Agenda (Appointed) - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20250320Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time:7 p.m.
Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
That a Committee member be appointed as Vice Chair of the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for a two-year term
(2025-2026).
1.
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November
21, 2024
1
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 21, 2024, be received for information.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Cultural Services; Re: Public Art Strategy
Update
5
That the memorandum regarding the Public Art Strategy Update
be received; and
1.
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding the Public Art Strategy Update be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
2.
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: 2025 Park Project
Updates
8
That the memorandum regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be
received; and
1.
That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, November 21, 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
Members Absent: Adrian Martin
Shaheen Moledina
Corrina Tai
Other Attendees: Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet Divisions
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 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.
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Bo Brkic
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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September
19, 2024
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of September 19, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
None.
8. Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Sport Plan Refresh – Status
Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum, noting the community
consultation has been completed and the information heard in the first
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2024 3
step will be validated by further reaching out to the general public,
community organizations, and local sport organizations.
The Committee expressed support for the preliminary findings and
update. The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including
stakeholder consultation and validation of management strategies,
themes, and the implementation of recommendations; and the SWOT
analysis related to the Town’s leadership in sports and the need for
leadership development in local sport organizations.
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Bo Brkic
1. That the memorandum regarding Sport Plan Refresh – Status Update
be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Town of Aurora – HIGH FIVE®
Registered Municipality
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum, noting the HIGH FIVE®
program is a national quality standard program rooted in research that
relates to recreation and leisure sport training and programming for
children aged 4 to 12 and adults aged 55+.
The Committee expressed support for the HIGH FIVE® program. The
Committee and staff discussed various aspects including potential
overlap with the Sport Plan and benefits for leadership and volunteer
training; HIGH FIVE® oversight of registration implementation and
accreditation; cost analysis, annual registration fee, and training budget;
the communications plan for announcing the Town’s participation and
benefits of the HIGH FIVE® program; the potential for training contracted
services and local sport organizations; and other participating
municipalities.
Moved by Bo Brkic
Seconded by Irene Clement
1. That the memorandum regarding Town of Aurora – HIGH FIVE®
Registered Municipality be received for information.
Carried
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Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
November 21, 2024 4
9. New Business
Councillor Weese expressed appreciation to the members for their contributions
and participation on the Committee during this two-year term.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Irene Clement
Seconded by Bo Brkic
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Carried
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Community Services
Re: Public Art Strategy Update
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
From: Phil Rose, Manager, Cultural Services
Date: March 20, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding the Public Art Strategy Update be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments regarding the Public
Art Strategy Update be received and referred to staff for consideration and further
action as appropriate.
Background
The Cultural Services Division is developing the Town of Aurora’s first Public Art
Strategy, to be presented to Town Council in the Spring 2025.
Analysis
The Public Art Strategy (PAS) will direct the development and implementation of a
successful public art program in Aurora from 2025 to 2029, including prioritizing
potential sites and opportunities for new public art practices within our municipal
boundaries. It also establishes transparent processes for the administration and
implementation of public art projects that foster strong partnerships, embrace diverse
perspectives and showcases local artistic creativity.
Public Art refers to original works of any medium that is:
a) Planned in alignment with the Town’s Public Art Vision and Values.
b) Informed through established processes that gain community feedback through
a range of online and in-person engagement tools.
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Public Art Strategy Update
March 20, 2025 Page 2 of 3
c) Created by one or more Professional Artists, with priority given to Artists with
relevant knowledge of the Town, its diverse communities, and its histories.
d) Planned and executed for the specific purpose of being placed and experienced
in a public space.
e) Relevant to the site or context in which it is placed and experienced by the public.
f) Acquired using the Town’s established processes and community engagement
channels.
To highlight Aurora’s unique characteristics, the Public Art Strategy defines 8 public art
site categories, including:
Site Category 1. Key Civic Sites (e.g., Aurora Town Square, Aurora Town Hall)
Site Category 2. Gateways into Aurora (e.g., Highway 404 and Wellington, Yonge Street)
Site Category 3. Heritage Areas (e.g., Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation
District, Historic Yonge Street)
Site Category 4. Parks and Trails (e.g. Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area, Oak Ridges
Trail, Fleury Park)
Site Category 5. Major Private Developments (e.g., Addison Hall Business Park,
SmartCentres Aurora North, Aurora Centre)
Site Category 6. Transit Hubs and Corridors (e.g., Regional Arterial Roads, Major Transit
Station Area, Yonge Street Multi-use Path)
Site Category 7. Streetscapes within Intensification Areas (e.g., Aurora Promenade,
Cultural Precinct, Downtown Aurora)
Site Category 8. Sport and Recreation Facilities (e.g., Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex, Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Aurora Community Centre)
The Cultural Services Division will be responsible for the administration of the public art
program and implementation of the PAS. Staff will prepare an annual Public Art
Workplan with recommendations regarding proposed public art projects, including
preferred site locations, public engagement and targeted consultation with impacted
parties, scope, funding, and selection panel membership.
