MINUTES - Special Council - 20221122 1
Town of Aurora
Special Meeting of Council
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Harold Kim
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor Ron Weese
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services
Jason Gaertner, Acting Director of Finance
Daniel Bitonti, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications*
Sebastian Contarin, Energy and Climate Change Analyst*
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 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Mrakas 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
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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
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved including the
Motions listed on the agenda.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to 0)
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. Delegations
None.
6. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion
6.1 PDS22-139 - Regional Official Plan 2022, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing Approval
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS22-139 be received; and
2. That a study be undertaken as part of the Official Plan Review in
respect of land use planning policies relating to 1289 Wellington
Street East to determine the appropriate land use, density, and
height for this property; and
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3. That an Interim Control By-law be enacted for 1289 Wellington
Street East to determine the appropriate land use, density, and
height for this property.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 PDS22-138 - Bill 23 Proposed Omnibus Legislation Summary
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS22-138 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Motions
7.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Modifications to York Region Official Plan
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas the Province on November 4, 2022, approved the York Region
Official Plan with 80 modifications; and
Whereas these modifications to the Regional Official Plan have been
made by the Minister including two in the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas these modifications have been made without consultation or
support by the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas Section 4.2 is modified by adding a new policy subsection after
policy 4.2.29, titled "Special Provisions", followed by new policies: “4.2.30
Special provisions for the lands known municipally as 1289 Wellington
Street East in the City of Aurora (PIN 036425499). Notwithstanding any
other policies in this Plan to the contrary, the minimum density target to be
achieved is 330 units per hectare and minimum building height of 12
storeys.";
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1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
opposes the modification by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing for the lands known municipally as 1289 Wellington Street
East in the Town of Aurora (PIN 036425499); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora requests the Minister
to revoke special provision 4.2.30 to allow for the normal planning
process to occur, as the Modification to the Regional Official Plan is
contrary to the planning applications (OPA and ZBA) currently before
the OLT (case files: OLT-22-004187 and OLT-22-004188); and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honorable Sylvia
Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Peter Tabuns, Interim
Leader of the New Democratic Party, and all MPPs in the Province of
Ontario; and
4. 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.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause:
“Be It Further Resolved That a letter be submitted to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Steve
Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, The Honourable
Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing and MPP Aurora—
Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, and Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP
Newmarket—Aurora, expressing our disappointment with the lack
of consultation and communication with the Town of Aurora and
requesting that an explanation as to why this significant change
was warranted be provided.”
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo,
Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and
Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
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Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas the Province on November 4, 2022, approved the York Region
Official Plan with 80 modifications; and
Whereas these modifications to the Regional Official Plan have been
made by the Minister including two in the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas these modifications have been made without consultation or
support by the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas Section 4.2 is modified by adding a new policy subsection after
policy 4.2.29, titled "Special Provisions", followed by new policies: “4.2.30
Special provisions for the lands known municipally as 1289 Wellington
Street East in the City of Aurora (PIN 036425499). Notwithstanding any
other policies in this Plan to the contrary, the minimum density target to be
achieved is 330 units per hectare and minimum building height of 12
storeys.";
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
opposes the modification by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing for the lands known municipally as 1289 Wellington Street
East in the Town of Aurora (PIN 036425499); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora requests the Minister
to revoke special provision 4.2.30 to allow for the normal planning
process to occur, as the Modification to the Regional Official Plan is
contrary to the planning applications (OPA and ZBA) currently before
the OLT (case files: OLT-22-004187 and OLT-22-004188); and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honorable Sylvia
Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Peter Tabuns, Interim
Leader of the New Democratic Party, and all MPPs in the Province of
Ontario; and
4. 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; and
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5. Be It Further Resolved That a letter be submitted to The Honourable
Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, The Honourable Michael Parsa,
Associate Minister of Housing and MPP Aurora—Oak Ridges—
Richmond Hill, and Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP Newmarket—Aurora,
expressing our disappointment with the lack of consultation and
communication with the Town of Aurora and requesting that an
explanation as to why this significant change was warranted be
provided.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
7.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Opposition to Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, omnibus legislation that
received first reading in the provincial legislature on October 25, 2022,
proposes changes to nine Acts. Many of these proposed changes are
significant and will restrict how municipalities manage growth through
implementation of the official plan and the ability to provide essential
infrastructure and community services; and
Whereas the effect of Bill 23 is that the Conservation Authority will no
longer be able to review and comment on development applications and
supporting environmental studies on behalf of a municipality; and
Whereas Bill 23 proposes to freeze, remove, and reduce development
charges, community benefits charges, and parkland dedication
requirements; and
Whereas Bill 23 will remove all aspects of Site Plan Control of some
residential development proposals up to 10 units. Changes would also
remove the ability to regulate architectural details and aspects of
landscape design;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
oppose Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, which in its
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current state will severely impact environmental protection, heritage
preservation, public participation, and a municipality's ability to
provide future services, amenities, and infrastructure, and negatively
impact residential tax rates; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora call upon the
Government of Ontario to halt the legislative advancement of Bill 23,
More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 to enable fulsome consultation
with Municipalities to ensure that its objectives for sound decision-
making for housing growth that meets local needs will be reasonably
achieved; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Michael
Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing, The Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Peter Tabuns, Interim
Leader of the New Democratic Party, local Members of Parliament
Tony Van Bynen for Newmarket—Aurora and Leah Taylor Roy for
Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, and all MPPs in the Province of
Ontario; and
4. 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.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended by adding the words "loss of
farmland" to the first clause.
Carried
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Whereas Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, omnibus legislation that
received first reading in the provincial legislature on October 25, 2022,
proposes changes to nine Acts. Many of these proposed changes are
significant and will restrict how municipalities manage growth through
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implementation of the official plan and the ability to provide essential
infrastructure and community services; and
Whereas the effect of Bill 23 is that the Conservation Authority will no
longer be able to review and comment on development applications and
supporting environmental studies on behalf of a municipality; and
Whereas Bill 23 proposes to freeze, remove, and reduce development
charges, community benefits charges, and parkland dedication
requirements; and
Whereas Bill 23 will remove all aspects of Site Plan Control of some
residential development proposals up to 10 units. Changes would also
remove the ability to regulate architectural details and aspects of
landscape design;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora
oppose Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, which in its
current state will severely impact environmental protection, heritage
preservation, public participation, loss of farmland, and a
municipality's ability to provide future services, amenities, and
infrastructure, and negatively impact residential tax rates; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora call upon the
Government of Ontario to halt the legislative advancement of Bill 23,
More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 to enable fulsome consultation
with Municipalities to ensure that its objectives for sound decision-
making for housing growth that meets local needs will be reasonably
achieved; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to The
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Michael
Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing, The Honourable Steve Clark,
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Peter Tabuns, Interim
Leader of the New Democratic Party, local Members of Parliament
Tony Van Bynen for Newmarket—Aurora and Leah Taylor Roy for
Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, and all MPPs in the Province of
Ontario; and
4. 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.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
8. By-laws
8.1 By-law Number 6462-22 - Being a By-law to impose interim controls on the
use of land, buildings, or structures within a certain area of the Town of
Aurora (1289 Wellington Street East).
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the By-laws item 8.1 be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, Councillor
Gilliland, Councillor Kim, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Weese
Carried (7 to 0)
9. Confirming By-law
9.1 By-law Number 6463-22 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on November 22, 2022
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
10. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
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