Minutes (Appointed) - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20250414
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, April 14, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
Linda Duringer
John Green, Aurora Historical Society Representative
Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member
Rocco Morsillo
Chris Polsinelli
Other Attendees: Councillor Ron Weese*
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
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1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 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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April 14, 2025 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Linda Duringer
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 February 3, 2025
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 3,
2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Wooden Plaque
Program
The Committee consented to allow additional time for the delegate's
presentation.
Christopher Watts presented information on the Town's Wooden Plaque
Program and offered suggestions for improvements to the Program.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Linda Duringer
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
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April 14, 2025 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2025-03 – 10-12 Spruce Street
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum noting that the Heritage
Impact Assessment determined the property is not of significant cultural
heritage value and the design of the proposed new building is consistent
within the neighbouring context. Emma Cohlmeyer, Associate, ERA
Architects Inc., on behalf of the applicant, presented an overview of the
property background, Assessment findings, and proposed development.
The Committee expressed concern regarding the Assessment evaluation
of the property respecting its historical or associative value and
significance to the community, and suggested the property may meet the
required criteria to not warrant demolition. Further areas of concern
included the front yard setback; design of the proposed semi-detached
dwelling and attached recessed garages; design not in keeping with the
character of the area; building size; brick colour; loss of historical home;
and potential loss of affordable housing. The Committee suggested to
consider detached rear yard garages and access off Centre Street for one
of the units. The Committee supported the option that, in the event of
demolition, the owner be required to install an interpretive plaque to
commemorate the dairy business history of the property.
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by Chris Polsinelli
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2025-03 - 10-12 Spruce Street be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2025-03 be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
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April 14, 2025 4
9. New Business
The Committee provided an update on the student co-op pilot project now in
progress.
Staff provided an update on discussions with Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT)
regarding the possible replacement of the Aurora Armoury provincial plaque and
advised that OHT deemed there was not sufficient grounds for replacement.
Staff provided an update on the Petch House renovations noting the expected
completion timeline of June/July 2025.
The Committee suggested participating in the Town's booth at the annual Aurora
Chamber of Commerce Street Festival on June 1, 2025, in order to share
information on the Town's Heritage programs and initiatives.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Linda Duringer
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Carried