AGENDA - Special Council - 20220426Town of Aurora
Special Meeting of Council Agenda
Date:Tuesday, April 26, 2022
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
This meeting will serve as the Annual General Meeting of the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation.
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.PDS22-063 - Aurora Economic Development Corporation Annual Report
2021
1
Presentation to be provided by Tim Hammill, Chair, Board of Directors,
Aurora Economic Development Corporation)
That Report No. PDS22-063 be received; and1.
That the Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s Director’s
Report attached hereto as Attachment 1 be received;
2.
That the requirements regarding the appointment and duties of
the auditor be exempted for the financial year; and
3.
That Council approve a special motion passed by the AEDC
Board of Directors to increase the number of local residents or
business owners board of director members to ten; and
4.
That Council appoint the following six (6) individuals tothe5.
Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of
Directors for a term of three years:
RichardGongi.
MarileeHarrisii.
MaeKhamissaiii.
CraigYoudaleiv.
Insert Name]v.
Insert Name]vi.
7.Confirming By-law
7.1.By-law No. XXXX-22 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Special Meeting of Council on April 26, 2022
11
8.Adjournment
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Special Council Report
No. PDS 2 2 -0 63
Subject: Aurora Economic Development Corporation Annual Report 2021
Prepared by: Nick Kazakoff, Economic Development Officer
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: April 26, 2022
Recommendation
1. That Report No. PDS22-063 be received; and
2. That the Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s Director’s Report attached
hereto as Attachment 1 be received;
3. That the requirements regarding the appointment and duties of the auditor be
exempted for the financial year;
4. That Council approve a special motion passed by the AEDC Board of Directors to
increase the number of local residents or business owners board of director members
to ten.
5. That Council appoint the following six (6) individuals to the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation (AEDC) Board of Directors for a term of three years:
Richard Gong
Marilee Harris
Mae Khamissa
Craig Youdale
Insert Name> (pending Council approval)
Insert Name> (pending Council approval)
Page 1 of 11
April 26, 2022 2 of 5 Report No. PDS22-063
Executive Summary
This report seeks Council’s approval of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation
2021’s Annual Report including receiving the Director’s Report, election of directors and
amending the number of seats on the board of directors.
The Director’s report outlines all the achievements of the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation for 2021.
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 recommends reappointing Richard Gong, Marilee Harris, Mae
Khamissa and Craig Youdale to serve another 3-year term on the Board.
The AEDC currently has one vacant board seat and one new board seat pending
Council approval
The AEDC Board of Directors passed a motion to change the composition of the
Board
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 2021
The Chair of the AEDC, Tim Hammill submitted a Chair’s report which has outlined the
activities of the board over the past year (see Attachment 1). The report highlights the
Page 2 of 11
April 26, 2022 3 of 5 Report No. PDS22-063
Target Sector industry roundtables that were held in Spring 2021, the development of
the Emerging Aurora marketing campaign as well as downtown initiatives.
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 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 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, not 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.
The AEDC recommends reappointing Richard Gong, Marilee Harris, Mae Khamissa and
Craig Youdale to serve another 3-year term on the Board
Four current directors: Richard Gong, Marilee Harris, Mae Khamissa, and Craig Youdale
terms are expiring following their initial three-year appointment to the Board back in
2019. The AEDC Terms of Reference permits a Board Member to be appointed for a
three-year term, with the option of a further three-year term. The AEDC proposes
reappointing Richard Gong, Marilee Harris, Mae Khamissa and Craig Youdale to serve
another 3-year term to be confirmed by Council.
The AEDC currently has one vacant board seat and one new board seat pending Council
approval
Currently there is one board vacancy on the AEDC Board of Directors following the
resignation of Mike Hardman from the Board in Fall 2021. In addition, the AEDC has
proposed expanding the Board by one additional local resident/ business owner
member seat to a total of 10 seats on the Board. Both new appointed members would
serve a three-year term
Following a public recruitment process, the AEDC Board of Directors are recommending
the appointment of two 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 term of appointment of
Directors of the AEDC will be effective starting the day after the Annual General Meeting
of the Corporation on April 26th, 2022.
