Minutes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20240516
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, May 16, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Bo Brkic
Irene Clement
Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)*
Jessie Fraser*
Shaheen Moledina
Members Absent: Adrian Martin
Corrina Tai
Other Attendees: Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet Divisions*
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation*
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
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 Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
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Thursday, May 16, 2024 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Irene Clement
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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 18,
2024
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Bo Brkic
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of January 18, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager of Parks and Fleet; Re: Town Park Accessible
Playground Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and proposed Town Park
accessible playground features and key components. The Committee and
staff discussed various matters including: (1) playground footprint and
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Thursday, May 16, 2024 3
curb; (2) safety, lifespan, and maintenance of the new rubber tile surface;
(3) playground safety and security concerns, and the need for increased
lighting and security cameras; (4) water drainage and rubber surface
permeability; (5) Town Park splash pad upgrades; (6) project budget
increase and accessibility grant application; and (7) the Town Park Area
Residents Ratepayers Association is working with potential sponsors in
case additional funding is needed. It was further noted that the Town
would continue to hold community information meetings for any new park
or park upgrade.
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Michelle Dakin
1. That the memorandum regarding Town Park Accessible Playground
Update be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Town Park Accessible Playground Update be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Recreation Needs
Assessment for Persons with Disabilities - What We Heard
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and results of the
community engagement and surveys. The Committee and staff discussed
various aspects including: (1) the need for appropriate compensation in
order to attract the right talent for staff who are leading programs; (2) the
demographics of those persons who identify with some form of disability;
(3) the need for a thorough intake process; (4) other municipality models
and experiences; (5) additional support for leaders of programs; and (6)
partnering with third-party external resources, professionals, and experts
for staff training.
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Irene Clement
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Thursday, May 16, 2024 4
1. That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for
Persons with Disabilities – What We Heard be received for
information.
Carried
9. New Business
Staff advised that June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM), a provincial
initiative spearheaded by Parks and Recreation Ontario to raise awareness about
the importance and benefits of recreation and parks for our physical, social, and
environmental health. It was noted that the Town will have many extra activities
and events, at no cost, during the month of June and full details can be found at
aurora.ca/jrpm. The Committee was encouraged to share this information with
friends and neighbours.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Irene Clement
That the meeting be adjourned at 8 p.m.
Carried