MINUTES - General Committee - 20230221 1
Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Michael Thompson*
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Members Absent: Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director, Operations*
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Daniel Bitonti, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications*
Slav Szlapczynski, Associate Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Palak Mehta, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
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2. Land Acknowledgement
General 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.
3. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services.
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Community Presentations
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 Javed S. Khan, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame; Re: Seeking Nominations for
2023 Class of Inductees
Javed S. Khan, President, representing the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame,
provided information regarding the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame seeking
nominations for the 2023 Class of Inductees.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation for
information.
7. Consent Agenda
None.
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8. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
None.
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS23-016 - Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law
Amendment Approval, 5-70 Archerhill Court Lots 1 to 14 and Archerhill
Court, Plan 65M-2494 File Numbers: SUB-2021 and ZBA-2021-06
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS23-016 be received; and
2. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2021-02 be approved,
as shown in Figure 4 of this report and subject to the Conditions of
Draft Plan Approval as outlined in Appendix ‘A’; and
3. That the corresponding Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-
2021-06 be approved, to rezone the subject lands from “Estate
Residential (ER)” to “Detached Third Density Residential (R3-X)
Exception Zone”, “Detached Fourth Density Residential (R4)”,
“Detached Fourth Density Residential (R4-X) Exception Zone”,
“Detached Fourth Density Residential (R4-X2) Exception Zone”, “Public
Open Space (O1)”, and “Environmental Protection (EP)” with site
specific zoning standards as outlined in Appendix ‘B’ of this report;
and
4. That the appropriate servicing be allocated to the development (138
units); and
5. That an implementing Zoning By-law Amendment be brought forward
to a future Council meeting for enactment; and
6. That a By-law to stop up, close and convey Archerhill Court to the
owner of the subject lands be brought forward to a future Council
meeting for enactment.
Carried
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9.2 CMS23-006 - Church Street School - Asset Management
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS23-006 be received; and
2. That a new capital project with total budget authority of $173,000 be
approved for the refinishing and repainting of Brevik Hall, Aurora room,
boardroom, gallery, and ancillary spaces in the Church Street school to
be funded from the facility asset management reserve; and
3. That a new capital project with total budget authority of $187,000 be
approved for the refinishing and repainting of Aurora Museum &
Archives and Aurora Cultural Centre administrative spaces to be
funded from the facility asset management reserve.
Carried
9.3 CMS23-004- Office Furniture and Contract Award
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS23-004 be received; and
2. That Council authorize Non-Standard procurement, under section 2.7
of the procurement policy for Piggyback Purchasing, to award the
supply, delivery, and installation of systems furniture to Teknion under
the terms of the Vendor of Record (VOR) agreement; and
3. That Council approve the procurement as a standing offer as defined
under section 5.2 Standing Offers in the Procurement Policy.
Carried
9.4 CS23-009 - Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CS23-009 be received; and
2. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Council
Compensation Ad Hoc Committee be approved.
Carried
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10. Notices of Motion
10.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Affordable Housing Action Plan
Whereas affordable housing has reached a crisis level in communities
across Canada; and
Whereas responsible growth management and providing a range and mix
of housing options are fundamental pillars of the Town’s Official Plan; and
Whereas the Town continues to implement Provincial and Regional targets
on housing, population, and density - having grown by approximately 12%
from 2016-2021, and forecasted to continue to grow by over another 30%
to 2051; and
Whereas this growth emphasizes the importance of proactive and
strategic planning for affordable and attainable housing, which further
supports the economic strength and livability of the Town overall; and
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That through the Town’s ongoing
Official Plan Review, the scope of the Town’s Official Plan be expanded
to include modernized housing policies that clearly articulate and
define the Town’s strategies and actions on affordable and attainable
housing to 2051 and beyond; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town develop an Affordable Housing
Action Plan (AHAP), to be used to guide decision-making on how to
address affordable housing and promote attainable housing options
for residents through clear objectives and targets specifically designed
for implementation within the local Aurora community context; and
3. Be it Further Resolved That the Affordable Housing Action Plan (AHAP)
be developed through collaborative engagement with the community,
local partners, and housing providers, and apply to both private market
and public housing development; and
4. Be it Further Resolved That the Affordable Housing Action Plan also
include specific monitoring and measuring tools to ensure the
successful implementation of strategies over the horizon of 2051 and
beyond.