Page 3 of 11
April 26, 2022 4 of 5 Report No. PDS22-063
AEDC Board of Directors passed a motion to change the composition of the Board
In November 2021, the AEDC Board of Directors passed a motion to increase the
number of local resident/ business owner member seats on the Board from nine to ten
members (see Attachment 2). As the only shareholder of the Corporation, Council must
now confirm the special resolution to be adopted by the AEDC.
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 Corporation 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.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations from this report does not impact greenhouse gas emissions or
impact climate change adaptation.
Link to Strategic Plan
Maintaining Ad Hoc and Advisory Committees/ Board supports the Strategic Plan goal
of supporting an exception quality of life for all through the accomplishments in
satisfying requirements in the following key objectives within this goal statement:
Page 4 of 11
April 26, 2022 5 of 5 Report No. PDS22-063
Strengthening the fabric of our community through the identification of new
formats, methods and technologies to effectively and regularly engage the
community.
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 2021 and
appointment the six candidates to serve a three-year term on the AEDC’s Board of
Directors.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – AEDC Chair’s Report
Attachment 2 – AEDC Board Minutes – November 23rd, 2021
Previous Reports
Special Meeting of Council No. PDS21-060, dated May 25, 2021
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on April 14, 2022
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 5 of 11
Aurora Economic Development Corporation’s
2021 Annual Report
As Chairman of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation, I would like to submit
this report to the shareholders of the Corporation for our activities during 2021, our third
year in existence. Notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing
pandemic, we were able to accomplish several key initiatives of our strategic plan.
Despite the pandemic, we had the opportunity to hold a first face-to-face Board offsite
session. Along with being able to meet people in person, some of them for the first time,
it was an excellent session that provided the opportunity to share the success of the
year, and discuss the direction of the Board in continuing to deliver value to the Town.
Understandably, the pandemic complicated and in some cases delayed our ability to
accomplish certain goals, particularly if they required developing one on one
relationships.
I’d like to share some of the highlights of the 2021 value-added initiatives of the Board.
Kicking off the year, the Target Sector Committee began with the Target Sector
Analysis report, followed by a series of three business roundtables titled
Involved Aurora – Bringing Business to the Table.” Each session focused on one
of three target sectors and brought together local businesses and experts in
each sector for an informative discussion. The intent of the sessions was to
incorporate the excellent information, insights and recommendations from the
panels into current and future investment attraction, business retention and
expansion and workforce development implementation plans.
The AEDC’s downtown sub-committee conducted numerous initiatives to
support downtown revitalization. In Winter 2021, the sub-committee piloted a
Window Art Project in vacant storefront windows that got people talking and
engaged in the downtown. A downtown vision session was held with the Mayor
and downtown property owners to hear the vision of the downtown from the
Mayor and provide first introductions of AEDC members to downtown
stakeholders. In addition, the sub-committee conducted a business survey in the
downtown which gathered downtown area insights and lead to the development
of the Downtown attraction video – Time Travel launched in December.
Our C-Suite Sub-Committee was paused for much of 2020 due to the pandemic
but was recharged in 2021 and delivered the ‘C you IN Aurora’ – video/ social
media campaign featuring local leaders. The campaign consisted of a series of
Page 6 of 11
six interviews with business leaders across six industries, 3 male and 3 female.
The campaign is a part of the recently launched Emerging Aurora marketing
campaign and has been featured in the National Post and other social media
channels. We had a volunteer ‘marketing group’ assist staff with the campaign,
and we are pleased that the campaign continues to build into 2022 marketing
plans.
Additional work consisted of regular Board meetings and committee meetings where
members were presented with several town initiatives. This provided the Board with
input and two-way communications on strategic projects including: Employment Lands
updates, Official Plan Review, Green Development Standards, Promenade Streetscape
Design update, parking along Yonge Street, and upcoming projects such as the Town’s
Sport Tourism Strategy, Public Art Master Plan, and our VIP tour of Aurora Town
Square. We were pleased to be included in the discussion of these projects and look
forward to ongoing communication, and advocacy on behalf of Aurora business and the
local economy. The depth of this material gave the board even more respect for the role
of Council in absorbing and dealing with issues.
