Minutes - Council - 20250225
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
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
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
Matthew Volpintesta, Acting Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 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,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 2
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
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the revised agenda be amended by the addition of Delegations items 6.3
to 6.11.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
Carried (7 to 0)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved
including the addition of Delegations items 6.3 to 6.11.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
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.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 3
5. Community Presentations
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 Rosie Mandla, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
Rosie Mandla spoke in opposition to the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 Mike Zelyony, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
Mike Zelyony spoke in opposition to the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Zhiying Huang, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo;
Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter
at 14452 Yonge Street
Zhiying Huang spoke in opposition to the Member Motion.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 4
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 Harbinder Thandi, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo;
Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter
at 14452 Yonge Street
Harbinder Thandi spoke in opposition to the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor
Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gilliland
Carried (6 to 1)
6.5 Marc Faria, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
The delegation was not present.
6.6 Kimberley McLean, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor
Gallo; Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s
Shelter at 14452 Yonge Street
Kimberley McLean spoke in support of the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 5
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.7 Jordan Drodge, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo;
Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter
at 14452 Yonge Street
Jordan Drodge spoke in support of the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.8 Adam Mobbs, Aurora Cares, Housing for All; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion -
Councillor Gallo; Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for
a Men’s Shelter at 14452 Yonge Street
Adam Mobbs spoke in support of the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Councillor Gaertner and Councillor Gallo
Carried (5 to 2)
6.9 Steve Fleck, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
Steve Fleck spoke in support of the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 6
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.10 Roy Cohen, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
Roy Cohen spoke in opposition to the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.11 Len Bulmer, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 - Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Request that York Region Resubmit the Application for a Men’s Shelter at
14452 Yonge Street
Len Bulmer spoke in support of the Member Motion.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.9 inclusive, be approved.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 7
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2025
1. That the Council meeting minutes of January 28, 2025, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of January 28, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of January 28, 2025, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January
28, 2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Special Council Closed Session Minutes of February 11, 2025
1. That the Special Council Closed Session Minutes of February 11, 2025,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Special Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of February 11,
2025
1. That the Special Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of
February 11, 2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
1. That the Special Meeting of Council Minutes of February 11, 2025, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 8
7.7 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2025
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of January 21, 2025,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2025
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of February 18,
2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.9 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 24, 2025
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 24, 2025, be received
for information.
Carried
7.10 Correspondence from Office of the Regional Solicitor and General Counsel;
Re: Proposed Motion, Aurora Men's Emergency and Transitional Housing
Site
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That the correspondence from Office of the Regional Solicitor and
General Counsel regarding Proposed Motion, Aurora Men's Emergency
and Transitional Housing Site, be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of February 11, 2025
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of February 11, 2025, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 9
exception of sub-items 8.3.1, 8.3.2, and 8.5.1, which were discussed and voted
on separately as recorded below.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2025
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
January 21, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee Meeting Minutes of January 22, 2025, be received
for information.
Carried
8.2 Consent Agenda
None.
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS25-004 - Sport Plan Update 2025-2029
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CMS25-004 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the
attached Sport Plan update.
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 10
That Report No. CMS25-004 be referred back to staff.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Motion to refer
Carried (7 to 0)
8.3.2 CMS25-002 - Aurora Town Square - Capital Financial Summary
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CMS25-002 be received for information.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.3.3 CMS25-001 - Aurora Town Square - Grand Opening and 2025
Programming Overview
1. That Report No. CMS25-001 be received for information.
Carried
8.3.4 CMS25-003 - Community Partnership Grant - 2024 Year in Review
1. That Report No. CMS25-003 be received for information.
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN25-003 - Regional Rental Housing Incentive Program Participation
- 120 Metcalfe Street and 26-38 Berczy Street
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 11
1. That Report No. FIN25-003 be received; and
2. That Council approve a 20-year interest free deferral with
annual repayments starting at the end of the first year to meet
the requirements of York Region’s rental buildings incentive
program for the 101-103 Mosley Street and 120 Metcalfe Street
and 26-38 Berczy Street developments enabling the developer
to access York Region’s program offerings.
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That Report No. FIN25-003 be referred back to staff.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Motion to refer
Carried (7 to 0)
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS25-004 - Conditional Approval - David English Park
1. That Report No. OPS25-004 be received; and
2. That the condition on the approval of Capital Project No. AM-F-
0346 – Tennis Court Reconstruction – David English Park, in the
amount of $150,000, be lifted and the project proceed, be
approved.
