AGENDA - General Committee - 20230620Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Revised Agenda
Date:Tuesday, June 20, 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
Councillor Kim in the Chair.
Note: Additional items are marked with an asterisk (*).
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Community Presentations
6.Delegations
6.1 Sierra Costa and Greg Johnston, Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club; Re:
Item 9.2 - Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and Ontario Women's
Hockey League (OWHA) Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
1
6.2 Stephen Dempsey, Central York Girls Hockey Association; Re: Item 9.2 -
Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and Ontario Women's Hockey
Association (OWHA) Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
3
*6.3 Yafang Shi, Resident; Re: Aurora Public Library Board's Decision
Regarding Aurora Public Library's Practices - Exhibition on Social
Movement for Women's Rights, Establishment of Human Rights Policy,
and Review of Public Art Policy
5
7.Consent Agenda
8.Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
*8.1 Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes of May 31,
2023
51
That the Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 31, 2023 be received for information.
1.
9.Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
*9.1 CMS23-029 - Sport Plan Update - No. 4 54
(Presentation to be provided by Hailey Jones, Sport and Community
Development Specialist)
That Report No. CMS23-029 be received for information.1.
9.2 CMS23-025 - Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and Ontario
Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
86
That Report No. CMS23-025 be received; and1.
That Council approve the recommended reduced ice rental fees
for the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) Aurora Tigers Jr. A
and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) Central
York Panthers hockey teams; and
2.
That the existing 2023 Fees and Charges Bylaw be amended to
reflect the proposed changes to fee rates included in this report;
and
3.
That Council authorize staff to enter in a shared rink board
advertising agreement with the Central York Girls Hockey
Association, in accordance with the terms outlined in this report.
4.
9.3 CMS23-027 - Mobile Food and Beverage Consumption at Concerts in the
Park
93
That Report No. CMS23-027 be received; and1.
That the Licensed Beverage Consumption pilot initiative for the
August 23 and August 30 Aurora’s Concert in the Park be
approved.
2.
9.4 FIN23-026 - Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy
Review and Update
122
That Report No. FIN23-026 be received; and1.
That the updated Compensation and Support for Members of
Council Policy be approved.
2.
9.5 PDS23-084 - Parkland Dedication By-law Update 132
That Report No. PDS23-084 be received; and1.
That the Parkland Dedication By-Law be brought forward to a
future Council meeting for enactment.
2.
9.6 PDS23-037- Request for Traffic Calming Measures - Various Locations 146
That Report No. PDS23-037 be received; and1.
That Council approve the installation of speed cushions at the
following locations:
2.
Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and
Borealis Avenue; and
a.
Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne
Drive (west leg).
b.
9.7 PDS23-086 - Update and Response to New Provincial Planning
Legislation
158
That Report No. PDS23-086 be received for information; and1.
That proposed amendments to the Procedure By-law No. 6228-
19, outlined in this report, be approved, and a by-law to amend
the Procedure By-law be enacted to implement the proposed
amendments; and
2.
That proposed amendments to the Site Plan Control By-law No.
6106-18, outlined in this report, be approved, and a by-law to
amend the Site Plan Control By-law be enacted to implement the
proposed amendments.
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 (Choose One) *
General Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-6-20
Subject *
OJHL and OWHA Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Sierra Costa & Greg Johnston - Aurora Tigers Jr A Hockey Club
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
We are looking to have our ice rate reduced to $100/hr (including HST) in order to keep Aurora Tigers
Jr A team continuing to play in the OJHL.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest?
*
Yes No
Full name of the Town staff or Council
member with whom you spoke
John Firman
Date you spoke with Town staff or a Council
member
2023-2-23
Page 1 of 167
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 2 of 167
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 (Choose One) *
General Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-6-20
Subject *
OJHL and OWHA Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Steve Dempsey Central York Girls Hockey Association
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
To speak on behalf of the request for a reduction in ice rental fees in order to support female junior
hockey in Aurora.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest?
*
Yes No
Full name of the Town staff or Council
member with whom you spoke
John Firman
Date you spoke with Town staff or a Council
member
2023-4-28
Page 3 of 167
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 4 of 167
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 (Choose One) *
General Committee
Council or Committee Meeting Date *
2023-6-20
Subject *
Request that the council overturn the Aurora Public Library Board’s erroneous decision regarding the
Aurora Public Library’s practices contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario
Human Rights Code with regards to my recent exhibition on social movements for women’s rights at the
library
Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) *
Yafang Shi
Page 5 of 167
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation *
Brief Summary of Issue:
1) Aurora public library’ censorship, continued censorship, erasure of information regarding my
exhibition on its website, discriminatory practices against my exhibition and reprisals against me as a
women of color artist after I spoke out against its censorship; Censorship happened at least to another
artist in the past, the board should do an investigation and report to the community; call for the
establishment of a Human Rights Policy for the Aurora Public Library as the Toronto Public Library has
done to ensure the library’s policies and practices are Ontario Human Rights Code-proof.
2) The library board’s decision was not made in an open, transparent and accountable manner and is
unscrupulous; The board did not play the role of independent oversight to hold the library accountable
for its practices contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code;
The decision is illogical: not holding the library accountable for its conduct contrary to the Canadian
laws but requiring me to follow their policy and practices contrary to the Canadian laws; Admitting the
review of the library’s Public Art Policy is “a priority” as I requested, but not holding the library’s
continued censorship and erasure of my works accountable; Despite outcries and support from many
organizations and individuals for my advocacy, the board ignores the library’s discriminatory practices
and is reluctant to bring in human rights policy for the library.
Purpose of Delegation:
Urge the Council to overturn the Aurora Public Library Board’s erroneous decision and order the board
to hold the library accountable for their practices contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and
the Ontario Human Rights Code including but not limiting to ordering the library to apologize to me and
the community and produce the prescheduled artist interview video; order the board not only to review
the Public Art Policy but also to establish the Human Rights Policy for the library.
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest?
*
Yes No
Full name of the Town staff or Council
member with whom you spoke
council
Date you spoke with Town staff or a Council
member
2023-3-28
I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. *
Agree
Page 6 of 167
REQUEST THE COUNCIL TO TAKE ACTIONS TO ENSURE THE LIBRARY BOARD CORRECTS ITS ERRONEOUS DECISION REGARDING THE LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICE AND CONDUCTYafang ShiGeneral Committee Meeting, June 20, 2023Page 7 of 167
PURPOSE OF MY ADVOCACY ON THIS MATTERThe Aurora Public Library censored and has continued to censor, erase, discriminate, and penalize me with reprisals; Practice and conduct are contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights CodeThe library board has not fulfilled its responsibility of prudent oversight of the library to hold it accountable and order the library to correct their wrong doings Urge the council to take actions to ensure the library board play its prudent oversight of the library and correct its erroneous decision regarding the library’s wrong practice and conductI hope that my advocacy could help the library board and the library to make positive policy and practice changes so nobody will go through what I have gone through again. Page 8 of 167
SUPPORT/STAKESInternational Women’s Day Toronto organizing committeeToronto and York Region Labour CouncilYork Region Arts Council has forwarded the documents related to thismatter to the Town of Aurora as part of its input to the town’s Public ArtPlan.Member of the 2SLGBT+ community in FrederictonFounder of the Aurora Black Community AssociationResidents and concerned citizens in Aurora and beyondLetters of support, comments in the guest book, comments against censorshipon the library’s FacebookPage 9 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICE AND CONDUCTCensorshipContinued censorship/erasureDiscriminationReprisalsPage 10 of 167
WHAT HAS BEEN CENSORED(ARTIST STATEMENT)My documentary photography and poetryFire(2017-2021)onWomen’s Marches,world-wide protests for four years since the inauguration of the sexist, racist andmisogynistformer USA president Donald Trump, and a rally against anti-Asianracism,was showcased in the virtual group exhibitionPortrait of Resilienceby theArt Gallery of Ontario.Thepatriarchy and dictatorship in the countries where many Canadians originallycomefrom impact people’s lives there and also people’s lives here.Theworld is on fire. Women’s rage is fire. Their fights for a better world are also thefireof passion. Without gender equity, freedom is empty. No justice, no peace.Onlywhenthe world is feminist does it become equitable, just, violent-free and peaceful.Thefuture of humanity is feminist.Page 11 of 167
Women’s MarchesComments on Donald TrumpA rally against anti-Asian racismComments on patriarchy and dictators“Fire”, my feminist visionAs a woman, Asian Canadian, feminist, my voice was censored. I even can’t mention the word “anti-Asian racism”. Why?Page 12 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICE AND CONDUCTThree collages:Collages of a women’s march in Toronto in 2023 with signs “Stop Ford”;Collage of Ontario education workers’ protests in Toronto in 2022 with a sign “FordErodes Freedoms”;Collage of the rally for abortion rights and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Fredericton in2022 with a sign of abortion rights and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. A photo of a motherwith her young children at the rally is in this collage. The photo was approved and Iwas invited to have this exhibition.Page 13 of 167
Show the photo to pthe library ylast fallPage 14 of 167
Page 15 of 167
SUPPORTMs. Andria Babbington, the President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, questions the library’sdiscriminatory behaviours towards Shi’s exhibition in her letter on May 9:“The Toronto & York Region Labour Council would like to ask whether why someexhibits are permitted a permanentfootprint in the Aurora Library website and why others, like artist YafangShi, are removed immediately after itsdisplay length. We also question why there was signage next to Shi’s exhibit that said that ‘This exhibition does notimply an endorsement by the Aurora Public Library or its staff,’” Ms. Andria Babbington, the President of the Toronto& York Region Labour Council, questions the library’s discriminatory behaviours towards Shi’s exhibition in herletter.“It would be appropriate for the Mayor and the Board of Directors at the Aurora Public Library to adopt a HumanRights Policy to ensure that the library’s policies and practices are in line with other public libraries. As a publicinstitution, this should be implemented,” Ms. Babbington states the Council’s support for Shi’s call for theestablishment of a Human Rights Policy at the library.”“Her struggle against censorship has been an onerous one and we lend our voice to her in this fight.”Page 16 of 167
Before I went to document the women’s march, I ,communicated with the library and was ytold that "It's up to pyou re: what you are yysubmitting"Page 17 of 167
Page 18 of 167
Page 19 of 167
SUPPORTMs. Carolyn Egan representing the International Women’s Day (IWD) Toronto Organizing Committee said in her recorded support phonecall to Shi on April 15:“So though we made some very real stepsforward, very real victory were madebecause of her commitment and her dedication, frankly, to afree and open society which allows all views to be heard and to be seen. We arestill in a situation where that support has to be given to herand the pressure has to be put on the library board in Aurora to allow that historical memory, that historical archiving of her work and all ofher pictures that were necessary to be seen on the website so people fully understand this historical period. Because you have to rememberwhen you have an artist such as Yafang and she takes her artistry and captures the particular moments in history, political demonstrations,women’s demonstrations, feminist demonstrations that speak the political reality that we all live in, this has to be preserved. This has to bepreserved so people who come after her understand what struggles we went through, what were key issues and how we were be able to winthese issues by working together and supporting ourselves so we provide very real solidarity. I wish I could be there in person today. It wasnot possible. But you surely have the support of the women’s movement in Toronto, International Women Day Organizing Committee andall those who support the democracy and freedom so thank you very much and I hope that it all works out and you win your demands youare putting forward.”Page 20 of 167
The library invited me yto have this exhibition after seeing my new gywork including this photo.Abortion right and g2SLGBTQIA+ rights Qgrally; abortion right, y; g ,against state violence glike antititi-ii-abortion laws and sexual violence; On Oct. 25, 202323, the 5,3,library wrote to me that y“I look forward to presenting this pgimportant exhibit to pthe community”.Page 21 of 167
In this collageof the rally inFredericton,there is actuallya photo of amother whobrought two ofher kids to therally.She wasteaching herson to write“Women’srights matter”.Page 22 of 167
Sociologist Judith Taylor, gy,who specializes in social pmovements, said the ,exhibit (my exhibition on (yWomen’s Marches in the Markham Public Library ywas censored but restored. The MPL apologized for pgthe censorship) is gs a “huge p)gteaching opportunity”g””for gpp yparents with the courage to pgaddress difficult topics and plibraries, museums and ,government buildings ggshould not censor social movements.I made this collage for gthe board members to see the children in social movements.Page 23 of 167
SUPPORTAntony Lister, a retired professor from the University of New Brunswick who attended theSolidarity Rally Fredericton: Abortion & 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights that Shi documented, writesto Shi as a member of the Fredericton LGBTQ community on April 19 that the library doesnot have a right to censor “pro-choice signs” from the rally:“A publicly financed library should not take sides in this debate, and censor photosof a perfectly legal protest. Freedom of expression is an integral part of ourdemocratic society and should always be protected in accordance with theCanadian Constitution,” he wrote in his letter of support to Shi on April 19.Page 24 of 167
WHOM DOES THE LIBRARY CENSOR/WHOM PROTECT? The Aurora Library censored women/poeple who rallied for abortion rights and 2SLGBTQIA+rights, against violence against women’s body, for constitutional right to strike, against privatization of healthcare; Protect former politician Trump and sitting politician Ford, using the excuse of children (all comments in the guest book are positive/Monica Pain of the YRAC visited the exhibition and highly praise the exhibition/I put my email address in my artist statement, no viewers complained; If there were, I would regard them as good opportunities to have conversations)The library censored words “anti-Asian racism”. As an Asian Canadian, I would like to ask: is there a neutral position on anti-Asian racism?In the USA, attempts to censor library books have been going on; a school board in Manitoba has rejected a call to censor school libraries recentlyAn expert in freedom of expression commented that it is rare that the censorship is from the library itselfPage 25 of 167
LIBRARY BOARD’S DECISION ON MARCH 17After a constitutional law expert said that the library was violating my Charter right to freedom of expression, the board made the decision:“THAT the Aurora Public Library Board approve hanging the art exhibit with appropriate disclaimers and direct staff to conduct a thorough review of the Public Art Policy” Page 26 of 167
Page 27 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICE AND CONDUCT“This exhibitiondoes not imply an endorsement by the Aurora Public Library Board or its staff” It did not follow the library’s policy:"An exhibitdoes not imply an endorsement by the Aurora Public Library Board or its staff") and was not “APPROPRIATE”according to the library board’s motion. The library is hostile to my exhibition; my exhibition is not welcomedPage 28 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICES AND CONDUCT/CONTINUED CENSORSHIPCollage of the women’s march submitted censored online;No artist interview video about the exhibition, previously scheduled, done with every artist; promotion, archived; My voice as an artist has been silenced.Total erasure on the website. The library erased two paragraphs and an old photo, the history of my exhibition and women’s voices from social movements and herstoty I documented and my voice as an immigrant woman/woman 0f color artist Page 29 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICES AND CONDUCT/DISCRIMINATIONDiscriminatory treatments Sign: “this exhibition” did not follow the wording in the library policy“an exhibition” ; Singled out an exhibition on women’ rights, not welcomedNo artist interview video, only two paragraphs and an old photoTotal erasure of information regarding my exhibition on the library’s gallery website/other artists: interview videos are archived Page 30 of 167
Page 31 of 167
LIBRARY’S WRONG PRACTICES AND CONDUCT/REPRISALSNo apologies after the censorship and loss of two-week exhibition timeNo artist interview video, total erasure on the websiteNo reply to my request for info on deputation for 20 days (until my letter to the board finally arrived the board through a councillor); No response to my demand for apologies I sent on March 22Page 32 of 167
CENSORSHIP HAPPENED IN THE PAST, HAPPENING NOW. FUTURE?Happened in the past. The library wrote to me: “He presented the photos to me in advance and we selected the ones we could use. One he really wanted had signage we could not use in a public setting – and he blurred out that sign.” Happening now. If it is not stopped, it will happened again.Page 33 of 167
HAPPENED IN THE PAST, HAPPENING NOW. FUTURE?An artist acknowledged the censorship of his work on Women’s March Page 34 of 167
INTERSECTIONALITYFreedom of expression is not a given, it intersects with gender, class and race. Think about whose voices have been censored, whose works have been censored, who has been suffering from censorship, continued censorship, erasure, discrimination and reprisals? Censorship intersects with gender, race and class, they reinforce each other; the right to freedom of expression intersects with human rights, you can’t separate twoI have suffered from discrimination and reprisals, the painful lived experiences of an immigrant woman/woman of colour artist Page 35 of 167
LIBRARY SHOULD CORRECT THEIR WRONG PRACTICE AND CONDUCTAccountability and transparency: the library violated my Charter right as well as my human rights to equal treatments under the Ontario Human Rights Code Publicly apologize to me and to the community for its wrong practice and conductProduce and archive the pre-arranged artist interview about my exhibitionPage 36 of 167
POLICIES AND PRACTICES(1):RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONCharter of Rights and Freedoms that guarantees citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expressionStrong policy: "It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee the right of free expression by making all the library's public facilities and services to all individuals and groups who need them “(CLA Position Statement of Intellectual Freedom)Non Charter-proof policy: “The Aurora Public Library Board reserves the right to accept or refuse a display, or to change, cancel or remove any display at any time, at its discretion.” (Public Art Policy);Professor Martha Jackman: “just because a policy is in place does not make it Charter-proof”.Investigate: Censorship happened in the past at least once, the board needs to find out if there were other cases and report back to the community Page 37 of 167
POLICIES AND PRACTICES(2):HUMAN RIGHTS POLICYI have suffered from discrimination and reprisals, the painful lived experience of a women of colour artist Aurora Public Library does not have a Human Rights Policy/Toronto Public Library has oneTraining, awareness, guarantee the equal rights for everyone, staff members (“This is a difficult place”——a member of staff), library users, artists; treat people equally, non-oppression approach, no matter to staff or people out of the public institution/power structurePage 38 of 167
LIBRARY BOARD’S STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT OPEN, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE(1)Structurally, the CEO of the library is the library’s secretary and treasurer, one of the contacts of the board and the other board contact is his executive assistant. No independent board contact; I asked for an independent board contac since March 28; after resident Julie and I advocated, the emailbox was finally created before my delegation at the board meeting on Apil 19 but thechair neither acknowledges of receiving of my letters nor responses to any of my emails and keeps contacting me through the CEO executive assistantOne of the library contacts, a manager of the library and executive assistant to the CEO did not answer my query about delegation at the board meeting and the procedural by-laws until my letter through councillors who sit on the board reached the chair 20 days later I wrote to the chair to ask how the board will ensure there is no conflict of interest. The chair never answered and addressed myconcern of potential conflicts of interest and how to prevent conflict of interest procedurally.At the board meeting I delegated, only the chair had opportunity to ask questions, one question was about why I should be censored although the board special meeting on March 17 had decided to let my exhibition installed fully without any censorship; pick up one policies; my supporters observed that one female board member intended to ask questions after my deputation but was not given the opportunity. Page 39 of 167
LIBRARY BOARD’S STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT OPEN, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE(2)The board uses the excuse of litigation or potential litigation to hold closed-door meetings on March 17 and May 3 while my purpose is to request the library to correct the wrong doings and improve its policies and practices so nobody would go through what I have gone through. All information is public and related to public interests. So many concerned parties and individuals, yet the whole process was not open, transparent and accountable. I wrote to the board regarding the delegation procedure on March 17 but not told about the meeting, not mention being invited to delegate.According to the minutes of the special meeting on March 17, the CEO and managers were there; On May 3 special meeting, were they there? Did the board play prudent oversight? Why the public and I could not be there when the matter was discussed and a decision related to what I have been suffering was made?Page 40 of 167
LIBRARY BOARD’S STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES ARE NOT OPEN, TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE(3)My supporters, allies, and I were kept in the dark about when the meeting to discuss my delegation would be and when the decision would be communicated to me (On May 4, Councillor Weese told me that the board had met and the chair would contact me. I received the letter on May 18. During the long and painful waiting, even councillor Weese was not sure what the chair was doing and called him but no response to me)The letter regarding the board’s decision came on May 18, one day after the regular board meeting on May 17 was suddenly cancelled. My supporters, allies and I were wondering about the decision. Resident Ms. Karen So wrote a letter to the board to ask for information, she never received a response. On May 17, I did not see the agenda of the board meeting scheduled for May 17 on the board’s website and wondered why, then I was told that the meeting was cancelled and the meeting was marked with “cancelled”. The whole process was not transparent, not to mention compassion.The minutes of the closed-door special meeting on March 17 became available only recently. The minutes of the meeting on April 19 where I made a delegation and the closed-door special meeting where the decision was made on May 3 are still not available on the board website today (May 16) after the rescheduled board meeting on June 16. Page 41 of 167
LIBRARY BOARD’S DECISIONDear Ms. Shi,I am writing to you on behalf of the Aurora Public Library Board in response to yourdelegation on April 19, 2023. We take all concerns very seriously and appreciate you sharingyour thoughts and feedback with us.As a Board, we have conducted a thorough review and feel confident that all practicesoutlined in the Aurora Public Library Public Art Policy, which you signed agreement to, werefollowed. You have requested that we update our Public Art Policy. The Board agrees this isa priority and will be doing so as soon as possible.Please understand that with this review complete and the next step of the Aurora PublicLibrary Public Art Policy review initiated, we consider this matter closed.Sincerely,Adam MobbsAPL Board ChairPage 42 of 167
LIBRARY’S DECISION/MY RESPONSEThe library board did not address the issues of the continued censorship and erasure, glaring discrimination and reprisals AT ALL. The board did not fulfill its responsibility of prudent oversight of the library to order the management to correct its practices contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code;It is not meaningful for the board to conduct a Public Art Policy Review when the library continues the censorship, discrimination and reprisals; not listening to the artist and the York Region Arts Council’s input;It is very disappointing that the board is not establishing a Human Rights Policy;The board implies in its decision that a contract can waive the library’s wrong practices and conduct.Page 43 of 167
CONTRACTThe library confirmed the dates for the exhibition and said they would sendme “original contract with the title & date changes” on October 26,2022 but did not send it to me. I wrote to the library that I would go to the library to measure the wall and sigh the contract on October 30 andasked again if I needed to sign an updated contract regarding the exhibitionFire IIon November 2 and was told that I did not need to. Therefore,there is no contract signed for the exhibitionFire II.Martha Jackman, a professor of law at the University of Ottawa, says “just because a policy is in place does not make it Charter-proof.” (“Thelibrary also pointed CBC Toronto to a policy that states it "retains the right to determine the suitability of any proposed exhibit on its premisesand reserves the right to accept or refuse a display, or to change, cancel orremove a display at any time, at its discretion." But Jackman isn'tconvinced, saying just because a policy is in place does not make it Charter-proof.”https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/aurora-public-library-ford-trump-women-1.6779846).The board acknowledges that updating the Public Art Policy is a priority. When the policy (the contract is part of the policy:https://aurorapl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/110/2021/10/Public-Art-Policy-February-2018.pdf) itself is not Charter-proof, you want metoobey your Charter-violating practices?The bottom line is that the library can’t act above laws and should comply with laws. Even though the board are clinging to a contract that wasnot signed,NO contract can waive the library’s liability from their practices and conduct contrary to the Charter of Rights and Freedomsand the Ontario Human Rights Code.The library board should make policies Charter and Human Rights Code-proof and the library shouldmake its practices Chapter and Human Rights Code-proof rather than hope that a contract could waive their liability of violating laws.The library could put all the waivers in the contract, however, if the library violates Canadian laws, it is still liable. Period.Page 44 of 167
CONTRACTThe library confirmed the dates for my exhibition in the email on October 26; promoted the exhibition in thelibrary’s magazineBorealisWinter 2022; On March 2, the library confirmed the date for the taping of theartistinterview video: the same day of exhibition installation on March 6.The library broke the agreement in many ways, including but not limiting to:a) The library censored my works they approved earlier on the day of the exhibition installation;b) I lost two weeks of exhibition time;c) The library did not produce the pre-scheduled artist interview video;d) The library did not post the pre-scheduled artist interview video on itswebsite as pre-arranged. Instead, theyposted the promotion materials inBorealis: two paragraphs and a photo that do not reflect my updated exhibitionfully (The library censored the collage of the women’s march in Toronto in 2023 I submitted for thepromotion before the video was ready)e) The library did not archive an artist interview video about my exhibition like what is done for every other artist who exhibits at the library (https://aurorapl.ca/art-gallery/). Instead, it ERASED two paragraphs and the photo regarding my exhibition on its website after my exhibition was taken down on April 17.Page 45 of 167
IMPACTSLost two-week exhibition time/no equitable promotion as an artist on the library’s website Missed a deadline for a big creative project I am very passionate about. It was heartbreaking. Devoted time, energy, labour to advocacy, planned creative projects have been disruptedPhysical and mental stress/sleepless nights, my body bled the whole night two days after I received the board decisionPage 46 of 167
SUPPORTMs. Monica del Rio Pain, Director of Programming & Operations of the Council, wrote in her emailto me on April 10:“The work and hardships you are experiencing will hopefully carve a way forward so thatfuture artists won't have to experience this. This will be a big learning process for all”.She wrote in her email to me on April 24: "I met with the Town of Auroralast week and will be submitting all the feedback formally (as well as your last notes) withyour permission, to be included in their stakeholder information gathering processes forthe Cultural and Public Art Plan.YRAC also concluded that this experience is a placeto learn and grow as a community and town and that defining policies andprocedures is why an informed Cultural and public Art Plan is so important."Page 47 of 167
REQUEST“The Board is recruited by the Town and the legally constitutedauthority responsible directly to the Council of the Town ofAurora and the community for prudent oversight of the Library’soperations”. Council takes actions to ensure that the board playprudent oversight of the library, corrects its erroneous decision andorder the library correct its practices contrary to the Charter ofRights and Freedoms and Ontario Human Rights Code as soon aspossible.Page 48 of 167
REQUESTCouncillor Weese wrote to me: "The Board and the Town have a duty and responsibility to follow all Canadian Human Rights Codes, just like any organization. We must ensure our policies are consistent with Canadian Law.”Councillor Gallo wrote to me: “: "Rest assured I have an open mind and will do my best to fare (fair) and equitable."I hope that two councillors will have an opportunity to vote for huaman rights, equity and fairness in an open, transparent and accountable meeting at the council levelPage 49 of 167
A BETTER TOWNEnsure policies and guidelines are “progressive and inclusive”(Mayor)The population of our town is becoming more diverse;Human Rights Policy is needed for our public institutions •Diversity, equity and inclusion are not for decoration.They require deeds.Page 50 of 167
Town of Aurora
Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Greg Smith (Chair)
Anita Evans Boyle
Stephen Forsey (Vice Chair)
Chris Polsinelli
Members Absent: Farshid Ameryoun
Other Attendees: Demetre Rigakos, Manager, Human Resources
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
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.
