Minutes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20230427
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, April 27, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Irene Clement
Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)*
Jessie Fraser*
David Gren*
Adrian Martin*
Shaheen Moledina*
Corrina Tai
Other Attendees: Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
John Firman, Manager, Business Support
Matthew Volpintesta, Senior Policy Planner*
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Introductions were made around the table.
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Corrina Tai
1. That Michelle Dakin be elected as Vice Chair of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee for a two-year term (2023-2024).
Carried
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 27, 2023 2
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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Michelle Dakin
That the revised 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
None.
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Business Support; Re: Parks and Recreation
Master Plan - Draft Presentation
John Firman, Manager, Business Support, presented an overview of the
Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan including: scope; public
engagement; community survey results and broad themes; other trends
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 27, 2023 3
and emerging influences; recommendations for indoor and outdoor
recreation facilities, parkland, service delivery and program support; and
next steps. Committee members were encouraged to provide feedback on
the Master Plan by May 3, 2023, directly to John via email, at the Open
House on May 1, or through the Engage Aurora digital platform at
engageaurora.ca/parksandrec.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including: community
survey results showing an increase in outdoor activities and anticipated
trends post-COVID; the Town’s priorities with respect to the popularity of
non-registered outdoor activities in parkland and trails versus the lack of
desired facilities or programs and availability; the lack of fully accessible
playgrounds and the plan for upgrading existing playgrounds or building
new ones; the need for lighting on basketball courts to accommodate
extended play; and the process for compiling and disseminating
community feedback.
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the memorandum regarding the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan - Draft Presentation be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan - Draft Presentation
be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Senior Policy Planner; Re: Update to the Town of
Aurora's Parkland Dedication By-Law
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and background on the
Parkland Dedication By-law update including purpose and key changes.
The Committee inquired about the decision process for the conveyance of
parkland versus collecting cash-in-lieu thereof and whether a procedure is
in place to determine which method would be preferred in any particular
case. Staff provided clarification and agreed to provide more information
on any relevant policies and procedures.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 27, 2023 4
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Corrina Tai
1. That the memorandum regarding the Update to the Town of Aurora’s
Parkland Dedication By-law be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding the Update to the Town of Aurora’s Parkland Dedication By-
law be received and referred to staff for consideration and further
action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee was advised of upcoming events at the Arboretum in April and
May including: Garlic Mustard Pulling, Community Planting, and Spring Tree Tour;
volunteers are required to pre-register at auroraarboretum.volunteer@gmail.com;
visit auroraarboretum.ca for more information.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Irene Clement
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Carried