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Public Art Strategy Update
March 20, 2025 Page 3 of 3
Public art sites will be selected based on an assessment of the following evaluation
criteria:
1. Accessibility: is the site accessible by various modes of transportation within
Aurora.
2. Visibility: is the site easily visible and is it in proximity to high pedestrian activity.
3. Relationship to proposed artwork: does the location possess unique architectural
and/or natural features and will the addition of public art enhance the overall
environment and public experience of this location.
Future public art projects will be funded by the Town’s public art reserve. There is also
$12,500 proposed within the 2026 operating budget for public art maintenance and
conservation.
When appropriate, Town staff will continue to consult with the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee when developing future public projects to be located on any of the
Town’s parks and trails.
Attachments
None.
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Operational Services
Re: 2025 Park Project Updates
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
From: Matthew Volpintesta, Manager of Parks and Fleet
Date: March 20, 2025
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments regarding 2025 Park
Project Updates be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Background
The memo provides a brief update on major capital projects in 2025, including both new
capital projects and continuation of projects from previous capital budgets. These
include, but are not limited to, playground improvements, major park upgrades, new
parks and sports fields.
Analysis
Town Park Splash Pad
As part of the 2024 planned improvements to Town Park, the splashpad will see the
replacement of in-ground sprinklers completed as well as repairs made to the rubber
surfacing and will include replacement a new centrepiece bucket style water feature.
This work is currently being tendered and anticipated to be completed before the
operational season begins.
Page 8 of 11
2025 Park Project Updates
March 20, 2025 Page 2 of 4
Evans Park
As part of the 2024 capital budget, designs for a new playground were completed in
2024, and are now being tendered out for contract. It is expected this work will begin
early spring and be completed by end of June.
Summit Park
Summit Park improvement works are continuing in 2025. Last year, a new playground
and fitness facility were installed. This year, refurbishments to the park pathway system
and multi-use court will be completed to provide better accessibility. The tennis facility
will also see upgrades to LED lighting as part of the five-year LED improvement plan.
This work is expected to begin late March and completed later this year.
Tom’s Park
Tom’s Park will see a replacement of the play structure, and re-pavement of the park
pathway system. This work is queued and expected to be completed later this year.
Fleury Park
Fleury Park renovations are currently in the design and development phase, with public
consultation wrapping up in March. During a public open house and through online
engagement, excellent feedback was received including over 100 survey responses.
Staff are currently consolidating feedback, in collaboration with our consultant, to
prepare facility fit concepts. Construction is tentatively planned to begin late 2025 into
2026.
Thelma Fielding Park
The newly adopted Thelma Fielding Park will officially open in spring 2025, featuring a
new playground, public amenity space and new turf field in partnership with St. Anne’s
School. An opening celebration is currently being planned for late spring.
Sheppard’s Bush Artificial Turf
The new artificial turf field at Sheppard’s Bush is currently under construction and
planned to be completed by June of this year. The field is part of a continued
partnership with the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club, and will feature lining for rugby, and
soccer.
Page 9 of 11
2025 Park Project Updates
March 20, 2025 Page 3 of 4
Tennis Court Improvements
Tennis court improvements are scheduled to be completed this spring at Trent and
Edward Coltham Parks. This includes upgrades to the court surfacing, new drainage
features, new posts, and netting. Additionally, as part of 2025 capital improvements,
David English, Norm Weller, and Thomas Coates’ Parks will see similar upgrades later
this year.
McMahon Park Bowling Green Improvements
The bowling green at McMahon Park will undergo improvements to the curbing and
bumper systems in 2025, including an upgrade to LED lighting to improve sight and
accessibility for playing. This work is planned to be completed before play season
begins; however, it is possible the lighting upgrades may be delayed until later into the
season.
Trails
Trail development continues in 2025, with more complex projects brought forward from
last year’s capital budget. These include Butternut Ridge, Mattamy Development phases
4 and 5, Degraaf Crescent, the development northwest of St. John’s Sideroad and Yonge
Street, Benjamin Pearson Parkette boardwalk, and the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve.
Design is currently underway for all projects, with construction planned through 2025
into 2026.
LED Light Upgrades
As part of a five-year plan to upgrade recreational facility lighting, the Town’s LED
upgrade report highlights priority targets for replacement. This year, the Town will focus
on Summit Park tennis facilities, and the bowling green at McMahon Park. This work will
aim to be completed before the play season begins pending contract awarding.
Lambert Willson Volleyball Court Expansion
The expansion of the volleyball courts at Lambert Willson Park are in the early stages of
re-design. The expansion will feature two additional courts, with a small amenity space
including seating for players and spectators, as well as professional quality play sand
and new netting systems. It is expected the overall footprint will be marginally
expanded, with construction to commence in 2026 pending budget approval.
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2025 Park Project Updates
March 20, 2025 Page 4 of 4
Attachments
None.
Page 11 of 11