MINUTES - Council - 20230328
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland*
Councillor Wendy Gaertner*
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Allan Downey, Director, Operational Services
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance*
Daniel Bitonti, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
Palak Mehta, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 2
2. Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Mrakas 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
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, including the
following added items requiring a two-thirds majority vote, be approved:
Delegation 6.3 - Ian M. Clark, Resident; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 - Heritage
Permit Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Delegation 6.4 - Matthew Kinsella, Architect; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 -
Heritage Permit Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to 0)
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Phiona Durrant and Bobbie Marshall, Aurora Black Community Association;
Re: Black History Report
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 3
Council consented to permit an additional five minutes for the
presentation.
Phiona Durrant and Bobbie Marshall presented an overview of the
successful events of Black History Month 2023 in Aurora, including key
performance indicators and impact analysis, and thanked the Town, staff,
and community for their support. Dedicated volunteer Ron Kellman was
recognized and presented with the Aurora Black Community Honourable
Jean Augustine Community Builder Award.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
5.2 Milton Hart, Chair, Aurora Black Caucus; Re: Aurora Black Caucus
Milton Hart provided background on the Aurora Black Caucus and
requested that the Town continue strengthening its partnerships with
Black Community organizations on initiatives including the creation of a
dismantling of anti-black racism policy, a formal replacement of the
former Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force with a physical
location, the celebration of Emancipation Day in Aurora on August 1, 2023,
and the championing and celebration of accomplishments.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
5.3 Al Downey Retirement
Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, paid tribute to Allan
Downey, Director of Operational Services, who will retire on March 31,
2023. The Mayor and Councillors also acknowledged and thanked Al
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 4
Downey for his years of service and dedication to the community and
wished him the best of luck in retirement.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6. Delegations
6.1 Rita McMahon, Resident; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 - Heritage Permit
Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Rita McMahon stressed the importance of transparency and decisions
based on objective criteria, noting the engineering report does not support
demolition, and requested that the proposed rebuild design be considered
at the April 25, 2023 Council meeting if the demolition is approved.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.1.8.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 Robert Fairs, Resident; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 - Heritage Permit
Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Robert Fairs expressed concerns regarding the application notice and
review processes, noting many local residents did not receive notice and
the Heritage Advisory Committee should be part of the review process.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 5
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.1.8.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Ian M. Clark, Resident; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 - Heritage Permit
Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Council consented to permit an additional two minutes for the delegation.
Ian Clark commented on the importance of the Northeast Old Aurora
Heritage Conservation District Plan and requested that the demolition
request, including engineering reports, be referred to the Heritage Advisory
Committee and that the application 90-day deadline be removed.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.1.8.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 Matthew Kinsella, Architect; Re: Item 8.1.8 - PDS23-018 - Heritage Permit
Application, 60 Fleury Street, File Number: HPA-2023-01
Council consented to permit Ryan Panet, the property owner of 60 Fleury
Street, to make a brief statement.
Ryan Panet thanked residents for expressing their concerns and
emphasized that his priority is to provide a safe home for his family.
Matthew Kinsella spoke in support of the staff recommendation, provided
background, and advised that the home is beyond restoration and should
be replaced.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 6
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.1.8.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.9 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2023
1. That the Council meeting minutes of February 28, 2023, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of March 7, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of March 7, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of March 7,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of February 28, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of February 28, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2023
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 7
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of February
28, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Council Closed Session Minutes of February 21, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of February 21, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of February
21, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2023
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of February 14,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.9 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of February 24, 2023
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of February 24, 2023, be received
for information.
Carried
8. Standing Committee Reports
Council consented to consider items in the following order: 8.1.8, 8.1.2, and
8.1.4.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Standing Committee Reports item 8.1 be received and the
recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-
items 8.1.2, 8.1.4, and 8.1.8, which were discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 8
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1 General Committee Meeting Report of March 7, 2023
8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 27,
2023
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 27,
2023, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 PDS23-019 - Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment
and Draft Plan of Subdivision, Shining Hill Collections Inc., 162, 306,
370, 434 and 488 St. John's Sideroad West, File Number: OPA-2021-
02, ZBA-2021-02 and SUB-2021-01
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS23-019 be received; and
2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2021-02 be
approved to amend the Official Plan Site Specific Policy #14
and OPA 37:
a. to re-designate the subject lands from "Existing Major
Institutional", "Suburban Residential (SR-1)", "Supporting
Area Open Space" and "Core Area Open Space"
designations to "Suburban Residential (SR-1)", "Stable
Residential", “Environmental Protection”, “Public Parkland”,
and “Supporting Area Open Space” designations; and
b. remove Official Plan Site Specific Policy #14 over a portion
of the subject lands and replace with a new site-specific
policy to permit single detached dwellings up to a
maximum height of three (3) storeys or eleven (11) metres
and street townhouses up to a maximum height of thirteen
(13) metres; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 9
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2021-02 be
approved to rezone the subject lands from Oak Ridges Moraine
- Rural (RU-ORM), Rural (RU) and Institutional (I) to Detached
Third Density Exception X (R3-X), Detached Fourth Density
Exception X (R4-X), Townhouse Dwelling Residential Exception
Zone (R8-X), Institutional (I), Oak Ridges Moraine Environmental
Protection Zone (EP-ORM), Environmental Protection (EP),
Public Open Space (O1) and Private Open Space Zone (O2); and
4. That the Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2021-01
consisting of 108 dwelling units (87 singles and 21 towns),
neighbourhood park, school block, natural heritage/open space
areas, public roads be approved, subject to the conditions listed
in Appendix ‘A’ to this report; and
5. That Council grant allocation from the reserve to service the
development of 87 single-detached dwellings and 21
townhouses units on the approved Draft Plan of Subdivision;
and
6. That the implementing Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-
law Amendment be brought forward to a future Council meeting
for enactment.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
8.1.3 OPS23-002 - David Tomlinson Nature Reserve Phase 2 Options
1. That Report No. OPS23-002 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to implement Option 2, including the
Phase 2 trail connections, boardwalks, and associated
landscaping, and that the offline wetlands and Marsh Creek
realignment be deleted from the Phase 2 scope of works.
