AGENDA - General Committee - 20220517Town of Aurora
General Committee
Meeting Revised Agenda
Date:Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Time:7 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
Councillor Gaertner in the Chair.
Note: Additional items are marked with an asterisk (*).
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Community Presentations
6.Delegations
7.Consent Agenda
7.1.Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 25, 2022
1
That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 25,
2022, be received for information.
1.
8.Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 25, 2022
5
That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
meeting minutes of April 25, 2022, be received for information.
1.
8.2.Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2022 9
That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting
minutes of April 28, 2022, be received for information.
1.
*8.3.Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2022 12
That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of May
2, 2022, be received for information.
1.
9.Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1.OPS22-010 - Off-Leash Dog Park and Trail Pilot Program 17
That Report No. OPS22-010 be received; and1.
That the proposed Off-Leash Pilot Program locations at
Darkwood Detention and Tim Jones Trail be approved; and
2.
That dogs not be permitted within the environmentally sensitive
lands of the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve (DTNR) and
associated trails.
3.
9.2.PDS22-072 - Green Development Standards Proposed Phase 1
Implementation Plan
29
*(Presentation to be provided by Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Planner,
Land Use Policy & Real Estate; and Nadia Dowhaniuk, Head of Research,
PRIME Strategy & Planning Inc., will also be available to answer
questions)
That Report No. PDS22-072 be received; and1.
That the Green Development Standards Phase 1 Implementation
Plan be approved.
2.
9.3.CS22-034 - Modernized Fence By-law 95
That Report No. CS22-034 be received; and1.
That a new Fence By-law be brought forward to a future Council
meeting for enactment to repeal and replace the current Fence
By-law No. 4753-05.P.
2.
9.4.CS22-033 - Short-Term Rental (STR) By-law Amendments 129
That Report No. CS22-033 be received; and1.
That the amendments to the proposed demerit point system be2.
approved; and
That the recommended updates to Schedule “I” of the Town’s
Fees and Charges By-law, as presented in Attachment 2 of this
report be approved, and that the appropriate by-law amendment
be presented at a future Council meeting for enactment.
3.
10.Notices of Motion
10.1.Councillor Humfryes; Re: Private Member's Bill C-233 "Keira's Law"136
*10.2.Councillor Kim; Re: Request for Traffic Control Signals – Kaleia
Avenue/Elyse Court and Wellington Street East
138
11.Regional Report
11.1.York Regional Council Highlights of April 28, 2022 140
That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 28, 2022, be
received for information.
1.
12.New Business
13.Public Service Announcements
14.Closed Session
15.Adjournment
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Councillor’s Office
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Board Meeting Highlights of March 25, 2022
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Board Meeting Highlights of March 25, 2022, be received for information.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights
of March 25, 2022
Page 1 of 151
Board Meeting Highlights
March 25, 2022
Announcements:
a)CAO Rob Baldwin updated the Board on staff’s return to the physical offices, noting staff
have now begun to return to the offices a minimum of two days per week. He also advised
that effective April 19th the Administrative offices will be open to the public three days per
week.
b)CAO Rob Baldwin noted that the Authority’s Budget Companion Document, which provides a
very informative synopsis of revenue in and how funds are disbursed, has been finalized and
will be sent out to Board members, as well as all municipal partners.
c)General Manager, Conservation Lands, Brian Kemp, advised Board members of staff’s
involvement in a public webinar taking place on April 20th on the spongy moth, formerly the
LDD moth. The webinar is a collaborative effort involving a number of conservation
authorities and will cover the life cycle, management options, etc.
d)Director, Corporate Communications, Kristen Yemm, was pleased to advise the Board that
the Authority’s Annual Conservation Awards ceremony will return to an in-person event this
year on Tuesday, October 11th at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall. More information will be
provided at the April Board of Directors’ meeting.
e)Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation Executive Director Cheryl Taylor advised that plans for
the 33rd Annual Conservation Dinner are going well with just a few tickets left. The dinner
will take place on June 22nd. She also advised that plans are taking shape on the Foundation’s
4th Annual Golf Tournament being held on August 22nd. More information on these events
can be found at https://www.lakesimcoefoundation.ca
Presentations:
a)Fourth Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Report
General Manager, Corporate and Financial Services/CFO Mark Critch, provided an overview of
the Authority’s Fourth Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Report . He reviewed the 2021
highlights, including an operational surplus higher than anticipated due to operational savings
and staff gapping, transfers to reserves for payback of prior years draws due to the start up of
the Offsetting program, and a procurement summary of 118 purchase orders for a total of
$4.86 million. He noted the procurement and offsetting summaries are provided as
attachments in the accompanying staff report. Capital investments identified in the 2021
Attachment 1
Page 2 of 151
LSRCA Board of Directors
Meeting Highlights – March 25, 2022
Page 2 of 3
budget were reviewed with a few projects substantially complete and many completed. He
reviewed reserve balances.
GM Critch reviewed some lessons learned and opportunities presented, which have been
incorporated into the 2022 budget. He noted the audited financial statements will be coming to
the Board in April 2022, and a reserve policy update will be brought to the Board later in the
year for consideration.
To view this presentation, please click this link: 4th 2021 Financial Report
Correspondence and Staff Reports:
Correspondence
The Board received the following pieces of correspondence:
a)The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s March 4, 2022 letter to the Federal Minister of
Finance regarding Federal Support for Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund;
b)The Town of East Gwillimbury’s March 17, 2022 letter to the Federal Minister of Finance
regarding Federal Support for Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund; and
c)The City of Orillia’s March 17, 2022 letter to the Provincial Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and to the Provincial Minister of Environment,
Conservation and Parks, along with its attachment, regarding the Holland Marsh
Phosphorus Recycling Facility.
Fourth Quarter 2021 Unaudited Financial Report
The Board received Staff Report No. 09-22-BOD regarding the Authority’s Fourth Quarter
Unaudited Financial Report.
BDO Canada LLP – Audit Planning for the 2021 Annual Audit
The Board received Staff Report No. 10-22-BOD regarding BDO Canada LLP’s Audit Planning
Report for the 2021 Annual Audit.
Communications and Engagement Strategy Overview
The Board received Staff Report No. 11-22-BOD regarding the Authority’s Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act 2021 Annual Statistical Report .
Donation Request – Offsetting Revenue
The Board received Staff Report 12-22-BOD regarding the Ukrainian National Federation of
Canada’s donation request letter of February 26, 2022 and supported staff’s recommendation
to not support this request on the basis that the Authority’s Ecological Offsetting Policy
provides clear and transparent direction with respect to the use of funds collected under this
policy.
Page 3 of 151
LSRCA Board of Directors
Meeting Highlights – March 25, 2022
Page 3 of 3
Confidential Legal Matter
The Board approved Confidential Staff Report No. 13-22-BOD regarding a confidential legal
matter.
Confidential Land Matter
The Board received an update regarding a confidential land matter and asked that the next
update on this matter be brought to the Board in June 2022.
Confidential Human Resources Matter
The Board received a Confidential Staff Report No. 14-22-BOD regarding a confidential human
resources matter and supported the recommendations within the report.
For more information or to see the full agenda package, visit LSRCA’s Board of Directors’
webpage.
Page 4 of 151
1
Town of Aurora
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, April 25, 2022
11 a.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Erin Cerenzia (Chair)
Brian North (Vice Chair)
Diane Buchanan
Paul Martin
Elaine Martini
Jo-anne Spitzer
Mayor Tom Mrakas
Other Attendees: Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Shelley Ware, Supervisor, Special Events
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.
1.1 Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
Moved By Diane Buchanan
Seconded By Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That Erin Cerenzia be re-elected as Chair for Year 2022 of the
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee (2018-2022
Term); and
2. That Brian North be re-elected as Vice Chair for Year 2022 of the
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee (2018-2022
Term).
Carried
Page 5 of 151
2
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations,
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved By Paul Martin
Seconded By Elaine Martini
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
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. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
February 1, 2021
Moved By Diane Buchanan
Seconded By Jo-anne Spitzer
That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee meeting
minutes of February 1, 2021, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
Page 6 of 151
3
7.1 Round Table Discussion; Re: 2022 Awards Event - Citizen of the Year
Reception
The Committee and staff discussed plans for the Citizen of the Year
Reception—to be held prior to the Community Recognition Awards
Ceremony on May 30, 2022—including the recognition of current and
recent award recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic, "in memoriam"
acknowledgement of past winners, video production, and refreshments.
Moved By Brian North
Seconded By Elaine Martini
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding the 2022 Awards Event - Citizen of the Year
Reception be received and referred to staff for consideration and
further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Round Table Discussion; Re: 2022 Awards Event - Community Recognition
Awards Ceremony
Staff provided an overview of the post-Ceremony arrangements in the
Skylight Gallery including refreshments, cake cutting, and award winner
signage. Mayor Mrakas gave a brief overview of a new award to be
introduced at this year's Ceremony, noting that the Lifetime Achievement
Award would be awarded once every four years, in the last year of each
term of Council, and be selected by the Office of the Mayor in consultation
with a small group of community volunteers. The Committee provided
feedback on eligibility, criteria, and selection process for the new award.
Moved By Diane Buchanan
Seconded By Paul Martin
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding the 2022 Awards Event - Community Recognition
Awards Ceremony be received and referred to staff for consideration
and further action as appropriate.
Carried
Page 7 of 151
4
7.3 Round Table Discussion; Re: 2022 Selection Process Review
Staff presented an overview of the number of nominations received over
past years, including by category, and noted the increases from 2020
through 2022. Staff proposed that the Committee, at its next meeting,
review each award category and associated nomination questions,
determine relevance and whether any awards are missing, and consider
utilizing tools such as an evaluation matrix to help make decisions. The
Committee expressed support for staff's proposal and provided feedback
on the value and weight of evaluation tools in assisting the selection
process. The Committee provided further comments on the nomination
form questions and Committee review process.
Moved By Brian North
Seconded By Diane Buchanan
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding the 2022 Selection Process Review be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. Adjournment
Moved By Paul Martin
Seconded By Diane Buchanan
That the meeting be adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Carried
Page 8 of 151
1
Town of Aurora
Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, April 28, 2022
2 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Koula Koliviras (Chair)
Wendy Browne
Rosalyn Gonsalves
Heidi Schellhorn
Members Absent: Barb Allan
Other Attendees: Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations,
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Rosalyn Gonsalves
Seconded by Wendy Browne
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
Page 9 of 151
2
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. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of March 31, 2022
Moved by Heidi Schellhorn
Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves
That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee meeting minutes of
March 31, 2022, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Application from Learning Disabilities Association of York Region
The Committee discussed the application from Learning Disabilities
Association of York Region and agreed it merited funding.
Moved by Heidi Schellhorn
Seconded by Wendy Browne
1. That the application from Learning Disabilities of York Region be
received; and
2. That the funding request be approved in the amount of $5,000.00.
Carried
7.2 Application from Crime Stoppers of York Region
The Committee discussed the application from Crime Stoppers of York
Region and agreed they would like more information regarding how the
application would benefit Aurora residents.
Page 10 of 151
3
Moved by Wendy Browne
Seconded by Rosalyn Gonsalves
1. That the application from Crime Stoppers of York Region be referred
back to staff for more information.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. Adjournment
Moved by Rosalyn Gonsalves
Seconded by Heidi Schellhorn
That the meeting be adjourned at 2:14 p.m.
Carried
Page 11 of 151
1
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, May 2, 2022
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Jeff Lanthier (Chair)
Bob McRoberts (Vice Chair)
Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Robert Lounds
John Green
Members Absent: Hoda Soliman
Matthew Kinsella
Other Attendees: Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services
Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development and Policy
Nick Kazakoff, Economic Development Officer
Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner/Heritage Planning
Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on the traditional
territory of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples whose
presence here continues to this day. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty
Page 12 of 151
2
lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties First Nations,
and we thank them for sharing the land.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Robert Lounds
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
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. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 4, 2022
Moved by Robert Lounds
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 4, 2022 be
received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Economic Development Officer; Re: Community
Improvement Plan Review Consultation
Nick Kazakoff, Economic Development Officer, presented an overview of
the Promenade Area Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and sought the
Committee's input regarding the heritage aspect of the plan. Staff further
provided an overview of best practices and comparison with neighboring
Page 13 of 151
3
municipalities on various programs such as the facade grant, building
renovation and restoration, development charge grant, tax-based
increments, and heritage property tax relief, and environmental site
assessment and tax remediation. Staff noted the next steps regarding the
review including public consultation and the implementation process.
The Committee sought clarification on the availability of programs for
residential properties and existing heritage properties, and suggested that
heritage related restoration be included in the Facade and Signage
Improvement grant program. The Committee expressed support for the
plan.
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
1. That the memorandum regarding Community Improvement Plan
Promenade Consultation be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding
Community Improvement Plan Promenade Consultation be received
and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Planner/Heritage Planning; Re: Heritage Permit
Application File: HPA-2022-05, 15356 Yonge Street (Knowles-Readman
House)
The Committee consented to permit additional time for the presentation.
Wayne Morgan, Heritage Planner, and Bruce Hall, The Planning
Partnership presented an overview of the heritage permit application
highlighting the details of the development process, promenade
designations, urban design guidelines, heritage guidelines and features,
and changes made to the proposal thus far. They further provided details
on the Knowles-Readman House integration and restoration plan,
proposed landscaping, influence of existing built form on the proposal,
and maintaining the existing colour palette in the design features.
Staff presented an overview of the memorandum and the application. The
Committee discussed various aspects of the application and inquired on
Page 14 of 151
4
the conservation plan for the Hilary House, and the applicant provided
clarification. The Committee and staff further discussed about the site-
specific zoning requirements and compliance with the Northeast Old
Aurora Heritage Conservation District Plan. The Committee expressed
support for the application.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by John Green
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application File:
HPA-2022-05 be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application File: HPA-2022-05 be received and referred to staff
for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Memorandum from Planner/Heritage Planning; Re: Review of Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
The Committee consented to permit additional time for the presentation.
Vanessa Hicks, MHBC Planning, presented an update on the review of the
Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest project
and provided details of the ongoing work in Phase 3 of the project. Further
details were provided regarding the evaluation and classification method
review, project methodology and research, GIS database of properties in
the register, property risk analysis, the proposed recommendations post
the evaluation of properties, and the next steps.
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and the sought the
Committee's feedback on the recommendations regarding the project.
The Committee requested clarification on the commemorative metal
plaque program and suggested that displaying metal plaques on
properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act would be
well received. The Committee further requested that appropriate training
on the revised evaluation methodology be provided to the Planning staff.
The Committee expressed appreciation to the Consultant and supported
the proposed project plan and recommendations.
Page 15 of 151
5
Moved by Robert Lounds
Seconded by John Green
1. That the memorandum regarding Review of Aurora Register of
Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Review of
Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. Adjournment
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Carried
Page 16 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. OPS 2 2 -010
Subject: Off-Leash Dog Park and Trail Pilot Program
Prepared by: Sara Tienkamp, Manager of Parks and Fleet
Department: Operational Services
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That Report No. OPS22-010 be received; and
2. That the proposed Off-Leash Pilot Program locations at Darkwood Detention and Tim
Jones Trail be approved; and
3. That dogs not be permitted within the environmentally sensitive lands of the David
Tomlinson Nature Reserve (DTNR) and associated trails.
Executive Summary
This report provides Council with information and recommendations on an Off-Leash
Pilot Program for dogs:
Off-leash dog areas are increasingly in demand in Aurora and in many other
towns and cities throughout the country.
Criteria considered by staff for the establishment of off-leash pilot program
locations.
Two (2) locations recommended as part of a year-long off-leash pilot program in
2022-23.
Additional factors for consideration, related to operational impacts and potential
risks.
Dog activity in David Tomlinson Wildlife Reserve disturbs wildlife in a park that
has been constructed to attract and nurture a diverse ecological landscape.
Bylaw Services to play integral role in providing support to pilot program through
monitoring/education.
Page 17 of 151
May 17, 2022 2 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
Communications to establish a public education program prior to launch of pilot
program and assist in establishing measures for resident feedback.
Evaluation of yearlong pilot program will guide establishment of future
permanent locations of off-leash zones.
Background
Off-leash dog areas are increasingly in demand in Aurora and in many other towns and
cities throughout the country.
As experienced in previous attempts by staff to create off-leash parks, this amenity is
highly controversial. It is challenging to find suitable land, weigh demand for park uses
and balance community concerns. Parkland deficits only exacerbate the issue further.
COVID-19 restrictions saw the increase of park/trail usage by residents and many
families brought “four legged” friends into their homes.
In May 2021 Council approved the following motion:
That staff be directed to investigate a pilot project using one trail and park as
“off-leash” during dedicated times and report back to Council.
Analysis
Criteria considered by staff for the establishment of off-leash pilot program locations.
The Town recognizes off-leash areas are important to resident dog owners as they
provide social benefits to humans and canines. It is also important to balance the
needs of the community, impact on natural environment and the sustainability of the
off-leash area, when distinguishing areas. As such, staff considered the following
criteria in identifying locations for the pilot. These criteria will assist in establishing long
term permanent locations in the future, should the pilot prove successful.
Criteria for establishment of an off-leash park:
Compatibility with the park's design, established uses, features and components
Potential impacts on the park's functionality, condition, and natural environment
Proportion of park to be taken up by the proposed off-leash area
Proximity to residences and established off-leash areas
Neighbourhood characteristics (adjacent land uses, population density, housing
types)
Page 18 of 151
May 17, 2022 3 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
It is also important to look at factors/amenities where off-leash locations should not be
considered due to activity levels, dedicated uses, environmental sensitivity, and safety.
Off-leash exclusion zone criteria:
Playgrounds, splash pads
Skateboard parks, tennis courts, basketball courts
Sports fields (ball/soccer)
Natural ice rinks, toboggan hills
Designated heritage, memorial, commemorative, and ceremonial areas
Event based spaces
Protection of watercourses/wetlands, storm water areas
Conservation lands, fish/animal/bird habitat protection
Areas with natural vegetation that would be disturbed by compaction and foot/
paw traffic
Areas containing species of concern, including local or regionally uncommon,
rare, threatened, or endangered species
Two (2) locations recommended as part of a yearlong off-leash pilot program to start in
summer.
One (1) park and one (1) trail location have been selected by staff for the yearlong pilot.
The following locations are included on site map (Attachment #1):
Location 1
Tim Jones Trail: area north of McKenzie Marsh Boardwalk to bridge at Newmarket
border.
This location has fencing to the west, naturalized area to east and distinct delineation
markers to identify north and south limits with the boardwalk and bridge. Off-leash
zone is intended to be between the bridge/boardwalk and is approximately 300 metres
in length. Boardwalk will not be part of the off-leash zone.
Signage would be placed at St. Johns Side Road entrance to the trail and in Newmarket
on north side of bridge to advise of upcoming off-leash zone, with additional signage as
you enter trail between north end of boardwalk and south side of bridge.
If approved staff would liaise with Newmarket to receive permission to install signage
on Newmarket’s land to the north of bridge. It could also provide Newmarket the
opportunity to expand the off-leash zone into their trail system should they choose.
Page 19 of 151
May 17, 2022 4 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
Location 2
Darkwood Detention Area: open passive, maintained grass area that is depressed in a
dry storm water detention area off Rachewood Court and Loriview Lane.
The CN rail line borders the south with 12 residential homes and trees border the other
limits. The area is approximately 1.6 hectares (4 acres).
Information signage would be placed at the Loriview Lane and Rachewood Court
entrances.
During discussions with Bylaw and Parks it was agreed, dedicated times in the locations
were not ideal, as it could lead to confusion with the public and potential conflicts
between users. Clear messaging that these locations are off-leash at all times is
recommended for the pilot program.
Additional factors for consideration, related to operational impacts and potential risks.
There are several additional factors to consider with an off-leash pilot program versus a
permanent off-leash location, whether area is within an established park or trail. Both
also carry a level of risk that can vary based on differing variables associated between
pilot and permanent locations.
When we pass by-laws, we do it in the interest of public safety. While most dogs are well
behaved, we need to be mindful of the overall public safety impacts on the broader
community.
The expansion of off-leash areas, even as a pilot program, also has an impact on
Operations and Bylaw as it is an increase in the current service level. Canine Commons
has an Adopt-a-Park partner who monitors and performs tasks within the park.
Considerations:
Maintenance and grooming of trails/turf – completed with large equipment and
trucks. Dogs off-leash move fast and potential for collision. At Canine Commons
the park is closed for maintenance due to this issue.
Areas outside groomed trails – the Town does not inspect or maintain natural
greenspaces outside of the immediate trail, with the exception of tree care when
trees are within striking distance of trails.
Fences – most of our trails/parks are bordered by fences as residential homes
abut the Town lands and fences are typically on private property as such
condition can vary. Off-leash dogs could enter private property if not under
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May 17, 2022 5 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
control. The pilot will not have additional fencing or gates at entrances or
bordering the park or trail location; therefore, uncontrolled dogs may become “at
large in the community”.
Mixed use - potential conflict with children, cyclists, people with disabilities,
elderly etc.
Increase in pet waste – no dedicated pet waste disposal containers, lack of
consideration for poop and scoop.
