Minutes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20230615
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, June 15, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Irene Clement
Jessie Fraser*
Adrian Martin* (departed 7:23 p.m./returned 7:45 p.m.)
Shaheen Moledina*
Corrina Tai*
Members Absent: Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)
David Gren
Other Attendees: Gary Greidanus, Senior Landscape Architect*
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 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
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 15, 2023 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 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
5.1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 27,
2023
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes of
April 27, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Recreation Supervisor, Community Programs; Re:
Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting the project will
focus mainly on the inclusive programs and services desired by the
community and how to best facilitate their participation in recreation and
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 15, 2023 3
leisure activities. The Committee and staff discussed various aspects and
suggestions including: overlap between project scope and facilities;
planning stages and community consultation; staff training; hiring of
qualified staff; needs assessments and resources; accommodation of
various special needs; feedback and communication with residents in
multiple languages; and an improved registration form to allow greater
input from parents/guardians.
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
1. That the memorandum regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for
Persons with Disabilities be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Recreation Needs Assessment for Persons with Disabilities
be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Director of Operations; Re: Shining Hill Neighbourhood
Park – Preliminary Design
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting the plan to
consolidate any Advisory Committee comments and report back to
Council in September with a finalized design and cost estimate. The
Committee and staff discussed various aspects and suggestions
including: mitigation of park amenity sounds and lighting impact on
adjacent residential areas; tree loss and compensation; environmental
assessments; type of splash pad; dedicated pickleball court versus multi-
use court; multi-sport basketball court; park and amenity lighting; multi-
use soccer field; appropriate bike racks; connection to trail system; trail
maintenance, lighting and accessibility; playground accessibility; and
maintenance cost agreements.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the memorandum regarding Shining Hill Neighbourhood Park –
Preliminary Design be received; and
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 15, 2023 4
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Shining Hill Neighbourhood Park – Preliminary Design be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Memorandum from Director of Operations; Re: Summit Park Additional
Amenities
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting the plan to
consolidate any Advisory Committee comments and report back to
Council in September for budget approval. The Committee and staff
discussed various aspects and suggestions including consideration of:
natural playground structures; a demographic study for the area to
determine potential target user groups; public consultation on the
proposed playground and park; appropriate bike racks; park and amenity
lighting including courts, playground and fitness area; and accessibility.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
1. That the memorandum regarding Summit Park Additional Amenities
be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Summit Park Additional Amenities be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about the Town’s policy on communicating upcoming
community events to residents, and staff advised on the various methods
employed including social media, Town website, advertising in local newspapers,
and notices posted in facilities and businesses around Town.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 15, 2023 5
The Committee inquired about musical events in parks, and staff advised on the
upcoming schedule of events to be held throughout the summer, for which a
printed flyer will be available in The Auroran newspaper.
The Committee suggested that communication and messaging in a variety of
languages, including traditional methods of communication, should be
considered.
The Committee inquired about whether any assessments would be done on
Town parks respecting accessibility and inclusivity, and staff advised that a
comprehensive study would be completed in 2024.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Corrina Tai
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Carried