Minutes (Appointed) - Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee - 20250122
Town of Aurora
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Steve Fleck
Owen Heritage (Vice Chair)
David McLaughlin
Gino Martino
Heidi Schellhorn
Members Absent: Lil Kim
Other Attendees: Michael Bat, Traffic and Transportation Analyst
Michael Ha, Traffic and Transportation Analyst
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
Moved by Heidi Schellhorn
Seconded by David McLaughlin
1. That Owen Heritage be appointed as Vice Chair of the Active
Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for a two-year
term (2025-2026).
Carried
Introductions were made around the table.
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2025 2
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.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Owen Heritage
Seconded by Gino Martino
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 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 27, 2024
Moved by Steve Fleck
Seconded by Owen Heritage
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
meeting minutes of November 27, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2025 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Transportation and Traffic Analyst; Re: Yonge Street
Active Transportation Facilities Draft Design Presentation
Courtney Hough, Project Manager, Ainley Group, presented an overview of
the Yonge Street Active Transportation Facility project, located on Yonge
Street from Bloomington Road to Industrial Parkway South, including the
project timeline, purpose, scope and status; active transportation facility
types and options; design considerations and opportunities; evaluation
matrix criteria per category; and next steps involving review of public
feedback, collaboration with stakeholders, and selection of the preferred
active transportation facility.
The Committee provided feedback on various aspects including the
preference for Option 3, a multi-use pathway (MUP) on the west side of
Yonge Street, noting it may be the most economical solution; the need for
discussions with Metrolinx regarding the reconstruction of their railway
overhead bridge to the north of Industrial Parkway South and how to
connect an MUP with the existing sidewalk and beyond the bridge; the
recommendation to go out to tender between late fall and early spring for
best pricing; and the suggestion to explore available grant funding. The
Committee suggested that an additional public open house be held with a
further follow-up with the Committee once 60% detailed design has been
completed.
The Committee, staff and consultant further discussed right of ways;
volume of usage; signalization of intersections; options in the context of
York Region’s future BRT project and the Metrolinx bridge reconstruction;
pedestrian and street lighting; grading next to the cemetery, and regional
involvement in the project.
The Committee provided background information regarding the York
Region plan for a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor along the subject
section of Yonge Street down to Richmond Hill, noting the Region is
responsible for the roadway, boulevard, and utilities while the municipality
is responsible for the sidewalk or MUP in place of a sidewalk.
Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2025 4
Moved by Owen Heritage
Seconded by Gino Martino
1. That the memorandum regarding Yonge Street Active Transportation
Facilities Draft Design Presentation be received; and
2. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
comments regarding Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities
Draft Design Presentation be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate; and
3. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
requests to explore the possibility of an additional Public Open House
regarding the Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities Draft Design
and further consultation with the Committee as the project progresses.
Carried as amended
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about the feasibility of having the snow plowed on the
trail between the Aurora Seniors' Centre and the Aurora Family Leisure Complex.
The Chair advised that this would require Council approval of a change in service
level, possibly through a member motion to Council in a future meeting cycle.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Owen Heritage
Seconded by Heidi Schellhorn
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Carried