Residential homes – all parks and trails have residential homes bordering them
to some degree, “not in my backyard” sentiments.
Dog bites – potential high risk. Data provided by Bylaw Services from 2021:
Total Bites were 28, of that four (4) occurred at Canine Commons (dog on
dog/dog on human), two (2) on private property and 22 on public lands. All dogs
were at large during these incidences and a total of 114 dogs were found at large
last year.
Interference with wildlife/natural vegetation.
No parking lots – many people may not see these as walking destinations and
parking issues may ensue.
Many municipalities in urban centres have successful off-leash trails and areas in parks;
however, many are delineated with fencing. One example of a well-designed, multi use,
inclusive park, is High Park in Toronto. The off-leash trials/park spaces are
fenced/gated large tracts, with bypasses for users who prefer not to be in off-leash
zones. Remainder of park/trail and amenities remain under the dogs on leash Bylaw.
Municipalities with more rural settings and with large tracts of land have off-leash trails
and parks that are unfenced that have been successful e.g.: Bruce Trail and York
Regional Forest Tracts.
Dog activity in David Tomlinson Wildlife Nature Reserve disturbs wildlife in a park that has
been constructed to attract and nurture a diverse ecological landscape.
The nature reserve designed by David Tomlinson was modeled after similar parks in
Europe which are not intended for dog use. These reserves are wildlife safe havens
intended to create optimal habitat that allows for wildlife reintegration in urban centres,
increased diversification, and opportunities to promote breeding.
The Wildlife Park Master Plan Feasibility Study, Section 12.1, speaks to dog impacts in
the park and how damage to vegetation, intrusion in streams/wetlands and damage to
wildlife habitat and wildlife itself, irrespective of owner’s good intentions or use of leash.
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May 17, 2022 6 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
As such, dog walking in the reserve is a high-risk impact and therefore should be
prohibited.
It should be noted the park has been constructed with fencing along paths in certain
areas of the trails to help mitigate the impacts pedestrians have on the park and the
wildlife. The entirety of the park is not fenced and should be considered if dogs are to
be permitted before completion of the last phases.
Many municipalities and city’s have “dog free” trails in environmentally sensitive areas.
The City of Toronto has many scenic nature trails with natural protection zones (Leslie
Street Spit) in which dogs are not permitted, on or off-leash.
Should Council approve the recommendation that the DTNR will be a “dog free’
protected greenspace, staff will work with Bylaw Services and Communications to
create an extensive communication plan to advise and educate the public of the
proposed changes and timing.
Bylaw Services to play integral role in providing support to pilot program through
monitoring/education.
Bylaw and Animal Services are important partners in supporting this pilot program
initiative with Parks, as education and enforcement will be essential. Park and trail
patrons will need to clearly know where they can/cannot walk their dogs off-leash as
any confusion will result in challenges educating and enforcing members of the public
on the by-law(s).
Clear and concise signage will be posted, advising these locations will be leash free
zones at all times of day, patrons need to be always in control of their dogs, responsible
for picking up pet waste etc.
Bylaw/Animal Services will play an active role in monitoring sites, educating users and
providing enforcement if required during duration of pilot.
Communications to establish a public education program prior to launch of pilot program
and assist in establishing measures for resident feedback.
Parks staff will work with Communications to develop a communication plan to be
launched to coincide with the proposed pilot project in 2022-23; the effort will involve at-
location signage, website, social media, Noticeboard and public survey engagement.
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May 17, 2022 7 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
In addition, ongoing communication aimed at increasing awareness of having dogs on
leash in non-leash free areas, picking up of pet waste and encouraging residents to
dispose of their pet waste in residential green bins or the in-ground dog waste
containers (to be installed by end of June in select parks as part of dog waste diversion
pilot) will continue. This campaign has already begun this spring as more people are
active in parks/trails.
Evaluation of yearlong pilot program will guide establishment of future permanent
locations of off-leash zones.
Communications and Parks will also work on incorporating measures for public
feedback through surveys etc., that will assist in evaluating the programs success.
The results will be utilized to determine future expansion of the program and service
methods that could be modified based on operational requirements and public
feedback.
Potential future expansion of leash free zones should include developing a strategy with
guidelines for managing and expanding of the amenity as it will provide a clear decision-
making process and serve to alleviate concerns of both dog owners and others.
The Parks Recreation Master Plan update is occurring in 2022 and will include reviewing
all outdoor spaces, trails and parks. Off-leash areas were identified previously in the
study and will be addressed once again, as part of the update.
Advisory Committee Review
None.
Legal Considerations
The implementation of off-leash dog areas in a less controlled environment carries
additional risk. It is reasonably foreseeable that an incident causing injury could
happen, despite the Town taking steps to mitigate the risk. While there is legislation
that requires dog owners to maintain control of their animals at all times, by permitting
off-leash zones in its public spaces, the Town may be held liable in the event of an
incident.
Where off-leash zones are approved, the Town has a duty to implement controls to
mitigate risk. Appropriate risk controls would include signage, user education and rules
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May 17, 2022 8 of 10 Report No. OPS22-010
governing the use of the off-leash zones. Legal Services will be consulted on the
development of risk management measures and signage.
Financial Implications
There will be incremental costs to implement the Off-Leash Pilot program such as
signage and other associated costs which will be funded from Park Operation’s existing
approved 2022 operating budget.
Staff do not anticipate any ongoing incremental operating costs to result from this pilot
program; however, should a permanent location be desired in the future all costs for
capital costs and operational impacts will be presented to Council through Capital
Budget deliberations.
Communications Considerations
The Town will use “inform” and “engage” as the levels of communication related to this
initiative. Communications will implement an education campaign targeted to residents
and visitors on the Off-Leash Pilot Program. Customer surveys will also be prepared.
The campaign will be multifaceted, and include among others a media release, website
content, social media, Noticeboard, Newsletters and park signage.
Climate Change Considerations
The park design has an overall natural theme, utilizing natural products and
incorporating extensive landscape plantings that all play an important roll mitigating the
impacts of a changing climate. Recommendations from this report do not immediately
impact greenhouse gas emissions or impact climate change adaptation; however, if
design of components change there could be some minimal impact.
Link to Strategic Plan
The Off-Leash Pilot Program supports the Strategic Plan Goal of Supporting an
Exceptional Quality of Life for All, by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Develop a long-term needs assessment for recreation programs, services and
operations to match the evolving needs of the growing and changing population.
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Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council may choose to shorten length of pilot program to six (6) months.
2. Council may choose to direct staff to implement dedicated time slots for off -leash
use in the locations.
3. Council may request staff to select an additional trail and park in other quadrants of
Town, to total four (4) locations, with each location participating in the pilot at
different times over the year long term.
4. Council may choose to not to proceed with the off-leash pilot program and request
staff develop a off-leash strategy.
5. Council to provide further direction.
Conclusions
Off-leash areas are important to resident dog owners as they provide social benefits to
humans and canines. It is also important to balance the needs of the community. As
such staff recommend proceeding with the year-long dog off-leash pilot program at the
Darkwood Detention and Tim Jones Trail locations, including signage and extensive
communication plan.
Information gathered from public feedback and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
will assist in establishing future capital projects to implement permanent locations
within the community.
Attachments
Attachment #1 – Off-Leash Pilot Program Location Map – Tim Jones Trail Area
Attachment #2 – Off-Leash Pilot Program Location Map – Darkwood Detention Area
Previous Reports
None.
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on April 28, 2022
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Approvals
Approved by Allan Downey, Director, Operational Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 26 of 151
Attachment 1Page 27 of 151
Attachment 2Page 28 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. P DS22-0 72
Subject: Green Development Standards Proposed Phase 1 Implementation
Plan
Prepared by: Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner
Department: Planning and Development Services
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That Report No. PDS22-072 be received; and
2. That the Green Development Standards Phase 1 Implementation Plan be approved.
Executive Summary
The Town of Aurora has been undertaking the development of a Green Development
Standards (GDS) program to promote environmentally conscious development and
commit to a greener and more sustainable future. The GDS set expectations for high-
performing buildings, community connectivity, and promotes access to low or zero
carbon transportation options through a series of requirements related to energy,
ecology, water, complete communities, and building materials waste diversion. Since
presenting to General Committee in November 2021, the GDS has evolved significantly
and pending Council approval will see Phase 1 implementation beginning July 1, 2022.
The following report presents a proposed plan for Phase 1 implementation.
The GDS supports the Town of Aurora Official Plan policy goals of sustainability
and climate change objectives, informed by a comprehensive review and
extensive stakeholder consultation.
What are the GDS? A handbook has been developed to summarize the
incorporated research, goals and specific requirements of the standards.
Phase 1 of the GDS is expected to be implemented beginning July 1, 2022
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May 17, 2022 2 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
Phase 2 of the GDS is planned for mid-2023
Background
The GDS supports the Town of Aurora Official Plan policy goals of sustainability and
climate change objectives, informed by a comprehensive review and extensive
stakeholder consultation.
The Town of Aurora (the Town) retained Prime Strategy & Planning to undertake a
comprehensive review of green development standards (GDS) and to develop
assessment criteria applicable to the Town of Aurora context. The GDS is a community-
based approach that will apply across all forms of new development and will also apply
to municipal projects and buildings as the Town has committed to lead by example with
sustainable design.
Section 5.2 of the Town of Aurora’s Official Plan prescribes that;
Council, through consultation with key stakeholders, shall develop Green
Development and Design Standards to ensure that the vision and policies of this
Plan are achieved through the development process.
The Green Development and Design Standards shall be used to evaluate
development applications and prioritize development approvals.
As part of the initial stage of the program development, a comprehensive municipal
best practices review of GDS standards was undertaken by Prime Strategy. This review
informed the basis of the initial development of the Aurora GDS and is summarized by a
discussion paper, and incorporated into a comprehensive handbook.
To provide technical expertise and project stewardship throughout the GDS
development, the Town established a project steering committee inclusive of
representation from Public Works, Parks and Fleet, Operational Services, Energy and
Climate Change, Building Services, Development Engineering, and Planning, with expert
support from Prime Strategy and Planning.
Between May 2021 and May 2022, the steering committee met on four occasions to
present updates and gather technical feedback. The steering committee hosted two
consultation sessions in November 2021. The first of two consultation sessions
focused on gathering feedback from municipal partners who included; York Region,
LRSCA, York Region District School Board, Enbridge, York Catholic District School Board,
Passive House and IESO. The second consultation session focused on the development
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May 17, 2022 3 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
industry, including invitations to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Building Industry
and Land Development Association (BILD), Canadian Home Builder’s Association,
Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), Smart Centres, and Treasure Hill.
Staff also met with representatives Masonry Works and Passive House, to gather
information on some of the specific GDS criteria found within the scoring scheme.
Beyond the stakeholder consultation sessions, the steering committee sought input
from each of the Environmental Advisory Committee, Accessibility Advisory Committee,
and Business Improvement Association, and the Aurora Economic Development
Corporation, this past November. The project team returned to the Environmental
Advisory Committee in February 2022 to present this Phase 1 implementation plan.
What are the GDS? A handbook has been developed to summarize the incorporated
research, goals and specific requirements of the standards.
The GDS set expectations for high-performing buildings, community connectivity, and
promotes access to low or zero carbon transportation options through a series of form
fillable questions, coupled with verifying documents that are required when submitting a
development application. Phase 1 of the GDS is comprised of 51 qualifying questions
under five categories; Energy, Water, Ecology, Complete Communities, and Building
Waste and Materials. Under each category, a series of measurable requirements are
listed, including mandatory and non-mandatory criteria. In tier one, the applicant must
adhere to all mandatory criteria. In tier two, the applicant will have an option to meet a
minimum of the listed options.
To aid in implementation of the GDS, a comprehensive handbook has been developed
which summarizes the merit and research incorporated to develop the criteria, and
explains the spirit of each question and how to present a response through design, or
intent, including timing of review and the department or individual responsible. The
handbook will be presented online and be available as a resource for staff and
applicants. The GDS handbook is attached herein as Appendix A.
Analysis
Phase 1 of the GDS is planned to be implemented beginning July 1, 2022
As indicated previously, phase 1 includes a set of mandatory and non mandatory
requirements which apply to all new development; residential, institutional, commercial,
and industrial. Phase 1 has been developed in consideration of providing flexibility in
adherence while achieving environmental conscientious development. Since presenting
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May 17, 2022 4 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
the initial update to Council, staff have considered options to assist in implementation.
In reviewing municipal best practices, it was decided that an online form would be most
useful in submitting, collecting, and assessing the GDS.
The concept of a form-based webpage allows for the GDS questionnaire to be
presented on a website, where new development applicants can input their project
information, and have a score be automatically generated. Once a file is submitted, a
real-time download will become available, as well as an emailed copy, which will be
required as part of a complete application submission. Figure 1 below outlines the GDS
process flow.
Figure 1 – GDS Process Flow
A communications plan has been developed which will incorporate the Town’s webpage
and other media to broadcast the new standards. Additionally, staff will directly notify
BILD and RESCON once approved by Council. To accompany the launch, an interactive
video will introduce the program to the public, and guide applicants through the GDS
process flow. In recognition of projects in achieving scores above minimum, applicants
may wish to have their project presented on the Town’s webpage. Staff are also
exploring the concept of an annual ‘GDS Award’ designation, with acknowledgement of
high achieving development projects.
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May 17, 2022 5 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
Expected Timeline & Milestones
March-June 2022 – Finalize webform and handbook, notice provided to
stakeholders
June-July 2022 – Test online form and Function
July 2022 – GDS Launch of webform; Phase 2 development and consultation
begin
July 2022-May 2023 – Evaluation, documentation, and reporting; Phase 2
development and implementation plan completed
May 2023-June 2023 – Phase 2 presented to Council and communicated to
stakeholders
July 2023 – Launch of Phase 2
This proposed implementation plan will be the final update to Council prior to launching
the GDS Phase 1. Upon finalization of the online web form, operational staff training will
be conducted. The implementation date of July 1, 2022 is intended to provide ample
notice to stakeholders following approval by Council. After a period of one calendar
year, staff will review and present the outcomes of the Phase 1 implementation to
Committee of Council.
Phase 2 of the GDS is planned for mid-2023
Staff will evaluate Phase 1 with the intent to explore potential incentives and any
required changes ahead of Phase 2. Phase 2 is expected to include elevated
performance and improved building and site expectations, as well as certification for
Net Zero through third party programs. An incentive-based costing analysis will be
required ahead of Phase 2. It is expected that the Town will define incentives through a
possible expedited development approvals program, Community Improvement Plan
(CIP), or other options as part of the planned cost-benefit analysis. With the
incorporation of incentives as part of Phase 2, staff will explore the addition of a GDS
By-Law for Council Approval.
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May 17, 2022 6 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
Advisory Committee Review
The GDS has been informed through consultation with the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation, Aurora Downtown BIA, Accessibility Advisory Committee and
Environmental Advisory Committee.
Legal Considerations
The requirement to implement the GDS will be imposed as a condition of approval of
the planning application. In addition, clauses will be added to development agreements
requiring applicants to implement them.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as a result of this report.
Communications Considerations
To inform stakeholders, a communications plan will be developed which will incorporate
the Town’s webpage and other media to broadcast the new standards. To accompany
the launch, an interactive video will introduce the program to the public, and guide
applicants through the GDS process flow.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations of this report will directly result in the promotion of
environmentally conscious development, an essential step in mitigating climate change.
Through each of the five categories of assessment criteria; energy, water, ecology,
complete communities, and building materials waste diversion, there will be a collective
impact which will permanently shape future communities and ready the next generation
of Aurora residents to achieve local and global climate change mitigation targets.
Incorporation of a GDS program is a meaningful step towards a greener, and more
efficient cityscape and creates a mould for future growth to follow in meaningful
environmentally conscious placemaking.
Link to Strategic Plan
Supporting environmental stewardship and sustainability is the goal of the Natural
Environment Key Pillar of Success. Objective 2: Promoting and advancing green
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May 17, 2022 7 of 7 Report No. PDS22-072
initiatives, prescribes investigating a program that promotes and actively supports
innovative green buildings and infrastructure. The development of a GDS program is in
direct alignment with this objective. The goal of the Green Development Standards is to
set expectations for high-performing buildings, community connectivity, and promotes
access to low or zero carbon transportation options, which is the exact spirit of Natural
Environment strategic objective.
Conclusions
The GDS is an important policy tool required to fulfil commitments derived from Section
5.2 of the Official Plan and present an opportunity to promote sustainable development
that is vital to future growth in the Town of Aurora. Through extensive research and
consultation, staff are preparing implementation of a Green Development Standards
program pending approval by Council which will see Phase 1 implementation launched
on July 1, 2022. Following this launch for a period of 1 year, staff will measure success
and review the GDS in preparation for Phase 1, including potential incentives.
Attachments
Appendix A – Green Development Standards Handbook v.3.2
Previous Reports
PDS21-133 – Green Development Standards Update, Nov. 2, 2021, General Committee
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on April 28, 2022
Approvals
Approved by Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 35 of 151
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................1
2.0 Submission Requirements...................................................... 2
3.0 Development Review Process................................................. 4
4.0 Overview of the Green Development Standard...................... 6
5.0 Phase 1 GDS Requirements.................................................... 7
6.0 Appendixes……………………………………………………………x
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING i
Appendix A Page 36 of 151
GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
HANDBOOK
ii Town of Aurora Green Development Standards April 2022
Page 37 of 151
GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD HANDBOOK
Town of Aurora
Glossary
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (E.V.S.E)
E.V.S.E is the technical name for an electric vehicle charging station or charging
point. The function of an E.V.S.E is to supply the electric energy to charge an
E.V.
Green Development Standards
Green Development Standards (G.D.S) are voluntary or mandatory measures
developed by municipalities to encourage developers and builders to create
thoughtful and innovative developments using sustainable design, which
considers the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.
Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is a document declaring a commitment outlined in the GDS.
Within the context of the G.D.S, it is an agreement between the Town and the
applicant/developer. This may also include a condition of Approval within a
development agreement.
Major Transit Station Area (M.T.S.A)
Lands within an approximate 500-800 metre radius of a transit station or stop,
primarily along existing or planned transit corridors. M.T.S.As are intended to be
developed as high density, mixed-use, transit supportive neighbourhoods that
provide access to local amenities, jobs, housing, and recreation opportunities.
Net-zero Emissions
A target of completely negating the amount of greenhouse gases released, to be
achieved by reducing emissions, or employing technologies that can capture
carbon before it is released into the a
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING iii
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD HANDBOOK
Town of Aurora
1.0 Introduction
The Town of Aurora Green Development Standard (G.D.S) is a tiered set of
performance measures with supporting guidelines for new development. The
standard promotes sustainable site and building designs that address energy
efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and efficiency, ecological
health, connected communities, and building and waste objectives for new
developments in the Town of Aurora.
Sustainable initiatives, in all their forms, are one of the most significant influences
on the way we design and build our environments. The Town prioritizes reducing
emissions and increasing resiliency both within its operations and at the
community level as part of its commitment under the 2019 declaration of Climate
Emergency.
The G.D.S is a made-in-Aurora implementation and policy tool that can help the
Town to support local and regional official plan policy goals, sustainability and
climate change objectives, greenhouse gas (G.H.G) reduction targets, and
several other co-beneficial directives. The G.D.S is inspired by third-party
certification programs to encourage development that includes innovative and
progressive frameworks.
The G.D.S is a flexible, living document designed to respond to emerging climate
challenges and local environmental priorities. Informed by the current legislative
and regulatory framework, local building expectations, and emerging trends in
sustainable development, the Town will monitor implementation to refine the
G.D.S as needed.
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING 1
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
HANDBOOK
This handbook will assist Town staff and development applicants understand and
implement the G.D.S when preparing all new development applications. It is a
supplemental document to the G.D.S Checklist and should be referred to when
contemplating which requirements to pursue and compiling the Green
Development Report.
2.0 Submission Requirements
As part of the development application submission, applicants are expected to
submit a Green Development Report (GDR) through an online web form.The
Green Development Standards submission is required for all development
applications. If the GDR is not applicable for some outstanding reason, this would
have to be done through a rationale provided. Generally, applications are not
exempt.
The Green Development Report will support Town staff in addition to compliance
specification identified for each G.D.S performance metric. At a high level, the
Green Development Report should include the following components:
x Summary –Overview of the project and G.D.S initiatives included in the
development application.
x G.D.S Overview –Summary of how the project responds to policies within
Section 5.0 of the Official Plan.
x Tier 1 Performance Measures –List and briefly describe all mandatory Tier
1 performance measures and their related reference documents in an easy-
to-read format (e.g., bullet point list, table,etc.).
x Tier 2 Performances Measures –List and briefly describe all mandatory Tier
2 performance measures and their related reference documents in an easy-
to-read format. Confirm that the minimum number of performance measures
under Tier 2 have been met.
x Voluntary Performance Measures –Where a higher performance tier is
being pursued, list and briefly describe all voluntary performance measures
and their related documents in an easy-to-readyformat.
2 Town of Aurora Green Development Standards April 2022
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD HANDBOOK
Town of Aurora
Applicants will refer to the G.D.S requirement tables described in Sections 5.0
and 6.0 for a detailed description of the specific plans and additional files that
must be submitted to ensure compliance with the G.D.S.
