AGENDA - Special Council - 20240227Town of Aurora
Special Meeting of Council Agenda
Date:Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Time:6 p.m.
Location:Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Delegations
6.Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion
6.1 PDS24-028 - Aurora Economic Development Corporation Annual Report
2023
1
(Presentation to be provided by Mae Khamissa, Vice Chair, Aurora
Economic Development Corporation)
That Report No. PDS24-028 be received; and1.
That the Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s Director’s
Report attached hereto as Attachment 1 be received; and
2.
That the requirements regarding the appointment and duties of
the auditor be exempted for the financial year; and
3.
That Council appoint the following individuals to the Aurora
Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors
for a term of three years: Tracy Smith; Sep Assadian; Bill Hogg;
and Owen Heritage.
4.
7.Confirming By-law
7.1 By-law Number XXXX-24 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council 10
resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on February 27, 2024
8.Adjournment
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Council Report
No. PDS24 -0 28
Subject: Aurora Economic Development Corporation Annual Report 2023
Prepared by: Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development & Policy
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: February 27, 2024
_
Recommendation
1. That Report No. PDS24-028 be received; and
2. That the Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s Director’s Report attached
hereto as Attachment 1 be received; and
3. That the requirements regarding the appointment and duties of the auditor be
exempted for the financial year; and
4. That Council appoint the following individuals to the Aurora Economic Development
Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors for a term of three years: Tracy Smith; Sep
Assadian; Bill Hogg; and Owen Heritage.
Executive Summary
This report seeks Council’s approval of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation
2023’s Annual Report including receiving the Director’s Report and an election of four
directors.
The Director’s report outlines all the achievements of the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation for 2023.
The AEDC does not control any finances, it does not have any financial
statements and is exempted from providing an auditor’s report.
The AEDC currently has four vacant board seats to appoint, pending Council
approval.
Page 1 of 10
February 27, 2024 2 of 5 Report No. PDS24-028
Background
Council is the only shareholder of the corporation and Voting Member for the purposes
of the annual meeting. According to both legislation and the operating by-law of the
AEDC Corporation, being By-Law No.1, the following must be presented at the Annual
General Meeting:
The report from the Directors
The Financial Statements
The Report of the Auditors
Election of the Board of Directors
Appointment of Auditors for the next year, if applicable
Analysis
The Director’s report outlines all the achievements of the Aurora Economic Development
Corporation for 2023.
The Director’s report outlines all the achievements of the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation for 2023. The Chair of the AEDC, Marilee Harris, submitted a
Chair’s report which has outlined the activities of the board over the past year (see
Attachment 1 – 2023 AEDC’s Annual Chair’s Report).
The AEDC does not control any finances, it does not have any financial statements and is
exempted from providing an auditor’s report.
As per legislation and their By-Law No. 1, the Board is required to present the audited
financial statements of the Corporation, a report of the auditors and appoint next year’s
auditor at each annual meeting. However, the Town’s Finance Department and the
Town’s Auditor have reconfirmed that an audit and financial statements will not be
required based upon the AEDC’s present financial situation as the AEDC does not
control any financials. As long as the AEDC continues to not control any financials, it
will not require an annual audit, nor generation of financial statements each year.
However, it is required due to it corporation status to submit a tax return to the Canada
Revenue Agency each year.
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February 27, 2024 3 of 5 Report No. PDS24-028
The AEDC currently has four vacant board seats to appoint, pending Council approval.
Currently there are four board vacancies on the AEDC Board of Directors following the
term ending for four Directors. Following a public recruitment process, the AEDC Board
of Directors are recommending the appointment of four candidates. In accordance with
the Municipal Act, Council will be reviewing the candidates in a closed session meeting
and the names will be made public once Council selects the new Board members. The
three-year term of the new appointment will be effective starting February 28, 2024, the
day after the Annual General Meeting of the Corporation.
Advisory Committee Review
None.
Legal Considerations
In general, annual meetings are to occur within 15 months after the previous annual
meeting and no later than 6 months from the date of the last financial year. The
financial year of the AEDC ends in mid-December.
Further, since the AEDC does not control any account, the legislation permits Council to
exempt the AEDC from the requirements of appointing auditors for the upcoming year.
Financial Implications
There are no financial considerations at this time.
Communications Considerations
Notice of AGM is required 10 days before the meeting date and will be issued by email
and posted on the Town’s website. The members of the Board of Directors, and newly
appointed member(s) will be added to the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations from this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or
impact climate change adaptation.