Page 51 of 167
Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved By Stephen Forsey
Seconded By Anita Evans Boyle
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
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. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2023
Moved By Chris Polsinelli
Seconded By Stephen Forsey
That the Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee meeting minutes of
May 8, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Human Resources; Re: Council
Compensation Overview and Relevant Material
Staff provided a brief summary of the memorandum and attached
material, and presented an overview of the components of Council
compensation, roles of Council and the Mayor, compensation review
process, comparator data, and next steps.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including the need for
more recent comparator data, additional comparator municipalities,
additional metrics including complexity and development activity,
Page 52 of 167
Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 3
operating and capital budgets, part-time versus full-time roles, workload
and supports, effects of ward versus at-large systems, and representation
ratio. It was further agreed that a Council member survey be completed.
Moved By Stephen Forsey
Seconded By Anita Evans Boyle
1. That the memorandum regarding Council Compensation Overview and
Relevant Material be received; and
2. That the Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee comments
regarding Council Compensation Overview and Relevant Material be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved By Stephen Forsey
Seconded By Anita Evans Boyle
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Carried
Page 53 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. CMS 2 3 -0 29
Subject: Sport Plan Update – No. 4
Prepared by: Hailey Jones, Specialist, Sport & Community Development
Department: Community Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. CMS23-029 be received for information.
Executive Summary
This report provides a status update on work related to the Sport Plan since the General
Committee, Sport Plan – Progress Report No. 3 (No. CMS22-002) on January 11, 2022.
This report outlines successfully implemented recommendations and events in
alignment with the Sport Plan, as well as a high-level strategy for the continued
implementation of the Sport Plan.
Gender Equity & Sport Tourism in Aurora both remain a priority post-
pandemic in the sport community.
Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership Course (PLF4M) successfully
launched in February 2023, with eight students enrolled.
Business Calendar of executed Sport Plan initiatives (Since January 2022)
and forthcoming education opportunities, topics and events developed in
strategic alignment with the Sport Plan.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) remains a foundational element for
current and future initiatives under the Sport Plan.
The past four years have proven successful implementation of the Sport Plan
using existing internal resources.
Background
Council approved the Sport Plan in 2015 in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. The plan includes 22 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
Sport Aurora was on contract from 2016-2018 to implement the Year 1-3 deliverables in
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June 20, 2023 2 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
the Sport Plan. When the Sport Plan was approved, it was recognized that new
resources or a contracted service provider were going to be required for implementation
and sustainability of the Sport Plan as the deliverables require considerable resources
that the current staff compliment could not manage.
In December 2018, Council directed staff to report back on alternative delivery models
for Sport Plan initiatives.
In April 2019, Council approved a new two-year contract position, called a Sport and
Community Development Specialist, to continue with the delivery of the Sport Plan.
Subsequently, the position was made permanent as the success of implementing the
plan was proven.
Analysis
Gender Equity & Sport Tourism in Aurora both remain a priority post-pandemic in the
Sport Community.
Under the guidance of the Town’s Sport Plan, work is being completed to strengthen
support for women and girls in sport, create a strategic approach to sport tourism,
develop more sport opportunities and provide workshops to further enhance the sport
community. Work has focused on cultivating the journey of young female athletes as
demonstrated by submitting a bid to host International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
pretournament initiatives. Hockey Canada and the Ontario Women’s Hockey
Association (OWHA) hosted the Women’s World Championship at the CAA Centre in
Brampton, Ontario and requested municipal communities to bid on the opportunity to
host an international women’s hockey team for training camp and/or an exhibition
game.
The Town of Aurora won the bid to host the Sweden Women’s National Team for
training camp, and an exhibition game between Sweden and Switzerland at the Aurora
Community Centre on Sunday, April 2, 2023. The Town viewed this as an opportunity to
strengthen the relationship with the Swedish Consulate (as our twinned city is Leksand,
Sweden), advance women in sport, and showcase the Town on the sport tourism
international stage. In alignment with the Sport Plan and Sport Tourism Strategy, the
Town of Aurora was excited to put action behind the idea that ‘If you can see it, you can
be it’. Through the promotion and celebration of women and girls in sport, our local
community came together to inspire the next generation of girls and youth in Aurora.
The Town went above and beyond to ensure the Aurora community had multiple
opportunities to participate and celebrate this high profile event in our town. The Town
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June 20, 2023 3 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
hosted a free skate to engage and connect with the community to participate on the ice
while further developing sport literacy. Residents and community members came
together to learn more about the IIHF pretournament events in a safe, inclusive and
active environment. The Town invited local hockey organizations to be ‘leads’ on the ice
resulting in local youth hockey players showcasing and developing leadership skills
while simultaneously being ambassadors to their organizations.
Equity, diversity and inclusion was at the forefront of all decision making relating to
accessibility and the removal of barriers for the Aurora community. For example, to be
more inclusive with respect to persons from low income backgrounds, persons with
disabilities, and culturally diverse residents, the Town priced tickets at the lowest
approved amount in collaboration with Hockey Canada. Additionally, specific
consideration was made to ensure all members of the community had equitable access
to ticketing platforms (both online and in-person), and the Town gave away over 100
community tickets to several identified local organizations.
Following the Canadian Women & Sport report on gender equity, it has been identified
that sport needs more female coaches, officials and board members. Women bring a
wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives and are role models for our younger
generation. Hosting a game of this magnitude in the community helps inspire and
support women and girls in sport while bringing our Sport Plan to life through various
initiatives and activities. The IIHF events provided our community with real life
examples of how anyone can be a coach, athlete, leader and sports administrator and
reach success at an international and/or high performance level.
Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership Course (PLF4M) successfully launched in
February 2023, with eight students enrolled.
In collaboration with ASK Online Canada (an accredited online Canadian school), the
Town of Aurora launched and delivered a female and gender diverse youth-only hybrid
(in-person and online) Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership Course
(PLF4M). Successful completion of this course provides students with a Grade 12 credit
towards their high school diploma and certifications for leadership positions in
recreation and sport, including HIGH FIVE Sport, Emergency First Aid, National Coaching
Certification Program (NCCP), Fundamental Movement Skills, and Leaders in Action.
Through the Sport Plan, the Town of Aurora is committed to supporting more female
and gender diverse leadership roles in sport. This university/college preparation course
is a unique, blended-learning opportunity that involves 110 hours of combined in-person,
online and community mentorship experiences.
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June 20, 2023 4 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
The inaugural course showcased female leaders within the community and provided
students with the unique opportunity to network with empowered women in Aurora and
surrounding areas. Winter 2023 students were intimately involved in planning and
executing various IIHF pretournament events as part of their event planning curriculum
requirements. This is an example of the unique and meaningful opportunities that the
Town is able to provide through the shared responsibility and partnership with ASK
online (virtual school).
To remove financial barriers for course registration fees, the Town of Aurora has
launched a new IIHF Scholarship in support of the Recreation and Healthy Active Living
Leadership Course for girls and gender diverse youth in Aurora. This announcement is a
legacy item in support of the Town hosting the IIHF Women’s World Championship Pre-
Tournament Game on April 2, 2023. To date, five scholarships per year over the course
of five years, for a total of twenty-five scholarships between 2024-2029, will be given out
to female identifying youth that meet all eligibility requirements and wish to take the
Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership Course. These scholarships are
sponsored by the following organizations: Key Advantage Team, Jennifer Di Paolo
Reality (x2), Aurora Crossfit Central, and Central York Girls Hockey Association
(CYGHA).
Business Calendar of Executed Sport Plan Initiatives (since January 2022) and
forthcoming education opportunities, topics, and events developed in strategic alignment
with the Sport Plan.
Since the last update report to Council in January 2022, significant work on
implementing the Sport Plan has been achieved. Following the priorities as outlined in
the Sport Plan, staff have developed a business calendar capturing the initiatives
(educational session, presentations, Mayor’s Roundtable of Sport, gender equity sport
tourism) and topics based on Local Sport Organization (LSO) and community
organization interests and feedback.
Note: Feedback has been received via online surveys, registration questionnaires, as
well as verbal and written communications with staff.
Year Month Initiative Topic
2022
February Educational Session Policy Development: Sport Law
April Educational Session Train the Inner Voice Workshop: Sport Law
Educational Session DEI Workshop: Sport Law
November Educational Session Women’s Coaching Circle: Safe Sport Workshop 1
Page 57 of 167
June 20, 2023 5 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
2023
January
Presentation Aurora Youth Engagement Committee: Leadership
Mayors Roundtable of Sport Connecting in 2023
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Bid Submitted
February Gender Equity Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership
Course: Winter 2023 Begins
March
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Community Free Skate
Gender Equity/Leadership
Leaders in ACTION: Leadership certification course
for the students in the Recreation & Healthy Active
Living Leadership Course
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Mayor’s Welcome Event
April
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Sweden Team Open Practice
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Sweden Team Autograph Session
Gender Equity/Sport Tourism IIHF Hosting: Sweden v Switzerland Game
Mayors Roundtable of Sport Pickleball Edition
Educational Session Women’ Coaching Circle: Safe Sport Workshop 2
Gender Equity Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership
Course: Winter 2023 Concludes
Gender Equity Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership
Course: Winter 2023 Celebration
The work of the Sport Plan continues to be a high priority to provide a safe and
engaging space for more community members to participate in sport. The following
topics have been identified by staff for future consideration based on feedback from
LSOs and community partners.
Topics for Education Sessions, Presentations and Workshops:
o DEI in Sport: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Sport
In consultation with Sport Law, the Town is creating a multifaceted
approach to DEI in Sport. The sessions have been categorized
under the title of ‘Maintaining and Creating an Inclusive
Environment in Sport’ and will be offered to the community at no
cost. Sessions will focus on the LGBTQ2S+ community, anti-Black
racism, and allyship in sport, amongst others.
In addition to the community educational opportunities, the Town
is also committed to the continued learning of internal staff. This
includes staff certification through the Canadian Centre for
Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
o Indigenous Leadership in Sport
In consultation with Kim Wheatley, Town of Aurora Indigenous
Consultant, staff are in process of developing a free community
Page 58 of 167
June 20, 2023 6 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
workshop to include Indigenous leadership and coaching practices
in local organizations.
o Mental Health Supports & Resources in Sport
Partnering with local sporting organizations and The Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the Town is working to offer
a series of free workshops dedicated to various stakeholders
(coaches, athletes, administration, etc.) focusing on the mental
health realities in the current sport landscape.
o Gender Equity in Sport
In collaboration with local organizations, Canadian Women in Sport,
the Canadian Women’s Foundation, topics relating to recruiting &
retaining female coaches and girls only programming opportunities
have been identified as priorities.
o Rowan’s Law & Concussion Prevention
In partnership with the City of Markham, staff are currently
exploring future educational sessions to share in the responsibility
around concussion protocol and awareness.
Legislation regarding concussion awareness and resources came
into place on July 1, 2019 through Rowan’s Law, with new rules
taking place on January 1, 2021 mandating sport organizations to
put into place Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocols, to
improve concussion safety.
o Newcomer Education
In partnership with The Centre for Immigrant and Community
Services (CICS), the Town is actively working to removing the
financial and language barrier for newcomers to the community.
Adult information sessions, and age-appropriate activities will be
hosted at Town facilities (inclusive of translation services) with a
focus on water safety, program registration and Town offerings.
Sport Plan Refresh: Staff will examine the current 22 priority initiatives as per the
Sport Plan to provide recommendations on next steps.
Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership Course: Continued examination of
the sustainability of the course, existing partnerships and deliverables after a
successful inaugural semester in Winter 2023.
Sport Tourism comprehensive plan: Development and ongoing implementation
on the Sport Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 and the Sport Visitor Experience
Package.
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June 20, 2023 7 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
Development of ‘Leaders in ACTION’ certification course: Examination of the
Town’s ‘Leaders in Play’ to establish minimum standards regarding leadership
expectations and certification.
True Sport Strategy: An initiative of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport
(CCES), True Sport is dedicated to changing the landscape of sport from the
ground up. True Sport is a series of programs and initiatives designed to give
people, communities and organizations the means by which to leverage the
many benefits of good sport from a platform of shared values and principles.
Safe Sport is an important pillar of True Sport. True Sport aids in the
establishment of an inclusive approach to Safe Sport by framing the
conversation regarding appropriate behaviours that foster safe sport spaces.
True Sport aligns with the overall commitment of the Sport Plan with the
additional dedication and notion that good sport can make a great difference. It
is important to note that the Sport Plan outlines True Sport in section 1.8 Policy
Context and Alignment.
OCAA Championship Hosting: Successful hosting of the IIHF events alongside
the implementation of the Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership
course has resulted in Seneca College reaching out to the Town to partner on
upcoming sport and recreation events. Seneca College has been awarded with
the rights to host the Ontario Collegiate Athletics Association (OCAA) Baseball
Championship in Fall 2023 and leveraging the relationship that has been formed
between the Town and the new Athletic Director at Seneca College, Seneca has
chosen to host the Championship in Aurora.
Continued development and fostering of priority community partnerships that
further the work of the Sport Plan. Examples include pursuing and expanding
relationships with Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS),
BridgeNorth, Canadian Tire Jump Start, and Flex for Access.
The past four years have proven successful implementation of the Sport Plan using
existing internal resources.
Since 2019, the Sport Plan has been implemented and executed through internal Town
resources. It is important to note that the Town recognizes and upholds that it is the
collective work of the Town, Local Sport Organizations and community partnerships to
advance the sport and healthy active living.
A strong local community sport system relies on role clarity, a league of volunteers and
sport groups, promotion and communications, a continuum of sport opportunities,
sound infrastructure, coordination and celebration. Aurora has been building a strong
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June 20, 2023 8 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
sport system over decades and continues to see the impressive benefit to residents,
families and the community. Although Key Performance Indicators vary depending on
the activity or event in consideration, all local sporting organizations and community
partners benefit from a single point of connect via direct town involvement.
Upon the release of the Sport Plan, the Town of Aurora committed to examining a
relationship with existing community partners regarding the implementation of a sport
council, in addition to creating a role responsible for carrying out the objectives in the
Sport Plan. As the Sport & Community Development Specialist role expanded, the
incumbent serves as a direct contact for all LSOs and community partners involved in
sport, recreation and healthy active living.
The Sport Plan sets about to create a vision and prioritize key actions that will
strengthen the sport delivery system and outcomes. The implementation of a
successful Sport Plan relies on gaining an understanding of the needs, strengths and
challenges and mapping out a realistic and achievable course for the future. Creating
performance measures and annual reporting around the goals of the Sport Plan will
ensure that stakeholders and partners keep priorities in focus and continue to work
cohesively toward the vision by each playing their part.
Although the recommendation of a sport council was in the Sport Plan, it has been
proven that the Town can accomplish priority execution and implementation of the
Sport Plan using existing resources.
