MINUTES - Council - 20230228 1
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 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, Operations
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
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:57 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:08 p.m.
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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 Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved,
including the following items requiring a two-thirds majority vote:
• 6.3 - Jane Snape, Resident; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel Gilliland,
Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities.
• 6.4 - Michael Bowcott, Resident; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel Gilliland,
Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities.
• 6.5 - Bill Maron, Total Tennis Inc.; Re: Motion 10.3 –Councillor Rachel
Gilliland, Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities.
• 6.6 - George Skoulikas, Resident; Re: Motion 10.2 – Mayor Mrakas; Re: 672
and 684 Henderson Drive.
• 6.7 - Emily McIntosh, Jenna Weck; Women of Ontario Say No; Re: CS23-008 -
Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022.
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.
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5. Community Presentations
5.1 Renée Northrup, Équipe Francobotique; Re: International Robotics
Competition
Students representing Équipe Francobotique - Les Pikacuits, a French-
language robotics team based in Aurora, accompanied by their coach
Renée Northrup, provided background on the First Lego League (FLL)
Razorback Open Invitational, an international robotics competition to be
held from May 18-21, 2023 in Arkansas, USA. The team strives to provide
additional, locally generated, renewable energy sources to power electric
vehicles without requiring significant infrastructure changes through
retrofitting existing infrastructure.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
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)
6. Delegations
6.1 Jeffrey A. Abrams, Principles Integrity; Re: Item 8.1.2 – CS23-008 - Bill 5
- Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022
Council consented to allow ten minutes for the delegation.
Jeffrey A. Abrams provided comments regarding item 8.1.2 – CS23-008 -
Bill 5 - Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022, and
insights on the intent of Bill 5.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.1.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
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6.2 Gord Kerr, Aurora Pickleball Group; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel
Gilliland, Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities
Gord Kerr spoke in support of Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Ron
Weese's motion regarding an increase in pickleball courts in Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.3.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Jane Snape, Resident; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel Gilliland,
Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities
Jane Snape spoke in support of Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Ron
Weese's motion regarding an increase in pickleball courts in Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.3.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 Michael Bowcott; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel Gilliland,
Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities
Michael Bowcott, on behalf of Richmond Hill Pickleball Club, spoke in
support of Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Ron Weese's motion and
discussed the challenges and demands facing the sport of Pickleball.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.3.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.5 Bill Maron, Total Tennis Inc.; Re: Motion 10.3 – Councillor Rachel
Gilliland, Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball Opportunities
Bill Maron spoke in support of Councillor Gilliland and Councillor Ron
Weese's motion and shared experience and insights in operating a
tennis/pickleball facility in London, Ontario.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.3.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.6 George Skoulikas, Resident; Re: Motion 10.2 – Mayor Mrakas; Re: 672
and 684 Henderson Drive
George Skoulikas, on behalf of Henderson Forest Aurora Ratepayer
Association, spoke in support of Mayor Mrakas' motion, and expressed
the environmental significance and importance of following process in the
development of environmentally sensitive lands.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Motion
10.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.7 Emily McIntosh, Jenna Weck, Women of Ontario Say No; Re: Item 8.1.2 –
CS23-008 - Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act,
2022
Council consented to allow 10 minutes for the delegation.
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Emily McIntosh and Jenna Weck spoke to item 8.1.2 – CS23-008 - Bill 5,
Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2022, and called
for a motion of support for the Ontario Government's proposed Bill 5.
A video clip was shared that provided the experiences of Nancy O'Brien
who formerly worked as a Councillor's Assistant at the City of Ottawa for
former Councillor Rick Chiarelli.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item
8.1.2.
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 Gilliland
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.8 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 January 31, 2023
1. That the Council meeting minutes of January 31, 2023, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of January 31, 2023 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of January 31, 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
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7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January 31, 2023
1. That the Council Closed Session Public meeting minutes of January
31, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Workshop/Education Session Minutes of February 7, 2023
1. That the Council Workshop/Education Session minutes of February 7,
2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Public Planning Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023
1. That the Public Planning meeting minutes of January 24 2023, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Special Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of January 30, 2023
1. That the Special Council Public Planning meeting minutes of January
30, 2023, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Central York Fire Services - Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
January 10, 2023
1. That the Central York Fire Services - Joint Council Committee meeting
minutes of January 10, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
7.8 Correspondence from Pickleball Ontario; Re: Letter of Support - February
16, 2023 - Pickleball Opportunities
1. That the letter of support from Pickleball Ontario of February 16, 2023
regarding Pickleball Opportunities be received for information.
Carried
8. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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That the Standing Committee Reports, items 8.1 to 8.2 inclusive, be received and
the recommendations carried by the Committees approved, with the exception of
sub-items 8.1.2, 8.1.3, and 8.2.1, which were discussed and voted on separately
as recorded below.
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 February 7, 2023
8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November 18,
November 25, and December 16, 2022
Memorandum
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of November
18, November 25, and December 16, 2022, be received for
information.
