Minutes - Council - 20250527
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 27, 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*
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services*
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 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
May 27, 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
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
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.
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Doug Robertson, President, and Jillian Lemmond, Sales, Pine Tree Potters'
Guild; Re: Presentation to Council for Aurora Town Square
Doug Robertson and Jillian Lemmond, on behalf of the Pine Tree Potters’
Guild, presented a commemorative platter in celebration of Aurora Town
Square to Phil Rose, Manager of Cultural Services, and the Town of
Aurora.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation 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)
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 3
5.2 Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership Course Students; Re:
PLF4M Winter 2025 Course
The PLF4M Winter 2025 Course students shared their insights on the
success and impact of the grade 12 credit course including their personal
accomplishments, certifications, and skills gained in leadership, coaching,
communication, collaboration, and event management.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the presentation 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)
5.3 Miranda Link, Sparrow Als, and Youth Engagement Committee; Re: Youth
Engagement Committee Presentation
Members of the Youth Engagement Committee presented an overview of
youth involvement in Aurora and the Committee’s role in engaging youth,
fostering youth leadership and participation, and collaborating with Town
staff in the development and delivery of youth events and initiatives.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation 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)
6. Delegations
6.1 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Items 8.5.1 - FIN25-029 - 2025 Investment
Policy Update and 2024 Year End Investment Results; 8.9.1 - Councillor
Gallo; Re: Full Accounting of the Armoury; and 8.10.1 - York Regional
Council Highlights of April 24, 2025
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 4
Shawn Deane expressed concerns regarding the Town's budget process
including costs, inflation, taxes, reserve balances, debt, and access to
budget information, and suggested that members of the public be given
the opportunity to participate on the Finance Advisory Committee.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to items
8.5.1, 8.9.1, and 8.10.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 Emily Newallo, Resident; Re: Item 8.4.2 - CS25-008 - Fence By-law Variance
Request
The delegation was not present.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be approved.
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 April 22, 2025
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of April 22, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of April 22, 2025, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
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May 27, 2025 5
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of April 22,
2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of May 13, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of May 13, 2025, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 13,
2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of May 13, 2025
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of May 13, 2025, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.2.1, 8.4.2, 8.8.2, and 8.9.2, 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 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 9, 2025
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
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May 27, 2025 6
8.1.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2025
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 9, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.3 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 14, 2025
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April
14, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.4 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2025
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April
15, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Consent Agenda
8.2.1 CS25-010 - Release of Closed Session Reports from Purchase of
15157, 15165 and 15171 Yonge Street
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CS25-010 be deferred to the Committee of the
Whole meeting of June 10, 2025.
Carried
8.2.2 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 28, 2025
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 28,
2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS25-011 - Public Art Strategy
1. That Report No. CMS25-011 be received; and
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May 27, 2025 7
2. That the Public Art Strategy (Attachment 1) be approved; and
3. That staff be directed to develop a corresponding Public Art
Policy for Council review and approval.
Carried
8.3.2 CMS25-012 - Community Partnership Grant - Status Update and
Recommendations for Future
1. That Report No. CMS25-012 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in this
report for the future management of the Community Partnership
Grant; and
3. That the Community Partnership Grant Policy be amended as
set out in this report.
Carried
8.3.3 CMS25-013 - Sport Plan Update 2025-2029 - Additional Information
1. That Report No. CMS25-013 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the
attached Sport Plan update.
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS25-009 - Periodic Report from the Integrity Commissioner
1. That Report No. CS25-009 be received for information.
Carried
8.4.2 CS25-008 - Fence By-law Variance Request
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CS25-008 be received; and
2. That Council approve the applicant’s request for a Fence
variance at 39 Hackwood Crescent, subject to the applicant
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May 27, 2025 8
obtaining a new swimming pool enclosure permit, until such
time that the fence requires replacement.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN25-029 - 2025 Investment Policy Update and 2024 Year End
Investment Results
1. That Report No. FIN25-029 be received; and
2. That Council approve the updated Investment Policy Statement
(Attachment 4).