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING 3
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
HANDBOOK
3.0 Development Review Process
The G.D.S will be integrated into the development review process. The following
describes how the G.D.S relates to current development review process at the
Town of Aurora.
Pre-Consultation
The applicant will fill out and submit the mandatory Pre-Application Consultation
Request Form. Staff will direct the applicant to the G.D.S handbook to
understand what requirements must be met. This is also an opportunity to
discuss raised performance objectives for the site.
Application Submission
The applicant submits all required G.D.S documentation and supporting materials
to the Town. This includes the Green Development report. The Town then
determines if the application is complete.
Technical Review
Staff responsible for circulation of applications circulate the G.D.S checklist and
Green Development Report to the applicable Town departments and main point
of contact within each department as part of the development review process.
Comments on the application and the G.D.S will be provided to the Development
Planner on file.
Application Revision and Resubmission
The applicant will revise and resubmit plans, reports, and other materials based
on comments through the overall evaluation of the development application. If
any revisions are proposed to the development plan, the revised checklist and
Green Development Report will be included in the resubmission.
4 Town of Aurora Green Development Standards April 2022
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Town of Aurora
Report to Council
Town staff are encouraged to report on the G.D.S performance measures in
reports to Council. This would be focused on annual reporting on items such as
total EV installations, green roofs, and other metrics implemented through the
GDS. This may be coordinated with climate change reporting.
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING 5
Draft Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan Agreements
Pending approval of the development application, development agreements or
final plans will contain specific conditions for meeting the G.D.S measures that
the applicant has committed to.
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
HANDBOOK
4.0 Overview of the Green Development Standard
The G.D.S is organized under five themes with corresponding performance
metrics that promote sustainable site and building design.
Each theme contains at least two and up to four performance tiers. At a
minimum, all new development applications submitted to the Town of Aurora
must demonstrate compliance with Tier 1.
Tier 2 is also mandatory however applicants are provided with several options
from which they are required to achieve a specified number of performance
measures. This provides the applicant with flexibility and choice.
Tiers 3 and 4 are higher level voluntary standards that will be tied to financial and
non-financial incentives.
The G.D.S will be implemented in two phases:
x Phase 1 – Implementation in 2022.
x Phase 2 – Implementation at a date to be determined by the Town. The Town
will explore incentive options to support implementation of Phase 2, which will
include Tiers 3 and 4. The Town is also encouraged to further consult with
utility providers to facilitate incentive funding forimplementation.
The following sections (Sections 5.0 and 6.0) provide comprehensive
requirement tables intended to support Town staff and applicants with
implementation, compliance, and review of the G.D.S.
Each G.D.S metric is assigned a unique letter and number value that reflects the
theme, phase, and tier specific to the metric. For example, metric ‘EN1.1.1’
should be read as:
6 Town of Aurora Green Development Standards April 2022
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD HANDBOOK
Town of Aurora
Theme Phase Tier Metric #
EN (Energy)111
5.0 Phase 1 G.D.S Requirements
Energy
Tier 1
Applicant is required to meet all criteria.
Metric EN1.1.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Appropriate electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is provided
accordingly:
x Low-rise residential – For each dwelling unit with a
residential parking space, a minimum one (1) vehicle
space per unit is provided with an energized outlet or
rough in, capable of providing Level 2 EV charging or
higher to the parking space.
x Multi-unit apartments/townhomes with shared, common
onsite residential parking spaces –A minimum of 50% of
residential parking spaces (excluding visitor parking)
provided with an adjacent energized outlet or rough in,
capable of providing Level 2 charging or higher to the
parking space, either dedicated to the parking space or
using an Energy Management System.
x All non-residential development – A minimum 20% of
required parking spaces are provided with an adjacent
energized outlet or rough in, capable of providing Level 2
charging or higher to the parking space.
Where barrier-free parking spaces are required (refer to
Town of Aurora Zoning by-law #600-17), ensure that at least
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING 7
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GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
HANDBOOK
one (1) barrier free space incorporates the requirements for
appropriate EV infrastructure.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report (GDR)Webform
x Site Plan Drawings
x Building Permit Drawings
How
compliance is
demonstrated
x Green Development Report – Submit project parking
statistics in the Green Development Report that includes
number of E.V.S.E spaces.
x Site Plan Drawings– Notations identifying locationof
E.V.S.E spaces and roughed-in spaces.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
x Transportation Analyst where further support isrequired
x Building Department review forcompliance
Other An “energized outlet” refers to a connected point in an
electrical wiring installation at which current is taken to
supply utilization equipment. Energized outlets are to be
labelled for the intended use for electric vehicle charging.
For additional information on EV infrastructure, please refer
to the Clean Air Partnership’s Electric Vehicle Charging
Infrastructure Costing Study.
Metric EN1.1.2
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Ensure building(s) is designed to accommodate future
connections to solar PV or solar thermal technologies.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x GDR Webform
How
compliance is
demonstrated
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent, signed by the
project’s architect and/or engineer, committing that all
new buildings will be designed for solar readiness.
Design considerations to ensure a building is “solar
ready” include: electrical conduit/plumbing riser builtinto
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base building, roof capacity accounts for weight/lift of
renewable energy technologies, and delivery and space
allocation for fuel deliver/storage.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning File Planner
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other The applicant may refer to Natural Resources Canada’s
(NRCan) Solar Ready Guidelines Version 1.1 (2013) for
guidance on design considerations and modifications to
prepare a building for the installation of a future solar
system. These Guidelines are intended to be simple and
inexpensive to implement, while enabling significant savings
in installation costs should a homeowner choose to install a
complete solar system in the future.
Metric EN1.1.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Develop an energy model for the building project using a
third-party building energy simulation software.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Energy Model File, GDR Webform
How
compliance is
demonstrated
x Energy Model File – Provide file for the entire building
project produced by a third-party renewable energy
modelling tool. Submit the file as part of a complete
application package.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Metric EN1.1.4
Applicable to x Mixed use, Mid-rise residential and all non-residential
Site Plans and applications in Major Transit Station
Areas
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Requirement Conduct a feasibility study to explore options to connect to
existing and/or develop on-site energy generation systems.
This may be done by Energy system provider feasibility
report.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Feasibility Study
How
compliance is
demonstrated
x Green Development Report – Describe in the Green
Development Report how the feasibility study will
conducted. This may describe third-party partners
consulted as part of the process (e.g.,Enbridge).
x Feasibility Study – Provide proof of feasibility study in
addition to describing how the feasibility study will be
completed in the Green Development Report. This may
be subject to peer review.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner and engineering peer
review may be included
Other Applicants may choose to consult with an Energy Solutions
Advisor through the Enbridge Savings by Design program.
Tier 2
Applicant is required to meet 2 out of 5 criteria.
Metric EN1.2.1
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Appropriate electric vehicle supply equipment (E.V.S.E) is
provided accordingly:
x Low-rise residential – A minimum of one (1) vehicle
space per unit is provided with the requirements
identified in Tier 1 Energy 1.1 in addition to appropriate
E.V.S.E, such as an electric vehicle chargingstation.
x Multi-unit residential – Each residential parking space,
excluding visitor parking, shall include an adjacent
energized outlet capable of providing Level 2 chargingor
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higher to the parking space, either dedicated to the
parking space or using an Energy Management System.
x All non-residential – A minimum 50% of required parking
spaces are provided with electric vehicle supply
equipment (E.V.S.E) and the remainder are of spaces
are designed with energized outlets capable of providing
Level 2 EV charging or higher to the parkingspace.
Where barrier-free parking spaces are required (refer to
Town of Aurora Zoning by-law #600-17), ensure that at least
one (1) barrier free space incorporates the requirements for
appropriate E.V.S.E infrastructure.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Site Plan Drawings
x Building permit drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Submit project parking
statistics in the Green Development Report that includes
number of E.V.S.E spaces.
x Site Plan Drawings– Notations include locationof
E.V.S.E spaces and roughed-in spaces.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner with Engineering
support
x Transportation Analyst where further support isrequired
Other For additional information on EV infrastructure, please refer
to the Clean Air Partnership’s Electric Vehicle Charging
Infrastructure Costing Study.
Metric EN1.2.2
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Appropriate solar technology is provided based on
connections to solar PV or solar thermal technologies
constructed as per E1.1.2 requirements.
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Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent, GDR Webform
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent, signed by the
project’s architect and/or engineer, committing that all
new buildings will be designed for solar readiness.
Design considerations to ensure a building is “solar
ready” include: electrical conduit/plumbing riser built into
base building, roof capacity accounts for weight/lift of
renewable energy technologies, and delivery and space
allocation for fueldeliver/storage.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other The applicant may refer to Natural Resources Canada’s
(NRCan) Solar Ready Guidelines Version 1.1 (2013) for
guidance on design considerations and modifications to
prepare a building for the installation of a future solar
system. These Guidelines are intended to be simple and
inexpensive to implement, while enabling significant savings
in installation costs should a homeowner choose to install a
complete solar system in the future.
Metric EN1.2.3
Applicable to x Mid-rise residential and all non-residential Site Plan and
applications in Major Transit Station Areas
Requirement Provide the necessary infrastructure for connection to
district energy, where available.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Describe where
connection to district energy has been provided and
necessary infrastructure to support districtenergy
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system. Compliance with this metric will be reliant upon a
successful feasibility study submitted as per E1.1.4.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other Applicants, including the Town of Aurora, are encouraged to
explore third-party incentive programs to support planning
and implementation of district energy and/or community
energy systems. This includes the Enbridge Gas program or
the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Energy Recovery
or District Energy capital project funding.
If applicant can pursue E1.2.3, requirements for Tier 2 are
considered satisfied.
Metric EN1.2.4
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement GHG reduction for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings are met
according to the following requirements:
x Part 9 buildings (low-rise residential) – Buildings are
designed to meet or exceed a minimum energy
performance of at least 10% better than that of the
Ontario Building Code’s 2017 Supplementary Standard
SB-12.
x Part 3 buildings (mid to high-rise residential, all non-
residential) – Demonstrate a minimum energy
performance level of at least 15% better than that of the
Ontario Building Code’s 2017 Supplementary Standard
SB-10 Divisions 1 and 3.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Energy Report
x Energy Model File
x Envelope Design Brief
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x Mechanical and Electrical Design Brief
How to
demonstrate
compliance
Compliance for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings is demonstrated
using an energy model for the entire building project, using
an approved third-party building energy simulation software.
Submit the following documentation:
x Energy report
x Energy model file
x Envelop design brief
x Mechanical and electrical design brief
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Metric EN1.2.5
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Utilize low emission mechanical systems, and/or install
onsite renewables, to achieve an incremental percent CO2e
reduction beyond the percent GHG reduction demonstrated
for E1.2.4.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Energy Report
x Energy Model File
x Envelope Design Brief
x Mechanical and Electrical Design Brief
How to
demonstrate
compliance
Energy performance report that includes summary of key
energy model inputs and building characteristics, annual
building energy usage broken down by end-uses and fuel
type, and explanation of any externally calculated energy
performance or modelling software limitations.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
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Other N/A
Water
Tier 1
Applicant is required to meet all criteria.
Metric W1.1.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Demonstrate post-development peak flow rates are equal to
or do not exceed pre-development peak flow rates for the 1
in 2 year, 1 in 5 year, 1 in 10 year, 1 in 25 year, 1 in 50 year,
and the 1 in 100 year storm events and a minimum volume
reduction of 5mm is achieved through low impact
development (LID) features.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report - Demonstrate that
post-development peak flow rates are equal to or do not
exceed pre-development peak flow rates. Include the
design measures used to retain stormwater runoff on site
and calculate the amount of runoff retained onsite.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other For additional support, refer to the LSRCA Technical
Guidelines for Stormwater Management (SWM)
Submissions and the Town of Aurora Design Criteria
Manual for Engineering Plans.
Metric W1.1.2
Applicable to x Site Plan
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x Subdivision
Requirement Ensure post-development groundwater recharge rates meet
pre-development rates, as defined through the LSRCA
Source Protection Plan.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – Demonstrate that
post-development groundwater recharge rates meet pre-
development rates. Submit a Thornthwaite-Mather water
balance assessment for pre-development and post-
development along with a hydrogeologicalreport.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other For additional support, refer to the LSRCA Technical
Guidelines for Stormwater Management (SWM)
Submissions and/or the Sustainable Technologies
Evaluation Program Low Impact Development Stormwater
Management Planning and Design Guide and the Town of
Aurora Design Criteria Manual for Engineering Plans.
Metric W1.1.3
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Remove at least 85% total suspended solids (TSS) on an
annual loading basis from run-off leaving the site.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – In the report, list of
filtration measures proposed to suit the existing site
conditions, including but not limited to stormwater ponds,
oil-grit separators, filters, and/or bioswales. Calculatethe
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percentage of TSS removed from 25mm rainfall event
based on pre-existing condition.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other The individual TSS removal rate is dependent on the
specific parameters of the system, necessitating site-specific
design. The applicable strategy will require the relevant
calculations. The LSRCA has developed the LID Treatment
Train Tool to assist developers, consultants, and
landowners to better understand, plan, and implement
sustainable stormwater practices.
Metric W1.1.4
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement 25% of new hard surfaces (e.g., parking areas and
walkways, not including buildings) are constructed using
permeable materials. For applicants developing from lot line
to lot line, this requirement may be met through E1.1.7
requirement for green roofs.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – Calculate the
percentage of new hard surfaces that are constructed
using permeable materials and identify the types of
materials used.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Landscape Architect
Other This requirement is subject to land use. For example,
permeable surfaces should not infiltrate from
Industrial/Commercial or pollution hotspots. Where
infiltration is not feasible, a filtration system may be able to
be installed under the permeable pavement.
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Metric W1.1.5
Applicable to x Site Plan
Requirement All water consuming fixtures are high-efficiency
WaterSense® or meet the following maximum flow
requirements, whichever is more restrictive:
x High efficiency toilets (max. flow of 4.0 L/flush OR 3/6
L/flush siphonic dual flush toilets).
x Low flow lavatory faucets (max. flow of 5.7L/min).
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Letter of Intent
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Commit that the project will include
water conserving fixtures with flow rates that satisfythe
requirements identified by the Town.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Tier 2
Applicant is required to meet 2 out of 5 criteria.
Metric W1.2.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Best management practices (BMPs) replicating natural site
hydrology processes retain (e.g., infiltrate, evapotranspirate,
or collect and reuse) on-site the runoff from the developed
site, reducing the local rainfall event runoff by an additional
10%, using low impact development (LID) and green
infrastructure practices.
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Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Webform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report - List and describe
design measures used to retain or collect stormwater
runoff on site, highlight the location of design measures
(if any) on relevant Stormwater Management Plan(s),
and include calculations and signoff by a professional
engineer quantifying the amount of runoffreduced.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
x Development Planning Engineer
Other This metric should be aligned with the LSRCA’s offsetting
policies.
Metric W1.2.2
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Remove at least 90% total suspended solids on an annual
loading basis from run-off leaving the site.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – In the report, list of
filtration measures proposed to suit the existing site
conditions, including but not limited to stormwater ponds,
oil-grit separators, filters, and/or bioswales. Calculate the
percentage of TSS removed from 25mm rainfall event
based on pre-existing condition.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other The individual TSS removal rate is dependent on the
specific parameters of the system, necessitating site-specific
design. The applicable strategy will require therelevant
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calculations. The LSRCA has developed the LID Treatment
Train Tool to assist developers, consultants, and
landowners to better understand, plan, and implement
sustainable stormwater practices.
Metric W1.2.3
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement 50% of new hard surfaces (e.g., parking areas and
walkways, not including buildings) are constructed using
permeable materials. For applicants developing from lot line
to lot line, this requirement may be met through E1.1.7
requirement for green roofs.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – Calculate the
percentage of new hard surfaces that are constructed
using permeable materials and identify the types of
materials used.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Landscape Architect
Other This requirement is subject to land use. For example,
permeable surfaces should not infiltrate from
Industrial/Commercial or pollution hotspots. Where
infiltration is not feasible, a filtration system may be able to
be installed under the permeable pavement.
Metric W1.2.4
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Building(s) is designed for rainwater re-use readiness (e.g.,
plumbing infrastructure included in building). Provide a
rainwater harvesting and re-circulation/reuse system and is
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used for low-grade functions, such as toilet/urinal flushing
and irrigation.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Stormwater Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Stormwater Management Report – Include and identify
design features incorporated to facilitate rainwater
capture, harvest, and re-circulation/reuse. Identify these
features on Stormwater Management Plans and/or Floor
Plans.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other N/A
Metric W1.2.5
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Development incorporates design features that require less
salt application without increasing liability.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Salt Management Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Salt Management Plan – Develop a Salt Management
Plan. Refer to the LSRCA’s Parking Lot Design
Guidelines to Promote Salt Reduction for reference to
design features that can be used to minimize the use of
excess salt. The applicant should also consult the South
Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Plan,
specifically the salt managementpolicies.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
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Other Applicants are encouraged to incorporate design features
described in the LSRCA’s Parking Lot Design Guidelines to
Promote Salt Reduction.
Ecology
Tier 1
Applicant is required to meet all criteria.
Metric E1.1.1
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Use a combination of Bird Friendly Design strategies to treat
at least 85% of the exterior glazing located within the first 12
metres of the building above-grade (including interior
courtyards). Visual markers on the glass should have a
spacing no greater than 10 centimeters x 10 centimeters.
Where a green roof is constructed with adjacent glass
surfaces, ensure the glass is treated 12 metres above green
roof surface.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Building Drawings
x Elevation Plans
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Confirm that the visual
markers on the glass have spacing no greater than 10cm
x 10cm and confirm that 85% of the building glass (12m
above grade) has been treated with bird friendly design
strategies. Identify in the report what bird friendly design
strategies have been included.
x Elevation Plans – Clearly highlight the bird friendly
design features adopted on the first 12 metres above
grade. Bird friendly design features can include but are
not limited to visual patterns on glass, window films,
glass angled downwards, etc.
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Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
Other For more information on bird friendly design strategies,
applicants and Town staff may require use of the City of
Markham Bird Friendly Guidelines. (For additional support
and further information, the City of Toronto Bird Friendly
Guidelines, including Best Practices for Bird Friendly Glass
and Best Practices or Effective Lighting may also be useful
to applicants.)
Metric E1.1.2
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Use native plant species for 50% of the landscaped area,
including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report Webform – Confirm that
50% of plant species are native species.
x Landscape Drawings – List the plant species being
considered for the plan and quantify the percentageof
native species.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Species size and selection will vary by project. Refer to the
LSRCA list of Native Plant Species and/or the Town of
Aurora Tree Planting and Approved Plant List Policy. For
guidance on native species to replace invasive species,
refer to the Grow Me Instead (Southern Ontario) Guide, 3rd
Edition by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
Metric E1.1.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
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x Subdivision
Requirement Introduce no invasive species
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Confirm that no invasive
species will be included in the project.
x Landscape Drawings – List the plant species being
considered for the plan.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Species size and selection will vary by project. Refer to the
LSRCA list of Native Plant Species and/or the Town of
Aurora Tree Planting and Approved Plant List Policy. For
guidance on native species to replace invasive species,
refer to the Grow Me Instead (Southern Ontario) Guide, 3rd
Edition by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
Metric E1.1.4
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Protect 80% of trees where DBH is greater than 15 cm.
Where trees are removed, new trees are provided to
mitigate the lost canopy to the Town’s satisfaction.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Drawings – Clearly report the total number of
trees to be removed, protected, and/or moved. Where
new trees are planted, identify the location on
appropriate landscapedrawings.
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Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Refer to the Town of Aurora Landscape Design Guidelines
and Vegetation Management Policies to determine the
appropriate measures for protection and/or relocation of
existing mature trees and guidance for new tree plantings.
Metric E1.1.5
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement All exterior light fixtures are Dark Sky compliant.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Photometric Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Photometric Plan – In alignment with the Town of Aurora
Design Criteria Manual for Engineering Plans, a detail
drawing and specification sheet of the selected
luminaires proposed for the site must ensure that all
fixtures will be designated as “Darky Sky Friendly” as
determined by the International Dark SkyAssociation.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other Dark Sky Compliant fixtures must have the Dark Sky Fixture
Seal of Approval which provides objective, third-party
certification for lighting that minimizes glare, reduces light
trespass and does not pollute the night sky. If a Dark Sky
Fixture Seal of Approval is not available, fixtures must be
full-cutoff and with a colour temperature rating of 3000K or
less.
Metric E1.1.6
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Create tree planting areas within the site and in the adjacent
public boulevard that meet the soil volume and other
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requirements necessary to provide tree canopy. Determine
the amount of soil required by the following formula:
40% of the site area / 66 m2 x 30 m2 = total soil volume
required
Where possible, ensure that each separate tree planting
area has a minimum of 30 m3 soil and enough space to
accommodate mature tree trunk and root flare growth.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Drawings – Identify the location of new tree
planting areas and confirms that the appropriate amount
of soil is provided.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other N/A
Metric E1.1.7
Applicable to x Site Plan
Requirement Roof areas are provided with one or a combination of the
following covering 30% of available roof space (excludes
mechanical):
x Green Roof
x Solar PV or thermal
x Cool Roof
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Letter of Intent
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent, signed by the
project’s architect, committing that 30% of available roof
space will include identified covering.