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February 27, 2024 4 of 5 Report No. PDS24-028
Link to Strategic Plan
The ongoing work of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation, including the
election of new Board members, supports the Strategic Plan by: enabling a diverse,
creative and resilient economy; promoting economic opportunities that facilitate the
growth of Aurora as a desirable place to do business; and creating, implementing and
regularly updating a community wide Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. That Council provide direction.
Conclusions
The Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) has prepared its annual report
as required by both the legislation and By-Law No.1 of the AEDC bylaws for its Annual
General Meeting. Since Council is the only shareholder in the Corporation, the annual
general meeting may coincide with a Council meeting. Staff is recommending that
Council approve the AEDC’s Annual Report for 2023, appointment the proposed
candidates to serve a three-year term on the AEDC’s Board of Directors.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – 2023 AEDC’s Annual Chair’s Report
Previous Reports
Special Meeting of Council No. PDS23-055, dated April 25, 2023
Special Meeting of Council No. PDS22-063, dated April 26, 2022
Special Meeting of Council No. PDS21-060, dated May 25, 2021
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on February 15, 2024
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
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February 27, 2024 5 of 5 Report No. PDS24-028
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 5 of 10
Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s
2023 Annual Report
As Chairman of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), I would like to
submit this report to the shareholders of the Corporation for our activities during 2023,
our fifth year in existence. As such, I am pleased to share the many activities to date
and provide a preview of upcoming plans.
The activities included welcoming a new member to the Board in 2023. We also
continued working with community stakeholders to develop and maintain an Economic
Development Strategy for the Town of Aurora to guide economic development activities
and investment over the short, medium and long-term.
The 2019-2023 Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Matrix, approved
by the AEDC and Council, includes detailed initiatives that address the four key areas of
the Strategic Plan:
1.Targeting growth sectors and attracting new investment
2.Creating a competitive business environment
3.Establishing Downtown Aurora as a destination
4.Improving Quality of Life through Heritage, Arts, Culture, Tourism and Community
Programming and initiatives planned/executed in 2021-2023: 31 main initiatives
Programming and initiatives completed, ongoing or in progress: 29 (94%)
Programming and initiatives not started* yet: 2 (6%)
*Business Concierge and Downtown Parking Strategy initiatives are to be incorporated
into the new Action Plan.
Key Initiative Highlights:
Produced materials and content to launch the Emerging Aurora campaign including:
•Downtown Time Travel video
•Downtown social media material
•C-Suite/Business leaders video
•Monthly Emerging Aurora advertising of business leaders/technology companies
•Hosted first Emerging Aurora industry announcements/networking events
•Participation in Collision Conference with York Region under the Emerging Aurora
brand
•Participation in Canadian Women in Cybersecurity events/Speaking
engagements
Attachment 1
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Facilitated Aurora Economic Development initiatives including:
• Downtown research and market mix reporting
• Target Sector Analysis Reporting
• Target Sector Industry Roundtable sessions
• Downtown visitor report
• Downtown property owner roundtable sessions
• Investment package update
• Aurora.ca/Business website update
• Marketing campaign/outreach to drive traffic to site
• Employment Land report and updates
• Sport Tourism Strategy participation
• Partnership engagement (local, regional, national, and international)
Other Support:
• Launched Machell’s Alley as part of Downtown support during COVID
• Supported Aurora Chamber of Commerce in COVID business support
• Supported Aurora Chamber of Commerce in tourism support (Explore Aurora)
• Facilitated Business Improvement Area initiatives, branding, and promotion
• Facilitated line painting along Yonge Street to encourage visitors
• Facilitated Patio Program as part of COVID business support
• Facilitated new investment in the town (i.e. Addison Hall Business Park)
• Conducted targeted business visitations, new business meetings
• Supported several business events, entrepreneurs, and grand openings
• Facilitated partner initiatives (i.e. Chamber’s Accelerate Business Recovery
program, York Region’s Business Survey, York Region’s Economic Development
Strategy, etc.)
Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
The current Economic Development Strategy was a detailed plan to drive actions
through 2023. During 2023, the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan was
updated, building on the core objectives and goals, and to develop a purpose-driven
process for ongoing actions to drive results through 2030 and beyond.
Highlights of the Action Plan include an overall purpose for economic development in
Aurora, supported by four new Action Teams: Innovation, Local Business Support,
Storytelling & Marketing, and Downtown. The intent is a fluid plan of tangible actions
that align with the purpose.