Consistent with the recommendation of April 2019, staff do not recommend
establishing a Sport Council for Aurora. Although Sport Councils can be part of a
collective sport community, there are drawbacks to this model such as bureaucracy,
unclear reporting relationships, committee scope and mandate, attendance and quorum
challenges and fair recruitment and appointments, among others, all of which can take
significant staff time to manage.
It is important to note that some priorities of the Sport Plan are being implemented by
the sport community, specifically Aurora Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Aurora. These
priorities include but are not limited to supporting Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Induction
Celebration, Future Hall of Famers Program and Celebrity Golf Tournament, as well as
Sport Aurora’s initiatives to recognize and celebrate volunteers, Breakfast of
Champions, and the All Kids Can Play Program.
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June 20, 2023 9 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
Advisory Committee Review
Not applicable
Legal Considerations
None.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications arising from this report.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public about the information contained in this report by
posting it to the Town’s website. The Communications team has and will continue to
promote the various programs and initiatives associated with the Sport Plan through the
Town’s regular communications channels.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations from this report does not impact greenhouse gas emissions or
impact climate change adaptation.
Link to Strategic Plan
The work on the Sport Plan supports the Strategic Plan goal of Supporting an
exceptional quality of life for all in its accomplishments in satisfying requirements in the
following key objective within these goal statements:
Encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. None.
Page 62 of 167
June 20, 2023 10 of 10 Report No. CMS23-029
Conclusions
The purpose of the Sport Plan is to place focus on increasing participation in sport
through the provision of a safe, supportive and inclusive sport environment. Community
sport builds community vitality and can be a tool for social change, foster greater
inclusion of excluded groups and have a significant impact on the quality of life we all
enjoy.
The Specialist, Sport & Community Development position has the priority responsibility
to execute and delegate priorities as per the Town of Aurora Sport Plan. Empowering
this position is an effective, efficient way to ensure the Sport Plan continues to meet its’
intended goal.
Attachments
None.
Previous Reports
CMS19-004 Sport Plan – Update, February 12, 2019
CMS19-010 Sport Plan – Recommendation for Implementation, April 16, 2019
CMS20-009 Sport Plan – Progress Report, March 3, 2020
CMS20-023 Sport Plan Progress Report No. 2, September 22, 2020
CMS21-023 Sport Tourism Summary Report, June 15, 2021
CMS21-035 Sport Tourism Strategy Update 1, November 2, 2021
CMS22-002 Sport Plan – Progress Report No. 3, January 11, 2022
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 63 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, COMMUNITY SERVICES – RECREATIONSport Plan UpdateNo. 4JUNE 20, 2023Page 64 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4HIGHLIGHTS•Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership Course•IIHF Pretournament in Aurora•Safe Sport Workshop•Upcoming Sport Plan InitiativesPage 65 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership CoursePage 66 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership CoursePage 67 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Certifications:•High Five Sport •NCCP •Leaders in ACTION•Emergency First Aid & CPRRecreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership CoursePage 68 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Community Involvement:•Central York Girls Hockey Association•Aurora Sport Hall of Fame•Seneca College A&R Department•Hamilton Community Foundation•Town of Aurora: Community Services & Communications•SEEWHATSHECANDO•Neighbour Media•Aurora JR. A TigersRecreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership CoursePage 69 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Recreation & Healthy Active Living Leadership CoursePage 70 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4IIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 71 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4IIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 72 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Free SkateTicket GiveawaysIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 73 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Mayor’s WelcomeEventIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 74 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4IIHF ScholarshipAnnouncementCYGHAKey Advantage TeamJennifer Di Paolo Real EstateCrossfit Aurora CentralIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 75 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Team Sweden Open PracticeIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 76 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4Team Sweden Autograph SessionIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 77 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4SWEDEN v SWITZERLANDIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 78 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4The Untold Success Stories•Intentional Purchasing •Revenue Generation for CYGHA•Leadership Course Involvement•All Female Officiating Crew•Sponsorship Activation •Ticket Giveaway to 217 Community Members Community Involvement & InteractionIIHF Pretournament in AuroraPage 79 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4SAFE SPORT WorkshopPage 80 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4SAFE SPORT WorkshopPage 81 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4SAFE SPORT Page 82 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4What is Next Under the Sport Plan?Page 83 of 167
TOWN OF AURORA, CMS - RECREATIONSport Plan Update No. 4•DEI in Sport: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Sport•Sport Law•Wisdom2Action•Mental Health & Well-being Supports & Resources•CAMH & CYGHA•BridgeNorth•Indigenous Leadership in Sport•Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario•Kim Wheatley, Consultant•Sport Tourism Strategy•Economic Development & Aurora Chamber of Commerce•Upcoming events What is Next Under the Sport Plan?Page 84 of 167
Thank You “Once we know better, we do better” -Allison ForsythPage 85 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. CMS 2 3 -0 2 5
Subject: Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and Ontario Women’s Hockey
Association (OWHA) Junior Hockey Ice Rental Fees
Prepared by: John Firman, Manager, Business Support
Department: Community Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. CMS23-025 be received; and
2. That Council approve the recommended reduced ice rental fees for the Ontario Junior
Hockey League (OJHL) Aurora Tigers Jr. A and the Ontario Women’s Hockey
Association (OWHA) Central York Panthers hockey teams; and
3. That the existing 2023 Fees and Charges Bylaw be amended to reflect the proposed
changes to fee rates included in this report; and
4. That Council authorize staff to enter in a shared rink board advertising agreement with
the Central York Girls Hockey Association, in accordance with the terms outlined in
this report.
Executive Summary
This report seeks approval to reduce the ice rental fees for the Aurora Tigers Jr. A
Hockey Club (Tigers) and for the Central York Panthers U22AA Elite team (Panthers),
which is part of the Central York Girls Hockey Association (CYGHA). This report also
seeks approval for staff to enter into a shared rink board advertising agreement with the
CYGHA for the exclusive benefit of the Panthers, in order to achieve equitable support
for both the men’s and women’s elite level hockey teams in Aurora.
The Aurora Tigers and the Central York Panthers are elite level hockey teams
based in Aurora providing a key component in the pathway from minor hockey to
professional opportunities, as well as supporting sport tourism.
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June 20, 2023 2 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
The Aurora Tigers have submitted a request to have their ice rental fees reduced,
in order to help sustain the viability of the club.
The Panthers and the Tigers are an essential part of the Hockey Canada Long
Term Athlete Development process and showcase high performance sport at the
local level.
In accordance with the Sport Plan, the Panthers team should also be afforded the
same rates in support of gender equity between Aurora’s two elite level hockey
teams.
Staff also recommend entering into a shared rink board advertising agreement
with the CYGHA Panthers, similar to the agreement currently in place with the
Tigers.
Background
The Aurora Tigers and the Central York Panthers are elite level hockey teams based in
Aurora providing a key component in the pathway from minor hockey to professional
opportunities, as well as supporting sport tourism.
The Aurora Tigers Jr. A Hockey Club is an independent club providing elite level
opportunities along the pathway from minor hockey to professional opportunities, with
alumni securing university scholarships (27 in the last 7 years) in Canada and the United
States, and even careers in the NHL (over 40 in the history of the club).
The Central York Panthers U22AA Elite team is the female equivalent of the Tigers, with
alumni securing university scholarships (60 in the last 7 years) in Canada and the United
States, as well as moving on to play at the professional and national team levels (15 in
the last 18 years, plus 45 playing at the Provincial level).
Both organizations require financial support in order to maintain their viability.
Providing opportunities at this level is a significant financial burden. The Tigers operate
at a loss each year and is only sustained by generosity of team ownership that wants to
see this level of play continue to be made available in Aurora. The Panthers, although a
non-profit organization with other levels of minor hockey within the organization, do not
pass along the costs to the grass roots members. All costs for this elite level team are
placed on the players and their families. This provides a financial burden for
participation which can be very difficult for some players.
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June 20, 2023 3 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
Analysis
The Aurora Tigers have submitted a request to have their ice rental fees reduced, in order
to help sustain the viability of the club.
In February, the Town received a written request from the Tigers requesting a fee
reduction, to help offset ongoing financial losses. Citing decreasing attendance due to
COVID and regular annual increases to ice rental fees, as financial barriers for the
ongoing sustainability of the club. The Tigers currently pay $142.05 per hour for ice
rentals. Following discussions with the Tigers, staff are recommending the rate be
reduced to $100.00 per hour (2023 rates) subject to regular annual increases in
accordance with the Fees and Charges Bylaw as approved annually by Council.
This will result in an estimated loss in ice rental revenue of approximately $11,500 per
year ($5,000 - $6,000 in 2023), while providing much needed financial assistance to the
Tigers.
In accordance with the Sport Plan, the Panthers team should also be afforded the same
rates in support of gender equity between Aurora’s two elite level hockey teams.
The purpose of the Aurora Sport Plan is to build on current strengths and develop
approaches to strengthen sport delivery to more residents with a focus on increasing
participation through sport for underrepresented communities. Women and girls are
three times more likely to drop out of sport in comparison to their male counterparts,
and barriers for women and girls to participate in sport post-COVID include, but are not
limited to, financial implications, lack of confidence and skills, and unsatisfactory
programming and coaching.
As recommended in the Sport Plan, the Town underwent a process with Canadian
Women in Sport to develop and identify gender equity issues and why girls drop out of
organized sport. In November 2019, the Town of Aurora entered into a partnership with
Canadian Women & Sport to review and developed recommendations related to gender
equity in sport. The project included a survey of Local Sport Organizations, consultation
workshop with members of the community and representatives from the sport
community, and a final report to guide initiatives for more engagement of women in
sport.
The report provides six key priority gaps:
Promote females in sport;
Innovative programming;
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June 20, 2023 4 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
Innovative female recruitment and retention;
Awareness;
Innovative partnerships; and
Governance structure.
These key priorities directly align with the recommendation to reduce the financial
burden for the Panthers (female elite hockey team) to match that of the Tigers (male
elite hockey team).
The Panthers currently pay $217.60 per hour for ice rentals. Staff are recommending
the rate be reduced to $100.00 per hour (2023 rates) subject to regular annual increases
in accordance with the Fees and Charges Bylaw as approved annually by Council.
This will result in an estimated loss in ice rental revenue of approximately $23,600 per
year ($11,000 - $12,000 in 2023), while providing much needed financial assistance to
the Panthers.
The Panthers and the Tigers are an essential part of the Hockey Canada Long Term
Athlete Development process and showcase high performance sport at the local level.
Inspiring the next generation of athletes and coaches in Aurora is in direct alignment
with the Sport Plan – If you can see it, you can be it. As the Sport Plan states in the
executive summary:
There is a collective will to increase sport participation, celebrate sport
successes and preserve the heritage and legacy of sport accomplishments; and
Sport Tourism will play a large part in strengthening community pride and
cohesion and leveraging considerable economic impacts to the community.
Through the Town’s commitment to engage community members of all backgrounds,
expertise, and interests, we have had an opportunity to think critically about tourism,
youth development and organizational success. Aurora has the privilege of being home
to two elite hockey teams, serving to not only continue to develop the next generation of
athletes, but also officials, coaches and administrators.
Both programs support the local economy and the community as a whole. Hosting over
50 games per season combined, bringing visitors to Aurora from across Ontario,
resulting in a positive economic impact in the community through sport tourism.
Hockey Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) ‘Train To Win’ stage focuses
on athletes at the Panthers’ and Tigers’ level (Male age 18-20 and Female age 18-22).
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June 20, 2023 5 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
During this stage the player’s physical, technical, tactical (including decision-making
skills), mental personal and lifestyle capacities are fully established and the emphasis in
training has shifted to the maximization of performance. High performance sport
specialist support is optimized, as is fitness and medical monitoring. Modeling all
possible aspects of training and performance.
This level of play also serves an important role for younger athletes, providing visibility
into the workings of high-performance programmes, serving as inspiration for many
young athletes and helping meet our goal of keeping them in the game. They are
motivated by seeing older high-performance athletes training and competing in the
Town and in local facilities. The lasting impact on the development of youth hockey
players has already been seen in the success of local athletes competing for our
country, province, and Town, in addition to post-secondary opportunities.
Staff also recommend entering into a shared rink board advertising agreement with the
CYGHA Panthers, similar to the agreement currently in place with the Tigers.
In 2015 Council authorized staff to enter into a rink board agreement with the Tigers to
help support their sponsorship initiatives. Corporate sponsorship is an important
opportunity for the Tigers and the Panthers to help offset costs. By including rink board
advertising as part of an overall sponsorship package, both teams are able to offer
additional value to their sponsors which may result in more sponsorships and/or higher
sponsorship revenue per sponsor.
The rink board agreement works well with the Tigers and adds overall value and appeal
to the Town’s rink board advertising clientele by highlighting the level of play and
increased audiences for games.
The Town has ample space available at the Pfaff Arena (Panthers home ice) to
accommodate a similar agreement with the Panthers. Entering into this agreement is
not anticipated to have any negative impact on the Town’s facility advertising program,
as the Town would also retain access to a minimum of 50% of the arena board spaces.
Advisory Committee Review
Not applicable
Legal Considerations
In order to reduce the fees, amendments are required to the Fees and Charges By-law.
Prior to passing the amendments to the by-law, the Town must post written notice of
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June 20, 2023 6 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
the intention to pass the by-law on the website at least 14 days prior to consideration of
the by-law. The earliest that the by-law may be passed is at the July Council meeting.
Further, Legal Services will work with the Business Support Division to prepare the rink
board advertising agreements.
Financial Implications
It is estimated that the reduction in rental rates will result in a total annual revenue loss
to the Town of approximately $35,100 or, 1.5 percent of total ice rental revenues. The
revenue loss for 2023 will be less (approx. $16,000 to $18,000 in 2023), as half of the
year’s ice usage is already complete. These reduced rates may potentially result in
increased rental hours for each team if needed, offsetting some of the losses. It is
anticipated that the Town may in time recognize a net increase in advertising revenue
as a result of these agreements which will further offset ice rental revenue losses. Any
unrecoverable lost ice rental revenues would need to be offset by the tax levy within the
Town’s operating budget.
If Council approves the recommended Ice Rental rate reductions for the Aurora Tigers
Jr. A Hockey Club (Tigers) and for the Central York Panthers U22AA Elite team
(Panthers), the necessary 2023 Rates & Fees bylaw amendments will be brought to
Council for its review and approval at the first opportunity to do so.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform residents about the information contained in this report by posting
it to the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations from this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or
impact climate change adaptation.
Link to Strategic Plan
The recommendations in this report support the Strategic Plan goal of Supporting an
exceptional quality of life for all in its accomplishment in satisfying requirements in the
following key objective within this goal statement:
Objective 4: Encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
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June 20, 2023 7 of 7 Report No. CMS23-025
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council may choose to decline a reduction in fees for the Tigers and approve a
lesser reduction in fees for the Panthers, to bring them on par with the Tigers.
2. Council may choose to decline any reduction in fees for either team.
3. Council may choose to decline approval for a rink board agreement with the
Panthers.
4. Council may provide further direction.
Conclusions
That Council approve the recommendations in this report to lower ice rental fees for
both the Aurora Tigers Jr. A and the Central York Panthers U22AA Elite hockey teams
and authorize staff to enter into a rink board agreement with the Panthers, to help
ensure the financial viability of both teams and support gender equity for the elite
hockey level in Town.
Attachments
N/A
Previous Reports
PR15-027 Aurora Tigers Rink Boards, September 8, 2015
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 92 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. CMS 2 3 -0 27
Subject: Mobile Licensed Beverage Consumption at Concerts in the Park
Prepared by: Shelley Ware, Special Event Supervisor
Department: Community Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. CMS23-027 be received; and
2. That the Licensed Beverage Consumption pilot initiative for the August 23 and August
30 Aurora’s Concert in the Park be approved.
Executive Summary
This report seeks approval of the Licensed Beverage Consumption pilot plan for the
August 23 and August 30 Concerts in the Park.
The pilot initiative considers the logistics, safety plan and financial support
required to implement.
The pilot initiative will collect data, gather community feedback, and measure its
success for any future implementation.
The pilot initiative requires a safety plan including the identification of Town staff
responsible for ensuring appropriate execution.
If a third-party vendor is not secured, the pilot will not be able to proceed.
Background
This report summarizes the annual Aurora’s Concerts in the Park series with a
recommended pilot for Licensed Beverage Consumption for sales on August 23 and
August 30.
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June 20, 2023 2 of 6 Report No. CMS23-027
Aurora’s Concerts in the Park is a Festivals and Events Ontario Top 100 event entering
its 26th year. It is an annual summer tradition with weekly concerts on Wednesday
nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during July and August. There is a different band
performing and community representative as the emcee weekly. The Aurora Farmers
Market and Artisan Fair sets up a sample market, comprised of 3-4 food vendors and 3-
4 artisans, with some vendors changing weekly. The Armoury also offers patio service
by reservation and take out service.
Each week there is an average of 1000 attendees with hundreds more enjoying on site
amenities such as the splash pad, playground or taking in a baseball game onsite. To
date, there has never been alcohol available during the concert series. Currently there
are two other licensed Town of Aurora events; Dance in the Park and Aurora’s Ribfest.
Both events use the Rotary Club of Aurora for the selling of licensed beverages. Based
on previous Request for Proposals, only the Rotary Club of Aurora has expressed
interest and has been able to meet the requirements of the Town.
In response to Council Motion 10.3 subsection 1, a pilot has been developed for the
consumption of Licensed Beverages for sale for the August 23 and August 30 Concerts
in the Park evenings throughout Town Park
Analysis
The pilot initiative outlines the logistics, safety plan and financial support required to
implement.
There are a variety of logistics that were investigated in order to operate this pilot
safely. Factors taken into consideration include:
Compliance with the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Town
of Aurora Municipal Alcohol Policy.
Development of a safety plan for ensuring alcohol doesn’t enter or leave Town
Park.
The amenities and family-focused activities ongoing at Town Park during the
concerts, which includes an active splash pad and recreational softball games.
Although the Municipal Alcohol policy (policy No. 81) states that the Policy does not
apply to Town Events (Section 5.2, Exception) it would be prudent to do so where
applicable. While the policy requires fencing to be set up to ensure the containment of
alcohol can be properly managed, given the short serving timeframe at each pilot
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June 20, 2023 3 of 6 Report No. CMS23-027
Concert, staff are not recommending setting up fencing but to enhance the security
plan.
Town Park is a busy park during the concerts with a very active playground, family
focused splash pad and a busy baseball diamond. The security plan will need to ensure
that all users of this space feel safe and comfortable.
The pilot for August 23 and August 30 entails the following:
Licensed beverages to be sold between 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., concerts are 7 p.m.
to 9 p.m. with an intermission from 7:50 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
An insured third-party service provider would need to be retained for the selling of
licensed beverages in compliance with the AGCO and the Town of Aurora safety
requirements.
The security plan would include two paid duty York Region Police officers and
three By Law officers to be on site from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to ensure that
alcohol is not coming in or leaving Town Park.
The pilot initiative will collect data, gather community feedback, and measure its success
for any future implementation.
During the pilot, qualitative and quantitative feedback will be gathered from the public,
community partners and Town staff. The collection of feedback will start at the
beginning of the Aurora’s Concerts in the Park series through to and post pilot. Parallel
focused methods for collecting data in the form of surveys, collection of statistics,
regional reviews, and in-depth debriefings with community partners such as the Town
Park Rate Payers Association, York Region Police, By-Law, Parks, Legal and
Communication Divisions.
The cumulated results will determine if the licensed beverage consumption for sales is
sustainable considering community safety, and budget requirements. Town staff will
use the results to contribute to a recommendation for the future sales of Licensed
Beverages at Aurora’s Concerts in the Park.
The pilot initiative requires a safety plan including the identification of Town staff
responsible for ensuring appropriate execution.
Events and festival production and execution requires extensive planning,
communication, cooperation, and consideration for various elements including risks
and resources. In creating the plan for this pilot, the Events Team have consulted with
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June 20, 2023 4 of 6 Report No. CMS23-027
Parks, By-Law, Business Support and Legal regarding the impact of introducing a
licensed feature into the Concerts in the Park on August 23 and August 30.
With adding a licensed component to this event, it will increase the Town’s
responsibilities, risk and liability associated with the potential behaviours of the
attendees and may make some concert attendees and playground participants
concerned.
An enhanced security plan would entail a combination of York Region Paid Duty Officers
and a By-Law support team. Their role would be to ensure alcohol does not enter or
leave the premises, to address any inappropriate behaviour and to be a supportive
presence. Town Event Staff will work closely with By-Law and York Region Police to
create the best plan for their presence given the landscape of Town Park, considering
how the existing amenities are utilized when a concert is happening.
