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AGENDA - General Committee - 20230207Town of Aurora General Committee Meeting Agenda Date:Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Time:7 p.m. Location:Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel. To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation. Pages 1.Call to Order 2.Land Acknowledgement 3.Approval of the Agenda 4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof 5.Community Presentations 5.1 Brian North, Southlake Foundation; Re: 2023 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake 1 6.Delegations 7.Consent Agenda 7.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18, November 25, and December 16, 2022 8 That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18, November 25, and December 16, 2022, be received for information. 1. 8.Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 9.Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) 9.1 CS23-008 - Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act,14 2022 That Report No. CS23-008 be received for information.1. 9.2 CS23-006 - Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee 20 That Report No. CS23-006 be received; and1. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee be approved; and 2. That the amended Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee be approved. 3. 9.3 CS23-007 - Business Licensing By-law Amendments - Taxicab Tariffs 28 That Report No. CS23-007 be received; and1. That staff bring forward amendments to Schedule 13 and Appendix ‘A’ of the Town’s Business Licensing By-law No. 5630- 14 to a future Council meeting to remove taxicab tariffs; and 2. That staff be directed to implement regulatory framework to regulate Vehicles for Hire (VFH) in Aurora for the purpose of consumer protection and public safety. 3. 10.Notices of Motion 11.Regional Report 12.New Business 13.Public Service Announcements 14.Closed Session 15.Adjournment 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Delegation Request This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services. Council or Committee * General Committee Council or Committee Meeting Date *  2023-02-07 Subject * Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) * Brian North, Southlake Foundation Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation * The Southlake Foundation would like to announce our 2023 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake and encourage the participation of the Town of Aurora in our Run, particularly to compete in the Mayor's Challenge and Community Spirit Awards against the other cities and towns within the area. Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? * Yes No I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. * Agree  Page 1 of 32 Page 2 of 32 Join Us!Sunday, April 30th•5 KM run or walk fundraising event in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. •Exclusive route on Davis Drive, right by the hospital!•Community fundraising event where participant pledges have an immediate impact on leading‐edge health care, close to home.2Page 3 of 32 Why we fundraise!•Funds raised through participant/team pledges help to support the most urgent needs for patient care at Southlake Regional Health Centre. •Fundraising for the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlakehelps to put the right tools in the hands of our clinical experts so when you or loved one need care, they are ready.3“For the incredible care my mother received during knee surgery”“For my dad’s compassionate cancer treatment and follow-up care.”“For the amazing team that delivered my son into the world!”•Fundraising also supports new or renovated spaces in the hospital to deliver exceptional care and where our patients can heal.•Participating and Fundraising is a way for our community show the dedicated clinicians and hospital staff of Southlake Regional Health Centre gratitude for their incredible care. Page 4 of 32 Fundraising Challenges!Mayor’s Challenge: Friendly fundraising competition to see which team can raise the most in support of OUR hospital!4In 2022, the Mayor’s Challenge raised an astounding $76,780! Page 5 of 32 5Community Spirit Award•We heard you! •It’s time to engage your community!•This award goes to the municipality that has 2/3 of council registered AND the largest participant base, per capita.Fundraising Challenges!#NATURESEMPORIUMRUNFORSOUTHLAKEPage 6 of 32 6Register now at: runforsouthlake.caPage 7 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora Memorandum Councillor’s Office Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18, November 25, and December 16, 2022 To: Mayor and Members of Council From: Councillor Wendy Gaertner Date: February 7, 2023 Recommendation 1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18, November 25, and December 16, 2022, be received for information. Attachments Attachment 1 – Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18, November 25, and December 16, 2022 Page 8 of 32 Special Board Meeting Highlights November 18, 2022 Presentations: a)Provincial Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 CAO Rob Baldwin provided a presentation on the proposed Provincial Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 as it impacts the Conservation Authorities Act. He reviewed