Carried
8.1.4 FIN23-007 - Investment Policy Statement and Transition to Prudent
Investment Regime
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 10
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. FIN23-007 be received; and
2. That the proposed Investment Policy Statement, attached as
Attachment 1 be approved; and
3. That the Director, Finance – Treasurer be authorized to execute
the ONE Joint Investment Board Agreement, substantially in the
form attached as Attachment 2, subject to the final form and
content being to the satisfaction of the Director, Finance –
Treasurer and the Town Solicitor; and
4. That the Draft Investment Plan attached as Attachment 3 be
received for information purposes; and
5. That a by-law be enacted to authorize the Town’s investments
under the Prudent Investor regime as required by Ontario
Regulation 438/97 and authorize execution of the ONE Joint
Investment Board Agreement delegating control and
management of the Town’s long-term investments to the ONE
Joint Investment Board.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1.5 FIN23-006 - Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members
of Council, Committees and Local Boards
1. That Report No. FIN23-006 be received for information.
Carried
8.1.6 PDS23-008 - Request for a Parking By-law Amendment on Benville
Crescent
1. That Report No. PDS23-008 - Request for a Parking By-law
Amendment on Benville Crescent be referred to the Active
Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for
review and comment.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 11
8.1.7 PDS23-011 - Extension of Approval to Draft Plan of Subdivision,
Ambria (Bloomington) Limited (formerly 2523059 Ontario Inc.), 132,
148, 166, 178, 186, 192, and 198 Old Bloomington Road, Lots 12 and
14 and Part of Lots 10, 11 and 13, Registered Plan 166, File Number:
SUB-2017-03
1. That Report No. PDS23-011 be received; and
2. That the Draft Approval to Plan of Subdivision for 132-198 Old
Bloomington Road, File SUB-2017-03, be extended for one (1)
year with a lapsing date of May 26, 2024.
Carried
8.1.8 PDS23-018 - Heritage Permit Application, 60 Fleury Street, File
Number: HPA-2023-01
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-018 be received; and
2. That the demolition permit for the property at 60 Fleury Street
be approved; and
3. That the proposed design be referred to the Heritage Advisory
Committee for review and comment.
Amendment:
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the main motion be amended by replacing the second and
third clauses with the following original staff recommendation:
"That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-01 be approved
to permit the demolition and replacement of the existing fire-
damaged structure at 60 Fleury Street with a new, heritage
compatible Edwardian-style dwelling (Figures 3-5)."
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 12
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. PDS23-018 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-01 be approved to
permit the demolition and replacement of the existing fire-
damaged structure at 60 Fleury Street with a new, heritage
compatible Edwardian-style dwelling (Figures 3-5).
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
10. Motions
None.
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of February 23, 2023
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of February 23, 2023, be
received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
12. New Business
Councillor Gaertner noted that the month of March is Endometriosis Awareness
Month.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 13
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the possibility of continuing committees, such
as the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Heritage Advisory Committee,
during future transitions of Council terms until the new committee members
have been appointed by Council. Staff provided a response and Councillor
Gilliland agreed to bring forward a Notice of Motion.
Councillor Weese, with reference to a recent meeting with the Town Park Area
Residents Ratepayers Association and Metrolinx, inquired about arranging for
Metrolinx to present further information when available to Council, and the Mayor
provided a response.
Councillor Gallo inquired about the next steps with reference to the presentation
and requests from Milton Hart, Chair of the Aurora Black Caucus. The Mayor and
staff provided a response, noting that staff would be reporting back to Council
with options.
Mayor Mrakas announced and congratulated the new citizen members appointed
to the following committees:
Accessibility Advisory Committee: Peter Angelo, Alison Hughes, Max Le
Moine, John Lenchak, Hailey Reiss, and Jo-anne Spitzer.
Aurora Appeal Tribunal and Property Standards Committee: Linda Duringer,
Balpreet Grewal, Tom Plamondon, Maricella Sauceda, and Julian Yang.
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee: Diane Buchanan,
Phiona Durrant, Elaine Martini, Glenda Raketti, Jo-anne Spitzer, and Patricia
Wallace.
Environmental Advisory Committee: Nicole Arsenault, Shun Chen, Pippette
Eibel, Alain Godin, Denis Heng, Kristen Martens, and Ken Turriff.
Heritage Advisory Committee: Cynthia Bettio, John Green, David Heard, Kevin
Hughes, Jeff Lanthier, and Bob McRoberts.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Team Sweden, participating in the upcoming
Women's World Championship, is holding a free, open practice on April 1, 2023,
at the Aurora Community Centre (ACC) at 10:30 a.m. followed by an autograph
session at 1 p.m., and tickets are available for the pre-tournament game between
Team Sweden and Team Switzerland at the ACC on April 2 at 2 p.m.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 14
13. By-laws
13.1 By-law Number 6481-23 - Being a By-law to amend Municipal Waterworks
Distribution By-law Number 3305-91, as amended.
13.2 By-law Number 6482-23 - Being a By-law to establish a Committee of
Adjustment and appoint members to the Committee of Adjustment.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That By-laws items 13.1 and 13.2 be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
14. Closed Session
None.
15. Confirming By-law
15.1 By-law Number 6483-23 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on March 28, 2023
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
16. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Tom r as, Mayor
15
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Michael de Rond, Town Clerk