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Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Tier 2
Applicant is required to meet 2 out of 5 criteria
Metric E1.2.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Use native plant species for 75% of the landscaped area,
including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Confirm that 75% of plant
species are native species.
x Landscape Drawings – List the plant species being
considered for the plan and quantify the percentageof
native species.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Species size and selection will vary by project. Refer to the
LSRCA list of Native Plant Species and/or the Town of
Aurora Tree Planting and Approved Plant List Policy. For
guidance on native species to replace invasive species,
refer to the Grow Me Instead (Southern Ontario) Guide, 3rd
Edition by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.
Metric E1.2.2
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
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Requirement Where surface parking is provided, plant large growing
shade trees along street frontages that are spaced
appropriately having regard to site conditions and have
access to 30 m3 soil per tree.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Drawings – Identify the location of large
growing shade trees along street frontages, identifying
the spacing requirements.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other N/A
Metric E1.2.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement All street trees are accompanied by the installation of
enhanced street tree planting technology to ensure/support
the long-term health of trees. This may include permanent
irrigation or watering systems that utilize non-potable water
sources only, soil cells, etc.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Drawings – Identify the enhanced street tree
planting technologyincluded.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other N/A
Metric E1.2.4
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Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Develop an operational and maintenance plan to support the
health and longevity of naturalized and landscaped areas.
The operational and maintenance plan should extend at
least five (5) years beyond the two (2) year municipal
landscape warranty period.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Operational Plan & MaintenanceManual
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Operational Plan & Maintenance Manual – Include in the
manual a description of maintenance procedures
including techniques for reducing salt use in landscaped
and naturalized areas. The manual should also include
tree monitoring plan designed to maximize the survival
rates of planted trees. Where appropriate, other
considerations identified by the applicant to care and
manage landscaped and naturalized areas should be
included.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Refer to the Town of Aurora Landscape Design Guidelines
for required warranty period work that may inform the
extended operational and maintenance plan.
Metric E1.2.5
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Using Climate Positive Design’s Pathfinder: Landscape
Carbon Calculator, calculate the embodied carbon and the
carbon sequestration potential within landscape designs.
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Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Climate Positive Design Scorecard
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Climate Positive Design Scorecard – Submit the Climate
Positive Design Scorecard to the Town
Compliance
reviewed by
x Parks
Other The Town is encouraged to share this metric and Climate
Positive Design Scorecards with the LSRCA in support of
long-term efforts to increase carbon sequestration
opportunities within the watershed.
Complete Communities
Tier 1
Applicant is required to meet all criteria.
Metric CC1.1.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement Develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan
that incorporates general requirements as outlined by York
Region in the Transportation Mobility Plan Guidelines.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Transportation Demand ManagementPlan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Submit the completed Transportation Demand
Management Plan.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Transportation Analyst
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Other The Transportation Demand Management Plan must be
undertaken by transportation specialists and should align
with the active transportation in Section 14.2 of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan. Refer to York Region’s Transportation
Mobility Plan Guidelines Transportation Demand
Management Checklist (Table 13) to assist the
transportation specialist in the development of a
comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Metric CC1.1.2
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Where possible, provide connections and/or access to a
variety of park and open space options in alignment with the
Town of Aurora’s Official Plan and in compliance with
operation and maintenance requirements.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Plan and/or Urban DesignSubmission
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Describe how the
building/site is connected to park and open space
options.
x Landscape Plan and/or Urban Design Submission –
Identify the linkages that connect a building to park and
open spaces.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Transportation Analyst
x Development Planning file Planner
x Accessibility Advisor
Other The Transportation Demand Management Plan must be
undertaken by transportation specialists and should align
with the active transportation in Section 14.2 of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan. Refer to York Region’s Transportation
Mobility Plan Guidelines Transportation Demand
Management Checklist (Table 13) to assist the
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transportation specialist in the development of a
comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Metric CC1.1.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Accessibility measures and design features are provided in
accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act (AODA) per Aurora's Official Plan, and
Aurora's Accessibility Plan.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Identify how the
development, through design features, has met the
AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards, sections 80.16
to 80.31 inclusive, for pedestrianinfrastructure.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Accessibility Advisor
x Transportation Analyst where necessary
Other N/A
Metric CC1.1.4
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Where required by Town staff and/or Council, complete a
Heritage Impact Assessment and Restoration/Conservation
Plan for development applications that may potentially affect
a designated or significant heritage resource, Heritage
Resource Area and/or Heritage Conservation District, as per
Aurora’s Official Plan.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Heritage Impact Assessment
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How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Heritage Impact Assessment – Submit a Heritage Impact
Assessment prepared by a qualified professional to the
satisfaction of the Town for any proposed alteration,
construction, or any development proposal involving or
adjacent to a designated heritage resource to
demonstrate that the heritage property and its heritage
attributes are not adverselyaffected.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Heritage Planner
Other Refer to the Town’s Register of Cultural Heritage Resources
and Heritage Resource Area for reference to which this
G.D.S requirement applies to.
Metric CC1.1.5
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
Requirement Strategize and develop an acoustical plan that identifies
sources of noise that can negatively impact interior spaces.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Floor Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Floor Plan – Provide an annotated document submitted
and made available to occupants showing labeled zones
throughout the project floor plan or similar schematic
document as follows:
o Loud zones: Includes areas intended for loud
equipment or activities (e.g., mechanical
rooms, kitchens, fitness rooms, social spaces,
recreational rooms, music rooms)
o Quiet zones: Includes areas intended for
concentration, wellness, rest, study and/or
privacy (e.g., restorative spaces, lactation
rooms, nap rooms)
o Mixed zone: Includes areas intended for
learning, collaboration and/orpresentation
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(e.g., auditoriums, classrooms, breakout
spaces)
o Circulation zones: Includes occupiable areas
not intended for regular occupancy (e.g.,
hallways, egress, atria, stairs, lobbies)
o If loud zones directly boarder quiet zones,
project provides a plan for reprogramming or
mitigating sound transmission between these
areas.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Accessibility Advisor
x Development Planning Engineer
Other This metric is in alignment with the WELL building standard
(v2, Q4 2021) requirements for Sound Mapping (S01). Refer
to the WELL standard for Sound Mapping for further detail
on how to achieve this requirement.
Tier 2
Applicant is required to meet 2 out of 6 criteria.
Metric CC1.2.1
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Provide missing walkway connections between the site and
existing public routes for pedestrians. All new and existing
streets are designed with continuous sidewalks or
equivalent provisions in accordance with Aurora’s
Engineering Standards and Design Criteria and Aurora’s
Active Transportation Policies in section 14.2 of the Official
Plan.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Transportation Demand ManagementPlan
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How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Transportation Demand Management Plan – Identify in
the Transportation Demand Management Plan submitted
as per CC1.1.1 requirement:
o Existing or municipally approved pedestrian
routes within the project boundary
o Proposed connections from the site and
existing or municipally approved pedestrian
routes
o Verify that proposed pedestrian routes comply
with relevant Town standards and policies
Compliance
reviewed by
x Transportation Analyst
x Development Planning Engineer
Other The Transportation Demand Management Plan must be
undertaken by transportation specialists and should align
with the active transportation in Section 14.2 of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan. Refer to York Region’s Transportation
Mobility Plan Guidelines Transportation Demand
Management Checklist (Table 13) to assist the
transportation specialist in the development of a
comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Metric CC1.2.2
Applicable to x Site Plan
x Subdivision
Requirement x Provide the physical infrastructure and site design
elements to support active transportation,including:
o Adequate space for residents to perform
repairs and maintenance of bicycles, including
space for a bike pump, bike repair stand(s)
and a bench
o End-of-trip facilities, such as changerooms and
shower facilities
o Bicycle parking spaces (minimum one space
or long-term bicycle parking spaces are
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equipped with a 120 V outlet located at a
maximum distance of 1100 mm from the bike
rack to accommodate the typical manufacture
supplied power cord) beyond the requirements
identified in the Town of Aurora Zoning By-law
#6000-17
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Transportation Demand ManagementPlan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Transportation Demand Management Plan – Identify in
the Transportation Demand Management Plan submitted
as per CC1.1.1 requirement:
o Description of space for residents to perform
repairs and maintenance of bicycles
o End-of-trip facilities provided
o Bicycle parking spaces provided
Compliance
reviewed by
x Transportation Analyst
Other The Transportation Demand Management Plan must be
undertaken by transportation specialists and should align
with the active transportation in Section 14.2 of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan. Refer to York Region’s Transportation
Mobility Plan Guidelines Transportation Demand
Management Checklist (Table 13) to assist the
transportation specialist in the development of a
comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Metric CC1.2.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Provide monthly York Region Transit passes to residents
and businesses at no cost for a minimum of one (1) year
after occupation, including:
x One (1) pass per household or residential unit;and
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x Passes for 10% of employees per business or non-
residential units
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Transportation Demand ManagementPlan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Transportation Demand Management Plan – Identify in
the Transportation Demand Management Plan submitted
as per CC1.1.1 requirement the transit incentives
provided for the development, including type of transit
incentive, length of time the incentive will be provided,
and who the incentive will be provided to.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Transportation Analyst
Other The Transportation Demand Management Plan must be
undertaken by transportation specialists and should align
with the active transportation in Section 14.2 of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan. Refer to York Region’s Transportation
Mobility Plan Guidelines Transportation Demand
Management Checklist (Table 13) to assist the
transportation specialist in the development of a
comprehensive Transportation Demand Management Plan.
Metric CC1.2.4
Applicable to x Site Plan all development types
x Subdivision
Requirement Permanent and accessible urban agricultural space is
provided through one or more of the following:
x Community garden
x Edible landscaping with labeled plants and signage
containing harvesting guidelines
x Small farm or orchard
x Private garden
x Rooftop garden
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Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Plan and/or Urban DesignSubmission
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Landscape Plan and/or Urban Design Submission –
Identify the locations within the project dedicated for food
production and list the garden space elements
included/considered for the project.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Parks
Other N/A
Metric CC1.2.5
Applicable to x Site Plan (multi-unit residential and non-residential
development)
x Subdivision (multi-unit residential and non-residential
development)
Requirement Provide public and/or private outdoor amenity spaces, urban
square requirements where appropriate, particularly for
development within the Major Transit Station Area
(M.T.S.A).
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Site Plan or Subdivision Plan Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Site Plan or Subdivision Plan Drawings – Identify the
amenities that are included or planned for the project
within the 500-800 metre radius of the site.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
Other N/A
Metric CC1.2.6
Applicable to x Site Plan
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Requirement Residential dwelling unit(s) conforms with Building Code
requirements for secondary units to accommodate for
potential use as a secondary unit.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Floor Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Floor Plan – Identify the provisions that have been
provided to accommodate for future secondary-unit use.
If a secondary unit is provided, identify the location of the
secondary unit.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Zoning
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other To successfully achieve this metric, the secondary dwelling
unit does not need to be used as a secondary dwelling unit
at the time of occupation. Conformity is achieved if/when the
secondary dwelling unit is built to the standards in the
Building Code and in accordance with the provision in the
Town of Aurora’s Zoning By-law no. 6000-17 and Section
3.2 of Aurora’s Official Plan. Refer to the province of
Ontario’s guide on adding a second unit to homes for further
guidance.
Buildings, Waste & Materials
Tier 1
Applicant is required to meet all criteria.
Metric BWM1.1.1
Applicable to x Site Plan
Requirement Develop a Waste Management Plan and Report that
describes how construction and demolition materials are
diverted from landfill, where possible. The following waste
diversion activities are prioritized accordingly:
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x Waste or source reduction (including prevention,
minimization and reuse)
x Recycling and material recovery
x Disposal
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Waste Management Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Waste Management Report – Submit a waste
management report describing the waste management
narrative.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Operations/ Waste ManagementCoordinator
Other N/A
Metric BWM1.1.2
Applicable to x Site Plan mult-residential, mixed and non-residential
application types
Requirement Provide waste collection and storage spaces accordingly:
x Mid-rise residential and all non-residential – Provide a
waste collection and sorting system for garbage,
recycling and organics using one of the following: a
single chute with a tri-sorter, two separate chutes with
one of the chutes equipped with a dual sorter, three
separate chutes for garbage, recycling and organics
collection on all floors, or a central waste collection and
waste diversion facility on the ground floor.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Site Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Site Plan – Identify the location of waste storage
space(s) on site plan drawings in accordance with metric
requirement.
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Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Metric BWM1.1.3
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement Maximize the amount of native topsoil reused on-site, where
appropriate, provided that the use does not have potential to
cause adverse effects to the environment, human heath, or
impair water quality.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Landscape Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development Report – Describe in the report how
native topsoil has been reused for general landscaping
purposes.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Landscape Architect
Other Refer to the Town of Aurora Landscape Design Guidelines
and Vegetation Management Policies. Management of
native topsoil must be in accordance with Section 3.7
Topsoil Requirements.
Tier 2
Applicant is required to meet 2 out of 7 criteria.
Metric BWM1.2.1
Applicable to x Site Plan all application types
x Subdivision
Requirement A minimum 25% of recycled and/or reclaimed materials are
used for building, landscaping, and/or infrastructure
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materials including roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, unit
paving, etc.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Letter of Intent
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent signed by
engineer committing that the project will use the
minimum percentage required of recycled and/or
reclaimed materials in the landscape and/or
infrastructure materials. Must meet standards
compliance required by Town. Identify the following
commitments:
o % of recycled content n building, landscaping
and/or infrastructure
o % of reused content n building, landscaping
and/or infrastructure
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
x Engineering
Other N/A
Metric BWM1.2.2
Applicable to x Site Plan (mid-rise residential development and all non-
residential development)
Requirement Divert at least 75% of total construction and demolition
material. Diverted material must include at least four
material streams.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Waste Management Plan and Report
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Waste Management Plan and Report – Describe how at
least 75% of construction and demolition material will be
diverted from landfill.
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Compliance
reviewed by
x Operations/ Waste ManagementCoordinator
Other Refer to LEED® V4 BD+C: MR Credit: Construction and
Demolition Waste Management for further details on how to
achieve this requirement.
Metric BWM1.2.3
Applicable to x Site Plan mixed use,non-residential
Requirement Building is designed and built incorporate Portland-
limestone cement and/or tall wood.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Letter of Intent
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent committing that
the project will use Portland-limestone cement and/or tall
wood. Identify the:
o % of Portland-limestone cement in building
materials
https://www.cement.org/sustainability/portland-
limestone-cement
o % of tall wood in building materials
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
Other Portland-limestone cement reflects the industry’s
commitment to innovation and sustainability. The use of
Portland-limestone cement in producing concrete decreases
CO2 emissions by 10% while still producing concrete with
the same level of strength and durability as concrete
produced with regular Portland cement. Portland-limestone
cement is referenced in the National Building Code through
the CSA A.23.1 standard. Following recent successful
sulphate testing programs, the new CSA A3001-13 and
A23.1-14 Standards now provide specifications for theuse
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of Portland-limestone cement in sulphate exposure
environments.
Metric BWM1.2.4
Applicable to x Site Plan mixed use, non-residential applicationtypes
Requirement Include at least five (5) of the seven (7) requirements listed
below in the project product specifications:
x Concrete Mix: minimum 25% supplementary Cementous
material
x Rebar/ Structural Steel/ Metal Decks: Minimum 50%
recycled content
x Flooring: meet FloorScore or USGBC equivalent
program
x Paints/ Coatings/ Adhesives/ Sealents: MeetSCAQMD
rule 1113 and 1168 Low VOC contentthresholds
x Plywood: no added formaldehyde (NAF) or ultra-low-
emiting formaldehyde (ULEF)
x Red List Materials: Do not use any materials from the
International Living Future Institute’s RedList
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Letter of Intent
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Letter of Intent – Submit a Letter of Intent, signed by the
project architect, committing that the project will include
at least 5 of the 7 products. Identify in the Green
Development Report the products that areincluded.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning file Planner
x Engineering
Other Flooring requirements are adopted from the LEED v4 rating
system. The Floorscore standard addresses the VOC
emissions from flooring materials, adhesives, and
underlayments. Eligible flooring products must have the
Floorscore certification.
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The South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) regulates the amount of VOCs that are allowed
in certain building products in California. The VOC content
of paints, adhesives, coatings and sealants must be
checked against Rule 1113 and Rule 1168 to verify the VOC
content in the product is lower than the requirement in the
SCAQMD rules.
Formaldehyde can be harmful or hazardous to the human
body. Selecting NAF and ULEF plywood products limits the
introduction of formaldehyde to the building interior.
The ILFI Red List contains the Worst-In-Class materials
prevalent in the building industry, which contribute to
polluting the environment, bio-accumulation of toxins in the
food chain and harming construction or factory workers.
Metric BWM1.2.5
Applicable to x Site Plan (mid-rise residential development and all non-
residential development)
Requirement Provide a dedicated collection area or room for household
hazardous waste and/or electronic waste.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Site building plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Site building plan – Identify the location of waste storage
space(s) on site plan drawings in accordance with metric
requirement.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Operations/ Waste ManagementCoordinator
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other N/A
Metric BWM1.2.6
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Applicable to x Site Plan (mid-rise residential development and all non-
residential development)
Requirement Provide dedicated areas accessible to waste haulers and
building occupants for the collection and storage of
recyclable and compostable materials for the entire building.
Collection and storage areas may be separate locations.
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Site Plan
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Site Plan - Include in Site Plan drawings notations
indicating the location of waste storagespace.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Operations/ Waste ManagementCoordinator
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other NOTES
N/A
Metric BWM1.2.7
Applicable to x Site Plan
Requirement For buildings at least two storeys, a minimum 4.5 metre
clear slab-to-slab height (to underside of second floor slab).
Where to
demonstrate
compliance
x Green Development ReportWebform
x Elevation Drawings
How to
demonstrate
compliance
x Elevation Drawings – Demonstrate that the first storey is
at least 4.5 metres in height.
Compliance
reviewed by
x Development Planning Engineer
x Building Division/Chief BuildingOfficial
Other This requirement encourages building characteristics that
allow for future changes in use without structural
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modifications. For further information on adaptation,
disassembly and reuse, please see the Waterfront Toronto
Green Building Requirements, Version 3.0 (January 2021).
PRIME STRATEGY & PLANNING 47
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6.0 Appendixes
48 Town of Aurora Green Development Standards April 2022
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“GREEN AND GROWING” Aurora’s New Green Development StandardsProposed Implementation Plan Town of Aurora Staff Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning and Development Services Lisa Hausz, Manager of Economic Development and PolicyMatthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner Prime Strategy and Planning Nadia Dowhaniuk, Lead ResearcherLisa Prime, PrincipleStaff Presentation to General CommitteeTuesday May 17, 2022 7:00 PMLocation: Town Hall 1PresentationPage 87 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 2What are Green Development Standards and How Did We Get Here…Project Timeline•Project commenced May 2021, retained consultant Prime Strategy and Planning •Project Steering Committee established with cross-departmental collaboration•Informed Discussion Paper; Detailed policy directions report with municipal best practices•Update to Council November 2021 (PDS21-133) •Consultation with Development Industry, Utility Companies, School Boards, Town Advisory Committees, Conservation Authorities and Industry Experts •Comprehensive GDS Handbook developed (attached as Appendix to Report) A set of criteria measured against new development to promote environmentally conscious projects based on five key areas of focus (Energy, Water, Ecology, Complete Communities, and Building Materials Waste). Page 88 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 3Green Development Standards Framework & Application Process FlowPage 89 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 4Hybrid Points/Tiered Model •Phase 1 will begin July 1st2022 (pending endorsement) and apply to any new residential, commercial, industrial or institutional development project with a major site plan. If residential, minimum 5 residential unit threshold. •Phase 1 includes 2 Tiers of performance criteria oTier 1 includes mandatory requirements oTier 2 includes optional requirements with a mandatory minimum (applicant required to select 2 of 5 additional measures)•Total score tallied to measure overall performance (bonus points where minimum exceeded) Page 90 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 5Green Development Standards HandbookExample: Page 91 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 6Feedback we received•Request for pilot program•Flexibility in measurable criteria•Recognition and incentives•Transition or “grandfathering” projects received before implementationStaff Response•Implementing in 2 Phases – Phase 1 designed to provide flexibility and maximize uptake/adherence, Phase 2 to include incentives•Points system added to annually award projects who achieve higher than minimum performance •Staff reviewing option to allow for projects received ahead of implementation to possibly be applicable to receive a Phase 2 incentive if project meets Phase 2 requirements Page 92 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 7Next Steps•Once endorsed, Notice of July 1stimplementation to stakeholders•June, Staff training using new online form•June 1, Public information on website, including how-to and promo videos•July 2022-2023, Ongoing review of Phase 1 measures and begin Phase 2 planning•Phase 2 expected July 2023 and will include more rigorous performance measures (Tier 3 and 4) and introduction of incentives and third-party classification (example, LEED or Passive House). Page 93 of 151
TOWN OF AURORAGREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN – MAY 17, 2022 8Draft GDS WebpagesLanding Page https://ic12.esolg.ca/11111083_Aurora/en/business-and-development/green-development-standards.aspx Handbookhttps://www.aurora.ca/en/business-and-development/green-development-standard-hanbook.aspx#EcologyWeb form https://webforms.aurora.ca/Development-Planning/Green-Development-and-Design-Standards?previewmode=b2fcfe26-0887-4d48-ae1b-009c453dc8faPage 94 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. CS2 2 -0 34
Subject: Modernized Fence By-law
Prepared by: Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Department: Corporate Services
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That Report No. CS22-034 be received; and
2. That a new Fence By-law be brought forward to a future Council meeting for
enactment to repeal and replace the current Fence By-law No. 4753-05.P.