the four central categories of proposed change, along with his comments on each category: 1.Proposed updates to the regulation of development for the protection of people and property from natural hazards in Ontario; 2.Focusing conservation authorities’ role in the review of development related proposals and applications; 3.Freezing conservation authority fees; and Identifying conservation authority lands suitable for housing and streamlining conservation authority severance and disposition processes that facilitate faster development. To view this presentation, please click this link: Proposed Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 - Presentation Staff Report: Provincial Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 The Board received Staff Report No. 40-22-BOD regarding Provincial Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 regarding Amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act and directed staff to provide a submission to Environmental Registry of Ontario No. 019-6141 based on comments within this report. The Board directed staff to submit a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks requesting that the Conservation Authorities Working Group be re-engaged. For more information or to see the full agenda package, visit LSRCA’s Board of Directors’ webpage. Attachment 1 Page 9 of 32 Board Meeting Highlights November 25, 2022 Presentations: a) Third Quarter 2022 Financial Report and Year-End Forecast General Manager, Corporate and Financial Services/CFO, Mark Critch, provided a presentation on the Conservation Authority’s Third Quarter 2022 Financial Report and Year-end Forecast, noting a minor operational deficit at Q3 of $(13K), with a surplus position being projected by ear-end. He went on to note that the 2022 annual operating priorities are progressing well, and the reserve activity is going to be in line with budget at year-end. Highlights for Q3 include a deficit for Greenspace Services related to property taxes in the Town of Georgina, which is being discussed, and a surplus in Planning and Development due to variances in open positions, new fees and year-to-date applications. Progress on capital investments for 2022 is going well, almost all projects complete, with some being completed by year-end, and some continuing into 2023 as expected. Looking at the year-end forecast, he noted that any uncertainty around the impacts of Bill 23 is not factored in as it is unknown at this time, but he also noted no impacts on the year-end are anticipated with only a few weeks left to the end of the year. Volume of permit and development applications versus assumptions continues to be monitored. Other trends being monitored include interest rates on cash invested, legal fees and education revenue. An operational surplus of approximately $35K is projected for year-end. He noted that total reserve balances are in a good position and growing. To view this presentation, please click this link: Third Quarter 2022 Financial Report Presentation Correspondence and Staff Reports: Correspondence The Board received the following items of correspondence: a) October 25, 2022 letter from Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding the Upper York Sewage Solution decision; and b) November 4, 2022 letter from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding More Home Built Faster plan and associated Environmental Registry postings. Page 10 of 32 LSRCA Board of Directors Meeting Highlights – November 25, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Third Quarter 2022 Financial Report and Year -End Forecast The Board received Staff Report No. 41-22-BOD regarding the Conservation Authority’s Third Quarter 2022 Financial Report and Year-end Forecast. Computer Security Network Update The Board received Staff Report No. 42-22-BOD regarding the Conservation Authority computer network security update. Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario – Tourism Relief Fund The Board received Staff Report No. 43-22-BOD regarding funding support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s Tourism Relief Fund towards the Beaver River Wetland Trail Improvements Project. The Board authorized the Conservation to enter into the associated Tourism Relief Fund Contribution Agreement with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. For more information or to see the full agenda package, visit LSRCA’s Board of Directors’ webpage. Page 11 of 32 Board Meeting Highlights December 16, 2022 Announcements: General Manager, Development, Engineering and Restoration, Glenn MacMillan, advised that staff held a webinar on the Conservation Authority’s Engineering processes on November 30th. This was one of a number of webinars staff are hosting to inform and assist staff from member municipalities regarding technical submissions with a goal towards making submission and reviews run smoothly. He noted the webinar was well attended by approximately 180 participants from member municipalities. Other webinars have been or will be held on Hydrogeology, Ecology, Stormwater Management, and more. Presentations: a) Bill 23 Update Chief Administrative Officer, Rob Baldwin, provided an update on the enactment dates surrounding Bill 23, including those already in effect, such as the change in Minister now that