Minutes - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20231019
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, October 19, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Ron Weese (Chair)
Irene Clement*
Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)
Jessie Fraser*
Shaheen Moledina*
Corrina Tai* (arrived 7:43 p.m.)
Members Absent: David Gren
Adrian Martin
Other Attendees: John Firman, Manager, Business Support
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet*
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 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, October 19, 2023 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Jessie Fraser
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 June 15,
2023
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of June 15, 2023, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Business Support; Re: Facility Allocation
Policies Review
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum. The Committee
expressed support for the proposed changes. The Committee and staff
discussed various aspects including: the quality and acoustic issues of
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 3
meeting rooms available for not-for-profit organizations; new meeting
spaces planned at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex; allocation
procedures and prioritization of youth over adult programs; large youth
events that require paid duty officers; appeal process for decisions made
at the discretion of the director; diversity and inclusion; allocation and
permitting of large tournaments and policies to encourage sport tourism;
clarification on definition of adult, youth and Aurora-based organizations;
and the vetting process for any un-incorporated organization operating in
the spirit of a non-for-profit organization.
The Committee inquired about the possibility of providing a different fee
for residents and not-for-profit groups of Aurora versus non-residents.
Staff advised that, while fees are outside the scope of the policies review,
price changes are being considered across the board.
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
1. That the memorandum regarding Facility Allocation Polices Review be
received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Facility Allocation Policies Review be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Business Support; Re: Feasibility of a
Permanent Liquor License at the Aurora Community Centre
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum. The Committee and staff
discussed various aspects including: impact on the upstairs Auditorium
meeting space; justification to undertake the proposed pilot project with
special occasion permits considering the lack of a business case to
support proceeding at this time; the difference between a permanent
liquor license and special occasion permit; Town liability and cost;
comparison with pilot project at Concerts in the Park; and the metrics to
measure success.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
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Thursday, October 19, 2023 4
1. That the memorandum regarding Feasibility of a Permanent Liquor
License at the Aurora Community Centre be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Feasibility of a Permanent Liquor License at the Aurora
Community Centre be received and referred to staff for consideration
and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
Lisa Warth introduced and welcomed Matt Volpintesta, the Town’s new Manager
of Parks and Fleet, who will also be regularly attending the Committee meetings.
The Chair noted that they are working with staff on issues previously raised by
the Committee regarding playground standards and planned upgrades, and more
information is forthcoming.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Carried