMS22-038 - Black History Month - 2023
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS22-038 be received; and
2. That a one-time funding request of up to $10,000 to be
administered by staff following additional planning and
discussions with the local Black Community organizations in
support of Black History Month in February 2023, and to be funded
from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve, be approved.
Carried
9.4 CS22-041 - 2022 Pending List Review
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS22-041 be received; and
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2. That items marked “Completed” be removed from the Pending List.
Carried
9.5 FIN22-028 - 2022 Yearend Surplus/Deficit Management Bylaw Report
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN22-028 be received; and
2. That the 2022 yearend surplus/deficit management bylaw to
manage the operating budget surplus or deficit through the use of
reserves, as detailed in this report, be brought forward to a future
Council meeting for approval.
Carried
9.6 OPS22-017 - Additional Contract Value - Emergency Repairs to the Water
Distribution and Sewer Systems
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS22-017 be received; and
2. That the current contract value of $1,534,000 for A. Donofrio
Construction Limited, for Mainline Sewer and Waterline Repairs, be
increased by $300,000 for a total contract value of $1,834,000,
excluding taxes.
Carried
9.7 OPS22-018 - Contract Value Increase Required for Black & McDonald Street
Light
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS22-018 be received; and
2. That the current contract value of $717,500 for Street Light
Maintenance Services with Black & McDonald be increased by
$200,000, for a total contract value of $917,500, excluding taxes.
Carried
10. Notices of Motion
10.1 Councillor Gallo; Re: Armoury Lease Restart
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Whereas at the July 12, 2022 Council Closed Session meeting, Council
deliberated and made a decision regarding “4.2. Council Closed Session
Report No. CAO22-003 - Armoury Lease Restart”; and
Whereas all of Council has continuously proclaimed a culture of openness
and transparency with the public; and
Whereas the financial implication of the decision taken by Council on July
12, 2022, regarding “…Armoury Lease Restart” will be documented and
recorded publicly in future reports and financial statements; and
Whereas it is important to communicate how Council spends tax dollars
and the details in which Council used to make those decisions;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the full details and all
staff reports regarding “Armoury Lease Restart” be released to the
public one week after the passing of this motion.
10.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: David Tomlinson Nature Reserve Design
Whereas in 1999 the Town of Aurora took the bold step to create a 70-
hectare Community Nature Reserve between 2 urban expansion zones in
the northeast corner of Town; and
Whereas construction within the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve was
divided into various phases; and
Whereas phase one has been completed and is now open to the public,
and phase 2 is in the detailed design stage and includes several proposed
wetlands (ponds) as well as trails and viewing platforms; and
Whereas phase 2 has been designed to comply with Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Policies regarding no proposed online ponds; and
Whereas there is inconsistency in the application of the Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority Policies in the David Tomlinson Nature
Reserve specifically with the design of the wetlands and water flow
management; and
Whereas the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Policies have
mandated the Town to engineer the phase 2 water management system at
great expense to the Town and inconsistent with other existing water
management systems in phase 1;
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1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report to Council at
its earliest convenience regarding options for the design of the
phase 2 wetland components and costs, more in line with David
Tomlinson’s original design intent for the Nature Reserve.
10.3 Councillor Gallo; Re: Cannabis Retail Stores in Aurora
Whereas on January 21, 2019, Aurora Council passed a resolution to opt-
in and permit cannabis retail stores within the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas in that resolution, Council stated “That staff be authorized to
review the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (“AGCO”)
proposed retail store authorization applications for cannabis stores
located in Aurora and provide submissions within 15 days of notice of the
application”; and
Whereas Council also resolved to “…request the AGCO to consider the
following restrictions as a matter of public interest when reviewing retail
store authorization applications for proposed stores within the Town of
Aurora:
That private cannabis retail stores not be permitted within 150
metres from daycares, nurseries, parks, group homes or addiction
and counselling facilities, the Aurora Community Centre, the Aurora
Family Leisure Complex, the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex,
the Aurora Public Library and Town Hall and any other similar
public gathering uses
That private cannabis retail stores not be permitted within 150
metres of each other”; and
Whereas the report provided by staff on January 21, 2019, indicated:
“Increased funding will be available to those municipalities that permit
private cannabis retail stores.
On November 20, 2018, the Ministry of Finance confirmed in a letter to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (“AMO) that the provincial
government will provide $40 million over two years through the Ontario
Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund (the “Fund”) as follows:
In early January, $15 million will be distributed amongst all
municipalities on a per household basis, with each municipality
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receiving at least $5,000.00 to support municipalities with
implementation costs relating to the legalization of cannabis. As
set out in more detail in the Financial Implications section of this
report, the initial payment apportioned to the Town is $26,324.00.
After the January 22nd deadline, a further payment of $15 million
will be distributed so that:
o any municipality that opts out will only receive a further
$5,000.00; and
o any municipality that does not opt out will receive further
funding on a per household basis, adjusted so that at least
$5,000.00 is provided to support the initial costs related to
hosting private cannabis retail stores.
Further, $10 million will be set aside to address costs from
unforeseen circumstances related to the legalization of
recreational cannabis. This amount will be distributed with priority
given to those municipalities that have not opted-out.