Conservation Authorities are now back under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; minor changes around issuance of permits where a Minister’s Zoning Order has been issued referred to as the “community infrastructure and housing accelerator”, which means an accelerator type of permit follows the same rules as a Minister’s Zoning Order permit. Other updates for January 1, 2023 include a process change for the disposition of land, simplifying the process for conservation authorities to dispose of lands acquired under Section 39 and a freeze on Planning and Development fees. More changes planned for 2023 include a prohibition on municipal and other programs and services related to reviewing and commenting on prescribed acts; the Minister’s power to impose terms and conditions on a project of authority; and exceptions related to Planning Act for certain development activities and areas of municipalities. To view this presentation, please click this link: Bill 23 Update Correspondence and Staff Reports: Conservation Authorities Act Quarterly Transition Report No. 3 The Board received Staff Report No. 44-22-BOD regarding the Conservation Authority Transition Quarterly Progress Report No. 3 and approved the December 2022 Conservation Authority Transition Quarterly Progress No. 3 for submission to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Page 12 of 32 LSRCA Board of Directors Meeting Highlights – December 16, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Lake Simcoe Preserve Update The Board received Staff Report No. 45-22-BOD regarding an update on actions completed at the Lake Simcoe Conservation Preserve. Planning and Development Fees Update The Board received Staff Report No. 46-22-BOD regarding the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Planning and Development Fees update. The Board approved the proposed 2% increase to the current Planning and Development Fees as recommended for cost -of-living increase outlined in the Plan Review and Permitting Fee Review Report prepared by Watson & Associates, such increase to take effect December 30, 2022. Confidential Human Resources Matter The Board approved Confidential Staff Report No. 47-22-BOD regarding a confidential human resources matter. Confidential Legal Matter The Board received Confidential Staff Report No. 48-22-BOD regarding a confidential legal matter. For more information or to see the full agenda package, visit LSRCA’s Board of Directors’ webpage. Page 13 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora General Committee Report No. CS23 -008 Subject: Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022 Prepared by: Brian Emmanuel, Articling Student Department: Corporate Services Date: February 7, 2023 Recommendation 1. That Report No. CS23-008 be received for information. Executive Summary This report provides information to Council regarding Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022 (“Bill 5”). More specifically:  Bill 5, if passed, will implement a requirement for municipal councillors and members of local boards to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies.  Bill 5, if passed, will allow the Integrity Commissioner to apply to the Superior Court of Justice to vacate a member’s seat if the member has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policies.  The Town already has implemented a Violence and Harassment Free Workplace Program and a Code of Conduct for Council and local boards to address issues of workplace violence and harassment.  In light of numerous incidents involving workplace violence and harassment, many municipalities have formally endorsed Bill 5. Background On December 6, 2022, Jenna Irving of Women of Ontario Say No, delegated to Council regarding Ontario private member’s Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022 (“Bill 5”). Page 14 of 32 February 7, 2023 2 of 6 Report No. CS23-008 This act amends the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 with respect to workplace violence and harassment policies in codes of conduct for councillors and members of local boards. The delegate requested that Council endorse Bill 5 and send a letter of support to Ontario government officials and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. General Committee received the presentation for information and recommended that staff provide a report to Council regarding Bill 5. This report is intended to provide information to Council regarding Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022. Analysis Bill 5, if passed, will implement a requirement for municipal councillors and members of local boards to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies Bill 5, if passed, would amend the Municipal Act, 2001, by implementing new requirements for the codes of conduct for members of council of a municipality and of its local boards. In addition, it would require the codes of conduct to include a requirement for members to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Bill 5, if passed, will allow the Integrity Commissioner to apply to the Superior Court of Justice to vacate a member’s seat if the member has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policies Pursuant to subsection 223.4 (5) of the Municipal Act, 2001, the current penalties that a