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval to bring forward a new Fence
By-law for enactment that will include provisions outlining the Fence Variance process.
The Fence variance process provides clarity and consistency regarding fence
variance requests that will be considered by Council.
The proposed Fence By-law includes the addition of Orders and Administrative
Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) which provides staff with effective and
efficient enforcement tools.
A modernized Fence By-law will better meet the needs of the community.
Background
In January of 2021 a staff report was brought forward to Council seeking approval to
enact a new Fence By-law that would repeal and replace the current Fence By-law that
was enacted in 2005. The proposed by-law presented at the time included a fence
variance process with delegated authority to staff to approve or deny the fence variance
request. Concerns were raised regarding the delegated authority which resulted in the
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May 17, 2022 2 of 5 Report No. CS22-034
staff recommendations to bring the modernized fence by-law forward to a future
Council meeting for enactment being defeated.
At the Council meeting of December 14, 2021, a Fence By-law Exemption request was
presented to Council and the following motion carried;
1. That Report No. CS21-059 be received; and
2. That an exemption to the Town’s Fence By-law No. 4753-05.P to permit a
recently constructed non-compliant fence in the rear yard at 32 Knowles
Crescent, be denied; and
3. That staff report to Council at a future meeting outlining proposed
amendments to the Fence By-law No 4753-05.P on a process to address
future fence exemption requests.
Council direction noted above was to amend the current Fence By-law to include a fence
exemption process, however staff have conducted a thorough review of the Town’s
existing Fence By-law No. 4753-05.P and determined that given its age and lack of
enforcement options, a new Fence by-law is most appropriate and will address
Council’s concerns and community expectations.
Analysis
The Fence variance process provides clarity and consistency regarding fence variance
requests that will be considered by Council
As the Town of Aurora continues to grow there has been an increase in the number of
enquiries related to the fence exemption process. The current Fence By-law does not
have any provisions outlining the process, documents, or approval authority to obtain a
variance, therefore in order to grant a variance Council would be required to pass a site-
specific by-law amendment.
Staff are proposing that a Fence variance section be included in the modernized Fence
By-law outlining the application process as follows;
Information to be included on a prescribed application form such as property
owner and applicant information, location and detailed description and
justification why an exemption is being sought
Details outlining the construction materials, height, and location of the
proposed fence.
Letters of support from adjacent home/business owners.
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May 17, 2022 3 of 5 Report No. CS22-034
The appropriate staff will review the request and prepare a report for Council
to consider. Staff will notify impacted property owners of the pending
variance request. The Chief Building Official is responsible for requests
related to pool enclosures and the Manager of Bylaw Services for other fence
variance requests.
The proposed Fence By-law includes the addition of Orders and Administrative Monetary
Penalty System (AMPS) which provides staff with effective and efficient enforcement
tools
The current Fence By-law leaves the Town with limited enforcement tools to achieve
compliance. At the recommendation of the Regional Municipality of York’s Prosecution
Services Division, the proposed bylaw includes provisions that would allow Officers to
write an Order to Comply and remediate a violation should all other options prove
unsuccessful. Remediation options will assist staff in addressing issues that pose
health and safe concerns such as sightline obstructions, deterioration, etc.
A section has also been included in the proposed by-law that will enable staff to issue
an Administrative Monetary Penalty to a person who has contravened the by-law. Staff
are currently working on the AMPs project with objective to have AMPs launched by end
of year. The benefits of AMPs include improved customer experience, more effective
use of Court resources, more efficient use of staff time and reduced dispute rate.
A modernized Fence By-law will better meet the needs of the community
The current Fence By-law was enacted in 2005 with a minor amendment in 2018 to
introduce provisions for accommodating access to adjacent properties for the purpose
of maintenance and repair for buildings located within 60 centimetres of the fence. In
addition to a variance process, the proposed By-law introduces clearer definitions,
enhanced enforcement abilities, and updated general provisions to ensure the
continued protection of public health and safety.
Advisory Committee Review
None
Legal Considerations
In accordance with the proposed by-law, any requests for an exemption from
requirements of the by-law, referred to in the by-law as variances from by-law
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May 17, 2022 4 of 5 Report No. CS22-034
requirements, would be brought by staff to an open session public Council meeting for
consideration upon submission of an application and payment of the required fee. Any
such variance requests would be decided by the Council and would be final, without any
further appeal mechanism. In cases of an existing non-compliance, where no variance is
granted, the owners of such fences will be required to bring the fence into compliance.
Unless otherwise directed by Council, any variance granted would be effective until such
time as the fence subject to the variance is substantially removed or replaced.
Further, the proposed by-law will grant staff additional powers to remedy any non-
compliance. The by-law sets out regulations with respect to the issuance of orders and
circumstances in which remedial action can be taken by staff. In order for staff to be
able to take remedial action in the event of non-compliance, such authority needs to be
granted pursuant to the by-law.
Without the proposed updates to the by-law, staff will continue to be limited with
respect to enforcement tools.
The transitional provisions of the by-law provide that any existing fence structures
would continue to be subject to the requirements of the old fence by-law until such time
it is substantially replaced or removed. Any permits issued prior to the passage of the
new by-law, will continue under the provision of the old by-law.
Financial Implications
The new Fence by-law will include a schedule of proposed administrative monetary
penalties for Council’s review and approval. Any revenue of this nature will support the
Town’s enforcement of the new proposed by-law.
Communications Considerations
Communications will inform residents if and when the new fence by-law has passed
with changes indicated in those communications. In addition, the new by-law will be
posted on the Town’s website.
Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations in this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or impact
climate change adaptation.
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May 17, 2022 5 of 5 Report No. CS22-034
Link to Strategic Plan
The proposed Fence By-law supports the Strategic Plan Community Goal of Supporting
an Exceptional Quality of Life for All.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council direct staff to not bring forward a new Fence By-law for enactment, creating
inefficiencies with respect to enforcement and lack of flexibility for residents.
Conclusions
For reasons outlined in this report, staff recommend that a new Fence By-law be
enacted at a future Council meeting.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Proposed Fence By-law
Previous Reports
Report No. CS20-025 – Modernized Fence By-law, December 1, 2020 - General
Committee
Report No. CS21-059 – Fence By-law Exemption Request, November 30, 2021 - General
Committee
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on April 28, 2022
Approvals
Techa van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
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The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
By-law Number XXXX-22
Being a By-law to regulate and prescribe the standards for fences and pool
enclosures.
Whereas Subsection 11(3) 7 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended (the
“Municipal Act”), provides that a local municipality may pass by-laws respecting
structures, including fences and signs;
And whereas section subsection 98(1) and (2) of the Municipal Act provides that a by-
law may be passed by a municipality stating that the Line Fences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
L.17 does not apply to all or part of the municipality, subject to the continuing
applicability of section 20 of the Line Fences Act;
And whereas Section 26 of the Line Fences Act states that it does not apply, except for
section 20, to land in an area that is subject to a by-law for apportioning the costs of line
fences passed under the Municipal Act;
And whereas Subsection 8(1) of the Municipal Act provides that powers of a
municipality shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad authority on the
municipality to enable the municipality to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate
and to enhance the municipality’s ability to respond to municipal issues;
And whereas Subsection 391(1) of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality may
pass by-laws imposing fees or charges on any persons for the use of its property
including property under its control;
And whereas Section 446 of the Municipal Act provides that a municipality may proceed
to do things at a person's expense which that person is otherwise required to do under a
by-law but has failed to do and to recover the costs of doing so by adding the costs to
the tax roll and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes;
Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora hereby enacts as
follows:
Attachment 1
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1. Definitions
1.1 In this by-law, the following words have the following meanings:
(a) “Building Code Act” means the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, as it
may be amended or replaced from time to time;
(a) “CBO” means the Chief Building Official of the Town as appointed pursuant to
the Building Code Act;
(b) “Clerk” means the Clerk of the Town as appointed pursuant to the Municipal
Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25;
(c) “Council” means the Council of the Town;
(d) “Director” means the department head of the Corporate Services Department
of the Town, or his/her designate or successor;
(e) “Driveway” means any space on private property used, or intended to be used,
by vehicles to park or to access parking;
(f) “Fence” means a barrier, including one for noise attenuation, or any structure,
except a structural part of a building, that wholly or partially screens from
view, encloses or divides a yard or other land, or marks or substantially marks
the boundary between adjoining land, and includes any hedge or shrub that
has the same effect;
(g) “Front Yard” means the space, extended to the full width of the lot, including
any side Lot Lines, between the main front wall of the building and the Lot
Line abutting a Public Highway, but on a corner lot means the space,
extended to the full width of the lot, including any side Lot Line, between the
shorter Lot Line abutting a Public Highway, other than a public lane, and the
nearest wall of the main building on the lot;
(h) “Guard” means as defined under Ontario Regulation 332/12, the Building
Code of Ontario, or amended or successor thereof;
(i) “Height” means the vertical distance above grade of ground level or, if
another reference point is specified, vertical distance above the other
reference point;
(j) “Lot Line” means the boundary line of a lot that marks the division of
properties;
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(k) “Multiple Residential Property” means land that is not a Single Residential
Property and that is primarily used for residential uses, and also includes land
used for hotels and vacant land that abuts a Multiple Residential Property, as
prior defined;
(l) “Municipal Act” means the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended
or successor thereto;
(m) “Non-Residential Property” means land that is used for purposes other than
for residential use, and includes land that is used for both residential and
other uses, and also includes vacant land abutting Non-Residential Property,
as prior defined;
(n) “Officer" means a person appointed by the Town as Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer;
(o) “Open-Fence Construction” means a Fence construction that provides
motorists and pedestrians with an unobstructed view of people, vehicles and
their movements through the entire length of the Fence;
(p) “Outside” when used in reference to a Swimming Pool Enclosure, means the
side external to the enclosed area in which the pool is located;
(q) “Owner” means all registered owners of a property and also includes:
(i) the owner in trust,
(ii) a mortgagee in possession,
(iii) any Person that is managing the property or is responsible for
managing the property,
(iv) any Person who collects rent on the property or is responsible for
collecting rent on the property, and
(v) any lessee or occupant of the property;
(r) “Parking Lot” means any space on private property used, or intended to be
used, by vehicles to park or to access parking that is not on a Single
Residential Property;
(s) “Person" includes an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited
partnership, trust or body corporate, or an individual in his or her capacity as a
trustee, executor, administrator or other legal representative;
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(t) “Public Highway” means any highway as defined under the Municipal Act and
includes any street, road, sidewalk, boulevard, lane or any other portion of a
highway;
(u) “School” means any land or premises used for, or intended to be used for, a
school site as defined under the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2;
(v) “Single Residential Property” means and includes:
(i) a property that is used for not more than two dwelling units in a
detached or semi-detached building, and
(ii) vacant land abutting Single Residential Property as defined in
subparagraph (i) above;
(w) “Snow Fence” means any Fence used to force drifting snow to accumulate in
a predictable place, and which is usually constructed of plastic mesh,
lightweight woodstrip, or wire fencing;
(x) “Swimming Pool” means any outdoor structure or thing located on privately
owned property that is capable of being used for swimming, wading or
bathing and in which the water depth at any point can exceed 600 millimetres,
excluding all naturally occurring bodies of water and areas used for storm
water management;
(y) “Swimming Pool Enclosure” means a Fence, wall or other structure, including
any permitted door, gate or other opening, which surrounds and restricts
access to an outdoor Swimming Pool;
(z) “Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit” means a written permit issued by the
Town pursuant to this by-law authorizing the erection, construction, placing or
maintenance of Swimming Pool Enclosure;
(aa) “Temporary Enclosure” means a Fence, wall or other structure, including any
permitted door, gate or other opening, which temporarily surrounds and
restricts access to an outdoor Swimming Pool or the site on which a
Swimming Pool is being constructed;
(bb) “Town” means The Corporation of The Town of Aurora and/or the
geographical limits of the Town of Aurora, depending on the context of the
provision in which the term appears;
(cc) “Zoning By-law” means the Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora as amended
or successor legislation thereto.
2. Interpretation and Application of this By-law
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2.1 This by-law shall be known and may be cited as the “Fence By-Law”.
2.2 The provisions of this by-law shall apply to all lands and premises within the Town
of Aurora.
2.3 Notwithstanding the above, this by-law does not apply to any Fence, Swimming
Pool Enclosure, Temporary Enclosure or Swimming Pool erected, placed or
constructed by or on behalf of the Town, The Regional Municipality of York, the
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority or the Federal Government of Canada.
2.4 Unless otherwise specified, references in this by-law to parts, sections,
subsections, clauses and schedules are references to parts, sections, subsections
clauses, and schedules in this by-law.
2.5 The part and section headings contained throughout this document are for
reference purposes only and do not form a part of this by-law. This by-law is to be
interpreted without reference to such headings.
2.6 References in this by-law to any statute or statutory provisions include references
to that statute or statutory provision as it may from time to time be amended,
extended, or re-enacted.
2.7 This by-law shall be read with all changes in gender or number as the context
requires.
2.8 References in this by-law to items in the plural include the singular, and references
to the singular include the plural, as applicable.
2.9 The words “include”, “includes”, “including” are not to be read or interpreted as
limiting the words, phrases, or descriptions that precede it.
2.10 If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision, or any part of a
provision, of this by-law to be invalid or to be of no force and effect, it is the
intention of the Town in enacting this by-law that such provision or part of a
provision shall be severable, and such a decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining sections, subsections, clauses or phrases of this by-law.
2.11 This by-law and the provisions contained within are intended to be complementary
to other by-laws passed by Council and in the event that any other applicable law
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requires a higher standard than the provisions contained in this by-law, the higher
standard shall apply.
2.12 Where vacant land is adjacent to more than one type of Single Residential
Property, Multiple Residential Property and Non-Residential Property, the Fence
restrictions and requirement that apply to each part of the fence shall be those
that apply to the property that is adjacent to such part of the Fence.
3. Planning Act Agreements
3.1 Where a property is subject to a site plan agreement under section 41 of the
Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13 any Fences on such property shall comply with
the applicable site plan agreement. In case of any conflict or inconsistency as
between such a site plan and this by-law, the provision of the site plan agreement
shall prevail.
3.2 Where a property is subject to a subdivision agreement under section 51 of the
Planning Act any Fences on such property shall comply with the applicable
subdivision agreement. In case of any conflict or inconsistency as between such a
subdivision agreement and this by-law, the provision of the subdivision agreement
shall prevail.
4. Prohibitions and Restrictions on Fences
4.1 No Person shall erect, own or maintain, or cause or permit the erection or
maintenance of, any Fence that does not comply with this by-law and with any
other applicable law.
4.2 No Person shall erect, own or maintain, or cause or permit the erection or
maintenance of, any Fence:
(a) that uses or is constructed of, wholly or partially, any barbed wire, chicken
wire, or other barbed or sharp material;
(b) that uses or is constructed of, wholly or partially, any sheet metal or
corrugated metal panels;
(c) that, wholly or partially, conducts electricity or contains a device that
conducts electricity, unless the Fence is located on agricultural land that is in
actual use for raising livestock and such Fence or electrical device:
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i) carries electricity of not more than 12 volts;
ii) is designed and installed only for the purpose of containing livestock;
and
iii) has signs installed at not more than twelve (12) metre intervals along
the Fence warning that the Fence carries electricity;
for clarity, this restriction (c) does not apply with respect to a canine
perimeter shock collar system.
(d) That uses or wholly or partially consists of materials not usually intended for
use in permanent fencing, including, without limitation, adhesive tape, cloth,
textile, cardboard and paper, unless specifically permitted by this by-law or
another by-law.
4.3 Any Fence that is not permanently affixed to the ground in a structurally sound
manner shall not be erected or maintained, or be caused to be erected or
maintained, for a period that is longer than 180 consecutive days or a total of 180
calendar days in any year, unless otherwise approved by the Director or is
associated to an active and valid Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit or building
permit pursuant to the Building Code Act for the property on which such Fence is
erected. Any such non-permanent Fence shall at all times comply with the
provisions of this by-law.
4.4 Notwithstanding Paragraph (d) of Subsection 4.2, a Snow Fence may be used in
the time period between November 15 and April 15, provided that it complies with
all corresponding standards in this and other applicable bylaws.
4.5 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, any Fence located in a Front
Yard of a property that is zoned as Estate Residential or Rural, under the Zoning By-
law, shall be constructed or erected using Open-Fence Construction.
4.6 Unless otherwise provided in this by-law, the types of Fences described in the table
in Schedule “A” shall comply with the Height and any other restrictions as outlined
in Schedule “A”, subject to the following:
(a) when measured at any point along its length from the average grade level
measured perpendicular to and one meter away on either side of the Fence,
the described Fences shall not exceed the associated Height restrictions
outlined in Schedule “A”;
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(b) where more than one description in the following table applies to a Fence,
each part that corresponds to a single description shall be deemed to be a
separate Fence for the purpose of determining the maximum Height for that
part;
(c) despite the Height restrictions set out herein, a Fence at any School may be
up to a maximum of 1.5 meters in Height if such Fence is adjacent to a Public
Highway or right-of-way
4.7 Unless otherwise provided in this by-law, all Fences shall comply with the following
requirements with respect to Driveways and Parking Lots:
(a) any Fence located within 2.4 meters of any Driveway shall be an open mesh
chain-link Fence, or of an equivalent Open-Fence Construction, for at least 2.4
meters from the Lot Line at which the Driveway begins so as not to obstruct
the view of the boulevard or highway;
(b) on or around a Parking Lot, any Fence shall be an open mesh chain-link
Fence, or of an equivalent Open-Fence Construction, anywhere it may
otherwise restrict the sight lines of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in the
Parking Lot; and
(c) no vegetation shall be permitted to grow and no object shall be placed in such
a way as to obstruct the view through a Fence to which the aforementioned
paragraphs (a) or (b) apply.
4.8 Any part of a Fence erected or located within 60 centimeters of a building on an
adjacent property shall be constructed with removable panels or have hinged
panels, or otherwise be constructed in such a way to provide ease of access to
such adjacent building. Notwithstanding the above, the requirement to provide
removable panels or access to a building only applies with respect to Fences, or
those parts of Fences, that:
(a) are erected or constructed following the date of enactment of this by-law, and
(b) are located next to a building that fits into the definition of a building under
the Building Code Act which was legally erected prior to the Fence being put
in place.
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4.9 Where a Fence is used as a Guard, it shall be installed and maintained in
compliance with the provisions of the Building Code Act and the associated
regulations. Further, if a Guard forms part of a Swimming Pool Enclosure, it shall
also comply with the requirements of Section 5 of this by-law. In the case that
more than one by-law requirement or more than one by-law apply with respect to
Guard requirements, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.
5. Swimming Pool Enclosure Permits
5.1 No Person shall excavate for or erect, or cause to be excavated for or erected, a
privately-owned outdoor Swimming Pool without first obtaining a Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit for the premises on which the Swimming Pool is to be located.
5.2 An application for a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit shall be submitted to the
CBO on a form as prescribed by the CBO.
5.3 The form, content, terms, conditions and requirements of the application for a
Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit shall be as prescribed by the CBO from time to
time and the CBO may, without limiting the CBO’s authority to prescribe the
application and its form, content, terms, conditions and requirements, require as
part of an application:
(a) a detailed accurate site plan that illustrates the location of and the setback
measurements of the fencing, easements, pool and all buildings;
(b) the applicant to agree to any terms and conditions as prescribed by the CBO;
(c) any affidavits, drawings, plans, surveys, photographs and other documents
the CBO deems to be necessary in order to assess the proposed application;
and
(d) any information deemed necessary by the CBO to be able to evaluate the
application with respect to the proposed activities and the associated
timeframes.
5.4 In addition to the above, any premises subject to an application for a Swimming
Pool Enclosure Permit located within the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Area
(LSRCA) or the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) must receive
approval in writing from the LSRCA or the TRCA, as applicable, prior to submitting
the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit application to the CBO.
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5.5 Upon receipt of an application for a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit and receipt
of the applicable fees, as established in the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law, the
CBO shall make investigations as necessary to assess the application and may, in
accordance with the criteria and requirements set out in this by-law:
(a) issue a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit after receipt of a complete
application for an enclosure that meets all the requirements of this by-law;
(b) in the case of an approved application for a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit,
impose such terms and conditions on the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit
as deemed appropriate by the CBO:
(i) for the protection of any public infrastructure and property abutting the
area subject to the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit,
(ii) for the protection of health, safety and well-being of persons and the
environment,
(iii) for the purposes of administration of the Swimming Pool Enclosure
Permit and the operations of the Town,
(iv) for the purposes of maintaining proper standards and workmanship,
(v) for the purposes of protecting the Town interests with respect to any risks
associated with the work or activities pursuant to the Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit and the use of a Swimming Pool, and
(vi) to satisfy any requirements of this by-law or any other applicable
legislation.