Purpose of Economic Development in Aurora:
To lead, inspire and build ongoing, sustainable, and robust business growth in Aurora,
which yields a vibrant, prosperous community of businesses, people and ecosystem.
Innovation Action Team
Purpose: To facilitate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Aurora by
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providing support for entrepreneurs to find connections and pathways for business
growth.
Actions for Q1:
• Develop an ecosystem map/chart of ‘who does what’ for businesses in Aurora.
• Identify the potential partners for the “Aurora Resource Alliance” (working name).
• Draft parameters and plan for the first Resource Alliance event.
• Host the next Emerging Aurora Target Sector Connection events.
Local Business Support Action Team
Purpose: To cultivate an inclusive ecosystem to support the growth of businesses
located in Aurora.
Actions for Q1:
• Develop/refine current support initiatives.
• Identify any gaps in service/support.
• Develop and launch a local business support portal.
• Identify potential delegations to provide opportunities for local businesses.
Downtown Action Team
Purpose: To facilitate the creation of a magical, distinct destination for businesses,
residents and visitors that enhances Aurora’s culture, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Actions for Q1:
• Support and participate as part of the Project Team for the Town’s Streetscape
project.
• Facilitate and participate in consultation sessions for the Streetscape project.
• Work with the Storytelling & Marketing Action Team to promote Downtown
Aurora and the Streetscape project.
• Other actions to be confirmed through the project as it moves forward.
Storytelling and Marketing Action Team
Purpose: To raise the profile of Aurora in the minds of businesses and residents, locally
and beyond.
Actions for Q1:
• Create message map of current initiatives for Emerging Aurora.
• Identify best tools/channels to build a go-to-market plan designed to grow a
strong follower base for Emerging Aurora.
• Update/redevelop a communications/marketing plan to identify and support the
overall Action Plan and the individual Action Team items as they develop.
• Identify promotion partners within the ecosystem to help spread the stories.
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We also provide a critical advisory role in promoting economic growth and
diversification in the Town of Aurora. Through the consultation process for the
Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, tourism was discussed as part of the
overall strategy. I am pleased to share that tourism will be addressed through related
initiatives by the Action Teams, and to further support the future growth of tourism,
sport and otherwise, along with ensuring collaboration, the Aurora Chamber of
Commerce will continue its role in expanding Explore Aurora initiatives. Other initiatives
as part of our advisory role will be included in key projects and initiatives the Town is
undertaking to provide information and the voice of business. There are many great
projects coming over the next couple of years, such as the Streetscape project, that will
have short-term impacts with long-term benefits, generational benefits, that the Board
would like to contribute to the consultation process.
We also work with partners to strengthen and diversify existing business, attract new
business and investment, and coordinate strategic economic development initiatives
within the community. With the Town’s Economic Development team, we are once again
leveraging the Emerging Aurora campaign to continue to highlight the many innovators
and entrepreneurs in Aurora. The campaign is proving to be quite popular and a key
element in our participation in the Collision event in Toronto the past two years. We plan
to participate again in June 2024. This is the last year that this conference will be held in
Toronto, but we look forward to maintaining existing and forging new relationships
within innovative circles.
2023 was another busy year for the Board, staff, and partners. We are excited to move
into the many actions of the updated Economic Development Strategic Action Plan. The
Emerging Aurora brand will continue to expand, and new events and initiatives will be
brought forward. It is an exciting time as we bring many ideas to reality.
On behalf of the Board, I wanted to make a special mention as we welcome new Board
members this year, that our goal in creating this corporation was to attract strong
leaders to be Aurora’s voice of business. And lastly, to our Board Members leaving the
official role on the Board, but will continue to support our efforts, their contribution has
been extremely valuable. Thank you for your commitment, time, insights and leadership.
As always, we appreciate Council’s support in our efforts to encourage growth of the
local economy.
Marilee Harris, Chair
Aurora Economic Development Corporation
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The Corporation of The Town of Aurora By-law Number XXXX-24 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on February 27, 2024. The Council of the Corporation of The Town of Aurora hereby enacts as follows:
1. That the actions by Council at its Special Meeting of Council held on February 27,
2024, in respect of each motion, resolution and other action passed and taken by
the Council at the said meeting is hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed.
2. That the Mayor and the proper officers of the Town are hereby authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain
approvals where required and to execute all documents as may be necessary in
that behalf and the Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to affix the corporate
seal to all such documents.
Enacted by Town of Aurora Council this 27th day of February, 2024.
Tom Mrakas, Mayor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
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