municipality may impose if a member has contravened the code of conduct is a reprimand and/or a suspension of remuneration up to 90 days. In addition to the current penalties, Bill 5, if passed, will allow a municipality or local board to direct the Integrity Commissioner to make an application to vacate a member’s seat if the Integrity Commissioner believes the member has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policy. To make an application, the Integrity Commissioner must apply to a judge of the Superior Court of Justice for a determination as to whether the member of council or Page 15 of 32 February 7, 2023 3 of 6 Report No. CS23-008 local board has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policy. This application cannot be made during a regular election – starting on nomination day and ending on voting day. Furthermore, the notice of application must state the grounds for finding that the member has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policy. If the judge determines that there has been a failure to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policy, the judge may declare the member’s seat vacant. A member whose seat is vacant may not stand as a candidate at any subsequent elections or be appointed to council during the period beginning on the day on which the member’s seat was declared vacant and ending on the day of the second subsequent regular election. The Town already has implemented the Violence and Harassment Free Workplace Program and a Code of Conduct for Council and local boards to address issues of workplace violence and harassment. The Violence and Harassment Free Workplace Program was implemented on March 30, 2011, to maintain a work environment free of violence and harassment, and further reviewed on October 20, 2022. The program implements a set of procedures with respect to how employees can report an incident of workplace violence and harassment and how the Town will respond to the incident. The Violence and Harassment Free Workplace Program applies to Council. In accordance with the program, Council shall support the implementation and management of violence and harassment free workplace policies. In addition, Council shall refrain from making any statements or partaking in any behaviour that may be seen or interpreted as workplace violence and/or harassment. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of Council to monitor activities within Council, committee or other public meetings and call to order any participant who has contravened the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment. Additionally, Council passed By-law Number 6155-19 to establish a Code of Conduct for members of Council and Local Boards. Pursuant to Rule No. 12 and Rule No. 13 of the Council Code of Conduct and the Local Boards Code of Conduct, all members have a duty to ensure a respectful workplace and be respectful of the role of staff. This includes ensuring a work environment that is free from threats, coercion, intimidation, discrimination, violence, and harassment. Page 16 of 32 February 7, 2023 4 of 6 Report No. CS23-008 As such, if Bill 5 is passed, the only change for the Town would be that the Integrity Commissioner would be able to apply to the Superior Court of Justice to vacate a member’s seat if the member of Council has failed to comply with the workplace violence or harassment policies. In light of numerous incidents involving workplace violence and harassment, many municipalities have formally endorsed Bill 5. In Ontario, there have been numerous reported workplace violence and harassment incidents involving municipal councillors. These incidents included occurrences of bullying, sexual assault, and other forms of harassment. For example, in one municipality, six formal complaints of sexual harassment were filed against a municipal councillor. The Integrity Commissioner confirmed that the municipal councillor committed these repeated acts of sexual harassment. The councillor was docked pay in accordance with the penalties allowed under the current legislation. Considering these incidents, many municipalities have formally endorsed Bill 5. The City of Barrie, The City of Orillia, The Town of Collingwood, and the Township of Clearview are some examples of municipalities that have formally supported Bill 5. Advisory Committee Review None. Legal Considerations Bill 5 was introduced to the Legislature on August 10, 2022. It is currently in first reading. Financial Implications None. Communications Considerations The Town will inform the public of the information contained in this report by posting it to the Town’s website. Page 17 of 32 February 7, 2023 5 of 6 Report No. CS23-008 Climate Change Considerations The recommendations set in this report involving Bill 5 do not result in any implications to greenhouse gas emissions or climate change topics. Link to Strategic Plan Promoting service accountability, excellence and innovation. Alternative(s) to the Recommendation 1. That the Town of Aurora endorses Bill 5; and, 2. That a copy of the motion be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, honourable Dawn Gallagher-Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora, honourable Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, honourable Stephen Blais, MPP for