The final months of 2021, saw the Board embark on a recruiting process for 2 additional
directors. This process has resulted in our recommending to Council 2 outstanding
candidates active in our identified commercial and industrial targets for growth. Once
approved we will have a full roster of Board Members with the skills and experience to
help us drive the next phase of activities, which with the lessening of the pandemic, will
be focused on accelerating implementation.
On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our appreciation to the Mayor and
Council, for their continuing support over the last year. We would like to recognize, in
particular, Councillors Thompson, Humfryes and Kim for their participation as Directors
during our first 3 years of existence.
In addition, we would like to extend our thanks to the CAO and Town staff for their
assistance in advancing our initiatives. In particular, this year saw the addition to the
economic development department of the Town of Lisa Hausz, Manager of Economic
Development & Policy, who has helped to really accelerate our activities.
As my term as Chair will end in May, I would like to express my personal thanks for all
the guidance and help I have received over the last three years and look forward to my
continued involvement as a member of the Board as we move ahead.
Page 7 of 11
1
Aurora Economic Development Corporation
Board of Directors
MINUTES
Date and Time: November 23rd, 2021 at noon to 1:30pm
Location: Zoom Online Meeting
Board Members: Tim Hammill (Chair), Marilee Harris (Vice Chair),
Mayor Tom Mrakas, Councillor Harold Kim, Vern
Cunnigham, Richard Gong, Steve Hinder, Craig
Youdale, and Doug Nadorozny (non-voting)
Member(s) Absent: Mae Khamissa
Other Attendees: David Waters, Director Planning & Development
Services; Lisa Hausz, Manager Economic
Development & Policy; Sandra Ferri, Aurora Chamber
of Commerce; and Nick Kazakoff, Economic
Development Officer
1. Call to Order & Disclosure of Conflict of Interest
The meeting was called to order at 12:05 p.m. by Tim Hammill and quorum was met.
2. Approval of the Agenda
The Agenda for the meeting of the Aurora Economic Development Corporation Board of
Directors held on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 was distributed for review.
Motion Moved by: Vern Cunningham
Seconded by: Marilee Harris
That the agenda be approved.
Carried.
Page 8 of 11
2
3. Declarations of Conflict
No conflicts of interest were declared.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of the Board of Directors’ meeting held on October 25th,
2021.
Motion Moved by: Councillor Harold Kim
Seconded by: Thai Pham
That the minutes from the October 25th, 2021 board meeting be approved.
Carried.
5.1 Town Update
Doug Nadorozny provided the Board an update on the Town’s COVID re-opening
procedures, Town Square construction and Town Committees to operate via Zoom until the
end of term (June 2022).
Mayor updated the Board on Town service level review and public WiFi initiative.
5.2 Update on Strategic Plan Priorities
Lisa Hausz provided an update to the Board on Economic Development’s strategic plan
priorities.
5.2.1 Downtown Business Mix
Nick Kazakoff presented to the Board the Downtown Business Mix which highlighted the
business mix composition of downtown businesses as well as a commercial real estate
analysis of the downtown.
5.3 Marketing Taskforce Update
Lisa Hausz provided an update on the marketing campaign.
5.4 Governance Taskforce Update
The Taskforce provided their report and recommended increasing the size of the board to
one additional community member.
Page 9 of 11
3
Motion
That the Aurora Economic Development Corporation increase the Board of Directors one
additional community member to the AEDC By-Law.
Motion Moved by: Vern Cunningham
Seconded by: Thai Pham
Carried
6. New Business
None
7. Closed Session
None
8. Next Meeting
To be decided
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Page 10 of 11
The Corporation of The Town of Aurora
By-law Number XXXX-22
Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Special Meeting of Council
on April 26, 2022.
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 April 26,
2022, 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 26th day of April, 2022.
Tom Mrakas, Mayor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Page 11 of 11