Minutes - Council - 20241022
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor John Gallo
Members Absent: Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Patricia De Sario, Director, Corporate Services/Town Solicitor
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Michelle Outar, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Mrakas 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,
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 2
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 Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Councillor Ron Weese declared a pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict
of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50. respecting item 8.3.2 - CMS24-039 - Facility
Space Allocation for Aurora Sports Hall of Fame and Sport Aurora, due to
involvement with both organizations, and therefore, did not participate in the
discussion or vote on any question in respect to the matter.
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Tamas Hertel, Service Planning Manager, York Region Transit; Re: 2025
York Region Transit Annual Plan
Tamas Hertel, Service Planning Manager, York Region Transit, presented
an overview of the York Region Transit (YRT) Annual. The presentation
included the annual transit initiatives process, the improvements of YRT
routes in the Town, and the implementation of the province's One Fare
Program. YRT also conducted a public consultation program to provide
information and gather feedback from resident, which included requests
to improve connections to Aurora GO Station and to establish a bus route
for students travelling from the Aurora Heights area. The presentation
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 3
further indicated proposed service changes that will take place in 2025 to
restructure school routes due to the new Dr. G.W. Williams High School,
and concluded by highlighting projects to enhance the transit network in
the Town including e-buses and improving the fare system.
Council consented to permit an additional five minutes for the
presentation.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
5.2 Stephen Forsey, Sport Aurora; Re: Sport Celebration Month 2024
Stephen Forsey, Sport Aurora, presented an overview of activities hosted
by Sport Aurora this year and the lead up to Sport Celebration Month 2024,
highlighting the proclamation made to highlight the community's athletic
achievements, honouring student athletes at Sport Aurora's 2024 School
Athletes of the Year at Town Park and hosting the All Sport One Day
Program to provide opportunities for young women to participate in
different sport activities. They concluded by noting that Sport Aurora will
be hosting their annual Volunteer Recognition Event to celebrate 28
nominations from different sport organizations on Sunday, October 27,
2024.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 4
6. Delegations
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.7 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2024
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of September 24, 2024, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.2 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of October 1, 2024
1. That the Special Meeting of Council Minutes of October 1, 2024, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2024
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2024,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of September 17, 2024 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of September 17, 2024, be
adopted as circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 5
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2024
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of September
17, 2024, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 2, 2024
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 2, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
7.7 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 10, 2024
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 10, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of October 1, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of October 1, 2024, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-item 8.8.3, which was discussed and voted on separately as
recorded below.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 6
8.1 Consent Agenda
8.1.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 26, 2024
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of July 26,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.2.1 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 5, 2024
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 5, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 11,
2024
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 11, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.3 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 12, 2024
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2024, be received for
information.
Carried
8.2.4 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 10,
2024
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 10, 2024, be received for information.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 7
Carried
8.2.5 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
September 19, 2024
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of September 19, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS24-038 - Mapping Recreation for Persons with Disabilities –
Final Plan Presentation
1. That Report No. CMS24-038 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the
attached Mapping Recreation for Persons with Disabilities Plan
2024-2029.
Carried
8.3.2 CMS24-039 - Facility Space Allocation for Aurora Sports Hall of
Fame and Sport Aurora
1. That Report No. CMS24-039 be received; and
2. That Council approve the request from the Aurora Sports Hall of
Fame for expansion; and
3. That Council approve allocating space in the Aurora Family
Leisure Complex for Sport Aurora.
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS24-024 - Central York Fire Services - Cost Recovery Program
Enhancement
1. That Report No. CS24-024 be received for information.
Carried
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 8
8.4.2 CS24-023 - 2025 Council and Committee Meeting Schedule
1. That Report No. CS24-023 be received; and
2. That a bylaw to amend section 20(f)(i) of the Procedure Bylaw
No. 6228-19, as amended, be enacted at a future Council
meeting to change the Public Planning meeting day from the
second Tuesday of the month to the third Tuesday; and
3. That Council request the Mayor, in accordance with the powers
under section 284.8 of the Municipal Act, 2001, to amend the
Committee of the Whole meeting date from the first Tuesday of
the month to the second Tuesday; and
4. That the 2025 Meeting Schedule (Attachment No. 1) be
approved; and
5. That the Town Clerk be authorized to make amendments to the
Council and Committee meeting calendar as required.
Carried
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN24-044 - 2025-26 Rates and Fees Update with Bylaw
1. That Report No. FIN24-044 be received; and
2. That a by-law be enacted to set the 2025 and 2026 Fees and
Charges for applications, permits, use of Town property, the
sale of documents and for the prescribed service charges for
administrative matters itemized on the attached schedules.
Carried
8.5.2 FIN24-045 - Further Bill 185 Development Charges Bylaw
Amendments
1. That Report No. FIN24-045 be received; and
2. That no further public meetings are required under section 12
of the Development Charges Act, 1997; and
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 9
3. That the proposed amending Development Charges By-law be
enacted October 22, 2024.
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS24-089 - Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Program and
Community Safety Zones
1. That Report No. PDS24-089 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend Parking By-law No. 4574-04.T be
enacted to designate schools that front onto Town roads as
Community Safety Zones; and
3. That staff be authorized to implement an Automated Speed
Enforcement Pilot program and report back to Council with a
detailed implementation plan.