Orleans and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Conclusions This report is intended to provide information to Council regarding Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022. Attachments None. Previous Reports None. Pre-submission Review Agenda Management Team review on January 19, 2023 Approvals Approved by Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services Page 18 of 32 February 7, 2023 6 of 6 Report No. CS23-008 Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Page 19 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora General Committee Report No. CS2 3 -0 06 Subject: Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Prepared by: Jaclyn Grossi, Deputy Town Clerk Department: Corporate Services Date: February 7, 2023 Recommendation 1. That Report No. CS23-006 be received; and 2. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee be approved; and 3. That the amended Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee be approved. Executive Summary This report seeks the adoption of the Terms of Reference for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and speaks to the following;  The draft Terms of Reference have been created to capture a clear mandate for the new Committees Background On January 31, 2023 Council created the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee as part of the committee structure review at the beginning of the 2022-2026 Council term. Council also renamed the Community Advisory Committee to be the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Page 20 of 32 February 7, 2023 2 of 4 Report No. CS23-006 Analysis The draft Terms of Reference have been created to capture a clear mandate for the new Committees The draft Terms of Reference for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee were developed through consultation with Planning and Development staff to ensure that the purpose, duties and functions aligned with the subject matter that the Committee would be providing advice on. Terms of Reference from other Ontario municipalities with similar Committees were also reviewed for best practices. Staff also recommend that the draft Terms of Reference for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, formerly named Community Advisory Committee, be revised to remove the duty of supporting and advising Town staff on initiatives and matters relating to the Planning and Development Services department of the Town, including Trails, Traffic and Engineering. This function should be removed to avoid duplication between committees and was instead included in the new Committee’s draft Terms of Reference. The Committee’s mandate has also been updated to reflect the new name and to be more aligned with previous Town Committees that worked with similar subject matter. Advisory Committee Review None. Legal Considerations None. Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications from this report. Communications Considerations Legislative Services staff will continue to work with Communications staff to ensure that the advertisements for committee membership are posted in all locations including print media and the Town’s social media platforms and website. Page 21 of 32 February 7, 2023 3 of 4 Report No. CS23-006 Climate Change Considerations The recommendations from this report, the approval of the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, will improve the Town’s engagement in the active transportation realm and serve to strengthen the Community Energy Plan’s objectives of transportation mode shifts as well as help meet Town GHG emission reduction targets of 80% of 2018 levels by 2050. Link to Strategic Plan The approval of the Terms of Reference for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee promotes progressive corporate excellence and continuous improvement by implementing policy and processes that reflect sound and accountable governance. Alternative(s) to the Recommendation 1. Councill provide direction. Conclusions These Terms of Reference will provide the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee with a strong sense of their mandate and allow staff to collaborate with them on projects throughout the term. Attachments Attachment 1 – Draft Terms of Reference for the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Attachment 2 – Draft Revised Terms of Reference for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Previous Reports None. Page 22 of 32 February 7, 2023 4 of 4 Report No. CS23-006 Pre-submission Review Agenda Management Team review on January 19, 2023 Approvals Approved by Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Page 23 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Purpose The Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee is formed to support and advise Town staff in various issues relating to the development and implementation of the Transportation Master Plan and the Active Transportation Master Plan, Aurora Connects. The Committee will provide support and advice in all aspects of traffic safety issues that affect the Town of Aurora as a whole. Membership The Committee will be composed of seven (7) members, as follows: •One (1) member of Council; and •Six (6) citizen members selected by Council. Term The 2022-2026 Term of Council. Remuneration None. Duties and