Carried
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 12
8.8.1 PDS25-022 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft
Plan of Subdivision, Edenbrook (Aurora) Inc., 1001 St. John’s
Sideroad, Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, File Number: ZBA-2012-12,
SUB-2012-04, Related File number: SUB-2012-06
1. That Report No. PDS25-022 be received; and
2. That Zoning By-law Amendment application, File ZBA-2012-12
be approved to rezone the subject lands from “Rural (RU) Zone”
to “Detached Fourth Density Residential Exception (R4-439)
Zone”, “Private Open Space Exception (O2-XXX) Zone”, and
“Environmental Protection (EP) Zone”, as outlined in Appendix
‘A’; and
3. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application, File SUB-2012-04 be
approved as shown in Figure 5, subject to the conditions
outlined in Appendix ‘B’; and
4. That the implementing By-law for the Zoning By-law
Amendment be brought forward to a future Council meeting for
enactment; and
5. That a total of 96 persons worth of servicing allocation be
granted to facilitate the proposed development of 29 single
detached units.
Carried
8.8.2 PDS25-023 - Revised Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision, Edenbrook
(Aurora) Inc., 929 St. John’s Sideroad, Part of Lot 25, Concession 2,
File Number: SUB-2012-06, Related File Number: SUB-2012-04
1. That Report No. PDS25-023 be received; and
2. That the revised Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision, File SUB-
2012-06 submitted by MEHI Planning Services as shown in
Figure 5, be approved subject to the revised draft plan
conditions contained in Appendix A; and
3. That a total of six additional persons worth of servicing
allocation be granted to facilitate the proposed two additional
full lots in the Draft Plan of Subdivision; and
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 13
4. That the revisions to the Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision
conditions be deemed to be minor and therefore not require
notice in accordance with Subsection 51(47) of the Planning
Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13.
Carried
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Gallo; Re: Request that York Region Resubmit the
Application for a Men’s Shelter at 14452 Yonge Street
(See section 9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion
(Regular Agenda) item 9.1)
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of January 30, 2025
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of January 30, 2025,
be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Council consented to consider item 9.1 prior to consideration of item 8.3.1.
9.1 Member Motion - Councillor Gallo; Re: Request that York Region Resubmit
the Application for a Men’s Shelter at 14452 Yonge Street
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Whereas the Regional Municipality of York made an application for a
Zoning By-Law Amendment to the Town of Aurora for a 55-unit (65 Bed)
Men’s Emergency and Transitional Housing facility at 14452 Yonge Street
in Aurora; and
Whereas the Town’s Policy Planning Division of the Planning and
Development Services Department confirmed in their comments dated
November 25, 2022, that the proposed development ‘is a type of Special
Needs Housing’ and conforms with and implements policies of the Town
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 14
of Aurora’s Official Plan, and is allowed in any designated area that
permits residential uses, including cluster residential; and
Whereas there is sufficient water and wastewater allocation for this type
of housing; and
Whereas a Community Information Meeting was held in Aurora on
January 9, 2024, hosted by the Regional Municipality of York to address
resident concerns; and
Whereas a statutory Public Planning Meeting was initially held for the
subject application on January 24, 2023; and
Whereas a second Town of Aurora Public Planning Meeting on February
13, 2024, was conducted to address resident concerns and to provide
additional opportunity for the applicant to receive public input; and
Whereas at the second Public Planning Meeting held in Aurora on
February 13, 2024, the application was refused by Council and not referred
to a further Council Meeting; and
Whereas a Motion by Councillor Gilliland on February 27, 2024, was
approved to require Town staff to proactively work with York Region staff
to identify three potential viable sites for this type of housing in Aurora and
report back to Council before the end of 2024; and
Whereas report CAO24-005 tabled at the December 10, 2024 Council
Meeting confirmed that no viable alternatives to the proposed location
have been identified by Town Staff; and
Whereas Aurora Council refused the application on February 13, 2024, and
subsequently staff issued a formal refusal letter where the Regional
Municipality of York did not appeal the decision; and
Whereas in order for Aurora Council to reconsider and approve the Zoning
by-law Amendment, the Regional Municipality of York would have to
resubmit the application;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Aurora Town Council
requests the Regional Municipality of York to resubmit the Zoning by-
law Amendment application for a Men’s Emergency and Transitional
Facility located at 14452 Yonge Street in Aurora.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 15
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Carried (4 to 3)
10. New Business
Councillor Gilliland advised that a Town Hall with York Region Police regarding
Crime Prevention will be held in Council Chambers at Aurora Town Hall on
Monday, March 3, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6674-25 - Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Fire Chief for
Central York Fire Services. (Daniel Waters)
11.2 By-law Number 6675-25 - Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Fire Chief for
Central York Fire Services. (Lorianne Zwicker)
11.3 By-law Number 6676-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6404-22,
the Town of Aurora Procurement Policy.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.3 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6677-25 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on February 25, 2025
Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2025 16
Moved by Councillor Weese
Secondm by Councillor Gaertner
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Carried
kas, Mayor
Carried
Michael de Ron Town Clerk