(c) refuse to issue a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit if:
(i) the application is not completed, all the information as required under
this by-law is not provided or the application does not meet all the
requirements of this by-law, or
(ii) the required fees are not provided.
5.6 In addition to the above, the CBO may, on his or her own initiative, acting
reasonably:
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(a) alter or revoke the terms and conditions of a Swimming Pool Enclosure
Permit after it has been issued; or
(b) impose new terms and conditions in a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit.
5.7 A Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit holder shall immediately inform the CBO of
any change to:
(a) the information contained in an application for a Swimming Pool Enclosure
Permit;
(b) the information contained in a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit that has
been issued;
(c) the characteristics of the activity or work for which the Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit has been issued; or
(d) the cancellation of any related activity or work.
In the case of any such change, the CBO may require revised or additional
information, additional fees, or a new application with respect to the change.
5.8 A Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit shall be time limited and shall expire pursuant
to the terms and conditions as set out in the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit,
upon completion of the work or activity governed by the Swimming Pool Enclosure
Permit or revocation of such Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit, whichever occurs
first.
5.9 Prior to the expiry of a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit, a Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit holder may apply for an extension to the Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit, and the CBO may approve of such extension.
5.10 The CBO may revoke a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit if the Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit holder, or parties conducting the work or activities pursuant to
the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit:
(a) fail to comply with the terms and conditions of such a Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit or fail to comply with this by-law;
(b) fail to notify the CBO immediately of any of the changes referred to in
subsection 5.7 of this by-law;
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(c) fail, within ninety (90) days after the issuance of the Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit, to commence the work or activity, beyond a preliminary or
nominal level, for which the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit was obtained;
(d) substantially discontinue the work or activity for a period of more than thirty
(30) days;
(e) provide false or inaccurate information in the application for the Swimming
Pool Enclosure Permit; or
(f) any Person doing work on behalf of the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit
holder has failed to comply with any applicable law, statutes, regulations,
orders, standards, codes, by-laws or rules.
5.11 In addition to the above, the CBO may immediately suspend or revoke a Swimming
Pool Enclosure Permit issued under this by-law, in writing, where the CBO is
satisfied that a suspension or revocation is necessary in an emergency situation of
immediate threat or danger to public infrastructure, any abutting property or to any
Person.
5.12 The CBO may give notice of the suspension or revocation of a Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit by contacting a Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit holder in
writing, by telephone or by email in accordance with the contact information
provided on the Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit application.
5.13 Any decision of the CBO pursuant to this Section shall be final without a right to
appeal to Council.
6. Swimming Pool Enclosures and Temporary Enclosures
6.1 Every Owner of a property on which a privately-owned outdoor Swimming Pool is
located shall erect and maintain, or cause to be erected and maintained, a
Swimming Pool Enclosure completely around the privately-owned outdoor
Swimming Pool, which enclosure:
(a) shall extend from the ground to a Height, measured on the Outside of the
enclosure:
(i) of not less than 1.5 meters for any Swimming Pool on a Single
Residential Property,
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(ii) of not less than 2.0 meters for any Swimming Pool on any property other
than a Single Residential Property,
along its entirely, including gates therein;
(b) may incorporate all or a portion of a wall of a building or a structure,
(i) but no entrances to the pool area shall be permitted through such wall
unless:
(A) the entrance is set back a minimum distance of 1.8 meters from
the water edge of the pool, and
(B) the entrance is to a building that is a dwelling or to a building/
structure that does not provide access to the Outside of the
enclosure area; and
(ii) any access points into the pool area through such wall shall be equipped
with a dead bolt, chain-latch or some other mechanism to secure such
access point, located at a minimum height of 1.5 metres above the
inside floor level of the building or structure;
(c) may incorporate one or more gates of equivalent material and construction
as the Swimming Pool Enclosure, which gates shall:
(i) be self-closing and equipped with a lockable, self-latching device located
on the inside near the top of the gate or on the outside at least 1.5
metres above grade,
(ii) not include self-latching devices with any quick release device that
permits the gate to be opened from Outside of the enclosure, and
(iii) be supported on hinges that are designed and capable of supporting the
weight of the gate;
(d) shall be closed and locked at all times, including the entirety of the enclosure
and all gates and access points, when a responsible person, of at least
sixteen (16) years of age, is not present and supervising the Swimming Pool;
(e) shall be located not less than 1.2 meters from the water edge and in the case
of an above ground systems pool with a deck and a Fence forming part of the
system, the water edge may be as close as 0.5 meters to the Fence portion of
the system.
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6.2 All parts of a Swimming Pool Enclosure, including the gate, shall be constructed in
compliance with the following standards:
(a) any wood Fence that is used in or as part of a Swimming Pool Enclosure shall
be constructed in a good, workmanlike manner as follows:
(i) vertical boards shall be:
1. made up of at least 19 millimetre by 89 millimetre lumber;
2. spaced at least 38 millimetres apart where horizontal rails are spaced
less than 1.2 metres apart;
3. spaced at least 100 millimetres apart where horizontal rails are spaced
1.2 metres apart or more;
4. attached to horizontal rails that are:
[A] made up of at least 38 millimetre by 89 millimetre lumber; and
[B] supported on posts that are at least 89 millimetres by 89
millimetres, spaced not more than 2.4 metres apart, securely
fastened to the ground and structurally sound.
(ii) horizontal boards shall be:
1. made up of at least 19 millimetre by 89 millimetre lumber;
2. spaced not more than 20 millimetres apart;
3. offset or protruding not more 15 millimetres from the board
immediately above or below; and
4. not more than 2.4 metres in length.
(b) any metal picket Fence that is used in or as part of a Swimming Pool
Enclosure shall be constructed in a good, workmanlike manner as follows:
(i) vertical pickets shall be spaced not more than 38 millimetres apart where
horizontal rails are spaced less than 1.2 metres apart and not more than
100 millimetres apart where horizontal rails are spaced at least 1.2 metres
apart; and
(ii) horizontal rails shall be supported on posts that are spaced not more than
2.4 metres apart, securely fastened to the ground and structurally sound.
Page 113 of 151
(c) Any glass panel Fence that is used in or as part of a Swimming Pool
Enclosure shall be constructed in a good workmanlike manner as follows:
(i) glass panels shall be located so there is no opening of more than 38
millimetres between the panel and the post where horizontal elements are
spaced less than 1.2 metres apart, and not more than 100 millimetres
apart where horizontal elements are spaced more than 1.2 metres apart;
(ii) horizontal elements shall be supported on posts that are spaced not more
than 2.4 metres apart, securely fastened to the ground and structurally
sound; and
(iii) glass panels used in Swimming Pool Enclosures shall be:
1. safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to
CAN/CGSB-12.1-M "Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass"; or
2. wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M "Wired Safety Glass”.
(d) any chain-link Fence that is used in or as part of a Swimming Pool Enclosure
shall be constructed in a good, workmanlike manner and made up of not
greater than 40 millimetres diamond mesh, and galvanized steel wire not less
than 2.680 millimetres diameter (11 gauge);
(e) any wrought iron Fence that is used in or as part of a Swimming Pool
Enclosure shall be constructed in a good, workmanlike manner and with at
least 1 meter between horizontal members and with no greater than 10
centimeters of spacing between vertical bars; or
(f) a combination of the above or such other material design or construction as
will provide an equivalent degree of safety and which is approved in writing by
the CBO.
6.3 Where a Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure is a building,
accessory building or structure, it shall be constructed of materials that will
withstand weathering and will remain in place when reasonable loads are applied.
6.4 No Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure shall have any unprotected
openings that would permit the passage of a sphere larger than 100 millimetres in
diameter within or below the enclosure.
6.5 No Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure shall have any members or
attachments that could facilitate climbing on the exterior face of the Swimming
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Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure for a distance between 100 millimetres
and 1.2 meters from the grade.
6.6 No condition that facilitates climbing a Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary
Enclosure may be permitted to remain within 1.0 meter of the exterior of the pool
enclosure or temporary enclosure.
6.7 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, a Temporary Enclosure:
(a) shall have a Height of not less than 1.2 meters along its entirety;
(b) may be constructed of plastic mesh having openings no greater than 38
millimetres;
(c) shall have a steel T-bar post installed at intervals no less than every 2 meters;
(d) shall have a 9-gauge galvanized steel wire located at the top and bottom of
such fencing; and
(e) shall be continuously erected and maintained in a workmanlike manner.
Notwithstanding the above requirements, a Temporary Enclosure may be
constructed in a manner that in the opinion of the CBO will provide a satisfactory
degree of safety, provided such is approved by the CBO in writing prior to its
construction.
6.8 For an above-ground Swimming Pool, the exterior side of the above-ground
Swimming Pool structure and any rail or Guard attached thereto shall constitute a
Pool Enclosure and the provisions of this by-law shall apply to such sides of the
Swimming Pool. In addition, the Owner of the property on which such above-
ground Swimming Pool is located and shall ensure the following requirements are
complied with at all times:
(a) the means of entry within the Swimming Pool Enclosure shall be kept closed
and locked except when the Swimming Pool or enclosed area is in use by the
Owner, it's invitees or licensees;
(b) where the means of entry to the Swimming Pool Enclosure is with a ladder,
such ladder shall be removable from the vicinity of the pool or be designed to
be lifted and locked or be designed to have a lockable cover when the pool is
not in use;
Page 115 of 151
(c) the exterior sides of the above-ground Swimming Pool structure and the
Outside face of any rail or Guard shall be constructed as a Swimming Pool
Enclosure, in a manner that will not facilitate climbing;
(d) where a platform or deck is constructed adjacent to an above-ground
Swimming Pool and such platform or deck is higher than 0.6 meter above the
adjacent grade, a rail or Guard of not less than 0.9 meter in Height shall be
provided around the Outside perimeter of such deck; notwithstanding the
other provisions of this by-law, such a rail or Guard may be constructed within
1.2 meters of the nearest edge of the water contained in the above-ground
Swimming Pool;
(e) notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, the combined Height of
the exterior sides of the Swimming Pool structure and any rail or Guard
attached thereto shall be a minimum of 1.5 meters and may be a maximum of
2.5 meters in Height above the adjacent grade; and
(f) the pool, platform and/or deck shall be setback from the Lot Lines in
accordance with the Town’s Zoning By-law.
7. Pool Construction and Filling of New Pools
7.1 While under construction, every privately owned outdoor Swimming Pool, or the
site on which a Swimming Pool is to be constructed, shall be enclosed with a
Temporary Enclosure, as described in this by-law, until such time as a Swimming
Pool Enclosure has been erected in compliance with the provisions of this by-law.
7.2 No Person shall place or allow water to remain in a newly constructed Swimming
Pool, until:
(a) the CBO or their designate has been notified and the Pool Enclosure has been
inspected and accepted; and
(b) the provisions of this by-law and applicable law have been fully complied with.
7.3 Despite Section 7.2, a Person may fill a Swimming Pool with water when a
Temporary Enclosure has been erected in compliance with this bylaw, but the
Swimming Pool shall not be used until a permanent Swimming Pool Enclosure has
been erected and the Town has conducted an inspection and confirmed completion
of the permanent Swimming Pool Enclosure in compliance with this bylaw and the
applicable Swimming Pool Enclosure Permit.
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8. Hot Tubs and Whirlpools
8.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of this by-law, a Swimming Pool that is a hot tub,
whirlpool, or swim spa and has a structurally adequate cover over its entirety that
is permanently attached, that may be locked and that will support a weight of at
least 27.2 kilograms, is not required to be enclosed by a Swimming Pool Enclosure
or a Temporary Enclosure at any time and is not required to have a Swimming Pool
Enclosure Permit in place to conduct construction.
8.2 The Owner of a property on which a Swimming Pool that is a hot tub, whirlpool, or
swim spa is located shall ensure that the cover for such remains securely closed
and locked at all times when it is not in use by the Owner, its invitees or licensees.
9. Fence Variances
9.1 Where a proposed or existing Fence does not comply with this By-law, the Owner
of the lot on which the Fence, wholly or partially, is or is proposed to be
constructed, or an authorized agent of the Owner, may request a variance from any
of the applicable provisions of this by-law. In the case of a Fence, or a part of a
Fence, that straddles or is located on more than one lot, the variance may be
requested by any one lot Owner on which the Fence, or part of a Fence, is located
or the request may be made jointly by multiple Owners of lots on which the Fence,
or part of the Fence, is located.
9.2 Applications for variance of a Fence shall be submitted to and processed by the
Director, expect for Fences that constitute, wholly or partially, a Swimming Pool
Enclosure. Any application for a variance of a Fence that serves, or is intended to
serve, wholly or partially, as a Swimming Pool Enclosure, shall be submitted to and
processed by the CBO.
9.3 An application for a variance shall be made on the form prescribed by the Director
or CBO, as applicable, and shall be accompanied by the non-refundable variance
application fee, as prescribed in the Fees and Charges By-law.
9.4 The form, content, terms, conditions and requirements of an application for a
variance shall be as prescribed by the Director or the CBO from time to time and
the Director and the CBO may, without limiting its authority to prescribe the
application and its form, content, terms, conditions and requirements, require as
part of an application:
Page 117 of 151
(a) the name, address and contact information of the applicant(s);
(b) the address of the lot(s) subject to the variance request;
(c) enumeration of the specific Section(s) of the by-law from which the variance
is sought;
(d) a detailed description explaining why the applicant requires the variance;
(e) a description of the Fence, or proposed Fence, including the dimensions and
the specifications of the construction and installation;
(f) a survey of the lot(s) identifying the location of the Fence, or proposed Fence;
(g) a site plan of the lot(s) identifying the location of the Fence, or proposed
Fence;
(h) any affidavits, drawings, plans, surveys, photographs and other documents
the Director or CBO deems to be necessary in order to assess the proposed
application;
(i) any other information deemed necessary by the Director or CBO to be able to
evaluate the application with respect to the proposed variance.
9.5 Upon receipt of a complete application for a variance and receipt of the applicable
fees, as established in the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law, the Director or CBO,
as applicable, shall cause notice of the application to be provided to property
Owners of properties that abut the property subject to the proposed variance. Such
notice may be provided by any reasonable means as determined by the Director or
CBO, as applicable, including through personal service, mail, courier and posting a
sign on the subject property, and may be effected by directing the applicant to
provide such notice.
9.6 The form and content of a notice pursuant to Section 9.5 shall be as prescribed by
the Director or CBO, as applicable, from time to time, but at a minimum shall:
(i) identify the property subject to the proposed variance;
(ii) describe the requested variance, and
(iii) inform that objections other comments on the proposed variance are to be
forwarded to the Director.
Page 118 of 151
9.7 Upon provision of notice pursuant to Section 9.4, or otherwise confirming that
such notice has been provided, and permitting for a reasonable time period in
which to receive objections and comments on the proposed variance, the Director
or CBO, as applicable, shall make investigations as necessary to assess the
application and shall bring the variance request for consideration by Council at a
meeting that is open to the public. The Council shall decide the variance request as
deemed appropriate by Council.
9.8 Upon a decision being made pursuant to Section 9.6, the Director or CBO, as
applicable, shall provide the applicant, and any Owner of a property that is abutting
the property subject to the application, a written notice of the decision.
9.9 Any decision of Council pursuant to section 9.6 is deemed to be final without any
further right of appeal.
9.10 Unless otherwise specified by Council as part of its decision, any variance granted
pursuant to this Section 9 shall be effective and valid until such time as the Fence
to which the variance applies is substantially replaced or removed entirely.
10. Administration and Enforcement
10.1 The Director and the CBO shall be responsible for and are delegated the power to
administer and enforce this by-law, including prescribing the content of any forms
or other documents required under this by-law.
10.2 The CBO shall be responsible for and is delegated the power to issue, revoke,
suspend, set conditions of, process and administer Swimming Pool Enclosure
Permits and any related applications.
10.3 The Director, the CBO and Officers of the Town are hereby delegated the authority
to enforce this by-law, including the authority to conduct inspections pursuant to
this by-law, the Act, as amended, and any other applicable by-law or legislation.
10.4 The Director and the CBO is authorized to delegate responsibilities for the
administration and enforcement of this by-law to any Town staff or external third
parties deemed to be qualified and appropriate by the Director or CBO for such
purposes.
11. Power of Entry, Inspection, Prohibitions
11.1 An Officer, or any other individual authorized to enforce this by-law on behalf of the
Town, may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose of carrying
out an inspection to determine whether the following are being complied with:
Page 119 of 151
(a) this by-law;
(b) any permit issued pursuant to this by-law,
(c) any direction or order under this by-law; or
(d) an order issued under Section 431 of the Act.
11.2 Where an inspection is conducted pursuant to this Section, an Officer or any other
individual authorized to enforce this by-law on behalf of the Town, may:
(a) require the production for inspection of documents or things relevant to the
inspection;
(b) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for the
purpose of making copies and extracts;
(c) require information from any Person concerning a matter related to the
inspection; and
(d) alone or in conjunction with a Person possessing special or expert
knowledge, make examinations or take tests, samples or photographs
necessary for the purpose of the inspection.
11.3 No Person shall hinder or obstruct or attempt to hinder or obstruct the Town, its
employees, officers or agents from carrying out any powers or duties under this by-
law.
11.4 No Person shall fail to comply with, or contravene, any order or direction issued by
the Town pursuant to this by-law or the Act.
11.5 Where an Officer, or an individual authorized to enforce this by-law, has reasonable
grounds to believe that an offence has been committed by any Person, they may
require the name, address and proof of identity of that Person, and the Person
shall supply the required information.
11.6 No Person shall decline or neglect to give, produce or deliver any information,
document or other thing that is requested by the Town pursuant to this by-law.
11.7 No Person shall knowingly make, participate in, assent to or acquiesce in the
provision of false information in a statement, affidavit, application or other
document prepared, submitted or filed under this by-law.
Page 120 of 151
12. Orders
12.1 Where any Officer or the CBO is satisfied that a contravention of this by-law has
occurred, such Officer or CBO may make an order requiring the Person who caused
or permitted such contravention, or the Owner of the land on which the
contravention occurred, to discontinue the contravening activity and/or to do work
to correct the contravention.
12.2 An order pursuant to this Section shall set out the following:
(a) reasonable particulars identifying the location of the land on which the
contravention occurred;
(b) reasonable particulars of the contravention;
(c) what is required of the Person subject to the order (i.e., what activity is to be
seized and/or actions or work to be done);
(d) the date by which there must be compliance with the order and/or, if any work
is ordered, the date by which any such work must be done; and
(e) information regarding the Town's contact person.
12.3 An order pursuant to this Section shall be deemed to have been received upon:
(a) personal service of the order on the Person subject to the order;
(b) one day after transmission of the order through electronic means to an email
or social media address provided by the Person subject to the order;
(c) one day after posting the order in a conspicuous location on the property
subject to the order;
(d) the fifth (5th) day after the order is sent by registered mail to the last known
address of the Person who is subject to the order.
12.4 In the case where there is evidence that the occupant of the land subject to an
order is not the registered property owner, such order shall be served on both the
registered property owner and the occupant of the land.
13. Remedial Action and Cost Recovery
Page 121 of 151
13.1 Wherever this by-law or an order issued under this by-law directs or requires any
matter or thing to be done by any Person within a specified time period, in default
of it being done by the Person directed or required to do it, the action may be taken
under the direction of the Director, CBO or an Officer at that Person’s expense and
the Town may recover the costs incurred through a legal action or by recovering
the costs in the same manner as taxes.
13.2 For the purposes of taking remedial action under this Section, the Town, its staff
and/or its agents may enter, at any reasonable time, upon any lands on which a
default to carry out a required thing or matter occurred.
14. Offences and Penalties
14.1 Every Person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence
and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 33, as amended.
14.2 Every Person who contravenes any order issued pursuant to this by-law is guilty of
an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial
Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 33, as amended.
14.3 If a corporation has contravened a provision of this by-law, including an order
issued under this by-law, every director and officer who knowingly concurred in
such a contravention is guilty of an offence.
14.4 Pursuant to subsection 429(2) of the Act, all contraventions of this by-law or
orders issued under this by-law are designated as continuing offences. If a
contravention of any provision of this by-law has not been corrected, or an order
issued under this by-law has not been complied with, the contravention of such a
provision or an order shall be deemed to be a continuing offence for each day or
part of a day that the contravention remains uncorrected or an order not complied
with.
14.5 On conviction of an offence under this by-law, every Person is liable to a fine in
accordance with the following rules pursuant to the Act:
(a) to a fine of not less than $500.00 and not more than $100,000.00;
(b) in the case of a continuing offence, for each day or part of a day that the
offence continues, the minimum fine shall be $500.00 and the maximum fine
Page 122 of 151
shall be $10,000.00, despite paragraph (a), the total of all the daily fines for
an offence is not limited to $100,000;
(c) in the case of a multiple offence, for each offence included in the multiple
offence, the minimum fine shall be $500.00 and the maximum fine shall be
$10,000.00, despite paragraph (a), the total of all fines for each included
offence is not limited to $100,000.