Functions •To support and advise Town staff on initiatives and matters relating to the Planning and Development Services department of the Town, including Trails, Traffic and Engineering; •To support and advise Town Staff in the development and implementation of the Active Transportation Master Plan; Reporting The Committee shall advise staff on initiatives and matters that will go before General Committee and Council for approval. Meeting Time and Location The Committee will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every second month at 7 p.m. Additional meetings of the Committee may be called by the Chair to address urgent matters. Attachment 1 Page 24 of 32 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Page 2 of 2 Staff Support Staff Liaisons will consist of staff from the Planning and Development Services department. The Legislative Services division will provide administrative support services to the Committee. Page 25 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Purpose The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is formed to support and advise the Community Services and Operational Services Departments respecting the delivery of Parks and Recreation programs and activities within the Town of Aurora. Membership The Committee will be composed of up to ten (10) members, as follows: •One (1) member of Council; and •Up to nine (9) citizen members selected by Council. In making its citizen appointments, Council will look for members of the public with different and diverse backgrounds to support the types of items that the Committee will consider. Members will be appointed for a two-year term. Term The 2022-2026 Term of Council. Remuneration None. Duties and Functions •To support and advise Town staff on initiatives and matters relating to the Community Services department of the Town, including Recreation, Facilities and Cultural Services; •To support and advise Town staff on initiatives and matters relating to the Operational Services department of the Town, including Parks and Infrastructure Operations; and Reporting The Committee shall advise staff on initiatives and matters that will go before General Committee and Council for approval. Attachment 2 Page 26 of 32 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Page 2 of 2 Meeting Time and Location The Committee will meet on the third Thursday of every second month at 7 p.m., with the exception of July and August. Additional meetings of the Committee may be called by the Chair to address urgent matters. Staff Support Staff Liaisons will consist of staff from the Community Services, and Operational Services departments, depending on which items are on a given agenda. The Legislative Services division will provide administrative support services to the Committee. Page 27 of 32 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora General Committee Report No. CS2 3 -0 07 Subject: Business Licensing By-law Amendments – Taxicab Tariffs Prepared by: Alexander Wray, Manager of Bylaw Services Department: Corporate Services Date: February 7, 2023 Recommendation 1. That Report No. CS23-007 be received; and 2. That staff bring forward amendments to Schedule 13 and Appendix ‘A’ of the Town’s Business Licensing By-law No. 5630-14 to a future Council meeting to remove taxicab tariffs; and 3. That staff be directed to implement regulatory framework to regulate Vehicles for Hire (VFH) in Aurora for the purpose of consumer protection and public safety. Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to bring forward amendments to Schedule 13 and Appendix ‘A’ of the Town’s Business Licensing By-law No. 5630-14. The proposed amendments will allow the Town to continue supporting its Taxicab industry, ensure a high level of consumer protection, and protect public safety in the private transportation sector.  Deregulating tariffs will allow the taxicab industry to remain competitive with vehicles for hire, while also considering ongoing economic pressures.  Staff have consulted with the Taxicab industry on the proposed changes and have received support for deregulating tariffs.  Taxicabs will be required to display their tariff rates on a tariff card inside the vehicle. Page 28 of 32 February 7, 2023 2 of 4 Report No. CS23-007  Implementing regulatory framework for Vehicles for Hire (VFH) will assist in ensuring the Town’s public transportation industry remains safe and competitive. Background In 2022 members of the Town’s Taxi Industry contacted Bylaw Services to discuss financial hardships being experienced in the industry. During staff’s discussions with the taxi industry, it was indicated that rising fuel costs, insurance costs, and the unregulated VFH industry (ex. Uber, Lyft, Steer) are contributing to a steady decline in business and wage sustainability. As a result of staff’s discussions, Aurora’s taxi industry agreed that deregulation of taxi tariffs would allow for increased competition, reduced operating costs, and an increase in wage stability. Analysis Deregulating tariffs will allow the taxicab industry to remain competitive with vehicles for hire, while also considering ongoing economic pressures. Deregulating Taxicab tariffs, commonly referred to as fares, will allow for taxicab owners to establish competitive market-based pricing. Under the currently