The Events Team will seek a licensed provider that has demonstrated professionalism
through previous events and ability to provide service within the AGCO Guidelines. In
previous attempts to secure a licensed provider, staff have only had one interested
organization. Based on the proposed pilot initiative, Town Park will not be fenced in,
which could further challenge the ability to secure a vendor willing to operate with the
additional risk they would be undertaking.
Advisory Committee Review
None
Legal Considerations
Allowing alcohol consumption in municipal spaces exposes the Town to additional legal
liability risks. Under the Occupier’s Liability Act, the Town owes a duty of care to all
patrons utilizing the Town’s amenities. Although the Town will enter into an agreement
with the licensed provider with insurance and indemnification provisions, anyone
involved in the service of alcohol can potentially be held liable for damages or injuries
where alcohol is deemed to have been a contributing factor.
In cases where alcohol is served, liability does not only extend to incidents that occur on
the premises where alcohol is being served; liability can extend to incidents that occur
off premises. For example, if someone leaves Town Park after being served alcohol
and gets into an accident, the Town could face liability for any injuries or damages
sustained, if the alcohol served to the person is deemed to be a factor in the causation.
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June 20, 2023 5 of 6 Report No. CMS23-027
Developing and implementing a risk mitigation strategy for the event can assist the
Town in mitigating its risk; however, it would not absolve the Town from liability.
Financial Implications
The projected additional operating costs to support the security plan for both concerts
include pay duty police officers and dedicated bylaw staff (over-time) for a total of
$2200.
Staff anticipate this service will be run by a 3rd party. Currently due to the nature of this
service or product, there is no applicable fee within the Fees and Services By-Law.
Therefore, there would be no mandated cost for the vendor to pay to the Town, in order
to participate. Due to the modest attendance, it will be a big undertaking for the
approved vendor to break even and therefore, it may be further prohibitive to charge a
vendor fee, or a commission based on sales structure.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public about the information contained in this report by
posting this report to the Town’s website. Moreover, the Communications team will
work with the Special Events team to ensure information on this pilot project is included
in applicable promotional materials for the Concerts in the Park series.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations from this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or
impact climate change adaptation.
Link to Strategic Plan
The Special Event calendar planning policy supports the following Strategic Plan goals
and key objectives:
Supporting an exceptional quality of life for all in its accomplishment in satisfying
requirements in the following key objectives within these goals statements:
Invest in sustainable infrastructure
Celebrating and promoting our culture
Encourage an active and healthy lifestyle
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June 20, 2023 6 of 6 Report No. CMS23-027
Strengthen the fabric of our community
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council may provide further direction.
Conclusions
This report recommends the approval of the pilot for Licensed Beverage Consumption
for sales at the August 23 and 30 Aurora’s Concerts in the Park nights. The results from
this pilot will provide guidance on the future direction of Licensed Beverage
Consumption for sales at the 2024 Aurora’s Concerts in the Park series, ensuring the
Town continues to deliver safe events that are properly resourced for the community to
enjoy.
Staff will advertise for potential providers in the Town Notice Board and social media
platforms, attend alike events, and reach out to local service clubs to ensure they are
aware of this opportunity. If a licensed vendor that meets the requirements of the Town
is not secured by August 1, 2023, this pilot will not proceed and will be postponed until
the summer concerts series in 2024.
Attachments
1. Municipal Alcohol Policy
Previous Reports
None
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 98 of 167
Title of Policy: Municipal Alcohol Policy Policy No.: 81
Effective Date: April 8, 2014 Affects: All Employees, Elected Officials and
the Public
Replaces: New Next Review Date: As Required
Prepared By: Parks & Recreation Services Approval Authority: Council
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 3
3.OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................. 5
4.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Organization ............................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Fees and Charges .................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Clarification .............................................................................................................................. 6
5.APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Exception ................................................................................................................................. 6
6.DESIGNATION OF EVENT ..................................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Private Event ........................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Public Event ............................................................................................................................. 7
6.3 Industry Promotional Event ................................................................................................... 7
6.4 Outdoor Event ......................................................................................................................... 8
6.5 Multiple Day Event .................................................................................................................. 9
6.6 Exceptions ............................................................................................................................. 10
7.DESIGNATION OF PREMISES ............................................................................................................. 10
7.1 Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 10
7.2 Parks ....................................................................................................................................... 11
7.3 Exceptions ............................................................................................................................. 11
6.FACILITY PERMIT ............................................................................................................................... 11
TOWN OF AURORA
Parks & Recreation Services Department
Corporate Policies, Programs and Procedures
Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81
Attachment 1
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Town of Aurora – Corporate Policies, Programs and Procedures
Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 2 of 23
6.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Application for a Facility Permit .......................................................................................... 12
6.3 Evaluation .............................................................................................................................. 12
6.4 Authority ................................................................................................................................. 13
9. TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................. 13
9.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 13
9.2 Risk-Based Conditions ......................................................................................................... 13
10. RULES AND PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................. 14
10.1 Prohibited Methods and Practices ..................................................................................... 14
10.2 Conditions .............................................................................................................................. 14
10.3 Information and Returns ...................................................................................................... 16
11. ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................................... 16
12. SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................... 17
12.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 17
12.2 Security Plan ......................................................................................................................... 17
13. NOTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................... 17
14. NON-COMPLIANCE ............................................................................................................................ 18
14.1 Failure to Comply .................................................................................................................. 18
14.2 Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 18
14.3 Penalties ................................................................................................................................ 19
15. INSURANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 19
16. INDEMNIFICATION ............................................................................................................................ 20
16.1 General ................................................................................................................................... 20
16.2 Waiver, Release and Indemnity ......................................................................................... 20
SCHEDULE “A” to Policy No. 81 ................................................................................................................... 21
Application for a Facility Permit .................................................................................................... 21
SCHEDULE “B” to Policy No. 81 ................................................................................................................... 21
Release, Waiver and Indemnity ................................................................................................... 21
1. PURPOSE
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora is committed to providing a safe, secure, and
enjoyable environment for Employees, Volunteers, patrons and the general public by
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Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 3 of 23
ensuring all Events where Alcohol will be served and/or sold under the authority of a
Facility Permit and a Special Occasion Permit, held on Premises, are properly managed
in accordance with the requirements of the Occupiers Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2,
as amended, the Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19, as amended, and the
Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario.
This Policy outlines corporate standards, guidelines and principles for Employees,
Volunteers, Council, the Permit Holder, patrons and the general public when it relates to
the use of serving and/or selling of Alcohol on Premises, for Events requiring a Facility
Permit, issued by the Town, and a Special Occasion Permit, issued by the Alcohol &
Gaming Commission of Ontario.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 In this Policy, the following words have the following meanings:
a) “AGCO” means the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario, and any
successor thereto;
b) “Alcohol” means spirits, wine and beer or any combination thereof and includes
any alcohol in a form appropriate for human consumption as a beverage, alone
or in combination with any other matter. The terms “Alcohol” and “Liquor” are
used interchangeably in this Policy;
c) “Council” means the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora;
d) “Director” means the Director of Parks & Recreation Services for the Town or
his/her designate or successor;
e) “Employee” or “Employees” means a full-time, part-time, casual and temporary
employee of the Town, and includes contract staff of the Town;
f) “Event” or “Events” means a prescribed special occasion under subsection 19(1)
of the Liquor Licence Act, including a Public Event, Private Event and/or Industry
Promotional Event, which may be multiple day and/or outdoor, where Alcohol will
be served and/or sold under the authority of a Facility Permit and a Special
Occasion Permit, and covers the set-up, tear down, clean-up and other activities
including ancillary that occur in, on or around any Premises related to the
preparations for, conduct of or finalization of the Event and use of Premises;
g) “Facility” or “Facilities” means all Town, and contractual related third party,
owned or leased buildings and structures for which the Town is the legal owner
or over which the Town has authority to grant use, including any and all
buildings, structures, facilities, erections, and improvements located in or on such
lands defined as a “Park”;
h) “Facility Permit” means a Facility Contract/Permit issued by Parks & Recreation
Services under this Policy for a Facility or a Park;
i) “Fees and Charges By-law” means the by-law that includes the schedule of fees
and charges for municipal services, activities and the use of property within the
Town of Aurora, as may be amended from time to time;
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Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 4 of 23
j) “Incident/Accident Form” means any form used by the Town for the purpose of
documenting details of an incident/accident.
k) “Industry Promotional Event” means a prescribed special occasion, under
subsection 19(1) of the Liquor Licence Act, that is:
i) at which a manufacturer, a licensed representative of a manufacturer or
the event organizer acting on behalf of a manufacturer or a licensed
representative of a manufacturer may provide samples of liquor and take
orders for liquor purchases, and
ii) that is conducted without the intention of gain or profit from the sale of
liquor and is for the purpose of promoting a manufacturer’s products.
k) “LCBO” means the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and any successor thereto;
l) “Liquor” means the same as “Alcohol”;
m) “Liquor Licence Act” means Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19., as
amended;
n) “Occupiers Liability Act” means the Occupiers Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2,
as amended;
o) “Park” or “Parks” means land and land covered by water and all portions thereof
owned by or made available by lease, agreement, or otherwise to the Town, that
is or hereafter may be established, dedicated, set apart or made available for use
as public open space or trail, and that has been or hereafter may be placed
under the jurisdiction of the Director;
p) “Parks & Recreation Services” means the Parks & Recreation Services
Department for the Town;
q) “Permit Holder” means any person or organization who submits an application to
hold an Event on Premises; any person or organization on whose behalf such
application is submitted; and any person who shall attend and be responsible for
the Event, as identified on a Facility Permit and Special Occasion Permit;
r) “Premises” shall mean Facilities and/or Parks;
s) “Policy” means this Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81;
t) “Private Event” means a prescribed special occasion, under subsection 19(1) of
the Liquor Licence Act that is for invited guests only that is conducted without the
intention of gain or profit from the sale of liquor;
u) “Public Event” means a prescribed special occasion, under subsection 19(1) of
the Liquor Licence Act, that is:
i) conducted by a charitable organization registered under the Income Tax
Act (Canada) or by a non-profit association or organization for the
advancement of charitable, educational, religious or community objects,
ii) an event of provincial, national or international significance, or
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Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 5 of 23
iii) an event designated by a municipal council as an event of municipal
significance;
v) “Smart Serve” means a training certificate program for all individuals in the
province of Ontario who serve or work where Alcohol beverages are sold and
served, developed by Smart Serve Ontario, a division of the Hospitality Industry
Training Organization of Ontario, and endorsed by the AGCO;
w) “Smoke Free Ontario Act” means the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, S.O. 1994, c. 10,
as amended;
x) “Special Occasion Permit” means a permit issued under section 19 of the Liquor
Licence Act;
y) “Town” means The Corporation of the Town of Aurora; and
z) “Volunteer” or “Volunteers” means a person(s) who voluntarily and willingly
performs a service or specified undertaking for the Town without pay.
3. OBJECTIVES
By way of adopting this Policy, it is the Town’s objective to outline consistent
expectations for Employees, Volunteers, Council, the Permit Holder, patrons and the
general public regarding the use of Alcohol on Premises, for Events, requiring a Special
Occasion Permit, including:
a) To provide clear operational procedures to manage all possible risks associated
with the serving and/or selling of Alcohol in accordance with the requirements of
the Occupiers Liability Act and in compliance with the Liquor Licence Act; and
b) To encourage and support the responsible use of Alcohol as part of an Event,
requiring both a Facility Permit issued by the Town and a Special Occasion
Permit issued by the AGCO, on Premises, as well as the decision of those
individuals who choose not to consume Alcohol.
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 General
a) This Policy applies to Employees and Volunteers as well as to members of
Council. Visitors, contractors and service providers on Premises are afforded the
same rights and expectations in this Policy, while performing authorized activities
for the Town.
b) This Policy applies to the Permit Holder and the general public, including any
individual who wishes to use Premises for its intended purpose.
c) It is the responsibility of Employees, Volunteers, Council, the Permit Holder,
patrons and the general public to be aware of this Policy and to understand their
obligations and responsibilities under this Policy. Users of Premises agree to be
bound by the terms of this Policy.
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Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 6 of 23
4.2 Organization
a) A Special Occasion Permit is needed any time Alcohol is offered for sale or
served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment or a private place. The
AGCO is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence Act and oversees the
regulation of the Special Occasion Permit program, while the LCBO reviews and
issues Special Occasion Permits on behalf of the AGCO; and
b) A Facility Permit is needed any time permission has been granted for use of
Premises. A Permit Holder shall obtain a Facility Permit from Parks & Recreation
Services, in order for an Event, requiring a Special Occasion Permit, to be held
on Premises. Parks & Recreation Services is responsible for administering
Facility Permits, on behalf of the Town, and oversees its regulation.
4.3 Fees and Charges
A Permit Holder who obtains any of the Town’s services, activities, or use of the Town’s
property as described in the Fees and Charges By-law shall pay to the Town the
applicable fees or charges set out therein. Unless otherwise provided for in another by-
law, such fees or charges are payable upon the person making such application,
request, or purchase of the Town’s services, activities, or use of the Town’s property.
4.4 Clarification
It is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to understand all aspects of this Policy and to
seek clarification of any matter that they consider unclear before submitting an
application to Parks & Recreation Services. The Town is not responsible for any
misunderstanding of the Policy on part of the Permit Holder. By submitting an
application, as outlined in section 8 of this Policy, the Permit Holder agrees that all
aspects of this Policy are understood by the Permit Holder and any clarification needed
by the Permit Holder has been obtained.
5. APPLICATION
5.1 General
This Policy shall apply to an Event that requires a Facility Permit issued by the Town
and a Special Occasion Permit issued by the AGCO, to be held on Premises.
5.2 Exception
Notwithstanding section 5.1, this Policy does not apply to Town Events or Events run by
third parties on behalf of and/or under contract/agreement with the Town.
6. DESIGNATION OF EVENT
A. Event Type
A Permit Holder shall meet the requirements and conditions of a Facility Permit for an
Event requiring a Special Occasion Permit and any applicable requirements in section 6
of this Policy for a Private Event, Public Event or Industry Promotional Event.
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6.1 Private Event
6.1.1 Private Event – Requirements
A Permit Holder shall meet the following requirements for an Event to be identified as a
Private Event:
a) it is for invited guests only; and
b) it is conducted without the intention of gain or profit from the sale of liquor.
6.2 Public Event
6.2.1 Public Event – Requirements
A Permit Holder shall meet one (1) of the following requirements for an Event to be
identified as a Public Event:
a) it is conducted by a charitable organization registered under the Income Tax Act
(Canada) or by a non-profit association or organization for the advancement of
charitable, educational, religious or community objects;
b) it is of provincial, national or international significance; or
c) it is designated by Council as an event of Town significance.
6.2.2 Public Event - Conditions
A Permit Holder who meets the requirements of a Public Event shall satisfy the
following conditions, as a requirement of the Facility Permit for the Public Event:
a) a registered charity under the Income Tax Act shall provide its registration
number;
b) a Public Event of Town significance requires a Council resolution or letter from a
delegated Town authority.
6.3 Industry Promotional Event
6.3.1 Industry Promotional Events – Requirements
A Permit Holder shall meet the following requirements for an Event to be identified as
an Industry Promotional Event:
a) a manufacturer, a licensed representative of a manufacturer, or the Event
organizer acting on behalf of a manufacturer or a licensed representative of a
manufacturer provides samples of liquor and/or takes orders for liquor purchases
at the Event, and
b) the Event is conducted without the intention of gain or profit from the sale of
liquor and is for the purpose of promoting a manufacturer’s products.
6.3.2 Industry Promotional Events - Conditions
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A Permit Holder who meets the requirements of an Industry Promotional Event shall
satisfy the following conditions, as a requirement of the Facility Permit for the Industry
Promotional Event:
a) ensure the area is clearly defined, with a detailed sketch showing the dimensions
of the area for which the Facility Permit will apply; and
b) ensure that where the Event is for the purpose of market research and is in an
open area, the area shall be separated from areas where the Facility Permit does
not apply by a minimum 36” (0.9 m) high barrier.
B. Events (Multiple Day and Outdoor)
All Events may be eligible to be further identified as a multiple day and/or outdoor
Event, for a Facility Permit, as follows:
6.4 Outdoor Event
6.4.1 Outdoor Event - Requirements
A Permit Holder shall meet the following requirements for an Event to be identified as
an outdoor Event:
a) it takes place outdoors; or
b) it takes place in a temporary structure, such as a tent, marquee, pavilion or tiered
seating.
6.4.2 Outdoor Event - Conditions
A Permit Holder who meets the requirements of an outdoor Event shall satisfy the
following conditions, as a requirement of the Facility Permit for an outdoor Event:
a) provide a detailed sketch showing the dimensions of the outdoor area to which
the Facility Permit will apply;
b) ensure the outdoor area is clearly defined and separated from areas where the
Facility Permit does not apply by a minimum 36” (0.9 m.) high barrier;
c) provide, at the Permit Holder’s expense, a minimum of one (1) toilet at the
outdoor Event for every 240 people in attendance;
d) ensure the outdoor Event is completely vacated by 11:00 p.m. unless a different
time is approved in writing by the Director;
e) it is approved in accordance with all applicable policies and by-laws that apply to
the outdoor location where the outdoor Event will take place; and
f) comply with the notice provisions in subsection 6.4.3 of this Policy.
6.4.3 Outdoor Event - Notice Provisions
a) For all outdoor Events, the Permit Holder shall give written notification of the
Event, including a detailed physical sketch identifying the physical boundaries, to
the following local authorities:
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1. Municipal Clerk’s Department
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
Attention: Director of Customer & Legislative Services/Town Clerk
100 John West Way, Box 1000
Aurora, ON L4G 6J1
2. Police
York Regional Police
17250 Yonge Street
Newmarket, ON L3Y 4W5
3. Fire
Central York Fire Services
984 Gorham Street
Newmarket, ON L3Y 1L8
4. Health Department
The Regional Municipality of York
17250 Yonge Street
Newmarket, ON L3Y 4W5
b) If a tent, marquee, pavilion or tiered seating is used, the Town’s Building & By-
law Services Department shall also be notified in writing by the Permit Holder.
c) The notification for all outdoor Events shall be given:
At least thirty (30) days before the Event is to take place if fewer than
5,000 people per day are expected to attend the Event; or
At least sixty (60) days before the Event is to take place if 5,000 people or
more per day are expected to attend the Event.
d) Additional notice periods may be required in accordance with other Town
Policies.
6.5 Multiple Day Event
6.5.1 Multiple Day Event - Requirements
A Permit Holder shall meet the following requirements for an Event to be identified as a
multiple day Event:
a) each Event is one in a series of Events;
b) the application for the Facility Permit is for all of the Events (multiple dates);
c) the nature, purpose, location and target audience of each of the Events (multiple
dates) are the same; and
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d) as a result of doing so, the Permit Holder is not operating an ongoing business,
or does not appear to be doing so.
6.5.2 Multiple Day Event - Conditions
A Permit Holder who meets the requirements of a multiple day Event shall satisfy the
following conditions, as a requirement of the Facility Permit for a multiple Day Event:
a) provide the location where the Alcohol sold under the Special Occasion Permit is
to be stored;
b) store the Alcohol in a secure area that is not a dwelling;
c) ensure that the Alcohol is stored separately from any Alcohol not purchased
under the Special Occasion Permit;
d) provide Parks & Recreation Services with a list of persons with access to the
location; and
e) ensure that the Alcohol is made available to the Town, AGCO Inspectors and
York Regional Police for inspection upon request.
6.6 Exceptions
All Events targeted exclusively or primarily to youth under the legal, provincial drinking
age of nineteen (19) years are not eligible to receive a Facility Permit, and therefore are
not eligible to hold an Event requiring a Special Occasion Permit at any Premises.
7. DESIGNATION OF PREMISES
7.1 Facilities
7.1.1 Facilities – Eligible
An Event may be eligible for a Facility Permit, subject to section 6 of this Policy where
such Event requires a Special Occasion Permit, to be held in specific rooms or in
general public or common areas/spaces located in the following Facilities:
a) Aurora Community Centre;
b) Aurora Seniors Centre;
c) Aurora Town Hall;
d) Church Street School Cultural Centre;
e) Factory Theatre;
f) Highland Park Clubhouse; and
g) Victoria Hall.
7.1.2 Facilities - Non-Eligible
An Event that is to be held in the following Facilities, where Alcohol is prohibited, is not
eligible for a Facility Permit:
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a) Club Aurora Fitness Centre;
b) All change rooms, washrooms, locker rooms, pools, pool decks, and pool viewing
galleries that are located in Town Facilities;
c) All rooms, general public or common areas or spaces located in Facilities not
specifically designated in section 7.1.1 of this Policy as eligible; and
d) All other Town Facilities not specifically designated in section 7.1.1 of this Policy
as eligible.