Carried
8.8.2 PDS24-099 - Request for Increased Capital Budget Authority for
Capital Project SO0079 – Water and Wastewater Master Plan
1. That Report No. PDS24-099 be received; and
2. That the total approved budget authority for Capital Project No.
SO0079 be increased to $414,800 representing an increase of
$114,800; and
3. That the proposed budget authority increase of $114,800 for
Project No. SO0079 be funded by $57,400 from both water and
wastewater development charges.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 10
8.8.3 PDS24-105 - Proposed Amendments to Parking Bylaw 4574-04.T –
Various Locations in the Town’s Downtown Area
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-105 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend Parking Bylaw No. 4574-04.T be
enacted to increase the on-street parking allowance from 3
hours to 4 hours in various areas outlined in the report.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
3. That staff report back, at the November 26, 2024 Council
meeting, regarding potentially changing parking restrictions on
Yonge street in the Business Improvement Area from one hour
to two hours.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. PDS24-105 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend Parking Bylaw No. 4574-04.T be
enacted to increase the on-street parking allowance from 3
hours to 4 hours in various areas outlined in the report; and
3. That staff report back, at the November 26, 2024 Council
meeting, regarding potentially changing parking restrictions on
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 11
Yonge street in the Business Improvement Area from one hour to
two hours.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
8.8.4 PDS24-106 - Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review Work Plan
1. That Report No. PDS24-106 be received for information.
Carried
8.8.5 PDS24-107 - Doors Open 2025 Registration
1. That Report No. PDS24-107 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to participate in the Doors Open event in
2025 in collaboration with the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Carried
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Thompson; Re: Interchange at Highway 404 and St. John’s
Sideroad
Whereas the York Region Transportation Master Plan, approved by
York Region Council in September of 2022 identified a need for an
interchange to be built at Highway 404 and St. John’s Sideroad by
2051; and
Whereas the Region will be updating the 2022 Transportation
Master Plan every 5 years during its planning horizon, with the next
update occurring in 2027; and
Whereas our Official Plan forecasts Aurora’s population will be
79,600 residents and 38,300 jobs by 2041 and 85,800 residents and
41,600 jobs by 2051; and
Whereas additionally, neighbouring municipalities of Newmarket
and Whitchurch-Stouffville are expected to grow cumulatively to
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 12
over 221,500 people and 86,400 jobs to 2051, with the Region’s
total population also expected to be over 2 million people and
approximately 1 million jobs over the same horizon; and
Whereas the Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review and Land
Needs Assessment for the 2022 Regional Official Plan identified
Aurora as having the greatest share of Major Office jobs over the
planning horizon of any Northern Six York Region municipalities;
and
Whereas Aurora’s Employment Area along the 404 Corridor is over
2 kilometres long and is anticipated to generate over 6,000 new
jobs, yet it currently is forced to rely on only one existing
interchange at the south end, along Wellington Street East; and
Whereas the Province of Ontario has mandated significant local
growth as part of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden
Horseshoe, and has defined Provincial Interests under the Planning
Act that include providing employment opportunities and protecting
the financial and economic well-being of the Province and its
municipalities; and
Whereas the proposed St. John’s Sideroad interchange has been
built into the planning framework of the Town for nearly two
decades, including as a planned element in the 2010 Aurora 2C
Secondary Plan, the 2010 Official Plan, and the Town’s current 2024
Official Plan; and
Whereas Council recently endorsed the Municipal Housing Target
pledge of 8,000 residential units by 2031; and
Whereas traffic congestion is a growing concern for all Aurora
residents and has an impact, socially, environmentally and
economically, on the Town, neighbouring municipalities, and the
Region at large;
1. Now Therefore Be it Hereby Resolved That staff provide the
Region with Traffic and Household data and projections that
supports the need for the interchange at St. John’s and
Highway 404; and
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 13
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora meet with the
Region of York to express the need for the interchange at
Highway 404 and St. John’s to be constructed prior to 2035 and
indicate to them that our preference would be that the
interchange be built in the short term.
Carried
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of September 19, 2024
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of September 19,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 FIN24-046 - Interim Forecast Update – as of August 31, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. FIN24-046 be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo inquired about the status of the men's transitional shelter and
expressed urgency to select a location to begin the project. Staff provided a
response that they are in contact with York Region who are responsible for
moving the project forward.
Councillor Gaertner expressed concerns regarding the size of the voting display
shown during meetings in the Council Chambers, and Staff agreed to follow up.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 14
Councillor Gilliland inquired about on-street parking on Murray Drive near Aurora
High School and requested for bylaw services to monitor the street to ensure
safety of pedestrians and drivers.
Councillor Gilliand inquired about the possibility of introducing a payment plan
for residents that do not quality for the Windrow Removal Pilot Program, and
staff provided a response and agreed to follow up with Council.
Councillor Weese announced that the Aurora Legion will begin selling poppies on
Friday, October 25, 2024 for Remembrance Day.
Councillor Weese inquired about the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Pilot
Program and when it will come into effect, and Staff agreed to follow up with
Council regarding the exact dates.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6644-24 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6592-24,
as amended, to establish development charges for the Town of Aurora.
(Committee of the Whole Report No. FIN24-045, Oct 1, 2024)
11.2 By-law Number 6645-24 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 4574-
04.T, as amended, to regulate parking and traffic in the Town of Aurora
(Restricted Parking Maximum Period – Victoria Street,
Mosley Street, Church Street, Metcalfe Street, Wells Street and Harrison
Avenue).
(Committee of the Whole Report No. PDS24-105, Oct 1, 2024)
11.3 By-law Number 6646-24 - Being a By-law to exempt Part of Block 1 on Plan
65M-4743 from part-lot control (File No. PLC-2024-03).
11.4 By-law Number 6647-24 - Being a By-law to appoint a Fire Chief for Central
York Fire Services.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.4 inclusive, be enacted.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 15
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6648-24 Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on October 22, 2024
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Carried
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk