Minutes (Appointed) - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20240919
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, September 19, 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: Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk*
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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Bo Brkic
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 May 16,
2024
Moved by Jessie Fraser
Seconded by Bo Brkic
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of May 16, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Sport Plan Refresh Project
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and introduced the
project consultants, David Lynch, Partner, and Jeremy Geisler, Senior
Analyst, of Optimus SBR. The consultants presented a project overview,
noting the current phase of engagement with community and local sport
organizations, and facilitated a discussion with the Committee focused
on: the distinction between sport and recreation; current support for local
sport organizations; the potential four main pillars of the Sport Plan,
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2024 3
ensuring a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and ways to increase
participation and involvement in sports.
The Committee provided input and additional feedback included
suggestions to: organize sport fairs/drop-ins with communications in
multiple languages; revise the Sport Plan title to include “Recreation”;
extend the conversation to a more diverse audience; provide opportunities
for big sports events; work with corporate partners to provide scholarships
and funding; investigate opportunities to work with provincial bodies on
leadership and development; encourage more diversity on sports boards;
and explore options to address financial barriers to participation.
The consultants agreed to follow up on their recent distribution of a Sport
Plan survey to confirm that all community and local sport organizations
and members receive the communications to ensure a greater response.
Moved by Shaheen Moledina
Seconded by Irene Clement
1. That the memorandum regarding Sport Plan Refresh Project be
received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Sport Plan Refresh Project be received and referred to staff
for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Deputy Town Clerk; Re: 2025-2026 Citizen Member
Recruitment for Advisory Committees
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum, highlighting that current
citizen members must reapply for the second half of the Council term to
be considered for this committee or any other committee of interest. It
was noted that the application process is open as of September 19 until
November 1, 2024.
The Committee inquired about the possibility to include “Sport” in the
Committee name and Terms of Reference. Staff provided clarification
regarding the Committee’s Terms of Reference and opportunities for
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
September 19, 2024 4
review, and noted the Terms of Office for citizen members according to
the Town’s Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local Boards Policy.
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Shaheen Moledina
1. That the memorandum regarding 2025-2026 Citizen Member
Recruitment for Advisory Committees be received for information.
Carried
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Bo Brkic
Seconded by Michelle Dakin
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Carried