7.2 Parks
7.2.1 Parks – Eligible
A Facility Permit is eligible for an Event, subject to section 6 of this Policy, requiring a
Special Occasion Permit, in the following Parks:
a) Fleury Park;
b) Highland Park;
c) Lambert Willson Park;
d) Machell Park; and
e) Town Park.
7.2.2 Parks - Non-Eligible
Parks where Alcohol is prohibited, and therefore not eligible for a Facility Permit, shall
include:
a) Baseball diamonds;
b) Soccer fields;
c) Trail areas;
d) All change rooms and washrooms located in Town Parks; and
e) All other Town Parks, including outdoor public areas, not specifically designated
in section 7.2.1 of this Policy as eligible.
7.3 Exceptions
Premises which are not identified in subsections 7.1.1 and 7.2.1 of this Policy as eligible
and not prohibited under subsections 7.1.2 and 7.2.2 of this Policy may be designated
as permitted Premises for an Event, under a Facility Permit, subject to the written
approval of the Director, prior to the Permit Holder submitting an Application for a
Special Occasion Permit with the AGCO.
6. FACILITY PERMIT
6.1 General
A Permit Holder shall,
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a) Be of the provincial legal drinking age of nineteen (19) years; and
b) Submit an Application for a Facility Permit, attached to this Policy as Schedule
“A”, to Parks & Recreation Services and receive the necessary approval from the
Town prior to the Permit Holder submitting an Application for a Special Occasion
Permit with the AGCO.
6.2 Application for a Facility Permit
The Permit Holder shall be required to sign and return one (1) original signed copy of
the Application for a Facility Permit, attached to this Policy as Schedule “A”, to Parks &
Recreation Services:
a) thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the Event (or the commencement
of the first Event in the case of a multiple day Event), to be held at a Facility; or
b) sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of the Event (or the commencement
of the first Event in the case of a multiple day Event, to be held at a Park.
6.3 Evaluation
When reviewing an Application for a Facility Permit, Parks & Recreation Services shall
consider but are not limited to the following:
a) the nature, type and purpose of the Event, subject to section 6 of this Policy;
b) the location of the Event, to be held at an eligible Premises, subject to section 7
of this Policy;
c) the date and day of the week when the Event is to be held and, if applicable, the
date and day of the week the Event was last held;
d) for each date of the Event, the time that set-up or assembly will commence, the
time that the Event will commence, and the time that the Event will finish
including clean-up time;
e) the number and type of participants involved in the Event, including, but not
limited to, individuals, bands, and security;
f) for a Public Event, if applicable, evidence that the conditions in section 6 of this
Policy have been satisfied;
g) for an Industry Promotional Event, if applicable, evidence that the conditions in
section 6 of this Policy have been satisfied;
h) for a multiple day Event, if applicable, the dates and days of the week when the
Event is to be held and, if applicable, the dates and days of the week the Event
was last held;
i) for an outdoor Event, if applicable, evidence that the conditions, including the
notice provisions in section 6 of this Policy, have or will be satisfied, as outlined;
j) impact upon neighbouring properties and users;
k) proximity to public transportation services;
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l) adequate availability of space, parking and washrooms;
m) no unreasonable risk to public safety or the public interest;
n) any Fees and Charges, if applicable;
o) the Permit Holder shall be in good standing with the Town, with no unresolved
issues of non-compliance related to this Policy or related Town by-laws, policies,
programs and procedures;
p) compliance with the Liquor Licence Act and all relevant federal, provincial and
municipal statues, regulations and by-laws pertaining to the Event; and
q) any additional information or documentation for the purposes of administering the
Application for a Facility Permit, as requested by the Director.
6.4 Authority
The Director shall have the authority to grant, refuse or grant with conditions a Facility
Permit for an Event requiring a Special Occasion Permit to be held at an eligible Facility
and/or Park identified in section 7 of this Policy.
9. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
9.1 General
As a condition of the Facility Permit, a Permit Holder shall:
a) Provide proof to Parks & Recreation Services that the appropriate Special
Occasion Permit has been secured fourteen (14) days prior to the Event date;
b) Ensure that all volunteers, workers and other staff involved in the selling and/or
serving of liquor hold a Smart Serve certificate and/or other program certificate
approved by the Board of AGCO and that a copy of such certificate shall be
provided to Parks & Recreation Services fourteen (14) days prior to the Event
date;
c) Provide to the Parks & Recreation Services a copy of a valid Insurance
Certificate for General Liability Insurance, as outlined in section 15 of this Policy,
clearly designating the Town as an additional insured, fourteen (14) days prior to
the Event; and
d) Indemnify the Town by returning two (2) original signed copies of the Waiver,
Release and Indemnity, attached to the Policy as Schedule “B”, to Parks &
Recreation Services fourteen (14) days prior to the Event date, as required in
section 16 of this Policy.
9.2 Risk-Based Conditions
In addition to the one or more risk-based permitting conditions that may be attached to a
Special Occasion Permit by the AGCO, the Permit Holder shall comply with the rules
and procedures in section 10 of this Policy, as a requirement of the Facility Permit.
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10. RULES AND PROCEDURES
10.1 Prohibited Methods and Practices
A Permit Holder shall:
a) Not supply Alcohol to any person except in accordance with the conditions of the
Facility Permit;
b) Not require a person to purchase a minimum number of drinks in order to gain
entry to, or remain on, the Premises;
c) Not engage in or allow practices which may tend to encourage the immoderate
consumption of Alcohol by a person attending the Event;
d) Ensure that the price of Alcohol or a drink containing Alcohol is the same during
all hours of operation of the Event;
e) Not permit contests on the Premises to which the Facility Permit applies that
involve the purchase or consumption of Alcohol; and
f) Not permit free Alcohol to be offered or given to a customer as a prize in a
contest.
10.2 Conditions
A Permit Holder shall:
a) Be present at all times during the Event;
b) Post the Special Occasion Permit in a visible place on the Premises to which the
Facility Permit applies or shall keep it in a place where it is readily available for
inspection;
c) Ensure that Alcohol sold and served is from an authorized government retail
store (LCBO, LCBO Agency Store, the Beer Store or authorized manufacturer’s
retail store);
d) Post the receipt(s) for the Alcohol purchased, if any, in a visible place on the
Premises to which the Facility Permit applies or shall keep it in a place where it is
readily available for inspection;
e) Provide security sufficient to ensure that unauthorized persons do not attend the
Event and to ensure that the conditions of the Facility Permit and requirements of
the Liquor Licence Act are observed, as outlined in section 12 of this Policy;
f) Ensure that no Alcohol is sold or served from a vending machine on the
Premises to which a Facility Permit applies;
g) Ensure that Alcohol is sold and served only during the hours specified on the
Facility Permit;
h) Not sell or serve Alcohol unless there is a supply of food sufficient to serve the
persons attending the Event to which the Facility Permit applies, where such food
shall be made available not later than 30 minutes after Alcohol is first served and
shall remain available until the bar closes;
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i) Ensure that a minimum 30% of the Alcoholic purchased for sale or consumption
at the event is low-alcohol in nature (e.g. light beer, wine and alcohol spirits);
j) Ensure that non-alcoholic beverages are also available for the duration of the
Event either free of charge or at a lower price than alcoholic beverages;
k) Promote a safe transportation strategy by ensuring:
i) promotion of a Designated Driver (DD) program on signs, required under
section 13 of this Policy;
ii) promotion of taxis, buses or other forms of alternative transportation on
signs at the Event, required under section 13 of this Policy;
iii) calling of a friend, relative, or taxi to assist intoxicated drivers; or
iv) if necessary, calling of York Regional Police.
l) Ensure that no person shall sell or supply Alcohol to a person under nineteen
(19) years of age.
m) Ensure that no person shall sell or supply Alcohol to any person who appears to
be under nineteen (19) years of age.
n) Ensure that, before Alcohol is sold or served to any person apparently under the
age of nineteen (19), an item of identification of the person is inspected. The
following types of identification are prescribed for the purpose of this Policy:
i) a driver’s licence issued by the Province of Ontario with a photograph of
the person to whom the licence is issued;
ii) a Canadian passport;
iii) a Canadian citizenship card with a photograph of the person to whom the
card was issued;
iv) a Canadian Armed Forces identification card;
v) a secure certificate of Indian status issued by the Government of Canada;
vi) a photo card issued by the LCBO;
vii) a permanent resident card issued by the Government of Canada; or
viii) a photo card issued under the Photo Card Act, 2008.
o) Ensure that if a condition of the Facility Permit prohibits the entry of persons
under nineteen (19) years of age at the Premises to which the permit applies,
then an item of identification listed in subsection (n) shall be inspected before
admitting a person apparently under that age to the Premises;
p) Ensure that no person enters behind the bar during the hours that Alcohol is sold
or served unless the person is,
i) an employee or other person authorized by the Permit Holder to enter
behind the bar;
ii) an employee of the AGCO;
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iii) a police officer;
iv) a government inspector, Employee, or Volunteer who is in the course of
carrying out his or her duties; or
v) a licensed representative of a manufacturer who is in the course of
carrying out his or her duties.
q) Ensure that the police officers acting in the course of their duties are given
access to the Premises to which the Facility Permit applies and to the adjacent
washrooms, Alcohol and food preparation areas under the exclusive control of
the Permit Holder;
r) Ensure inspectors employed by the AGCO are given access to carry out
inspections for the purpose of determining where there is compliance with the
Liquor Licence Act and its regulations;
s) Ensure that all volunteers, workers and other staff involved in the Event shall
refrain from consuming alcohol prior to and during the Event;
t) Not permit drunkenness, unlawful gambling or riotous, quarrelsome, violent or
disorderly conduct to occur on the Premises to which the Facility Permit applies
or in the adjacent washrooms, Alcohol and food preparation areas and storage
areas under the exclusive control of the Permit Holder;
u) Display signs as required in section 13 of this Policy;
v) Ensure that all bottles remain behind the licensed bar area. Alcohol shall be
served in non-glass containers, with the exception of glassware and table service
which may be permitted in specified locations with the written approval of the
Director. Wine glasses may be placed on tables and used only during a sit-down
Event; and
w) Ensure that all signs of the sale and service of Alcohol are cleared within 45
minutes of the end time stated on the Facility Permit, where this includes the
removal of all containers with partially or fully consumed Alcohol contents.
10.3 Information and Returns
A Permit Holder shall:
a) Keep records describing all purchases, sales and stocks of Alcohol under the
Special Occasion Permit; and
b) Keep the records for six (6) months and shall provide them to the Town upon
request.
11. ADVERTISING
a) A Permit Holder for a Private Event is not permitted to advertise or promote
Alcohol or the availability of Alcohol;
b) A Permit Holder for a Public Event or Industry Promotional Event may advertise
or promote the availability of Alcohol only in accordance with the Advertising
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Guidelines of the AGCO.
12. SECURITY
12.1 General
a) The Permit Holder shall provide security sufficient to ensure that unauthorized
persons do not attend the Event and to ensure that the conditions of the Facility
Permit and requirements of the Liquor Licence Act are observed.
b) In determining whether security is sufficient, the Permit Holder shall consider:
i) the nature of the event;
ii) the size of the Premises; and
iii) the age and number of persons attending the Event.
c) All costs associated with providing sufficient security shall be borne by the Permit
Holder.
12.2 Security Plan
a) The Permit Holder, at the discretion of the Director, shall submit a security plan
when an Event is publicly advertised or when an anticipated attendance or the
type of Event warrants such a plan.
b) All costs associated with the security plan shall be borne by the Permit Holder.
13. NOTIFICATION
The following temporary signs shall be displayed by the Permit Holder prominently in
specific designated areas, in sizes and quantities suitable to the space, as identified by
the Parks & Recreation Services:
a) Accountability Statement
Name of Sponsor/Permit Holder:
_____________________________
Date of Event:
____________________________
In Case of Emergency: 911
York Regional Police: (905) 830-0303
Town Hall Aurora: (905) 727-3123
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: 1-800-522-2876
b) Designated Drivers Statement
Don’t Drink and Drive! Call a taxi or use public transportation!
We strongly support the Designated Drivers Program and appreciate and thank
our Designated Drivers for their contributions to the health and safety of their
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families, friends and the community.
c) No “Last Call” Statement
There will be no “Last Call” announcement prior to the bar closing.
d) Sandy’s Law
The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is the cause of Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder.
e) Ticket Sales for Liquor Statement
No more than two (2) tickets per person may be redeemed at any one time.
14. NON-COMPLIANCE
14.1 Failure to Comply
A violation occurs when a Permit Holder fails to:
a) Comply with the requirements set out in this Policy;
b) Comply with the requirements and regulations of the Liquor Licence Act;
c) Comply with all applicable rules and regulations, standards, policies and
procedures of the Town and all Town By-laws, including, but not limited to, Town
Noise By-law Number 4787.06.P, as amended;
d) Comply with all federal and provincial statutes that apply to the use of the
Premises and/or holding of the Event (including, but not limited to, the Smoke-
Free Ontario Act and Occupiers’ Liability Act); or
e) Ensure all individuals attending the Event, including Event workers, comply with
this Policy.
14.2 Procedures
14.2.1 Reporting of Violations
A Permit Holder shall:
a) Where a Premises is staffed by an Employee or Volunteer, report all violations to
the designated Employee or Volunteer at the Premises as soon as possible, or if
an Employee or Volunteer cannot be located, to Parks & Recreation Services at
Town Hall by the start of the next working day, and Parks & Recreation Services
staff shall file an Incident/Accident Report;
b) Where a Premises is not staffed by an Employee or Volunteer, report all
violations to Parks & Recreation Services at Town Hall by the start of the next
working day, and Parks & Recreation Services staff shall file an Incident/Accident
Report;
c) Notify, as appropriate and as soon as possible, Employees, Volunteers, York
Regional Police, Central York Fire Services, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer,
Building Inspector and/or an Inspector of the AGCO.
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14.2.2 Responding to Violations
a) The Permit Holder, Employees, Volunteers, a member of the York Regional
Police, Central York Fire Services, Building Inspector, Municipal Law
Enforcement officer and/or an Inspector of the AGCO can intervene when he/she
encounters a violation, or in response to a violation, of this Policy and/or the
Special Occasion Permit.
b) Parks & Recreation Services shall be responsible for collecting, recording and
forwarding all information regarding a situation/incident to the Director;
c) The Director shall be responsible for investigating, resolving and determining
sanction, if any, on all reported Policy or procedure violations that occur at an
Event.
d) As the Director may terminate, suspend or modify the privileges of the individual
or organization found to have violated the provisions of this Policy, individuals
who have been banned from Premises for more than 24 hours will be notified of
the ban in writing.
14.3 Penalties
A Permit Holder who fails to comply, as outlined in section 14.1 of this Policy, is subject
to penalties that shall include, but are not limited to the following:
a) immediate correction and/or shut down of an Event, at the discretion of an
Employee who is a Facility Manager or Supervisor or an individual having
operational jurisdiction over the Facility or Park on behalf of the Town;
b) loss of their entire or a portion of their deposit to pay for corrective action,
additional costs or damages, as may be determined by the Director;
c) loss of privilege to hold a future Event involving a Special Occasion Permit in a
Facility and/or Park, as may be determined by the Director;
d) involvement of York Regional Police, if necessary;
e) involvement of the AGCO, if necessary;
f) such other action, including permanent banning from Facilities and/or Parks, or
long term/indefinite suspension of future Premises rental privileges, as may be
determined by the Director; and/or
g) notwithstanding this Policy, the Town reserves to itself, all legal rights and
remedies it may have in relation to the activities of the Permit Holder.
15. INSURANCE
The Permit Holder shall provide a certificate of insurance confirming General Liability
insurance fourteen (14) days prior to the Event. The limit shall be no less than Five
Million Canadian Dollars ($5,000,000.00 CAD) per occurrence and coverage shall
include but not be limited to bodily injury including death, personal injury, property
damage including loss of use thereof, contractual liability, liquor liability up to the full
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policy limits and contain a cross liability clause. The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
shall be named as an additional insured.
16. INDEMNIFICATION
16.1 General
The Permit Holder shall indemnify and save harmless the Town and its Employees and
Volunteers from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, losses, costs or
damages that the Town may suffer, incur or be liable for, resulting from the Permit
Holder’s, Event workers and agents performance, actions and negligent acts or
omissions in connection with the holding of an Event involving the issuance of a Facility
Permit and the serving of Alcohol on Premises.
16.2 Waiver, Release and Indemnity
The Permit Holder shall be required, as a condition of the Facility Permit, to sign and
return two (2) original signed copies of the Waiver, Release and Indemnity, attached to
this Policy as Schedule “B”, to Parks & Recreation Services, fourteen (14) days prior to
the commencement of the Event (or the commencement of the first Event in the case of
a multiple day Event), as required in subsection 9.1 of this Policy.
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SCHEDULE “A” to Policy No. 81
Application for a Facility Permit
SCHEDULE “B” to Policy No. 81
Release, Waiver and Indemnity
(SUBJECT TO FURTHER REVISION & AMENDMENT BY THE TOWN AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION)
BETWEEN:
[NAME OF PERMIT HOLDER]
(hereinafter referred to as the “Permit Holder”)
- AND -
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF AURORA
(hereinafter referred to as the “Town”)
Designation of Event:
(as outlined in section 6 of the Municipal Alcohol Policy)
______________________________________________________________________
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Town of Aurora – Corporate Policies, Programs and Procedures
Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 22 of 23
Designation of Premises:
(as outlined in section 7 of the Municipal Alcohol Policy)
______________________________________________________________________
Date(s) of Event:
(as listed on the Facility Permit and Special Occasion Permit)
______________________________________________________________________
(hereinafter referred to as the “Event”)
I, the Permit Holder, agree to comply with the requirements set out in the Town’s
Municipal Alcohol Policy, the requirements and regulations of the Liquor Licence Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. L.19, as amended, all rules and regulations, standards, policies and
procedures of the Town and all Town By-laws, including, but not limited to, Town Noise
By-law Number 4787.06.P, as amended, and all federal and provincial statutes that
apply to the use of the Premises and/or holding of the Event (including the Smoke-Free
Ontario Act, S.O. 1994, c. 10, as amended, and Occupiers’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
O.2, as amended);
I, the Permit Holder, do HEREBY RELEASE, WAIVE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE,
the Town and its agents, officials, employees, volunteers, contractors, representatives,
elected and appointed officials, successors and assigns OF AND FROM ALL claims,
demands, damages, costs, expenses, actions and causes of action whether in law or
equity in respect of death, injury, loss or damage to any person or property,
HOWSOEVER CAUSED, arising from or in connection with the Event by the Permit
Holder or those for whom the Permit Holder is responsible or who are acting on behalf
of the Permit Holder.
THE RELEASEE DOES FURTHER HEREBY UNDERTAKE TO HOLD AND SAVE
HARMLESS AND AGREE TO FULLY INDEMNIFY the Town and its agents, officials,
employees, volunteers, contractors, representatives, elected and appointed officials,
successors and assigns OF AND FROM ALL all claims, demands, causes of action,
loss, costs or damages that the Town may suffer, incur or be liable for, which arise from
or in connection with the Event by the Permit Holder or those for whom the Permit
Holder is responsible or who are acting on behalf of the Permit Holder, EXCEPT for
those arising from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the Town, or any party for whom
the Town is responsible at law.
I, the Permit Holder, am aware of the nature and effect of the RELEASE, WAIVER AND
INDEMNITY that I am signing. I am executing this RELEASE, WAIVER AND
INDEMNITY freely, voluntarily, and under no compulsion or duress, and have not been
induced by reason of any representation or warranty of any nature or kind whatsoever,
that the Permit Holder has executed it, and understands the terms and conditions
contained herein and there are no other conditions, representations or agreements,
express or implied, affecting the release.
Page 120 of 167
Town of Aurora – Corporate Policies, Programs and Procedures
Municipal Alcohol Policy – Policy No. 81 Page 23 of 23
EXECUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE PERMIT
HOLDER HAS READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED TO THIS RELEASE, WAIVER
AND INDEMNITY.
Intending to be legally bound, I, the Permit Holder, have signed this RELEASE,
WAIVER AND INDEMNITY this _______ day of , 20 _______
Name of Permit Holder (Please Print):
__________________________________
Signature of Permit Holder:
__________________________________
Name of Witness (Please Print):
__________________________________
Signature of Witness:
__________________________________
Dated: ___________________________
Personal information contained on this form is collected and retained under the authority of the Municipal
Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, as amended. This information is collected for the administration and
management of the Town’s Municipal Alcohol Policy.