The Ministry has also stated that if Ontario’s portion of the federal excise
duty on recreational cannabis over the first two years of legalization
exceeds $100 million, the province will provide 50 percent of the surplus
only to municipalities that have not opted-out as of January 22, 2019.
Therefore, any municipality that does not permit private cannabis retail
stores will not receive this further funding.”;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back to
Council at its earliest convenience and include in a report, but are
not limited to:
a. Number of retail Cannabis stores in Aurora;
b. A full financial accounting of what the Town received directly or
indirectly as a result of opting in;
c. All correspondence issued by staff to the AGCO after receiving
notice of a new Cannabis retail store in Aurora.
10.4 Councillor Gaertner; Re: Further Construction Mitigation Measures to Help
Highland Gate Residents
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Whereas the Geranium construction will likely continue for several years;
and
Whereas it is appropriate and responsible to help area residents mitigate
quality of life impacts;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct that the
following issues be immediately addressed by staff through
mitigation measures by the Town and the developer:
a. dust clouds caused by sweeper trucks merely moving dust
around;
b. road cleaning trucks using minimal water that does nothing to
improve roads, rather leaves a mess of muck;
c. loud banging of tailgates after truckloads are emptied;
d. fast trucks moving that swirl up the dust;
e. truckloads of earth that are not covered sufficiently;
f. safety measures in place when trucks are using streets
therefore hindering traffic and pedestrian movement;
g. communication to residents before the fact on what is
happening in their area; and
h. any other measures suggested by staff and Council on
concerns received from residents.
11. Regional Report
None.
12. New Business
Councillor Gaertner referred to the comments of the delegation by Abraham
Gamus and inquired about how the issues, including responsibility for repairs to
damaged sidewalks and property, as well as speeding and noise on Henderson
Drive, may be addressed. Staff provided a response and agreed to follow up with
Mr. Gamus and investigate further regarding Henderson Drive.
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Councillor Gaertner referred to item 9.1, FIN22-027 - Community Benefits Charge
(CBC) By-law, and requested clarification on in-kind contributions related to the
provision of facilities and controls, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland shared the safety concerns of residents regarding the
increased road and pedestrian traffic on Aurora Heights Drive between the
Aurora Community Centre, Fleury Park and Machell Park, and inquired about the
traffic count assessment and next steps. Staff provided a response and agreed
to follow up.
Councillor Gilliland shared concerns received regarding recreation classes filling
up quickly and inquired about staff shortages, service levels, and inclusion of
public comments in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan review. Staff provided
a response and confirmed that comments will be shared with the consultant.
Councillor Humfryes advised on complaints received regarding possible garbage
pickup of toxic waste on Industrial Parkway. Staff provided a response and
agreed to investigate the matter.
Councillor Humfryes inquired about the expected timing of the construction at
Rotary Park. Staff provided a response and agreed to confirm the timing.
Councillor Humfryes advised on the concerns of residents regarding the need for
a light at Butternut Ridge Trail and Yonge Street.
Councillor Humfryes referred to the approved request for traffic control signals at
Kaleia Avenue/Elyse Court and Wellington Street East, and advised that local
residents have suggested a sidewalk be installed eastbound along Wellington to
Leslie Street. Staff provided a response.
13. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gaertner recommended shopping for new and used items at the
Abuse Hurts Delivering Hope Boutique, where all proceeds are donated back to
Abuse Hurts, a charitable organization that aims to reduce the incidence and
impact of abuse through education and public awareness.
Councillor Gilliland announced that Aurora is hosting a Terry Fox Run on Sunday,
September 18, 2022, and encouraged everyone to participate.
Councillor Gilliland advised that the Aurora Cultural Centre recently held an in-
person media launch and noted the great line-up for the upcoming season
including musical events and shows.
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Councillor Humfryes announced that a "Stuff the Truck" event will be held at the
Aurora Farmers' Market and Artisan Fair on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Park, with donations going to the Aurora Food Pantry.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Aurora Historical Society is holding its
Hillary House Ball on Thursday, October 13, 2022, and encouraged everyone to
support this fundraising event.
Councillor Humfryes extended appreciation to staff on the installation of stop
signs on Wells Street and their attention to the trees, which was also appreciated
by the residents.
Councillor Humfryes supported the comments of Councillor Gaertner regarding
the Abuse Hurts Delivering Hope Boutique noting its very worthwhile cause.
Mayor Mrakas announced the following updates and activities in Aurora:
Aurora's Multicultural Festival will be held at Town Park on September 24,
2022; visit aurora.ca/multiculturalfestival for more information.
The Town is preparing a five-year update to the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan; a number of opportunities for public input starts with an
Online Community Survey, which is open until September 25, 2022; visit
engageaurora.ca/parksandrec for more details.
Aurora's municipal election will take place on October 24, 2022; make sure
you are registered to vote by visiting aurora.ca/voters.
The Town is switching to a ward system in 2022; residents will be voting
for a Mayor and one Ward Councillor; visit aurora.ca/wards for information
on your ward and an interactive map.
The official opening of the two new baseball diamonds on the Hallmark
lands was held on September 13, 2022, and everyone was encouraged to
go out and watch some games.
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.