14.6 In addition to fines under this section, a Person convicted of an offence under this
by-law may be liable to a special fine in the amount of the economic advantage or
gain that such a Person obtained from the contravention of this by-law.
Notwithstanding Subsection 14.5 above, a special fine my exceed $100,000.
14.7 Where a Person is convicted of an offence under this by-law, the court in which the
conviction has been entered, and any court of competent jurisdiction thereafter,
may make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the
Person convicted.
15. Administrative Penalties
15.1 Instead of laying a charge under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 33,
as amended, for a breach of any provision of this by-law, an individual authorized
to enforce this by-law on behalf of the Town may issue an administrative penalty to
the Person who has contravened this by-law.
15.2 Individuals authorized to enforce this by-law on behalf of the Town have the
discretion to either proceed by way of an administrative penalty or a charge laid
under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33. If an administrative penalty
is issued to a Person for the breach, no charge shall be laid against that same
Person for the same breach.
15.3 The amount of the administrative penalty for a breach of a provision of this by-law,
shall be as established pursuant to applicable Town by-laws.
15.4 A Person who is issued an administrative penalty shall be subject to the
procedures as provided for in the applicable Town by-laws relating to
administrative penalties.
16. Presumption
Page 123 of 151
16.1 An Owner of a property on which a non-compliance or contravention has occurred
shall be presumed to have carried out or caused or permitted to be carried out the
non-compliance or contravention, which presumption may be rebutted by evidence
to the contrary on a balance of probabilities.
17. Line Fences Act
17.1 With the exception of Section 20 of the Line Fences Act, the Line Fences Act shall
not apply to any part of the Town.
18. Transition
18.1 Any Fence, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Enclosure and Temporary Enclosure
lawfully existing or erected on or prior to the effective day of this by-law, shall
continue to be subject to the Height, structural, material and composition
restrictions and requirements as set out in By-law Number 4753.05.P, as it read on
the effective date of this by-law, unless any such applicable restrictions or
requirements are more permissive under this by-law, in which case the provisions of
this by-law shall apply. The aforementioned continuing provisions of By-law Number
4753.05.P shall continue to apply with respect to any part of a Fence, Swimming
Pool, Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure until time as such part of
the Fence, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Enclosure or Temporary Enclosure is
substantially replaced or removed entirely.
18.2 Any permits issued pursuant to By-law Number 4753.05.P on or prior to the effective
date of this by-law shall remain effective and be subject to the provisions of this by-
law, except that such a permit shall be subject to the terms and conditions imposed
at the time of issuance until expiry or termination of such permit, or if the permit is
otherwise amended pursuant to this by-law.
19. Repeal
19.1 By-laws Number 4753.05.P and Number 6086-18, all as amended, are hereby
repealed.
20. Effective Date
20.1 This by-law comes into full force and effect on the date of final passage hereof.
Page 124 of 151
Enacted by Town of Aurora Council this xxth day of xxx, 2022.
___________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor
___________________________________
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Page 125 of 151
Schedule “A”
MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF FENCES
Item
# Description of Fence
Fence on
Single or
Multiple
Residential
Property
Fence on Non-
Residential
Property
Hedge, shrub,
or other
vegetation that
acts as a
Fence
1.
Fence in a Front Yard;
and not on a property
zoned as Estate
Residential or Rural under
the Zoning By-law
1.2 meters 1.2 meters 1.2 meters
2.
Fence in a Front Yard;
and on a property zoned
as Estate Residential or
Rural under the Zoning
By-law;
and within 2.4 meters of
a Lot Line abutting a
Public Highway
1.2 meters 1.2 meters 1.2 meters
3.
Fence in a Front Yard;
and on a property zoned
as Estate Residential or
Rural under the Zoning
By-law;
and not within 2.4 meters
of a Lot Line abutting a
Public Highway
2.0 meters 2.0 meters 2.0 meters
4.
Fence not in a Front Yard;
and within 2.4 meters of
a Lot Line abutting a
Public Highway
2.0 meters 2.5 meters 2.0 meters
Page 126 of 151
Item
# Description of Fence
Fence on
Single or
Multiple
Residential
Property
Fence on Non-
Residential
Property
Hedge, shrub,
or other
vegetation that
acts as a
Fence
5.
Fence not in a Front Yard;
and not within 2.4 meters
of a Lot Line abutting a
Public Highway;
and abutting a Multi-
Residential Property, a
Non-Residential Property,
or a public walkway
2.5 meters 2.5 meters 2.5 meters
6.
Fence on an unroofed
deck;
and not in a Front Yard;
and not within 2.4 meters
of a Lot Line abutting a
Public Highway
2.0 meters
above surface
of deck
2.0 meters
above surface
of deck
No Maximum
7.
Fence within 2.4 meters
of a Driveway or Parking
Lot
* except for item 9, this
height limit supersedes
and is in addition to any
of the others in this table
1.2 meters 1.2 meters N/A
8.
Fence for a tennis court,
baseball diamond, or
other recreational facility
* any such Fence shall
not substantially obstruct
the passage of light or
view through any part of
the Fence that extends
above 2.0 meters
3.0 meters 4.5 meters 3.0 meters
Page 127 of 151
Item
# Description of Fence
Fence on
Single or
Multiple
Residential
Property
Fence on Non-
Residential
Property
Hedge, shrub,
or other
vegetation that
acts as a
Fence
9.
An entry gate and
associated entry features
on a property zoned as
Rural, Institutional or
Estate Residential under
the Zoning By-law
* this height limit
supersedes any others in
this table that are more
restrictive and apply to
this item 9
3.0 meters 3.0 meters 3.0 meters
10.
Any other Fence, or part
of a Fence, that does not
fit into any of the other
aforementioned items
2.0 meters 2.5 meters No Maximum
∗ With respect to any part of a Fence that is located on a Single Residential Property or
a Multiple Residential Property, and also on a Non-Residential Property, or otherwise
straddling or between such properties, the less restrictive Height limit shall apply to
such part of the Fence.
Page 128 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
General Committee Report
No. CS2 2 -0 33
Subject: Short-Term Rental (STR) By-law Amendments
Prepared by: Alexander Wray, Manager of Bylaw Services
Department: Corporate Services
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That Report No. CS22-033 be received; and
2. That the amendments to the proposed demerit point system be approved; and
3. That the recommended updates to Schedule “I” of the Town’s Fees and Charges By-
law, as presented in Attachment 2 of this report be approved, and that the appropriate
by-law amendment be presented at a future Council meeting for enactment.
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval to bring forward amendments to
the fee schedule and demerit point system for the Town’s proposed Short-Term Rental
(STR) By-law.
The proposed fee schedule considers the impacts on short-term rental hosts and
provides a fair fee structure for STR companies.
The strengthened demerit point system will provide Officers with better tools to
address community concerns.
The proposed implementation of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System
(AMPS) will provide staff with effective and efficient enforcement options.
Page 129 of 151
May 17, 2022 2 of 5 Report No. CS22-033
Background
In March of 2022, a staff report was brought forward to Council seeking approval to
enact a new Short-Term Rental (STR) By-law. The proposed by-law recommended
various regulatory requirements for STR Companies and local hosts. Concerns were
raised at the Council meeting which resulted in staff reviewing various components of
the by-law and reengaging stakeholders.
At the Council meeting of March 29, 2022, the following motion carried;
1. That Report No. CS22-018 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward a Short-Term Rental By-law at a future Council meeting
for enactment; and
3. That staff be directed to implement a Short-Term Rental compliance monitoring
system; and
4. That staff bring forward amendments to the Aurora Tribunal
By-law at a future Council meeting for enactment; and
5. That an updated Schedule "I" of the Town's Fees and Charges By-law be brought
forward once the fee changes associated with Short-Term Rentals are approved.
Analysis
The proposed fee schedule considers the impacts on short-term rental hosts and
provides a fair fee structure for STR companies.
As part of the STR By-law review, staff considered Council feedback on the proposed
fee schedule. As a result of the discussions, amendments have been made to the fee
schedule (Attachment 2 – Schedule ‘I’ Fees) which include the following:
1. A reduction in initial licensing fees for hosts.
2. The introduction of a renewal fee at a rate lower than the initial fee.
3. Implementation of a tiered fee structure for STR companies which is based on
the number of STR’s in the community as opposed to a flat rate.
4. Elimination of the nightly $1.00 fee.
A strengthened demerit point system will provide Officers with better tools to address
community concerns.
Page 130 of 151
May 17, 2022 3 of 5 Report No. CS22-033
Staff have reviewed the demerit point system and adjusted the point values to better
reflect the severity of the offences and address concerns raised by members of Council.
Demerit points will apply on an accumulating basis when a violation is noted to a
maximum of 15 points and reset annually. Staff will continue to seek voluntary
compliance and lead with an education approach wherever possible prior to applying
demerit points.
The proposed implementation of the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS)
will provide staff with effective and efficient enforcement options.
Under the current prosecutions system, Bylaw Services staff are limited to how charges
can be issued for contraventions of municipal by-laws. For initial or less serious
offences, Officers can issue a Part 1 Certificate of Offence with a set fine amount; this
process is similar to receiving a speeding ticket. For more serious contraventions of
municipal by-laws, or reoccurrences, Officers can issue a Part 3 Summons. When a
Summons is issued, the defendant is required to attend a Provincial Offences Court at a
pre-determined date and time and appear before a Justice of the Peace. In either of
these scenarios, the ultimate outcome of the charge is determined by the court system.
Once implemented, the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) will provide
Bylaw Services the ability to apply escalating fines to an offender who repeatedly
violates municipal by-laws. Escalating fines are an effective enforcement tool which
also reflects the severity of the violation. The applicability of escalating fines would be
determined by pre-set criteria to ensure fair and equal application of the process.
Advisory Committee Review
N/A
Legal Considerations
None.
Financial Implications
The proposed STR Licensing regime is expected to have no impact on the Town’s
existing levy; it is anticipated that the Town will generate incremental revenue from its
proposed STR licencing and regulatory regime. Staff project that related licensing fee
revenues will be approximately $16,000 to $32,000 annually, net of all compliance
assurance and administration costs. There are also additional revenue opportunities
Page 131 of 151
May 17, 2022 4 of 5 Report No. CS22-033
from enforcement action initiated through future Administrative Monetary Penalty
System (AMPS) By-laws.
Attachment 2 outlines staff’s recommended new fees and charges relating to the
proposed regime for Council’s review and approval. Should Council approve, all required
amendments to the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law will be brought to Council for
formal adoption at a future meeting.
Communications Considerations
A communications plan will be developed to inform the public in general about the by-
law and complaint process and informing STR Operators and companies of the specific
by-law requirements. These audiences will be reached through standard Town channels
including social media, advertising, media relations, website, newsletters and print
materials. Climate Change Considerations
The recommendations in this report do not impact greenhouse gas emissions or impact
climate change adaptation.
Link to Strategic Plan
The proposed Short-Term Rental By-law supports the Strategic Plan Goal of Supporting
an Exceptional Quality of Life for all.
Alternative(s) to the Recommendation
1. Council not approve the amendments to the fee schedule and demerit point system
for enactment in the proposed STR By-law.
2. Council provide direction.
Conclusions
Town staff recommend the amendments to the STR Fees and Demerit Points be
approved for enactment in the STR By-law.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Updated STR Demerit Point System
Attachment 2 – Schedule ‘I’ – STR Fees
Page 132 of 151
May 17, 2022 5 of 5 Report No. CS22-033
Previous Reports
Report No. CS22-018 – Short-Term Rental By-law - March 22, 2022 - General Committee
Pre-submission Review
Agenda Management Team review on April 28, 2022
Approvals
Approved by Techa Van Leeuwen, Director, Corporate Services
Approved by Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Page 133 of 151
Column 1
Infraction
Column 2
Reference
Column 3
Demerit Points
Fire Protection & Prevention
Act/Fire Code
Fire Protection and Prevention Act,
1997, S.O. 1997, c.4;
O.Reg. 213/07
15
Operate while business license is
suspended or revoked
Subsection 3.4 of the STR By-law 15
Building Code Act Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992,
c.23; O.Reg. 332/12
15
Failure to post business license on
premises
Section 4.7 of the STR By-law 7
More than the number of guests
permitted
Section 4.6 of the STR By-law 7
More than the number of
bedrooms permitted
Section 4.6 of the STR By-law 7
Failure to post business license
number on advertisements
Section 4.7 of the STR By-law 5
Failure to respond to complaint by
specified time
Section 4.9 of the STR By-law 5
Contravention to Noise By-law Noise By-law 6381-21 of the Town 3
Contravention of Property
Standards By-law
Property Standards By-law 4044-99
of the Town
3
Contravention of Clean
Communities By-law (grass and
weeds)
Clean Communities By-law 6257-20
of the Town.
3
Contravention of Clean
Communities By-law (Garbage and
waste)
Clean Communities By-law 6257-20
of the Town
3
*References to the “STR” in the table above shall mean Short-Term Rental By-law
*All references in the table above to by-laws, statues and regulations are references to such as
they are amended from time to time, and to any successor legislation.
Attachment 1
Page 134 of 151
Description of Service for Fee or
Service Charge
Unit of Measure
(i.e., Per hour, page, document, etc,)
2022 Proposed Fee (Including H.S.T.
where applicable)
Short-Term Rentals (Company Providing Service – i.e., Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia)
STR Companies – Initial License Fee Each $500 – up to 10 properties
$1,000 – 11 to 50 properties
$5,000 – 51-100 properties
$11,000 – Over 100 properties
New STR Companies – Renewal
License Fee
Each $400 – up to 10 properties
$800 – 11 to 50 properties
$4,000 – 51 – 100 Properties
$8,800 – Over 100 properties
Short-Term Rental Operators (Local Host/Owner of Individual Short-Term Rental)
Initial License Fee – 1-3 Bedrooms Each $380.00
Renewal License Fee – 1-3 Bedrooms Each $360.00
Miscellaneous Fees
License Renewal Late Fee (Company) Each $500.00
License Renewal Late Fee (Host) Each $50.00
Replacement License Placard Each $50.00
Attachment 2
Page 135 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Notice of Motion
Councillor’s Office
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Re: Private Member’s Bill C-233 “Keira’s Law”
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Councillor Sandra Humfryes
Date: May 17, 2022
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Whereas violence against women is a Canadian public health crisis that demands
urgent action; and
Whereas one in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. One woman
or girl is killed every other day, on average, somewhere in our country; and
Whereas the most dangerous time for a victim of abuse is when she separates from her
partner. According to research from the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention,
when there is a history of coercive control, violence and a recent separation, a woman’s
risk of domestic homicide goes up 900 times; and
Whereas the current Canadian court system is not equipped to protect women.
According to the National Judicial Institute, there is no mandatory education for Judges
on domestic violence. Judges need education on what constitutes domestic violence or
coercive control. A formal education program would ensure another line of defense for
victims, as well as preventing violence and abuse before it happens; and
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the domestic violence crisis.
Women’s shelters and crisis centres have reported a marked increase in requests for
services this year. The concerns for children are significant. According to recent
research from The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, doctors have seen more than
double the number of babies with serious injuries as this time last year. These include
head injuries, broken bones or in some cases death. Institutions across the country are
reporting a similar trend; and
Whereas, according to Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,
children must be protected from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or
abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual
Page 136 of 151
Private Member’s Bill C-233 “Keira’s Law
May 17, 2022 Page 2 of 2
abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has care
of the child.” Our current family justice system often fails our children in this regard; and
Whereas, in worst case scenarios, children are killed by a violent parent. As reported by
the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative, recent separation and domestic
violence are the two biggest risk factors for domestic violence related child homicides;
and
Whereas custody disputes are an additional risk factor. Each year in Canada, about 30
children are killed by a parent. Mothers are responsible about 40 per cent of the time,
often due to postpartum depression or mental illness. In the 60 per cent of cases where
fathers are the murderers, anger, jealousy or post-separation retaliatory revenge are the
usual motivations; and
Whereas Keira’s Law is named after four-year-old Keira Kagan, who was killed while in
the custody of her father, in 2020; and
Whereas many cases of domestic violence are inappropriately labelled as “high conflict”
in the family court system. According to research by Rachel Birnbaum, a Social Work
Professor at the University of Western Ontario who specializes in child custody,
approximately one third of cases called “high conflict” by the court had substantiated
evidence of valid concerns about domestic violence. These cases must be recognized
and treated differently by judges; and
Whereas, voting in favour of “Keira’s Law”, contained in Private Member’s Bill C-233, will
not only protect victims of violence and children, it will save lives by amending the
Judges Act to establish seminars for judges on intimate partner violence and coercive
control;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council calls upon the
House of Commons to support Member of Parliament Anju Dhillon's Private
Member’s Bill C-233, that will raise the level of education on domestic violence
and coercive control for federally appointed Judges; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to: The Right
Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; The Honourable Karina
Gould, MP, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development; The
Honourable Candice Bergen, Interim Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada;
Yves-Francois Blanchet, MP, Leader of the Bloc Quebecois; Jagmeet Singh, MP,
Leader of the New Democratic Party; MP Tony Van Bynen; and MP Leigh Taylor
Roy.
Page 137 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Notice of Motion
Councillor’s Office
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Re: Request for Traffic Control Signals – Kaleia Avenue/Elyse Court and
Wellington Street East
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Councillor Harold Kim
Date: May 17, 2022
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Whereas the residents and homeowners on both the south and north sides of
Wellington Street East, on Kaleia Avenue and Elyse Court of the Town of Aurora, have
written and signed a petition to request the installation of a traffic light at the
intersection; and
Whereas, over the past two years, there have been numerous requests by the
subdivision residents expressing concerns in writing to York Region since 2020
requesting the installation of a traffic light; and
Whereas the installation of traffic control signals at Kaleia Avenue/Elyse Court and
Wellington Street East would provide increased ease and comfort for the community to
access Wellington Street East, especially during morning and evening rush hour periods;
and
Whereas York Region has advised that traffic control signals are not warranted at this
time based on Regional policy; and
Whereas York Regional Council has previously authorized the installation of
unwarranted traffic control signals, subject to the local municipality agreeing to be
responsible for all installation costs, plus annual maintenance costs, until such time
that the intersection satisfies the Region’s policy criteria; and
Whereas York Region staff have advised the estimated Capital cost for installing traffic
control signals is $250,000 and the estimated annual Operating cost for this traffic
control signal is $7,800 with ten years of operating costs ($78,000) payable in year one;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council requests York
Region to install traffic control signals at Kaleia Avenue/Elyse Court and
Wellington Street East and have them operational no later than 2023; and
Page 138 of 151
Request for Traffic Control Signals – Kaleia Ave/Elyse Ct and Wellington St E
May 17, 2022 Page 2 of 2
2. Be It Further Resolved That subject to York Region Council approving the
installation of the traffic control signals, a new project entitled Traffic Control
Signals – Kaleia Ave/Elyse Ct and Wellington St E be added to the 2023 Capital
Budget in the amount of $250,000, plus 10 percent contingency and
administration fees funded by Roads and Related Development Charges; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That, should a 2023 Capital Project be added, staff be
directed to add the annual operating costs to the 2023 Operating budget for
consideration by Council.
Page 139 of 151
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Office of the Mayor
Subject: York Regional Council Highlights of April 28, 2022
To: Members of Council
From: Mayor Mrakas
Date: May 17, 2022
Recommendation
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 28, 2022, be received for
information.
Page 140 of 151
,
Thursday, April 28, 2022
York Regional Council – Thursday, April 28, 2022
Live streaming of the public session of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings is available on
the day of the meeting from 9 a.m. until the close of the meeting. Past sessions are also available at
York.ca/councilandcommittee
York Region lifts state of emergency
In consultation with York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, York Region’s Chief Administrative Officer
and the Regional Emergency Control Group, York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson
officially lifted the state of emergency in York Region on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
The state of emergency was first declared under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
on Monday, March 23, 2020.
The state of emergency underscored the seriousness of the pandemic and the urgent need for York
Region residents to diligently follow the direction of public health officials. The emergency declaration
also provided Regional Council with additional authority to advance meaningful measures to protect
residents, including those most vulnerable, and support the business community.
In the early stages of the pandemic, York Region closed facilities to the public, directed staff to work
from home and temporarily paused some programs and services, including all in-person services and
events. Following the lifting of the emergency declaration, these programs and services will begin to
resume in a stage approach over the coming weeks and months.
York Regional Council will also resume hybrid Council and Committee meetings, effective Thursday,
May 26, 2022. Residents and community partners can continue to view Council and Committee
meetings at york.ca/live and deputations to Regional Council will remain virtual at this time.
As York Region moves from emergency response to endemic state, residents are reminded that
vaccination remain the most effective tool to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from
serious outcomes related to COVID-19, including severe illness and hospitalization. First, second, third
and fourth dose vaccination are readily available through community vaccination clinics, mobile clinics
and pharmacy locations. Visit york.ca/covid19vaccine for clinic details and to book an appointment.
For more information on specific York Region programs and services, including the resumption of
services, please visit york.ca
York Region’s continued response to COVID-19
York Regional Council received a number of updates on the continued response to COVID-19,
including a verbal update from York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barry Pakes, an update on the
financial impacts of COVID-19 and a final update on the Social Services response to the pandemic.