Page 121 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. FIN 2 3 -0 26
Subject: Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy Review
and Update
Prepared by: Tracy Evans, Financial Management Advisor
Department: Finance
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. FIN23-026 be received; and
2. That the updated Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy be
approved.
Executive Summary
As per the Budget Committee’s recent request, staff have undertaken a review of the
Town’s Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy.
The proposed draft policy includes multiple recommended changes for Council’s
consideration.
The amount of any increase to funding source(s) for any ward specific budgets
will be determined as part of the Town’s 2024 budget process.
Background
The Town’s Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy (otherwise
known as, Policy 57) was last updated on April 9, 2013. In consideration of the present
policy’s age and the town’s recent shift to a ward system, Council requested staff
undertake a review and update of this policy during its Budget Committee proceedings.
The proposed updated policy was reviewed, and feedback provided by the Finance
Advisory Committee on May 9, 2023.
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June 20, 2023 2 of 4 Report No. FIN23-026
Analysis
The proposed draft policy includes multiple recommended changes for Council’s
consideration.
As requested by Council, staff have undertaken a review and proposed changes to the
Town’s current Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy. Staff’s
proposed changes mostly relate to:
An update to the list of provided technology and work tools to Council members
to reflect the present reality.
The inclusion of direction relating to the eligibility of ward specific expenditures.
An update to the approval authority for elected official expenses.
The amount and funding source(s) for any ward specific budgets will be determined as
part of the Town’s 2024 budget process.
Should the attached policy be approved and the criteria for eligible ward expenses
defined, the Budget Committee will be asked to determine an appropriate amount and
the funding source(s) for any ward specific budgets as part of the 2024 budget
discussions.
Advisory Committee Review
Finance Advisory Committee – May 9, 2023
As part of its review of this policy, the Committee inquired about the inclusion of
language or a mechanism within the policy for determining what is an eligible ward
expenditure, as well as what is a fair eligible expenditure reimbursement amount.
Further, the Committee inquired about references to comparable municipalities relating
to ward budgets.
Legal Considerations
This policy has been reviewed by the Corporate Management Team and the Executive
Leadership Team in accordance with the Town’s policy program.
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June 20, 2023 3 of 4 Report No. FIN23-026
Financial Implications
The Budget Committee will be asked to finalize all ward specific budgets and their
funding sources as part of the 2024 budget process. In the interim, the Town’s approved
2023 operating budget has been allotted as follows:
$1,000 for each ward councillor from the Council Operating Contingency budget.
Council’s existing conference budget has been distributed equally between the
Mayor and each Councillor.
Each Councillor has been provided with an allotment from the Council’s Special
Functions budget.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public on the information contained in this report by posting it
to the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
Not applicable
Link to Strategic Plan
This proposed policy supports all objectives of the Town’s strategic plan as members of
Council are responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of all three of this plan’s
Pillars of Sustainability.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council may propose an amended policy.
Conclusions
As per the Budget Committee’s recent direction, staff have undertaken a review and
update of the Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy. The
recommended updated policy is attached for Council’s review and approval.
Page 124 of 167
June 20, 2023 4 of 4 Report No. FIN23-026
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy
Previous Reports
Not applicable.
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 125 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora Attachment 1
Policy - Compensation and Support for Members of
Council
Finance
Contact: Director, Finance
Approval Authority: Council
Effective:
______________________________________________________________________________________
Purpose
The Town of Aurora is committed to providing clear expectations and guidance for
existing and potential members of Council with respect to compensation of members of
Council, as well as the support and services provided to them as members of Council as
they carry out the duties of their elected position. This policy document is meant to set
clear expectations to avoid conflicts between members of Council and the
administrative staff.
Scope
Elected Officials
Definitions
Corporate expenses – an expense that is incurred by or on behalf of the governing body
and includes, but is not limited to, costs related to presentations, awards, public
engagement/ceremonies, attendance at events required by Council and standard Town
office support (administrative assistance, supplies, corporate equipment).
Corporate expenses are set by Council in one of two ways:
• during the budget process
• by policy or protocol
An expense incurred at the discretion of Council is a corporate expense. In most cases,
it would then be administered by staff in line with the established policies, procedures
and practices.
Discretionary expenses – an expense that is incurred by choice of an individual Elected
Official. In includes, but is not limited to, conferences, conventions, training courses,
meals, hotels, travel, mileage, attendance at events (other than those Town events
where an Elected Official’s attendance is required by Council), and other business
expenses.
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2
The responsibility for determining the appropriateness of discretionary expenses rests
with the individual Elected Official and not with staff. The Elected Official is accountable
to the public.
Policy
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora provides appropriate and clear support for
Members of Council in their activities required to carry out the duties of their elected
position.
Direct Compensation and Benefits:
Council sets its own compensation and benefits remuneration from time to time, and
changes are enacted by by-law. Any Council may revisit the enacted by-law at any time,
subject to the Procedural By-law. Such direct compensation and benefits remuneration
will include salary, but may also include auto allowances, benefits, home office
expenses, and other financial or equivalent arrangements.
Provision of Office Space and Support:
The Mayor is provided with the following:
• access to a private furnished office space at Town Hall;
• a Town owned laptop computer station which shall be connected to the Town's
secure network, and have access to the Internet;
• the assistance of an Executive Assistant, who is an employee of the Town, and
who also supports where possible the administrative needs of other members of
Council;
• a Town owned and subscribed mobile phone and tablet or bring your own device;
• necessary and appropriate office supplies, access to a fax and copier/printer;
• meeting room space to meet with constituents or other Town guests;
• a reserved parking space at Town Hall;
• free fitness membership, free drop-in swimming (lane swim and leisure swim)
and free drop-in skating (leisure skate) for the duration of the term of office; and
• Town logo merchandise or clothing to a value of $250 per year for personal use,
funded from the Communications budget.
Members of Council are provided with the following:
• access to a furnished shared office space;
• shared resource computers in the shared office space, which shall be connected
to the Town's secure network, and have access to the Internet;
• a Town owned mobile phone and tablet or bring your own device;
• Internet connection rights to the Town's secured network for Councillor access;
Page 127 of 167
3
• the assistance of the Executive Assistant to the Mayor, who is an employee of
the Town, and who supports where possible the administrative needs of other
members of Council;
• necessary and appropriate office supplies, access to a fax and copier/printer;
• meeting room space to meet with constituents or other Town guests;
• free fitness membership, free drop-in swimming (lane swim and leisure swim)
and free drop-in skating (leisure skate) for the duration of the term of office; and
• Town logo merchandise or clothing to a value of $150 per year for personal use,
funded from the Communications budget.
All staff and members of Council are subject to the Town's ITS policies when using
Town computer or telecommunications equipment or facilities.
Reimbursement of Appropriate Expenses:
The annual approved budget sets out the provision of funding for the following groups
of expenses.
• Conferences/seminars/training & development expenses;
• Constituency business and related expenses;
• Other expenses of Members of Council, including those related to holding of
committee or public meetings which they chair or host; and
• Discretionary Councillor Ward allotment
Corporate Expenses – all corporate expenses must comply with the policies and
procedures established for staff expenses. Corporate expenses incurred by Elected
Officials will require approval of the Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer.
Discretionary Expenses – all discretionary expenses not paid using a Town
Procurement card, shall be submitted to Accounts Payable as soon as possible after
receipt of good or services. They shall be reviewed by the Executive Assistant and
signed off by the Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer.
Eligible expenses can include:
• Event tickets;
• Conferences, including meals, travel expenses, hotels
The Executive Assistant to the Mayor may arrange direct Town payment of certain
events, conferences, or training type registration costs.
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4
Authorized conferences, seminars, training and development sessions are restricted to
destinations within North America and include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Conferences/Seminars
o FCM Sponsored events
o AMO Sponsored events
o Ontario Traffic Conference
o Canadian Public Works Association events
o Ontario Good Roads
o Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
o Parks and Recreation Ontario
o Canadian Institute of Planners events
o OMHRA Sponsored events
• Training & Development
o Communication/Public Speaking Training
o Health and Safety / W.H.M.I.S. [First Aid / CPR]
o Executive Management Workshops
o Management / Supervisory Skills Workshops
o Change Management / Business Process Improvements
o Stress in the Workplace
o Harassment and Discrimination
o Information Technology Training & Development [i.e. Word, Excel,
PowerPoint]
The frequency and/or number of sessions attended will be determined based on
availability of financial resources relative to the above referenced spending limits. The
Mayor shall pre-approve Council members' attendance to a conference or training event
following confirmation of remaining available funding. Travel, accommodation and
ancillary expenses associated with attendance at such events are funded from the
same budget account.
Eligibility criteria for spending annually approved constituency expense or municipal
business funding includes, but is not limited to, the following uses:
• Attendance at Community events
o York Regional Police Gala
o United Way Charity events
o Conservation Authority General Meeting
• Lunch Meetings and other business related hospitality
• Meals provided to Council between/prior to scheduled meetings
Page 129 of 167
5
Discretionary Ward Budget
• An annual discretionary ward budget is provided for each Elected Official. Any
funds remaining unspent at the end of the year shall not be carried forward to
next year.
• An Elected Official shall not exceed their annual budget without the approval of
Council.
• The Treasurer is authorized to withhold the reimbursement of expenses from an
Elected Official until Council approval if, in the opinion of the Treasurer, the
expense account has or will exceed its annual budget after taking into
consideration amounts previously expensed and committed to be expensed
during the year.
Eligible ward specific expenses may include:
• Business meals in the interest of the Town of Aurora for meetings;
• Facility rental for ward event/meeting;
• Catering order, including coffee, tea, light food;
• External facilitator fees;
• Ward events
Ineligible expenses include:
• Item for personal use;
• Expenses unrelated to Aurora business;
• Events for a for-profit organization;
• Alcohol expenses;
• Election-related expenses;
• Expenses for ward/constituency events after June 30th of an election year;
• Accumulated expenses exceeding the Elected Official’ annual budget allocation
Disclosure of Compensation and Expenses
Prior to each March 31, the Treasurer must provide to Council a statement of all
remuneration and expenses paid in the prior year to members of Council and members
of appointed boards and committees. Such report is a statutory report required of the
Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 as amended (the "Act"), and is a public record.
Further, this policy document, any By-law of the Corporation, compensation of members
of Council, and expense supporting documentation (subject to the Municipal Freedom
of Information and Protection of Privacy Act), is a public record.
Council expenses will also be reported publicly semi-annually by way of publication in a
logical and readily located section of Town's website. The form of such report shall be
that as used in reporting year-end expenses. The interim reports are not to be placed on
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6
the public agenda, rather produced and published by staff on the website. The website
published reports are to "be retained on the Town's website for the duration of the
Council term". The annual statutory report will continue to appear in the public agenda
as required by legislation, and will also be available at the new "Expenditures of Council"
section of the website.
Updates
Minor administrative updates to this policy by the CAO are authorized, provided no
material changes affecting members of Council or changes which may have a material
financial impact on the corporation are made without Council approval.
Responsibilities
Not applicable.
Monitoring and Compliance
In accordance with the Town of Aurora policies, any non-compliance with this policy will
result in an investigation. Any member of council found to be disrespecting the terms of
this policy, other than under exceptional circumstances is subject to possible discipline.
The CAO / Treasurer will work collaboratively to resolve issues related to this policy.
References
• Annual Budget
• Employment Expenses for Staff
• Municipal Elections Act
• Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Review Timeline
This policy will be reviewed 2 years after the initial approval date.
Page 131 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. PDS23 -084
Subject: Parkland Dedication By-law Update
Prepared by: Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. PDS23-084 be received; and
2. That the Parkland Dedication By-Law be brought forward to a future Council meeting
for enactment.
Executive Summary
To continue to collect lands or cash-in-lieu of land for park purposes, recent legislative
changes to the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13 (the “Planning Act”) required the
Town’s Parkland Dedication By-Law be updated. To maintain current parkland supply
levels and ensure future generations have access to passive and active recreation
opportunities, staff are seeking approval of this updated Parkland Dedication By-Law to
enable all methods of dedication available to the Town through the Planning Act.
Bill 109 and Bill 23 introduced changes to the Planning Act which require
municipalities to update the Parkland Dedication By-Law to collect parkland or
cash-in-lieu thereof.
The update to the Town’s Parkland Dedication By-Law enables staff to seek the
maximum contribution of parkland or cash-in-lieu as permitted through the
Planning Act.
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June 6, 2023 2 of 6 Report No. PDS23-084
Background
Bill 109 and Bill 23 introduced changes to the Planning Act which require municipalities to
update the Parkland Dedication By-Law to collect parkland or cash-in-lieu thereof.
Council approved the Town of Aurora’s first Parkland Dedication By-law in 2001 (By-law
Number 4291-01.F) making use of the provisions in Section 42 of the Planning Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13 (the “Planning Act”) to enable policies dealing with the conveyance
of parkland or cash-in-lieu thereof. Through this By-law, new development applications
are required to convey parkland at a rate of 2% of net developable lands, or land value
for cash-in-lieu of parkland (“CILP”) for commercial or industrial purposes, or, 5% of
developable land or land value for residential purposes. An alternative rate of 1 hectare
per 300 units was also permitted under this By-law.
Recently, the Province introduced Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022 (Bill 109)
and Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) which received Royal Assent on
April 14, 2022 and November 28, 2022 respectively. Considering these recent provincial
planning policy changes, the Town is required to update the Parkland Dedication By-law
to make use of the new alternative rate and to maintain the ability to make use of the
provisions of the Planning Act to continue to require conveyance of land or CILP.
As the Town of Aurora is currently updating both the Parks and Recreation Master Plan,
and Official Plan, Staff are tasked with ensuring the updated Parkland Dedication By-law
is supported by both plans to enable the maximum amount permitted in collecting
parkland or CILP, to continue to provide passive and active recreational opportunities to
Town residents and visitors and maximize the ability to maintain service levels through
future population growth.
Analysis
The update to the Parkland Dedication By-Law will enable staff to seek the maximum
contribution of parkland or cash-in-lieu thereof as permitted through the Planning Act.
Changes to Sections 42 and 51.1 of the Planning Act incorporated by Bill 109 and Bill 23
introduce several key components as it relates to enacting or updating a Parkland
Dedication By-Law.
In response to these imposed changes, Staff completed a detailed assessment of the
policy changes, including a best-practice review of municipal updates to parkland
dedication procedures. While there is some element of customization of a Parkland
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June 6, 2023 3 of 6 Report No. PDS23-084
Dedication By-law, the intent of this By-Law update is to continue to enable all available
methods of conveyance and CILP to the maximum ability.
Summary of changes to parkland dedication policies in the Planning Act, and, key
components of the By-Law include:
The dedication method of calculating 2% of all non-residential and 5% residential
remains the same.
A new alternate rate as mandated by the Planning Act is 1 hectare for every 600
units when conveying land, and 1 hectare of land for every 1000 units when
contributing CILP. The Town may choose to collect whichever method yields a
greater amount.
The Parkland Dedication By-Law may be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan (as is presently being updated), in addition
to official plan policies, is required to use the Alternate Rate.
The Town must make available to the public, an annual CILP reserve fund
balance report, with a requirement to spend or allocate 60% on an annual basis.
A maximum 10% of total land value can be collected through CILP for land that is
5 hectares or less, and a 15% maximum of total land value for land that is greater
than 5 hectares.
Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) may be accepted at 100% credit towards
parkland dedication.
Strata parks may be accepted at a maximum rate of 50% credit towards parkland
dedication.
The Minister of Infrastructure may, by order, require that encumbered land be
accepted.
Although this section is not yet in force, Planning Act changes will mandate a
reduction of parkland dedication for non-profit, and “affordable, and attainable”
housing, as defined by the Development Charges Act, 1997 (in effect date to be
determined after proclamation).
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June 6, 2023 4 of 6 Report No. PDS23-084
Additionally, the Town is updating the process of determining land value to ensure
efficiency and transparency in the appraisal process. As such, applicants submitting a
new development or redevelopment proposal will be required to submit a certified
appraisal at their own cost, which will be assessed against a Town-Wide Land Values
report commissioned annually. This land values report will also serve as the
determination of value for CILP using the alternative calculation method.
Next Steps and Transitioning
In addition to presenting this draft to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee,
staff have consulted with the Building Industry and Land Development Association
(BILD) to ensure transparency and preparedness in future development applications.
As part of the legislated transition polices through the Planning Act, subdivision
applications that have not yet been draft approved or development applications where a
building permit has not yet been issued for the development, will be subject to the
alternate rate contained in the Parkland Dedication Bylaw, once approved by Council.
Advisory Committee Review
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee – April 27, 2023 – Comments were received
and referred to staff for consideration.
Legal Considerations
In order to have the alternative requirement in the By-law, the Town’s Official Plan must
contain specific policies dealing with the provision of parkland and the use of the
alternative requirement. These policies exist and will be incorporated into the Town’s
new Official Plan. In addition, before passing a By-law that provides for the alternative
requirement, the Town must prepare and make available a parks plan that examines the
need for parkland and must consult with such persons and public bodies that the Town
considers appropriate. The proposed final Parks and Recreation Master Plan was
presented to General Committee on June 6, 2023 and, as mentioned above, the Town
considered it appropriate to consult with BILD in regard to the proposed Parkland
Dedication By-law.
Since the By-law includes the alternative requirement, once Council passes the By-Law,
notice of its passing must be given within 20 days. Any person or public body may
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June 6, 2023 5 of 6 Report No. PDS23-084
appeal the By-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal within 40 days after the By-Law is
passed.
Lastly, as required through the Planning Act, the amounts in the CILP reserve fund shall
be reported annually.
Financial Implications
In instances where cash in lieu for parkland is applicable, the Town will strive to
maximize its cash in lieu parkland proceeds within the available parameters of the
attached bylaw.
As per S. 42 (16.1) of the Planning Act, commencing in 2023 and in each calendar year
thereafter, a municipality is required to spend or allocate at least 60 per cent of its CIL
parkland reserve balance at the beginning of the year. The Town is awaiting further
direction/clarification in this regard through the pending provincial regulation(s) that are
under development now.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public about the information contained in this report by
posting it to the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
Acquiring land for park purposes, including collection of cash-in-lieu thereof to secure
land, as enabled through this proposed By-Law, will promote carbon sequestration
through naturalized spaces, including promotion of outdoor programmed amenity
spaces.
Link to Strategic Plan
In alignment with all three pillars of success, being Community, Natural Environment,
and the Economy, this update to the Parkland Dedication By-Law enables staff to utilize
the maximum allowable method of collection of parkland or cash-in-lieu thereof to
secure parkland, which allows for investment in passive and active recreation
opportunities now and in-future, in establishment and maintenance of community
completeness.
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June 6, 2023 6 of 6 Report No. PDS23-084
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
None.
Conclusions
This update to the Town’s Parkland Dedication By-Law, as required by the Planning Act
through recent legislation will maintain existing methods of parkland dedication and
incorporate a new alternate rate, allowing for staff to collect the highest grossing option
for parkland contribution or cash-in-lieu. The By-Law will come into effect upon its
passing and may be amended as required through future provincial policy requirements.
Attachments
Appendix A – Parkland Dedication By-law Draft June 2023
Previous Reports
None.
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 137 of 167
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
By-law Number XXXX-23
Being a By-law to require the conveyance of parkland or the payment in
lieu of parkland pursuant to the Planning Act and to repeal By-law Number
XXXX-XX.
Whereas sections 42, 51.1 and 53 of the Planning Act authorize local municipalities to
require that land be conveyed, or payment in lieu thereof be made, to the local
municipality for park, or other public recreational purposes as a condition of
Development, or Redevelopment, or the subdivision of land;
And whereas sections 42 and 51.1 of the Planning Act provide for the use of alternative
requirements;
And whereas the Town of Aurora Official Plan contains specific policies dealing with the
provision of lands for park or other public recreational purposes and the use of the
alternative requirement;
And whereas the Town has prepared and made available to the public a parks plan that
examined the need for parkland in the municipality;
And whereas Council for the Town desires to repeal and replace Bylaw Number 4291-
01.F with an updated by-law to provide for the conveyance of land and payment in lieu
thereof for park and other public recreational purposes and the use of the alternate
requirement;
And whereas Section 23.1 to 23.3 of the Municipal Act authorize the delegation of
powers or duties of the municipality subject to restrictions;
And whereas Council for The Corporation of the Town of Aurora deems it necessary
and expedient to enact a by-law to provide for the provision of lands for park or other
public recreational purposes and the use of alternative requirements;
Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora hereby enacts as
follows:
1.Definitions
1.1 In this By-law, the following words have the following meanings:
(a)“Building Permit” means the first permit issued under the Building Code
Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, as amended, for a building or structure within
the Development or Redevelopment;
(b)“Council” means the Council of the Town;
(c)“Development” means the construction, erection or placing of one or more
buildings or structures on land, or the making of an addition or alteration
to a building or structure on land, or the making of an addition or alteration
to a building or structure that has the effect of substantially increasing the
size or usability thereof, or the laying out and establishment of a
commercial parking lot;
Appendix A
Page 138 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 2 of 8
(d) “Director of Operations” means the Director of Operational Services of the
Town, or his, her or their designate;
(e) “Director of Planning” means the Director of Planning and Development
Services of the Town, or his, her or their designate;
(f) “Dwelling Unit” means any property of one or more habitable rooms
designed, occupied or intended to be occupied as living quarters of a
single domestic establishment (self-contained unit) and shall as a
minimum contain sanitary facilities, accommodation for sleeping and
prepare and serve meals in which one or more persons may sleep and
prepare and serve meals, but does not include a housekeeping hotel suite
or a housekeeping suite in a long term care facility;
(g) “Land Area” means:
i. The area of land subject to an application for Development or
Redevelopment; or,
ii. The area of land that is to be conveyed under this By-law in fee
simple to the Town and which conveyance can be registered in the
Land Registry Office;
(h) “Mixed Use” means the use of land, buildings or structures intended and
designated to contain both residential and non-residential uses, or
commercial/industrial uses and other non-residential uses, within the
same building or on discrete portions of the same site;
(i) “Natural Hazard Lands” means Land that could be unsafe for
Development or Redevelopment because of naturally occurring processes
associated with flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or unstable soil or
bedrock.