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10.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: 672 and 684 Henderson Drive
Whereas Weston Consulting has made requests to the Town of Aurora,
The Regional Municipality of York, and the Province (Ministry of Municipal
Affairs & Housing) to permit residential development at 672 and 684
Henderson Drive as of right; and
Whereas the effect of such request would result in circumventing the
Town’s existing approval process and forgoing an assessment of potential
environmental impacts of proposed development on the subject lands;
and
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora request
the Province continue to support the Town’s position as well as the OLT
ruling for 672 and 684 Henderson Dr and NOT permit residential
development as of right on these lands; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this Motion be sent to the
Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and the Honourable Steve
Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
10.3 Councillor Rachel Gilliland, Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball
Opportunities
Whereas the Town envisioned by 2021, Aurora would have a dynamic and
robust sport system that enables all Town residents to engage in
meaningful sport opportunities equal to their abilities, resulting in
increased levels of participation in sport; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora supported a Sport Plan, prioritizing growth,
supporting an active community, and to place focus on increasing
participation in sport; and
Whereas Pickleball is the number one growing sport in North America that
is gaining popularity in Aurora within numerous age groups, particularly
adults and older adults; and
Whereas often Pickleball leagues and courts fill up within the same day of
registration leaving many without an opportunity to try or play the sport, or
forced to go out of Town; and
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Whereas even though, the Town is still developing a new Parks and
Recreation Master Plan, residents are eager to begin identifying creative
Pickleball opportunities to capitalize on the upcoming spring, summer and
fall seasons to help meet the demand; and
Whereas there may be creative opportunities with existing tennis courts,
under-utilized parking lots, or community/corporate partnerships that
could be explored; and
Whereas tennis and pickleball courts serve a multi-use purpose extending
use efficiently; and
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back with
possible creative opportunities to increase Pickleball courts for the
2023 summer season; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back with a future Pickleball
development plan with recommendations and future budget
considerations through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
10.4 Councillor Rachel Gilliland; Re: Feasibility of a Permanent Liquor License at
the Aurora Community Centre
Whereas the Town of Aurora has developed a Sport Tourism Strategy to
enhance the visitor experience, bring new events into the community,
highlight hometown athletes, and incorporate cultural experiences for the
community and visitors; and
Whereas Aurora is a proven growing hockey community of fans, emerging
players, and residents, with talent such as Connor McDavid, Robert
Thomas, Barclay Goodrow, and Jr Panther Abby Lunney; and
Whereas the cost of watching NHL-level games in person has become
extremely unaffordable for the average family or for couples to enjoy; and
Whereas there is an opportunity at the Aurora Community Centre to offer a
permanent liquor license to watch in-person, high-level hockey games,
such as the Jr. A Aurora Tigers and U18 Women’s International Silver Stick
Tournament; and
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Whereas other municipalities have successfully licensed certain facilities,
such as Barrie and Collingwood, to enjoy watching high-level hockey talent
and provide an opportunity for local athletes to compete in their
hometown, celebrate and highlight the achievements of local athletes who
are role models for future athletes; and
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
investigate and report back to Council on the feasibility of a permanent
liquor license at the Aurora Community Centre arena;
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back with the recommended
amendments to the Municipal Alcohol Policy that would need updating
to facilitate this opportunity.
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Highlights of January 26, 2023
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of January 26, 2023, be
received for information.
Carried
12. New Business
None.
13. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gallo acknowledged Wednesday, February 23, 2023 is "Pink Shirt Day";
to raise awareness of youth impacted by bullying in schools, and to raise funds
to support programs that nurture children's healthy self-esteem. Background
information on the inspiration behind Pink Shirt Day was provided. For more
information on the "Pink Shirt Day" movement visit; pinkshirtday.ca.
Councillor Weese advised that Sunday, March 26, 2023 is "Epilepsy Awareness
Day." Councillor Weese inquired regarding the Town’s proclamation process.
Mayor Mrakas added that several restaurants within York Region are selling
pancakes for $1 and proceeds of the pancake sales will be donated to Epilepsy
York Region. For more information, visit epilepsyyork.org/pancake-Tuesday.
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Councillor Weese thanked the Town Staff involved with the Family Day long
weekend events, with a special thanks to Shelley Ware, Supervisor, Recreation -
Special Events.
Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:
Just as a reminder, parking on residential streets is strictly prohibited until
April 15, 2023 between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. This restriction allows for the safe
and effective clearing of snow and road maintenance. To learn more, visit
aurora.ca/winterparking.
For the month of February, Aurora’s Online Skylight Gallery is featuring the
work of Samantha Jones, entitled “Disembodied.” Meditating on her own
experience growing up in a suburban home in Aurora, Samantha creates
micro-detailed artworks that translate the ambience of a space through
familiar textures, objects, and backgrounds rooted in both reality and the
dream world. View this online gallery at aurora.ca/skylightgallery.
The Town of Aurora’s Spring & Summer 2023 Program Guide and Summer
Camps 2023 Program Guide will be available for online viewing on March 7.
For further details and information on the Spring & Summer Guide, visit
aurora.ca/programguide and for Summer Camps visit
aurora.ca/summercamps.
Until March 31, nominate someone for a 2023 Community Recognition
Award. We are honouring the best individuals, groups and businesses that
have contributed their time and talents to making Aurora an incredible place
to live. For more information and how to place your nomination, visit
aurora.ca/cra
The 2023 Waste and Recycling Calendars have been delivered to households,
can be picked up at Aurora Town Hall and digital copies are also available
online. For more information, please visit aurora.ca/wasteandrecycling.
Aurora continues to celebrate Black History Month and the important
contributions of Black Canadians. In partnership with the Aurora Black
Community Association, we’re providing so many opportunities to learn
about and celebrate Aurora’s Black community and our diverse and rich
cultures. For more information, visit aurora.ca/blackhistorymonth.
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Be in the know! Subscribe to the Town’s enewsletter for a monthly roundup
delivered right to your inbox. Aurora Matters provides everything you need to
stay up to date on key projects, engagement opportunities, upcoming events,
and important reminders. Subscribe at aurora.ca/AuroraMatters.
The Annual Mayor's Luncheon, presented by the Aurora Chambers of
Commerce, will be held on February 22, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit aurorachamber.on.ca.
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.