Following the lifting of masking mandates and other public health measures, there has been a steady
increase in COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and hospitalizations. However, the health care system and
community partners continue to have capacity to meet current demand, and while COVID-19 continues
Page 141 of 151
to circulate in our communities, wastewater data indicates that York Region may have reached the
peak of the sixth wave of this pandemic.
Vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from
serious outcomes related to COVID-19. Currently, 57.2% of York Region residents have received a
third dose booster vaccination, and York Region continues the rollout of fourth dose vaccinations for
residents 60 years of age and older. Residents who are eligible and have not yet received your third or
fourth booster dose vaccination are encouraged to book an appointment or visit one of York Region’s
many walk-in, mobile or community hub vaccination clinics at the earliest opportunity.
Throughout the pandemic, York Region, in partnership with senior levels of government, has taken
steps to ensure the critical needs of the community and our most vulnerable residents continued to be
met. This included the operation of self-isolation and transitional shelters, emergency child care and
virtual Adult Day programs.
Many of these pandemic related efforts were supported through the Social Services Relief Fund, which
will offer a fifth and final phase of funding to ensure the continuation of services that were established to
address the impacts of COVID-19 and enable an orderly wind-down of programs as provincial funds
come to an end.
As York Region looks to the post-pandemic recovery of our communities, continued resources will be
required to stabilize and sustain Regional programs and services. As part of the Region’s 2022 Budget,
Regional Council approved a one-time $1 million contribution to the Community Investment Fund to
help address COVID-19 needs. As of March 2022, approximately $800,000 has been allocated to
community agencies to continue to address critical needs, including those related to food security,
mental health and housing. The balance of the funds will remain available to help community agencies
address critical gaps in services.
The Region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required program modifications to sustain
services, ensure they operate safely, and in some cases escalate to respond to community and
resident needs. The pandemic response has also provided opportunities to strengthen relationships
with community partners to coordinate on critical issues.
York Region will continue to monitor community trends and needs, and work with community partners
to adjust, enhance or introduce new services to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
The 2022 year-to-date financial impacts of York Region’s COVID-19 response total $42.3 million, with
an average weekly impact of $3.25 million. These impacts are above the average weekly cost of $3.05
million reflected in the 2022 budget. However, York Region expects to offset these costs through
additional senior government funding designed to extend the operation of the Region’s transitional
shelter and address municipal transit shortfalls resulting from the pandemic.
More information about York Region’s ongoing response to COVID-19 is available at york.ca/COVID19
York Regional Council to begin hybrid meetings in May
Regional Council has approved amendments to Procedural Bylaw 2018-59 that will see meetings of
Regional Council and Committee of the Whole facilitated through a blended hybrid approach, where
Members of Council will attend either virtually or in-person, beginning Thursday, May 26, 2022. All
other meetings of Committees of Council will continue virtually.
In addition to amending the bylaw to permit hybrid meetings and allow deputations to address Council
in-person or through electronic format, Regional Council also endorsed a transition to full paperless
meetings as of the 2022-2026 Council Term.
Page 142 of 151
Regional staff will continue to gauge Council’s ongoing satisfaction with the format of meetings and
propose any necessary modifications at future meetings of Regional Council.
$420 million being invested in roads and transit infrastructure
Regional Council approved an investment of $420 million in 2022 for roads and transit infrastructure
improvement programs. This contributes to an overall investment of $3.5 billion over the next 10 years
to build and maintain infrastructure, increasing the capacity of the Regional road and transit network to
provide communities and travellers with access to safe, reliable and convenient transportation options.
Through investments in the Growth Program and the Asset Management Program, York Region is
expanding the capacity of the Regional road and transit network and ensuring the more than $6.2 billion
in roads and transit infrastructure, including Regional roads, cycling lanes, bridges and transit terminals,
remain in a state of good repair.
To enhance road and transit, over 90 projects are planned across the Region for 2022. These projects
include road widening, major intersection improvements, rail bridge replacements, rehabilitation of 243
lane-kilometres of roads and a new bus terminal opposite the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
In 2021, $283 million was invested in various roads and transit projects improving access to work,
home, schools and other destinations across the Region.
Yonge North Subway Extension moves forward with advancement of Royal Orchard station
Regional Council welcomed news of an additional subway stop at Royal Orchard station to further
connect residents to housing, transit and high-value jobs along the Yonge North Subway Extension
corridor. This new station will add to the Yonge North Subway Extension project scope and will be
funded and built through the provincial government.
Royal Orchard station is in addition to the two Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) proposed at Bridge
and High-Tech stations in the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Regional Centre.
There have been a number of requests for TOC proposals to more closely align with the planned vision
of the local municipal secondary plans that have not been addressed, though the province has made
other changes to Bridge and High-Tech proposals. York Region has been aligned with its local
municipalities in providing comments on the TOC proposals and Regional Council has passed a motion
directing staff to negotiate the draft terms in the TOC site specific Memorandums of Understanding with
the province to protect Regional interests.
The province has since issued Enhanced Minister’s Zoning Orders (eMZOs) for the Bridge and High-
Tech stations, setting out permitted uses and densities and removing municipal authority for site plan
approval. York Region will continue to work with the province as they unfold future plans to ensure
residents have the municipal services and amenities needed.
Responding to changes in long-term care
Regional Council received an update on Bill 37, the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (The Act) and
how it will impact staffing, care, accountability, transparency, enforcement and licensing in long-term
care homes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified longstanding challenges and issues in the long-term care
sector, and Regional Council in it’s role as Committee of Management for the Region’s two long-term
Page 143 of 151
care homes, has been supportive and influential in advocating for transformative change across the
sector. Through The Act, which received Royal Assent on December 9, 2021, long-term care
improvements include:
•Providing four hours of direct care per resident per day by March 31, 2025
•Establishing new compliance and enforcement tools to improve accountability, enforcement,
and transparency in the sector
•Strengthening the Residents’ Bill of Rights, recognizing the important role of caregivers and
focusing on resident-centred care
The province estimates direct costs for homes to comply with requirements in The Act and proposed
national standards to be in the range of $20 to $23 million annually. While the province has committed
$1.75 billion to long-term care homes over five years to increase staffing levels, without additional
funding York Region’s two long-term care homes will be required to rely on tax levy funding to comply
with provincial requirements and care targets.
It is important York Region seniors have local options available for their long-term care needs and can
access a high-quality municipal home. Addressing the needs of the Region’s long-term care residents
involves coordination and collaboration to effectively serve and support a resident-centred model of
care. Staff continue to develop an implementation plan to prepare for these legislative changes and
report back to Regional Council once regulations are finalized.
York Region responds to provincial consultation on Housing Services Act
Regional Council received an update on the Region’s response to provincial consultation on areas of
regulation development under the Housing Services Act, 2011.
Regulatory amendments are needed to enact provisions of the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening
Community Housing Act, 2020, which will impact the funding and administrative relationship between
service managers and community housing providers, delivery of minimum rent-geared-to-income (RGI)
service levels and the system used to access housing subsidies.
While the Province has not yet proposed regulations to enact these changes, information on areas of
proposed regulation development has been shared and York Region has submitted a response based
on principles previously endorsed by Council:
•No new costs: municipalities in Ontario are responsible for delivering and funding community
housing through the property tax system, and the potential addition of further costs and/or
service delivery requirements on the property tax base through regulation is unreasonable and
unsustainable
•Local flexibility: service managers are best positioned to plan for the needs of their communities
and regulations should provide flexibility to meet local housing needs and priorities as identified
through 10-year housing and homelessness plans
•Pay for say: as the primary funders of community housing in Ontario, the province should
continue engaging with service managers on the development of regulations to ensure any
policy and regulatory frameworks allow municipalities to guide investments based on local
needs
Regional Council supports the province’s efforts under the Community Housing Renewal Strategy to
ensure a more streamlined and sustainable community housing system that allows service managers to
respond to growing local need.
Page 144 of 151
Growth and Development Review and Annual Development Activity Summary
Regional Council received the Growth and Development Review and the Annual Development Activity
Summary for 2021, which highlight exponential growth in York Region despite challenges presented by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The achievements outlined in these reports, including the Region’s highest-ever total construction value
estimated at $5.19 billion and 512 new primary development applications, directly contribute to the
economic vitality of York Region.
Additional growth and development activity highlights include:
•Total population growth of 14,600 or 1.2% to 1,228,200
•10% increase in development applications and an overall development application activity
increase of 24% in 2021
•64% increase in development charge collections, totaling more than $457 million in 2021
•Residential building permits were issued for 10,787 dwelling units, representing an 85%
increase from 2020
29,000 draft approved housing units and 7,500 registered housing units awaiting construction
•124% increase in total construction values for industrial, commercial and institutional building
permits totaling $1.51 billion in 2021
•4% increase in employment with 643,280 jobs in York Region in 2021
•6% year-end unemployment rate, trending below the 8.8% rate experienced in January 2021
Though supply chain issues through the COVID-19 pandemic held back growth in previous years, a
strong recovery is anticipated in 2022 with increased engineering approvals and a strong housing
supply of draft approved units to date.
2021 Development Charge Reserve Fund Statement
Regional Council received a year-end summary of development charge activity and reserve balances
for 2021, which totalled $469.8 million.
Development Charges (DC) recover growth-related capital costs from residential and non-residential
developments. Reserve balances increased by $86.8 million from 2020 due to collection exceeding
draws by $68.3 million, DC deferred accounts increasing by $9.6 million and $9.1 million of interest
earned during the year.
The Region offers the ability to defer payment of development charges for qualifying developments,
with each deferred amount moved into its own Deferred DC Reserve for tracking purposes. Each
Reserve has a parallel account to store any DC collections arising from deferral agreements.
The Deferred Development Charge Reserve has now increased to $100.8 million.
Hospital Financing Reserve Contribution for 2022
York Region will make its annual reserve contribution for hospital capital funding for the Council-
approved Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital project, as the hospital met the paramedic 30-minute off-load
target in 2021. As a result, York Region’s contribution will be approximately $7 million to support the
existing commitment to the hospital.
Page 145 of 151
To help decrease off-load delay times, the Region ties contribution levels to progress on reducing
processing time for emergency patients. Although two of three Regional hospitals no longer receive
funding, all three met the 2021 off-load targets.
Investing in hospital capital projects and working together to reduce off-load delays supports the 2019-
2023 Strategic Plan objective to improve access to health and social support services.
GO Transit harmonizing fares with GTHA transit agencies
On March 1, 2022, the Government of Ontario announced several GO Transit fare changes that
harmonized their fares with other Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) transit agencies and
made it more affordable to ride GO Transit services.
Effective March 14, 2022, travellers receive free transit trips in the 905 area when connecting to and
from GO Transit. This is part of the three-phase approach of the Fare and Service Integration work
underway between the Province and GTHA transit agencies. More information on the service can be
found at yrt.ca
York Region continues to work with the Province and GTHA transit agencies to develop fare and
service integration to provide seamless and affordable travel throughout the area.
Helping electrify York Region’s buses
York Region has submitted an Expression of Interest to the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to cover
the difference in cost for up to 180 electric buses and related equipment to support the electric
conversion of York Region’s transit fleet.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank, which helps public-private partnerships by providing financing for
infrastructure of national importance, introduced a $10 billion, three-year growth plan in 2020 which
includes $1.5 billion for a Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) initiative. Under York Region’s Expression of
Interest, CIB could finance the difference in cost between buying electric buses and conventional diesel
buses.
Funding through this program could reduce York Region’s conversion period by 10 years and result in
approximately 31% of the transit fleet being converted to electric through the Zero Emissions Transit
Fund program.
YRT continued to provide service to travellers throughout pandemic
Regional Council received a system performance update from York Region Transit’s (YRT), which
continued to provide essential service to travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, pandemic-related measures continued to significantly impact transit agencies, including YRT.
As public health measures began lifting, ridership increased to 9.4 million in 2021, but continued remain
low compared to 22.3 million in 2019. In response to lower ridership, YRT service levels were adjusted,
some conventional routes were replaced with more effective Mobility On-Request service and routes
with historically low ridership were discontinued.
In addition to finding efficiencies, YRT achievements in 2021 also include:
•Added six new YRT electric buses into service in support of the Transit Bus Fleet Electrification
Plan that will see all YRT buses converted to zero-emission technology by 2047
•Continued collaboration with Ministry of Transportation, Metrolinx and other Greater Toronto
and Hamilton Area transit agencies on fare and service integration, including harmonizing fare-
age categories
Page 146 of 151
•Started construction on expansion of the Region’s operations, maintenance and storage facility
and on the Major Mackenzie Drive West Bus Terminal
•Ongoing technology improvements, including PRESTO equipment modernization and driver
support systems
York Region will continue to work with partners across the GTHA and federal and provincial
governments to increase ridership and provide safe, effective and reliable transit services throughout
2022.
11 speed limits decreased on Regional Roads
York Regional Council approved the reduction of speed limits on 11 sections of Regional roads.
The 11 sections of Regional roads with decreased speed limits are:
•Yonge Street from Olive Street/Beckett Avenue to Queensville Sideroad – 60 km/hr to 50 km/hr
•Doane Road from 2nd Concession Road to Leslie Street – 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr
•Mount Albert Road from Leslie Street to 100 metres east of Colonel Wayling Boulevard – 60
km/hr to 50 km/hr
•Leslie Street/The Queensway South from 244 metres south of Ravenshoe Road to 80 metres
south of Joe Dale Drive– 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr
•Leslie Street from 840 metres south of Holborn Road to 244 metres south of Ravenshoe Road –
80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
•Park Road from Highway 48 to 800 metres south of Highway 48 – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
•Highway 7 from Highway 50 to Vaughan Valley Boulevard – 80 km/hr to 60 km/hr
•Highway 27 from Highway 7 to 500 metres south of Nashville Road – 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr
•Highway 27 from 300 metres north of Hedgerow Lane to King-Vaughan Road – 80 km/hr to 70
km/hr
•Weston Road from Teston Road to King-Vaughan Road – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
•Jane Street from 671 metres north of Teston Road to King-Vaughan Road – 80 km/hr to 70
km/hr
Several factors are considered when annually reviewing and revising speed limits on Regional roads,
including:
•Adjusting speeds in areas with new community growth and increasing traffic volumes
•Reducing frequent changes to speed limits on a stretch of road to reduce confusion and
increase compliance
•Revising speeds to allow drivers to have an appropriate time to react to potential hazards
To notify travellers of the speed limit changes, “new” signs will be posted above the speed limit signs at
the beginning of each changed speed zone.
Economic Action Plan Update
Regional Council received an update on the Economic Development Action Plan 2020-2023, which is
progressing well with activities initiated in all 20 action areas to support economic growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the economy since 2020 and pandemic-focused support for
businesses was provided by a range of stakeholders collaborating through the Business Recovery
Support Partnership. In 2021, business advisory services expanded back to broader support including
recovery and resilience, using the framework of the Economic Development Action Plan as a basis and
guide.
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Additional details can be seen in a Year in Review which paints a broader picture of outcomes from the
Action Plan and the impact of York Region programs on businesses and growth in the community.
Venture Lab 2021 Results
York Region’s provincially recognized Regional Innovation Centre, ventureLAB, continues to drive
Regional economic growth and job creation by supporting the development and delivery of programs
and services, targeting technology-based entrepreneurs starting or growing a business.
In addition to Regional Council approving an investment of $1.5 million to expand ventureLAB’s
Hardware Catalyst Initiative, an additional $4.73 million in funding has been secured from the Federal
Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, making the total nearly $10 million.
Since 2011, ventureLAB has strengthened the York Region economy by assisting 1,100 businesses
create of 2,000 jobs (3,100 businesses and 4,700 jobs overall) and supporting these companies in
raising more than $80 million in private and public investment.
York Region donates two decommissioned ambulances
Regional Council approved the donation of two decommissioned ambulances to Nunavut through
Ambulances4NU, a non-profit organization that connects northern communities in need of ambulances
with Ontario municipalities who regularly donate decommissioned ambulances.
Decommissioned ambulances are those that have reached their maximum lifespan of five years or
250,000 kilometres. Since 2014, Regional Council has approved the donation of 12 decommissioned
ambulances to registered charities, not-for-profit and humanitarian aid organizations providing training,
first aid services at local community events, mobile mental health education and paramedic services.
To support and benefit more communities, Regional Council amended the guidelines to allow for the
donation of ambulances to communities and non-registered organizations like Ambulances4NU, who
do valuable humanitarian work.
Ready and resilient, celebrating National Public Works Week
National Public Works Week will take place May 14 to 21, 2022, celebrating the hard work that takes
place to ensure delivery of essential services to residents every day. This year’s theme is Ready and
resilient and will be highlighted in a number of virtual activities planned for the week.
Public works services include:
•Providing safe and clean drinking water
•Leading ground-breaking work to sample for traces of the COVID-19 virus at wastewater
treatment facilities
•Protecting source water
•Monitoring traffic control and signal operations
•Maintaining and constructing roads
•Providing transit
More information on the fun and educational virtual events taking place throughout the week will be
updated on York.ca/publicworks
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Emergency Preparedness Week
Regional Council will recognize Emergency Preparedness Week from May 1 to 7, 2022.
This year’s annual Emergency Preparedness Week theme, Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for
Anything, encourages all Canadians to take action and become better prepared for the range of
emergencies they could face. York Region residents can visit york.ca/beprepared to learn more about
emergency preparedness and what is needed to build a personal emergency preparedness kit.
First Responders Day
Regional Council recognized Sunday, May 1, 2022, as National Physicians and First Responders Day,
recognizing those professionals who have dedicated their lives to public service to protect the health
and safety of York Region residents.
Throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic and in their day-to-day work, physicians and first
responders face challenging and often dangerous situations to provide life-saving assistance and
support to those in need.
During National Physicians and First Responders Day, Regional Council celebrates the expertise and
dedication of those who continue to ensure our communities remain strong, healthy and safe.
National Day of Mourning
Regional Council recognized Thursday, April 28, 2022, as National Day of Mourning. By lowering flags
at Regional facilities, York Region paid respect to the thousands of workers who have been killed,
injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Regional Council joined in solidarity with the Jewish community in York
Region and around the world to recognize Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance
Day.
This solemn day of observance honours the memory of the six million Jewish men, women and children
killed in the Holocaust and serves as a reminder to never repeat the atrocities of the past.
Earth Day
Regional Council recognized Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2022, encouraging individuals, businesses
and government organizations to take action to preserve and protect our health, families and livelihoods
by Investing In Our Planet.
First celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day is now a world-wide environmental movement to increase
awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment and support environmental protection.
As a long-standing leader in environmental protection, York Region encourages the community to
celebrate Earth Day all year long by taking individual and collective actions to reduce waste, practice
sustainable mobility, reduce energy consumption and protect the natural environment.
National Immunization Week
Regional Council recognized April 21 to 28, 2022, as National Immunization Week, highlighting the
importance of immunization for people of all ages. Immunizations play a critical role in stopping the
spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and remain a vital component to the health of all Canadians.
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Residents are encouraged to visit york.ca/immunizations to learn more about the various child and
adult immunization programs that protect against infections like flue, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus
and Meningococcal Disease. York Region also maintains and reviews immunization records for all
children attending a licensed child care centre or school in the community.
World Health Day
Regional Council recognized Thursday, April 7, 2022, as World Health Day in commemoration of the
founding of the World Health Organization in 1948.
Recognizing a global climate crisis and increasing incidence of disease, World Health Day 2022
focused on the theme Our Planet, Our Health and called for urgent action to keep humans and the
planet healthy by creating societies focused on well-being.
Canadian Public Health Week
Regional Council recognized April 4 to 8, 2022, as the first annual Canadian Public Health Week and
celebrated public health units across the country as the invisible guardians of health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made the work of public health professionals more visible and
appreciated, and Regional Council extended appreciation to the thousands of public health workers
across our communities who are working to build a healthier tomorrow for all residents.
Ramadan
Regional Council recognized Friday, April 1, 2022, as the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan,
wishing members of York Region’s Muslim community a peaceful month of reflection, generosity,
gratitude and prayer.
Ontario Civic Leadership Awards
Regional Council recognized three York Region residents who were awarded the Ontario Medal for
Good Citizenship. Among the 2019 and 2020 recipients were:
•Brian North from the Town of Aurora, recognized for his contributions to numerous community
organizations, including Easter Seals, Scouts Canada, the York Small Business Enterprise
Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
•Noeline Sujithra Paul from the City of Richmond Hill, honoured for 35 years of community
service and her support of initiatives that enhance the quality of people’s lives in the
communities
•George Markow from the Town of Newmarket, who raised $150,000 for COVID-19 research by
walking 100 kilometres before his 100th birthday
Each recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship was recognized by The Honourable Elizabeth
Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in a virtual ceremony on April 13, 2022.
Next meeting of York Regional Council
York Regional Council will meet on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 9 a.m. To continue protecting the health
and well-being of residents, this is currently planned to be a hybrid meeting, with Members of Council
attending either in-person and virtually. The meeting will be streamed on york.ca/live
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The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of
programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with over 650,000 employees.
More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
-30-
Media Contact: Kylie-Anne Doerner, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71232 Cell: 289-716-6035 kylie-anne.doerner@york.ca
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