(j) “Net Dwelling Units” means the number of Dwelling Units determined by
subtracting the number of Dwelling Units on the land immediately before
the proposed Development or Redevelopment from the number of
Dwelling Units that will be on the land after the proposed Development or
Redevelopment.
(k) “Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS)” means physical space that is
privately owned but appears and functions as public space. These spaces:
are secured through an easement in favour of the Town; are designed and
maintained to the standards established by the Town; and remain open
and accessible to the public or on a schedule established by agreement
with the Town.
(l) “Planning Act” means the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, as amended,
or successor legislation;
(m) “Redevelopment” means the removal of buildings or structures from land
and further Development of the land, or the substantial renovation of a
building or structure and a change in the character or intensity (density) of
use in connection therewith;
Page 139 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 3 of 8
(n) “Residential Purposes” means lands, buildings, or structures, or portions
thereof, used, or designed or intended for use as a home or residence of
one or more individuals, and the residential portion of a mixed-use building
or structure, and in which both food preparation and sanitary facilities are
provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of the unit;
(o) “Strata Park” means publicly owned parkland or a publicly accessible
privately owned open space located on top of buildings or structures,
including but not limited to parking garages. The strata component of this
definition refers to the horizontal delineation of ownership, as it is
described in the Condominium Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 19;
(p) “Town” means The Corporation of the Town of Aurora, or where the
context requires, the geographical jurisdiction of The Corporation of the
Town of Aurora;
(q) “Treasurer” means the Treasurer of the Town and his, her or their
designate.
2. Lands Affected
2.1 This By-law applies to all lands within the corporate limits of the Town.
3. Calculation of Conveyance and/or Payment in Lieu
3.1 Required Parkland Conveyance and/or Equivalent Payment in Lieu for Non-
Residential Purposes
As a condition of Development or Redevelopment of land, the Town shall require
the conveyance of land or equivalent payment in lieu to the Town for parks and
other public recreational purposes as follows:
(a) Commercial Purposes and Industrial Purposes: Where any form of
Development or Redevelopment is proposed for commercial purposes or
industrial purposes, and where no prior parkland dedication has been
provided for the Development or Redevelopment, or payment in lieu paid,
the Town shall require parkland dedication and/or an equivalent payment
in lieu in the amount equal to 2 percent of the Land Area, unless otherwise
identified as exempt from parkland dedication by the Town.
(b) All Other Non-Residential Purposes: Where any form of Development or
Redevelopment is proposed for other non-residential purposes, and where
no prior parkland dedication has been provided for the Development or
Redevelopment, or payment in lieu paid, the Town shall require parkland
dedication and/or an equivalent payment in lieu in the amount equal to 5
percent of the Land Area, unless otherwise identified as exempt from
parkland dedication by the Town.
3.2 Required Parkland Conveyance and/or Equivalent Payment in Lieu for Mixed-
Use Development
As a condition of Development or Redevelopment of land for Mixed-Use
Development, the Town shall require the conveyance of land and/or equivalent
payment in lieu to the Town for parks and other public recreational purposes
Page 140 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 4 of 8
based on the pro-rated mixture of land uses proposed in accordance with the
other sections of this By-law.
3.3 Required Parkland Conveyance and/or Equivalent Payment in Lieu for
Residential Development
As a condition of Development or Redevelopment of land for Residential
Purposes, the Town shall require the conveyance of land and/or an equivalent
payment in lieu to the Town for parks and other public recreational purposes, as
follows:
(a) The Town shall require a parkland dedication rate of 5% of the Land Area,
or 1 hectare per 600 Net Dwelling Units, whichever generates the greater
parkland dedication to the Town. As an alternative, the Town may require
a payment in lieu of a land dedication at a rate of 5% of the Land Area, or 1
hectare per 1000 Net Dwelling Units, whichever is greater.
3.4 Strata Parks and POPS
The Town, in its sole discretion, may accept the following lands toward satisfying
the parkland dedication requirements to the satisfaction of the Town:
(a) lands that are subject to Strata Park arrangements will be accepted at a
pro-rated rate based on percentage of use and ownership to a maximum
50% parkland dedication credit, subject to legal agreements being entered
into with the Town and registered on title to the lands, which addresses
matters including but not limited to, maintenance, programming, and
operations, to the satisfaction of the Town;
(b) lands that are Privately Owned Public Spaces will be accepted at a rate of
100% parkland dedication credit toward parkland dedication, subject to
legal agreements being entered into with the Town and registered on title
to the lands, which addresses matters including but not limited to,
maintenance, programming, and operations, to the satisfaction of the
Town.
3.5 Maximum Conveyance or Payment in Lieu
Notwithstanding subsections 3.2, 3.3 or 3.4, the maximum conveyance or
payment in lieu to be paid is:
(a) in the case of land proposed for Development or Redevelopment that is
five hectares or less in area, 10 percent of the Land Area or the value of
the Land Area, as the case may be; and
(b) in the case of land proposed for Development or Redevelopment that is
greater than five hectares in area, 15 percent of the Land Area or the value
of the Land Area, as the case may be.
4. Parkland Dedication Credits
4.1 Lands Previously Conveyed
Where land has previously been conveyed, or a payment in lieu of such
conveyance has been previously received by the Town, no additional conveyance
or payment in respect of the land subject to the earlier conveyance or payment
Page 141 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 5 of 8
may be required by the Town in respect of subsequent Development or
Redevelopment applications, unless:
(a) there is a change in the proposed Development or Redevelopment which
would increase the number of residential Dwelling Units of the current use
or currently approved use; or,
(b) lands originally identified for Development or Redevelopment for
commercial and industrial purposes are instead proposed for
Development or Redevelopment for Residential Purposes or any other
non-residential land use that generates a higher parkland dedication.
Where such increase in the number of Dwelling Units is proposed, or where a
land use conversion is proposed from a non-residential land use to a Residential
Purpose, or from commercial or industrial purposes to any other land use, the
conveyance or equivalent payment in lieu of conveyance, as the case may be, will
be subject to the increase in Dwelling Units or land use proposed and the value
determined the day before the day that the first Building Permit is issued.
4.2 Credits Considered
Parkland dedication credits may be considered by the Town where an applicant
has over-provided a parkland dedication for a Development or Redevelopment.
Within two years of the over-provided parkland dedication conveyance or
payment by the applicant, and at the sole discretion of the Town, the Town may
require a lesser parkland dedication on another Development or Redevelopment
by the same applicant, at an appropriate value as determined by the Town and
subject to the applicant and the Town entering into an agreement, if required.
5. Determining when Payment in lieu is appropriate
5.1 The Town shall determine when payment in lieu of a land conveyance is
acceptable versus where a land conveyance will be required. The Town may also
consider when a combination of on-site land dedication, off-site land dedication,
subject to a determination of appropriate value, and/or payment in lieu of land is
appropriate.
6. Timing for Land Value Assessment
6.1 Where land is required to be conveyed to the Town, and/or payment in lieu is
required to be paid to the Town in accordance with this By- law:
(a) for Development or Redevelopment subject to Section 42 of the Planning
Act, the value of the land or payment in lieu equivalent to be paid shall be
determined as the value of the land the day before the day that the
Building Permit is issued, and if more than one Building Permit is required,
the value shall be calculated the day before the day that the first Building
Permit is issued;
(b) for Development or Redevelopment subject to Sections 51.1 and 53 of the
Planning Act, the value of the land or equivalent payment in lieu shall be
determined in accordance with the conditions of approval of a plan of
subdivision or condominium pursuant to Section 51 of the Planning Act or
the conditions of provisional consent pursuant to Section 53 of the
Planning Act.
Page 142 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 6 of 8
7. Administration
7.1 Delegation to Staff
Council hereby delegates to the Director of Planning and the Director of
Operations the administration of this By-Law, including the authority to:
(a) negotiate parkland dedication and/or payment of an equivalent payment
in lieu for each Development or Redevelopment, and execution of parkland
dedication agreements or amendments thereto as may be necessary, in
accordance with the provisions of this By-Law;
(b) establish the location and configuration of land required to be conveyed;
(c) establish the value of land for the purpose of calculating any required
payment; and,
(d) maintain records of all lands and payment in lieu received and include all
expenditures from the payment in lieu parkland reserve fund. The payment
in lieu of parkland dedication record and associated financial statements
shall be reported annually to the Treasurer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Council retains the authority to make or
reconsider, at any time and without notice, revoke or restrict any delegated power
that has been delegated pursuant to this By-law.
7.2 Agreements Apply
Notwithstanding any other provisions in this By-law, where before, or after the
passing of this By-law, the Director of Planning has entered into an Agreement
with respect to the dedication of parkland and/or the equivalent payment in lieu
of parkland, the terms of that Agreement, including any subsequent amendments
to that Agreement, shall remain binding between the parties, and any parkland
dedication and/or payment in lieu of parkland shall be in accordance with the
rates specified in the Agreement, rather than the rates provided for in this By-law.
7.3 Condition of Land
Where land is required to be conveyed to the Town for parks and other public
recreational purposes:
(a) subject to 3.4 above, the land shall be free and clear or all legal and other
encumbrances;
(b) except in accordance with this By-law, the Town will not accept lands that
restrict public programming on the lands in any way;
(c) where ordered by the Minister, encumbered lands which are considered
programmable to the satisfaction of the Town may be accepted at a
maximum rate of 50% parkland dedication credit towards satisfying the
parkland dedication requirements;
(d) the Town may require the delivery of a Record of Site Condition that
satisfies, at a minimum, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment that
meets the requirements of Ontario Regulation 153/04 pursuant to the
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19, for the use of the land
Page 143 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 7 of 8
as a park or other public recreational purposes. Prior to accepting lands
for park or other public recreational purposes, the Town reserves the right
to require a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment be undertaken
following the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment.
(e) the Town shall have the right to refuse the conveyance of land that is
deemed unsuitable for park or public recreation purposes which includes,
but is not limited to, the following:
i. land that has been or will be conveyed to the Town for stormwater
management facilities, highways, roadways, walkways, or any other
non-parkland purpose;
ii. Natural Hazard Lands;
iii. lands that are constrained or otherwise deemed undesirable by the
Town due to, among other things, their size, location, grade,
drainage, flooding, or configuration;
iv. lands which have unsuitable or unstable soil conditions, including
lands which are contaminated;
v. utility rights of way or easements, including but not limited to hydro,
gas, cable, and telecommunications.
In cases where the Town determines that the proposed land for parkland
dedication is unsuitable for parks or public recreation purposes, the Town shall
require payment of cash in lieu of the land conveyance, in the amounts set out in
this By-law.
7.4 Exemptions
The following types of Development or Redevelopment may be exempt from this
By- law:
(a) Development or Redevelopment undertaken by the Province of Ontario, a
municipality including any corporation owned, controlled, and operated by
the Town or the Regional Municipality of York, or a Board of Education as
defined in the Education Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.E2;
(b) Non-profit housing development defined in subsection 4.2(1) of the
Development Charges Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27;
(c) replacement of an existing Dwelling Unit on an existing lot;
(d) Development or Redevelopment of a building or structure intended for use
as a long-term care home within the meaning of subsection 2 (1) of the
Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, S.O. 2021, c. 39, Sched 1;
(e) a college or university in Ontario that receives direct, regular, and ongoing
operating funding from the Government of Ontario;
(f) an Indigenous Institute prescribed for the purposes of section 6 of the
Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 34, Sched 20;
(g) public hospitals;
Page 144 of 167
By-law Number XXXX-23 Page 8 of 8
(h) a second residential unit in a detached house, semi-detached house or
rowhouse on a parcel of land on which residential use, other than ancillary
residential use, is permitted, if all buildings and structures ancillary to the
detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse cumulatively contain
no more than one residential unit;
(i) a third residential unit in a detached house, semi-detached house or
rowhouse on a parcel of land on which residential use, other than ancillary
residential use, is permitted, if no building or structure ancillary to the
detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse contains any
residential units;
(j) one residential unit in a building or structure ancillary to a detached house,
semi-detached house or rowhouse on a parcel of urban residential land, if
the detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse contains no more
than two residential units and no other building or structure ancillary to the
detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse contains any
residential units;
(k) temporary sales structures; and
(l) places of worship.
7.5 Valuation of Land
The valuation of land shall be based on vacant land on a date as determined by
this By-Law and in accordance with the Town’s land valuation policies.
7.6 Severability
In the event that any section of this By-Law is determined by a Court or Tribunal,
to be invalid, that specific portion of this By-law shall be severed from the
balance of this By-law, which will continue to operate in full force and effect.
7.7 Repeal
By-law Number 4291-01.F be and is hereby repealed.
7.8 Short Title
This By-law may be cited as the “Parkland Dedication By-law.”
Enacted by Town of Aurora Council this XXrd day of Month, 2023.
___________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor
___________________________________
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Page 145 of 167
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. PDS 2 3 -0 37
Subject: Request for Traffic Calming Measures - Various Locations
Prepared by: Michael Bat, Traffic and Transportation Analyst
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation
1. That Report No. PDS23-037 be received; and
2. That Council approve the installation of speed cushions at the following locations:
a. Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue; and
b. Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive (west leg).
Executive Summary
This report presents to Council the results of the traffic calming warrant analysis
undertaken for Conover Avenue, Kennedy Street West, Aurora Heights Drive, and
Allenvale Drive.
The existing road conditions at Conover Avenue, Kennedy Street West, Aurora
Heights Drive, and Allenvale Drive are generally consistent with the Town’s
design standards for local and collector roads.
Staff has completed a traffic calming warrant analysis as outlined in the Town’s
Traffic Calming Policy and the results are summarized in Table 1 to Table 5 for
all identified locations.
Staff recommend proceeding with implementing traffic calming measures in the
form of speed cushions at Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and
Borealis Avenue (Location 1) and Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street
and Delayne Drive (Location 4). The remaining locations reviewed did not meet
the minimum requirements under Warrant No. 3 as set out in the Town’s Traffic
Calming Policy.
Page 146 of 167
June 20, 2023 2 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Background
In response to requests received from area residents for traffic calming measures,
Town staff completed warrant analyses following the procedures and methodologies
outlined in the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy at the following five locations:
Location 1: Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue
Location 2: Conover Avenue between Martell Gate and River Ridge Boulevard
Location 3: Kennedy Street West between Bathurst Street and McGee Crescent
(east leg)
Location 4: Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive
(west leg); and,
Location 5: Allenvale Drive between Carlyle Crescent (north leg) and Covent
Crescent.
The locations are shown in Attachment 1.
Analysis
The existing road conditions on Conover Avenue, Kennedy Street West, Aurora Heights
Drive, and Allenvale Drive are generally consistent with the Town’s design standards for
local and collector roads
Conover
Avenue:
is a two-lane collector road with single lane per travel direction. It
has an urban cross-section with curbs and sidewalks on both sides
of the road. The posted speed limit is 40 km/h.
Kennedy Street
West:
is a two-lane minor collector road with single lane per travel
direction. It has an urban cross-section with curbs on both sides of
the road and sidewalks provided along the north side of the road.
The posted speed limit is 40 km/h.
Aurora Heights
Drive:
is a two-lane major collector road with single lane per travel
direction. It has an urban cross-section with curbs and sidewalks
on both sides of the road. The posted speed limit is 40 km/h.
The existing right-of-way is 26 metres wide with a pavement width
of 9 metres. Based on Drawing No. R-212 Typical 26m Residential
R.O.W. in the Town’s Design Criteria Manual for Engineering Plans,
the typical pavement width is 11 metres.
Page 147 of 167
June 20, 2023 3 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Allenvale Drive: is a two-lane local road with single lane per travel direction. It has
an urban cross-section with curbs on both sides of the road and
sidewalks provided along the west side of the road. The posted
speed limit is 40 km/h.
Staff has completed a traffic calming warrant analysis as outlined in the Town’s Traffic
Calming Policy and the results are summarized in Table 1 to Table 5 for all identified
locations
As set out in the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy, a total of three requirements (warrants)
must be satisfied for traffic calming measures to be considered. They are described
below:
Warrant No. 1
(Petition):
To ensure that residents in the immediate area are in support of
traffic calming measures. The minimum threshold is 70% of
households on the street.
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements):
To ensure traffic calming measures are installed to improve traffic
safety. A continuous sidewalk must be on at least one side of the
street and the road grade be less than 5%.
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements):
To ensure that traffic calming measures are implemented on
streets that have a proven need for such measures. The 85th
percentile speed over a seven-day period must be a minimum of 15
km/h over the posted speed limit, and the minimum traffic volume
is 1,500 vehicles per day for collector roads and 750 vehicles per
day for local roads.
Following the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy, the warrant analysis results are
summarized in Tables 1 to 5 below.
Page 148 of 167
June 20, 2023 4 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Table 1: Location 1 – Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue
Warrant Criteria Requirement Site Parameters Meet
Requirement
Warrant No. 1
(Petition)
Petition Minimum 70%
Waived due to
impact of COVID-
19
-
Warrant 1 Met? -
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements)
Emergency Response Consultation No Comments Yes
Transit Services Consultation No Comments Yes
Sidewalks Minimum 1 side Both Sides Yes
Road Grade Maximum 5% < 5% Yes
Warrant 2 Met? Yes
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements)
Minimum Speed
85th Percentile
Minimum 15
km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
15 km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
Yes
Minimum Volumes
Between 1,500
and 8,000
Vehicles Per
Day
2,314 Vehicles
Per Day Yes
Minimum Block
Length Minimum 120 m Approx. 280 m Yes
Special
Circumstances - None -
Warrant 3 Met? Yes
All Warrants 1 - 3 Met? Yes
Page 149 of 167
June 20, 2023 5 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Table 2: Location 2 – Conover Avenue between Martell Gate and River Ridge Boulevard
Warrant Criteria Requirement Site
Parameters
Meet
Requirement
Warrant No. 1
(Petition)
Petition Minimum 70%
Waived due to
impact of
COVID-19
-
Warrant 1 Met? -
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements)
Emergency
Response Consultation No Comments Yes
Transit Services Consultation No Comments Yes
Sidewalks Minimum 1 side Both Sides Yes
Road Grade Maximum 5% < 5% Yes
Warrant 2 Met? Yes
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements)
Minimum Speed
85th Percentile
Minimum 15 km/h
Over Posted Speed
Limit
13 km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
No
Minimum Volumes
Between 1,500 and
8,000 Vehicles Per
Day
2,981 Vehicles
Per Day Yes
Minimum Block
Length Minimum 120 m Approx. 270 m Yes
Special
Circumstances - None -
Warrant 3 Met? No
All Warrants 1 - 3 Met? No
Page 150 of 167
June 20, 2023 6 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Table 3: Location 3 – Kennedy Street West between Bathurst Street and McGee Crescent (east
leg)
Warrant Criteria Requirement Site
Parameters
Meet
Requirement
Warrant No. 1
(Petition)
Petition Minimum 70%
55%
(accepted due
to impact of
COVID-18)
-
Warrant 1 Met? -
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements)
Emergency
Response Consultation No Comments Yes
Transit Services Consultation No Comments Yes
Sidewalks Minimum 1 side One Side Yes
Road Grade Maximum 5% < 5% Yes
Warrant 2 Met? Yes
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements)
Minimum Speed
85th Percentile
Minimum 15 km/h
Over Posted Speed
Limit
13 km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
No
Minimum Volumes
Between 1,500 and
8,000 Vehicles Per
Day
2,288 Vehicles
Per Day Yes
Minimum Block
Length Minimum 120 m Approx. 440 m Yes
Special
Circumstances - None -
Warrant 3 Met? No
All Warrants 1 - 3 Met? No
Page 151 of 167
June 20, 2023 7 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Table 4: Location 4 – Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive (west
leg)
Warrant Criteria Requirement Site
Parameters
Meet
Requirement
Warrant No. 1
(Petition)
Petition Minimum 70% 100% Yes
Warrant 1 Met? -
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements)
Emergency
Response Consultation No Comments Yes
Transit Services Consultation No Comments Yes
Sidewalks Minimum 1 side One Side Yes
Road Grade Maximum 5% < 5% Yes
Warrant 2 Met? Yes
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements)
Minimum Speed
85th Percentile
Minimum 15 km/h
Over Posted Speed
Limit
15 km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
Yes
Minimum Volumes
Between 1,500 and
8,000 Vehicles Per
Day
3,131 Vehicles
Per Day Yes
Minimum Block
Length Minimum 120 m Approx. 250 m Yes
Special
Circumstances - None -
Warrant 3 Met? Yes
All Warrants 1 - 3 Met? Yes
Page 152 of 167
June 20, 2023 8 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Table 5: Location 5 – Allenvale Drive between Carlyle Crescent (north leg) and Covent
Crescent
Warrant Criteria Requirement Site
Parameters
Meet
Requirement
Warrant No. 1
(Petition)
Petition Minimum 70% 72% Yes
Warrant 1 Met? -
Warrant No. 2
(Safety
Requirements)
Emergency
Response Consultation No Comments Yes
Transit Services Consultation No Comments Yes
Sidewalks Minimum 1 side Both Sides Yes
Road Grade Maximum 5% < 5% Yes
Warrant 2 Met? Yes
Warrant No. 3
(Technical
Requirements)
Minimum Speed
85th Percentile
Minimum 15 km/h
Over Posted Speed
Limit
7 km/h Over
Posted Speed
Limit
No
Minimum Volumes
Between 750 and
8,000 Vehicles Per
Day
2,368 Vehicles
Per Day Yes
Minimum Block
Length Minimum 120 m Approx. 150 m Yes
Special
Circumstances - None -
Warrant 3 Met? No
All Warrants 1 - 3 Met? No
Page 153 of 167
June 20, 2023 9 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Staff recommends proceeding with implementing traffic calming measures in the form of
speed cushions at Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue
(Location 1) and Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive
(Location 4). The remaining locations reviewed did not meet the minimum requirements
under Warrant No. 3 as set out in the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy.