Carried
8.1.2 CS23-008 - Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local
Leaders Act, 2022
Report
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS23-008 be received; and
2. That the Town of Aurora endorses Bill 5; and
3. That a copy of the motion be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford,
Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Michael Parsa,
Associate Minister of Housing, MPP Aurora–Oak Ridges–
Richmond Hill, Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP Newmarket–
Aurora, Stephen Blais, MPP Orléans, and the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1.3 CS23-006 - Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee
Report Attachment 1 Attachment 2
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CS23-006 be received; and
2. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Active
Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee be
approved; and
3. That the amended Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the main motion be amended to add the following clauses:
“That the duties and functions of the Active Transportation and
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee include:
To advise staff on traffic safety concerns identified by various
stakeholders including Council, citizens, ratepayer groups, staff
and other interested parties. These concerns may include but not
be limited to addressing the overall movement of traffic and
traffic volumes on Town roads, speeding concerns, traffic
calming requests, highway safety considerations, parking
restrictions, the application of school safety zones and
community safety zones, and any alternatives and strategies
related thereto; and
To promote strategies that will modify aggressive driving
behaviours through public education and awareness, through the
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implementation of by-laws, police enforcement, traffic calming
measures and any other methods that have the effect of
improving the general safety of the public at large by reducing
accidents, property damage, personal injuries and fatalities.”
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CS23-006 be received; and
2. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Active
Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee be
approved; and
3. That the amended Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) for the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee be approved; and
4. That the duties and functions of the Active Transportation and
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee include:
a. To advise staff on traffic safety concerns identified by
various stakeholders including Council, citizens, ratepayer
groups, staff and other interested parties. These concerns
may include but not be limited to addressing the overall
movement of traffic and traffic volumes on Town roads,
speeding concerns, traffic calming requests, highway
safety considerations, parking restrictions, the application
of school safety zones and community safety zones, and
any alternatives and strategies related thereto; and
b. To promote strategies that will modify aggressive driving
behaviours through public education and awareness,
through the implementation of by-laws, police
enforcement, traffic calming measures and any other
methods that have the effect of improving the general
safety of the public at large by reducing accidents,
property damage, personal injuries and fatalities.
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Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1.4 CS23-007 - Business Licensing By-law Amendments - Taxicab
Tariffs
Report Attachment 1
1. That Report No. CS23-007 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward amendments to Schedule 13 and
Appendix ‘A’ of the Town’s Business Licensing By-law No. 5630-
14 to a future Council meeting to remove taxicab tariffs; and
3. That staff be directed to implement regulatory framework to
regulate Vehicles for Hire (VFH) in Aurora for the purpose of
consumer protection and public safety.
Carried
8.2 General Committee Meeting Report of February 21, 2023
8.2.1 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
Report Figures-1-4 Attachment 1 Attachment 2
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
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
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(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.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
8.2.2 CMS23-006 - Church Street School - Asset Management
Report
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
8.2.3 CMS23-004 - Office Furniture and Contract Award
Report
Nays (2): Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Thompson
Carried (5 to 2)
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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
8.2.4 CS23-009 - Council Compensation Ad Hoc Committee
Report Attachment 1
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
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
10. Motions
10.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Affordable Housing Action Plan
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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
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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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: 672 and 684 Henderson Drive
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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
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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
Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) ruling for 672 and 684 Henderson Drive
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, the Honourable Steve
Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable
Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing, MPP Aurora–Oak
Ridges–Richmond Hill, and Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP
Newmarket–Aurora.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.3 Councillor Rachel Gilliland, Councillor Ron Weese; Re: Pickleball
Opportunities
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
10.4 Councillor Rachel Gilliland; Re: Feasibility of a Permanent Liquor License
at the Aurora Community Centre
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
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,
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such as the Jr. A Aurora Tigers and U18 Women’s International Silver Stick
Tournament; and
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; and
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
11. New Business
Councillor Weese inquired about the process of designating community safety
zones to address traffic concerns around elementary schools as not every
elementary school has one. Mayor Mrakas advised that a Notice of Motion could
be brought forward.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about a meeting to be hosted by Metrolinx at the
Aurora Family Leisure Complex on March 1, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and
Town staff involvement. Staff clarified that the event is a public information
session hosted by Metrolinx and that a meeting will be held later in March in
collaboration with the Town Park Area Residents Ratepayers Association.
Councillor Gilliland announced the following activities and events:
• The Aurora Cultural Centre will present a live performance, singer, Amanda
Rheaume, at the Aurora Armoury to be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more
information, visit: auroraculturalcentre.ca/event/amanda-rheaume.
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• An “Art of Storytelling” exhibition based on Truth and Reconciliation will be
held at Royal Rose Art Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
For more information visit, royalroseart.ca/events.
• The Aurora Historical Society is offering Scouts and Girl Guides programs, as
well as free youth mentorship opportunities for students grade 9-12. For
more information, visit: aurorahs.com/girl_guides_and_scouts_programs.
• York Region Crime Prevention Workshop will be held on Sunday, March 5,
2023 at the Aurora Community Centre from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Mrakas advised the federal government has banned the use of the social
media app, TikTok, on all federal government devices in light of privacy and
cybersecurity concerns and that municipal staff are looking to implement the
same ban at the Town of Aurora. Further updates will be provided as staff
continue through that process.
12. By-laws
None.
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-law Number 6476-23 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on February 28, 2023
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:37 p.m.
Carried
'ig
as Mayor Michael de R6nd. Town Clerk