approved Taxicab Fare Structure (Attachment 1), a one way trip in a taxicab originating at 100 John West Way, Aurora and terminating at 1 Henderson Drive, Aurora would cost between $9.40 - $12.20. Comparatively, the same trip in a VFH ranges between $12.15 - $15.84. This approach will allow the taxi industry to adjust their tariffs when factors such as wages, fuel prices, insurance costs and service demand impact operating abilities. Additionally, deregulation of taxicab tariffs will not change the Town’s current approach to taxicab licensing and inspections. Recently, the City’s of Markham and Richmond Hill successfully deregulated taxicab tariffs to address similar concerns from their respective taxi industries. Staff have consulted with the Taxicab industry on the proposed changes and have received support for deregulating tariffs. In 2022, staff from Bylaw Services consulted with the Town’s taxi industry to discuss ongoing challenges and the proposed recommendations in this report. The taxi industry agreed that moving away from the existing model would be beneficial and would allow the industry to compete with unregulated private transportation providers in the VFH industry. Page 29 of 32 February 7, 2023 3 of 4 Report No. CS23-007 Taxicabs will be required to display their tariff rates on a tariff card inside the vehicle. In order to ensure continued consumer protection, Bylaw Services will still require tariff cards to be displayed in a conspicuous location inside the taxicab. By requiring the vehicle owner/operator to display the tariff card, passengers can still expect a strong level of consumer protection, while clearly being made aware of rates and additional charges which may impact their trip. Implementing regulatory framework for Vehicles for Hire (VFH) will assist in ensuring the Town’s public transportation industry remains safe and competitive. Bylaw Services, through consultation with the Town’s taxi industry, recommend that Council consider implementing a regulatory framework for the Town’s VFH industry. Similarly to taxicabs, regulatory framework for VFH’s is tied directly to consumer protection and public safety. It is expected that as Aurora’s community continues to grow and traffic activity returns to pre-pandemic levels, we will experience increased growth in this industry. Regulation of VFH’s has been achieved successfully in municipalities such as: Newmarket, Markham, Pickering, Vaughan, Toronto, and Whitby. Advisory Committee Review N/A Legal Considerations Legal Services staff will assist Bylaw Services with the amendments to the Town’s Business Licensing By-law No. 5630-14. Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications to the Town as a result of this report. Communications Considerations The Town will inform the public about the information in this report by posting it to the Town’s website. The Communications team will also work closely with Bylaw Services on additional communications pieces if Council was to implement a regulatory framework for VFH’s. Page 30 of 32 February 7, 2023 4 of 4 Report No. CS23-007 Climate Change Considerations The recommendations in this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or impact climate change adaptation. Link to Strategic Plan The amendments to the Town’s Business Licensing By-law coupled with support to implement regulatory framework on Vehicles for Hire supports the Strategic Plan Goal(s) of: Supporting an Exceptional Quality of Life for all and Promoting service accountability, excellence, and innovation. Alternative(s) to the Recommendation 1. Council provide direction to staff. Conclusions It is staff’s recommendation that Council support the recommendations outlined in this report. By doing so, the Town will continue to support our taxi industry and ensure a high level of consumer protection. Attachments Attachment 1 – Appendix ‘A’ Taxicab Fares Previous Reports N/A Pre-submission Review Agenda Management Team review on January 19, 2023 Approvals Approved by Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer Page 31 of 32 By-law Number 5630-14 (Consolidated) Page 73 of 79 TAXICAB FARES (H.S.T is included in all prices) Metered Rates For the first 200 meters or part thereof $ 3.10 For each additional 200 meters or part thereof $ 0.40 For waiting time while under engagement for each 30 seconds $ 0.24 Non-Metered Rate - Waiting Time While Not Actively Engaged For the first hour or part thereof $ 20.00 For each additional fifteen (15) minutes $ 5.00 Additional Charges Each suitcase, box or other item that is more than 0.09 m 3 in size $ 0.75 Each additional passenger in excess of four while actively engaged $ 0.50 Each additional passenger in excess of four while not actively engaged $ 1.00 Hand baggage, per item, if not carried by passenger inside the vehicle $ 0.25 Briefcases, and parcels of comparable size, are not considered to be hand baggage and no charges shall be applied to such items. There shall be no charge for storage or conveyance of wheelchairs or any other mobility aids or mobility assistive devices. Senior citizens and the disabled are exempt baggage charges. Any charges for items not covered by these rates or fares shall be agreed upon by passenger and driver of the Taxicab before the commencement of the trip. Attachment 1 Page 32 of 32