Based on the requirements outlined in the Traffic Calming Policy, staff recommends
installing traffic calming measures at the following locations:
Location 1: Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue;
and,
Location 4: Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive
(west leg).
The remaining locations did not satisfy the minimum requirements under Warrant No. 3,
and therefore, traffic calming implementation is not recommended.
The type of traffic calming measure that will be implemented is speed cushions. Speed
cushions are similar to speed humps but include wheel cut-outs to allow large vehicles
including emergency vehicles to pass through unaffected.
Advisory Committee Review
A memorandum (Report No. PDS23-038) was presented at the Active Transportation
and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting on April 26, 2023. The
Committee recommended deferring any traffic calming installations until the
completion of the Active Transportation Master Plan. The Committee also
recommended that temporary measures (i.e. flexible signs) be considered in the
interim.
However, staff recommends proceeding with traffic calming implementation at Conover
Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue (Location 1) and Aurora
Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive (Location 4).
Legal Considerations
As set out in the Traffic Calming Policy, all requests for the implementation of traffic
calming measures that comply with the requirements of the policy are to be approved
by Council.
Page 154 of 167
June 20, 2023 10 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Financial Implications
The estimated cost to install speed cushions at the identified locations is $50,000.
There are funds available to undertake this project through Capital Project No. 34519 –
Traffic Calming as per the 2019 DC Study.
Communications Considerations
The Town of Aurora will inform the public about the information contained in this report
by posting this report to the Town’s website. The Communications team will also inform
the public about any potential traffic disruptions during the installation of the speed
cushions through the Town’s regular communications channels.
Climate Change Considerations
The implementation of traffic calming measures may result in elevated pollutant
emissions created from the constant acceleration, deceleration, and speed adjustments
necessary to navigate and drive over the installed traffic calming devices.
Link to Strategic Plan
This report supports the Strategic Plan goal of Support an Exceptional Quality of Life for
All by examining traffic patterns and identify potential solutions to improve movement
and safety at key intersections in the community.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. That Council provide direction.
Conclusions
In response to requests received from area residents for traffic calming measures,
Town staff completed warrant analyses following the procedures and methodologies
outlined in the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy at the following five locations:
Location 1: Conover Avenue between River Ridge Boulevard and Borealis Avenue
Location 2: Conover Avenue between Martell Gate and River Ridge Boulevard
Page 155 of 167
June 20, 2023 11 of 11 Report No. PDS23-037
Location 3: Kennedy Street West between Bathurst Street and McGee Crescent
(east leg)
Location 4: Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst Street and Delayne Drive
(west leg); and,
Location 5: Allenvale Drive between Carlyle Crescent (north leg) and Covent
Crescent.
Based on the requirements outlined in the Traffic Calming Policy, staff recommends
proceeding with traffic calming implementation at Conover Avenue between River Ridge
Boulevard and Borealis Avenue (Location 1) and Aurora Heights Drive between Bathurst
Street and Delayne Drive (Location 4).
The remaining locations did not satisfy the minimum requirements under Warrant No. 3,
of the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy and therefore, traffic calming implementation is
not recommended.
Attachments
1. Traffic Calming Implementation – Various Locations
Previous Reports
None.
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, MCIP, RPP, Director, Planning and Development Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 156 of 167
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. PDS23 -0 86
Subject: Update and Response to New Provincial Planning Legislation
Prepared by: Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: June 20, 2023
Recommendation(s)
1. That Report No. PDS23-086 be received for information; and
2. That proposed amendments to the Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, outlined in this
report, be approved, and a by-law to amend the Procedure By-law be enacted to
implement the proposed amendments; and
3. That proposed amendments to the Site Plan Control By-law No. 6106-18, outlined in
this report, be approved, and a by-law to amend the Site Plan Control By-law be
enacted to implement the proposed amendments.
Executive Summary
This report summarizes aspects of recent provincial planning policy legislation changes
and outlines the responses and impact to Town planning policies and procedures. Bill
109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022, (Bill 109), Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster
Act, 2022 (Bill 23), proposed Bill 97, Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023,
(Bill 97) and the draft Provincial Policy Statement, 2023, have brought forward
legislation that impact different core areas of planning review. Staff present the
following summary of these provincial policy changes, both implemented and proposed,
and the recommended response, below.
The Conservation Authorities have a new role, which requires planning for
replacement of services in development review.
Bill 109 and Bill 23 imposed changes to consultation and application decision
timelines.
Page 158 of 167
June 20, 2023 2 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
The required refund provisions have the potential of lost planning fee revenue.
Community Information Meetings have been introduced in addition to Statutory
Public Planning meetings and amendments are proposed to the Procedure By-
Law to reduce likeliness of required refunding of planning application fees.
Recent changes to the Planning Act applying to Site Plan Control require
updating the Town’s Site Plan Control By-Law.
Potential outcomes of the proposed Provincial Planning Statement outline
changes to growth targets and intensification of land uses.
Background
The introduction of provincial Bill 109, More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022, (Bill 109),
Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23), and proposed Bill 97, Helping
Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, (Bill 97), incorporate newly inducted
legislation which will impact the way planning and development review is conducted in
Ontario. Additionally, the introduction of a draft Provincial Planning Statement, which
combines the former Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan, provide additional
direction in growth related policy and the mechanisms by which these plans are
intended to be implemented.
In Fall 2022, staff provided an update to General Committee, outlining key elements of
proposed and approved amendments to various acts involving development review
through Bill 109 (PDS22-038). Since then, the Ontario government has introduced and
implemented additional legislative changes to the Planning Act, Conservation
Authorities Act, Development Charges Act, and most recently, the proposed Provincial
Planning Statement.
In response to new planning legislation, staff have reviewed and consolidated each of
the newly introduced planning policies and are providing and update or response where
merited, through this report.
Page 159 of 167
June 20, 2023 3 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
Analysis
The Conservation Authorities have a new role, which requires planning for replacement of
services in development review.
As a result of recent policy changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, the role of a
Conservation Authority (CA) has been modified in the scope of development application
review. Specific to Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) as it relates to
natural hazards (watercourses, flooding, erosion, slope stability, wetlands and unstable
soils), these services as provided by the CA have mostly been retained. This is also true
regarding source water protection and erosion and sediment controls.
Specific to natural heritage, wildlife habitat and threatened/endangered species, this
review now falls onto the responsibility of the municipality. Any application in which the
CA received first submission and provided comments prior to January 1, 2023, will
continue to be reviewed up to April 28, 2023. At this point, the CA will no longer provide
review and comments on natural heritage issues for these transition development
applications. This review requirement will fully revert to the approval authority at this
time (the Town). Any application received after January 1, 2023 or any application that
did not get reviewed by the CA prior to January 1, 2023, will be reviewed in the context
of the current legislation.
To temporarily fill the service gap as described, the Town is currently peer reviewing
natural heritage matters. Staff will continue to have discussions with York Region and
surrounding municipalities to explore opportunities to retain an environmental services
consultant, to provide services no longer offered by the CA. The anticipated financial
burden would be passed onto the applicant, and therefore should not impact the tax
levy or other capital funding sources.
Bill 109 and Bill 23 imposed changes to consultation and application decision timelines.
Bill 109 and Bill 23, received Royal Assent on April 14, 2022 and November 28, 2022
respectively. Two of the major changes incorporated within the legislation as it relates
to the Planning Act, is the requirement to refund planning fees for delays in making a
decision of Official Plan Amendment (OPA), Zoning By-law Amendment (ZBA) and Site
Plan (SP) applications, and, the removal of the requirement for a public meeting with
respect to proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision applications.
The required refund provisions have the potential of lost planning fee revenue.
Page 160 of 167
June 20, 2023 4 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
The refund requirements imposed as a result of Bill 109 have been delayed from
January 1, 2023 and will come into effect July 1, 2023, if Bill 97 is passed. Providing
refunds to applicants will likely impact revenue generated by planning application fees.
With expedited review timelines, and the common occurrence of second or third public
planning meetings, staff anticipate partial or full planning fee refunds which may impact
revenue in 2023 and onward. The required refund provisions are outlined in Table 1.
Table 1- Required refund provisions incorporated through Bill 109.
In the last five years, staff estimate that all processed ZBA, OPA and SP applications did
not result in a decision within the required decision timelines which would require an
100% refund under the new provisions. In 2022, in reviewing 13 ZBA/OPA applications,
none fell within the decision timeline requirement. This could have resulted in a lost
planning application fee revenue of approximately $600,000.00 in 2022. Regarding site
plan applications in 2022, only 1 of 14 reviewed had a decision made within 91 days,
which would still have resulted in a 75% fee refund, while all others would have resulted
in a 100% refund.
Staff have contemplated ways to be more efficient in collecting meaningful public
stakeholder feedback and keep within the above referenced required review timelines to
avoid full or partial refunds.
Community Information Meetings have been introduced in addition to Statutory Public
Planning meetings and amendments to the Procedure By-Law are proposed to reduce
likeliness of required refunding of planning application fees.
In response to Bill 109 and Bill 23, staff conducted a best practice review of public
planning meeting procedures, and concluded that most Ontario municipalities have
implemented a consultation process prior to the statutory Public Planning meeting.
Page 161 of 167
June 20, 2023 5 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
Since Statutory Public Planning meetings are no longer required for proposed draft plan
of subdivision applications, in the spirit of good planning practice, staff recommend
continuing to collect public feedback on subdivision applications.
In 2022, staff introduced Community Information Meetings (CIM) in replacement of the
Statutory Public Planning Meetings for proposed plans of subdivision. As an added
opportunity to collect feedback for applications where a Statutory Public Planning
Meeting is still required, the CIM would be an additional value-added discussion on
residential planning projects in an open public forum, without the limitation of formal
procedures. The requirement of the CIM is determined in consultation with the ward
Councillor after the Town receives a proposed development application. The CIM is to
be held prior to a statutory Public Planning Meeting, and after the application is deemed
“complete” as per the Planning Act requirement. CIMs are attended by the ward
Councillor, with presentation delivery by the Applicant of the development proposal,
followed with the opportunity for the public to ask questions directly to the proponent,
and to the ward councillor or staff.
It is the opinion of staff that the introduction of CIMs will:
Allow more flexibility for members of the public to voice their opinion (No
prescribed limitation on the number of times and duration to speak);
Make the consultation process more informed and efficient in making a decision
quicker, therefore avoiding partial or full refunding of application fees;
Increase the quality of discussion at the statutory public planning meeting and
possibility avoid the request of an additional public planning meeting;
Allow applicants to receive direct feedback for considerations; and
Allow for the ability to conduct a dialogue versus only presenting the public
opinion.
In conducting the best practice review, many Ontario municipalities have imposed
procedures that limited delegation at public planning meetings to 5-minutes in whole as
an individual, or as a group representing multiple interests with the same comment
subject, without an explicit invitation to return to speak more than once on same
agenda item. Other wording found repeatedly in procedural by-laws limited the notion of
‘debate’ to avoid having delegates returning to respond to Council reply to their initial
Page 162 of 167
June 20, 2023 6 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
delegation, causing lengthy meetings, often resulting in a need for second or third
meetings, and subsequently increasing the risk of a required refund.
In limiting repeated delegations by individuals at statutory Public Planning Meetings,
this may allow a greater number of community stakeholders to provide feedback and
avoid second or third planning meetings, while promoting concise feedback and
encouraging debate and participation in a CIM. As such staff are recommending an
amendment to the Town’s Procedure By-law being By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, to
limit individual delegations to one 5-minute opportunity per agenda item during
statutory Public Planning Meetings.
As it relates to statutory Public Planning Meetings, the Town’s Procedure By-Law
currently reads as follows:
“Any person may speak on a matter on the agenda at a Public Planning Meeting. The
delegate shall not speak for more than five (5) minutes. but may have an opportunity to
speak more than once on the agenda item”.
Town Staff recommend removing the following wording: “but may have an opportunity
to speak more than once on the agenda item”.
Recent changes to the Planning Act applying to Site Plan Control require updating the
Town’s Site Plan Control By-Law.
Bill 109 amended the Planning Act to remove site plan control requirements for most
projects with fewer than 10 residential units. However, the latest proposed bill, Bill 97 is
proposing to further amend the Planning Act as it relates to the definition of
development under this section. Currently, subsection 41 (1.2) provides that the
construction, erection, or placing of a building or structure for residential purposes on a
parcel of land does not constitute “development” if the parcel of land will contain no
more than 10 residential units. If Bill 97 comes into force, this subsection of the
Planning Act will be amended to provide that such activities do constitute
“development” if the parcel of land includes land in a “prescribed area”. The Regulations
associated with Bill 97 are proposed to define “prescribed area” as development that is
proposed within 120 metres of a shoreline or 300 metres of a railway line. As such,
there may be site plan requirements for projects in Aurora that are fewer than 10 units
and are within 300 metres of the GO station.
Page 163 of 167
June 20, 2023 7 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
In addition, amendments to the Planning Act impose limits on the Town’s authority to
dictate a building’s exterior design, including character, scale, appearance, and design,
except to the extent that it is a matter relating to exterior access to a building that will
contain affordable housing units. In summary, as of November 28, 2022, the Town is no
longer able to require Site Plan Control for residential projects between 1 and 10 units,
including dwellings within the Stable Neighbourhood areas, subject to the new
provisions of Bill 97, if passed.
As a result of these changes, the Town’s Site Plan Control By-Law No. 6106-18, as
amended, is required to be amended. The proposed amendment will make use of all
available review tools as allowable through section 41 of the Planning Act as it relates
to Site Plan Control. Town staff would retain control of individual sites through the
requirement of building permits and in reviewing ZBA applications.
Potential outcomes of the proposed Provincial Planning Statement outline changes to
growth targets and intensification of land uses.
On April 6, 2023, Ontario announced new components of its Housing Supply Action
Plan. Within this action plan, two key elements were presented, being the introduction of
Bill 97, which received first reading in the Ontario legislature on April 6, 2023, and the
release of a draft Provincial Planning Statement, 2023 (PPS 2023). If the Statement is
adopted by the province, it will replace A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater
Golden Horseshoe and the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020.
Key changes resulting from the proposed merger of the current Provincial Policy
Statement and Growth Plan into the PPS 2023 include:
Flexibility for the planning horizon has been introduced by requiring the
designation of land to accommodate growth for at least 25 years (‘at least’ being
new).
A common set of Provincial population and employment forecasts for use by
municipalities will no longer be provided. The Province has recently approved the
Region’s Official Plan which includes both forecasts and affordable housing
targets and as such, staff recommend that the Town, in an effort to conform to
the Upper-tier plan should be following this policy direction unless specific
direction in the approval of the new Official Plan is provided.
Page 164 of 167
June 20, 2023 8 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
Municipal comprehensive reviews will no longer be required and decisions on
growth management, including settlement area expansion and employment
conversion, can occur at any time subject to an OPA,
The intensification target will be removed and the focus of intensification will be
limited to “Strategic Growth Areas”, which are only applicable to large and fast-
growing municipalities, which does not include Aurora. Provincial Urban Growth
Centres will no longer be referenced.
Minimum density for designated greenfield areas will be encouraged and only a
subset of Growth Plan targets will be maintained (MTSA densities) applicable
only to “large and fast-growing municipalities”, which do not include Aurora, and
would be considered optional.
The draft PPS 2023 does not define affordable housing and has not brought
forward targets for affordable or rental housing. Legislation from previous bills
requiring regulations in this regard have not yet been released.
The definition of employment area and the policy approach to employment
planning will change, specifically by not including “office” in the definition,
allowing more residential uses in some instances, and allowing conversion of
employment lands at any time, with fewer tests.
The draft PPS 2023 will eliminate the requirement to use the provincially mapped
Agricultural System, and will permit additional residential units and lots in the
agricultural area.
Due to the recent introduction of this proposed legislation, staff are currently reviewing
these policy changes. Based on the outcomes of the draft PPS 2023 and the proposed
Bill 97, staff will bring a further update to Council once a greater understanding of
impact is assessed in an Aurora specific context.
Advisory Committee Review
Not Applicable.
Page 165 of 167
June 20, 2023 9 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
Legal Considerations
As mentioned above, the amendments resulting from Bill 109 and Bill 23 are, for the
most part, in effect. The regulations have not yet been provided. At the time of the
writing of this report, Bill 97 is in third reading. Lastly, the draft PPS 2023 is still in the
commenting period, which has recently been extended until August 4, 2023.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as a result of this report. However, it is
anticipated that these legislative changes will result in a yet to be determined
incremental financial burden to the Town. As these associated new financial pressures
arise they will be presented to Council for its review and approval when appropriate.
Communications Considerations
The Town will inform the public about the information contained in this report by
posting this report to the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
In consideration of climate change, it is the opinion of Staff to maintain natural heritage
review as previously completed by the Conservation Authority. By doing so, this would
provide opportunity to protect and enhance natural heritage toward the cumulative
benefit of climate change mitigation.
Link to Strategic Plan
In keeping with the Strategic Plan and goal of Community Engagement, the
recommendations within this report are merited on the voluntary addition of the
Community Information Meeting, to ensure public opinion is collected ahead of a
statutory Public Planning Meeting, and to allow the applicant of a development proposal
an opportunity to incorporate collected feedback into their plan or design.
Further, in replacing services as formerly performed by the Conservation Authority, the
Town will accelerate the goal of supporting environmental sustainability as one of the
key pillars of success by promoting environmental protection.
Page 166 of 167
June 20, 2023 10 of 10 Report No. PDS23-086
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council may choose to not amend the Town’s Procedure By-Law.
Conclusions
In review of recent legislative planning policy changes in Ontario, this report
summarizes the proposed response in continuing to deliver responsible review of
development applications in Aurora. As such, staff recommend replacement of formerly
delivered services by the CA as it relates to natural heritage, as well as amending the
Site Plan Control By-law, and Procedure By-law, to maintain alignment with the
amendments to the Planning Act, and avoiding the potential of planning application fee
refunds, and continue to provide efficient and responsible planning review on behalf of
the Town of Aurora residents and members of Council.
Attachments
None.
Previous Reports
PDS22-138, Bill 23 Proposed Omnibus Legislation Summary
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on June 1, 2023
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 167 of 167