Minutes (Appointed) - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20241007
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, October 7, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member (Vice Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
David Heard
Rocco Morsillo
Members Absent: Kevin Hughes
John Green, Aurora Historical Society Representative
Other Attendees: Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:58 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.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
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 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2024
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Town of Aurora
Heritage Awards
Christopher Watts provided a presentation in support of reinstating
Aurora's Heritage Awards program. They further expressed questions on
the history and status of the Heritage Awards program, the Town's
Architectural Salvage Program, and the Heritage Advisory Committee's
Pending List.
Moved by David Heard
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2024 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage
Permit Application - 77 Wellington Street East
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and proposal for a minor
rear addition to accommodate additional space in support of the existing
daycare use, noting the rear addition qualifies for delegated approval due
to the generally minor nature of the proposed work. The Committee
expressed no opposition to the proposal and inquired about the
requirement for use of non-combustible siding material. Staff confirmed
that the intent is to aesthetically match the existing siding. The Committee
had no further concerns with this or proceeding with delegated approval.
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by David Heard
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application - 77
Wellington Street East be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application - 77 Wellington Street East be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Hillary
House Considerations
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and request from the
Aurora Historical Society to collaborate with the Town and explore options
toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Hillary House National
Historic Site. Staff noted that input is being sought from the Heritage
Advisory Committee along with feedback from the public, which will be
summarized in a report back to Council.
The Committee provided feedback including: (1) Hillary House should be
owned and managed by the Town; the Aurora Historical Society as a
volunteer board should not be responsible to manage the property; (2)
continue to use property as a museum and community space for events,
tours, banquets, etc.; (3) property is underutilized and should be enhanced
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2024 4
through connectivity to Fleury Park, the trails system, Aurora Community
Centre, the downtown core, and the rehabilitation of the waterworks yard;
(4) promote the landscaping and natural elements of the property; (5)
promote heritage tourism through marketing and increasing awareness of
Hillary House to the public, business sector, and school groups; and (6)
pursue federal grants.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
1. That the memorandum regarding Hillary House Considerations be
received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Hillary
House Considerations 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 2022-2026
Council term to be considered for this committee or any other committee
of interest. Staff confirmed that all applications would be brought forward
for Council's consideration once the application period has ended.
Moved by David Heard
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That the memorandum regarding 2025-2026 Citizen Member
Recruitment for Advisory Committees be received for information.
Carried
9. New Business
Staff provided an update on the screening of the Pet Cemetery documentary,
being held during the time of this meeting in the Performance Hall at Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2024 5
Town Square, and advised that Cultural Services staff have offered to host a
private screening for the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) members
immediately prior to the December 9, 2024 HAC meeting at Town Hall. The
Committee expressed their preference for a viewing at Aurora Town Square and
staff agreed to liaise with Cultural Services staff and propose an alternate night
in the Performance Hall.
The Committee offered suggestions regarding the timing and theme of the next
Doors Open Aurora event, noting that previously there was greater participation
of sites and visitors in August than in October. Staff clarified that the Ontario
Heritage Trust's Doors Open Ontario program determines the provincewide
theme each year and that a separate organizing committee, which can include
Committee members along with a range of community partners, is required to
coordinate the event.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Carried