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS25-012 - Fleury Park Redevelopment - Funding Increase
1. That Report No. OPS25-012 be received; and
2. That the approved Capital Project No. AM0359 Fleury Park
Replacement budget authority of $1,500,000 be increased by
$944,700 to a total of $2,444,700; and
3. That this project’s total revised budget authority of $2,444,700
be funded by $1,796,900 and $647,800 from the Parks Asset
Management and the Parks New Capital reserve, respectively;
and
4. That the remaining recommended Fleury Park enhancements
totaling $334,400 be included in the upcoming 2026 10-year
capital plan for consideration.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 9
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS25-048 - Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of
Subdivision, 1000504782 Ontario Inc., 15385 and 15395 Bayview
Avenue, Part of Lot 21, Concession 2, File Numbers: ZBA-2019-03,
SUB-2019-01, Related File Numbers: CDM-2019-02, SP-2021-02
1. That Report No. PDS25-048 be received; and
2. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2019-01 be
approved, as shown in Figure 5, subject to conditions as
outlined in Appendix “A”; and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2019-03 be
approved to rezone the subject lands from “Rural (RU)” to
“Townhouse Dwelling Residential (R8-XX(H)) Exception Zone”
with a Holding Symbol, as outlined in Appendix “B”; and
4. That the implementing Zoning By-law Amendment be brought
forward to a future Council meeting for enactment.
Carried
8.8.2 PDS25-049 - Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-03 - 10-12
Spruce Street
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS25-049 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-03 be approved
subject to any conditions of approval being required at the
discretion of Council, being the installation of an interpretive
plaque and a contribution to the Heritage Reserve Fund.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
Council Meeting Minutes
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8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Gallo; Re: Full Accounting of the Armoury
Whereas transparency and accountability in financial matters are
essential to ensuring public trust and responsible stewardship of
Town assets; and
Whereas the Armoury building and its lease to Niagara College
represents a significant investment and partnership by the Town of
Aurora; and
Whereas it is prudent to undertake a full financial review of this
arrangement prior to the conclusion of Niagara College’s lease on
June 30, 2025;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff
to prepare a comprehensive report outlining:
The full acquisition cost of the Armoury building;
The cost of reconstruction and renovations to the Armoury,
including a breakdown separating leasehold improvements
directly related to the operations of Niagara College;
Total rental income received from Niagara College;
Any financial obligations, commitments, or contributions
made by the Town of Aurora under the lease agreement;
Any other financial analysis staff deems necessary to
provide full transparency related to the project and lease;
and
2. That the report be presented to a Committee of the Whole
meeting no later than the end of the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.
Carried
8.9.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Amendment to the Procedure By-law
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 11
Whereas the current provisions of the Procedure By-law relating to
Special Meetings of Council or Committee require updates to
improve clarity, flexibility, and to strengthen governance
procedures; and
Whereas it is desirable to allow a majority of Council Members to
petition for a Special Meeting with sufficient advance notice to all
Members, to ensure appropriate quorum, transparency, and
effective decision-making; and
Whereas it is also desirable to require that motions proposed by
petitioners be included on the agenda for the Special Meeting and
be subject to a simple majority vote;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That a by-law to amend
By-law No. 6228-19 being a by-law to govern the proceedings of
Council and Committee meetings of the Town of Aurora, be
brought forward to amend Section 21(b) as follows:
Section 21(b) – Special Meetings of Council and General
Committee
i. A Special Meeting of Council or General Committee may be
called by the Mayor at any time, provided that a majority of
Members of Council have been consulted and have
confirmed their availability to attend in order to ensure
quorum. A Special Meeting shall be limited to the business
matters set out in the Notice of Meeting.
ii. A Special Meeting of Council or Committee may also be
initiated upon receipt of a written petition signed by a
majority of the Members of Council. The petition must be
submitted to the Clerk at least ten (10) days prior to the
proposed date of the Special Meeting and must specify the
purpose, proposed time, and any motions to be considered.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Bylaw, any
motion proposed by the petitioners shall be included on the
agenda and may be decided by a simple majority of the
Members present.
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 12
iii. In addition to the general notice provisions of this Procedure
By-law, the Clerk shall provide notice of a Special Meeting of
Council or Committee by circulating an agenda at least
seven (7) days prior to the date of the Meeting.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
That, for a motion to be included on the agenda when a petition
for a special meeting is received, the petition must demonstrate
why the motion could not follow the member motion process
provided in the Procedure By-law.
Yeas (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
and Councillor Gallo
Defeated (3 to 4)
Yeas (5): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas, and Councillor Kim
The main motion
Carried (5 to 2)
8.9.3 Councillor Gallo; Re: Land Data Modernization
Whereas the Town of Aurora continues to grow and evolve,
requiring increasingly efficient, transparent, and data-informed
planning and development processes; and
Whereas leveraging digital tools and data modernization initiatives
can enhance the Town’s capacity to support Council decision-
making, streamline staff workflows, and improve communication
with residents; and
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May 27, 2025 13
Whereas municipalities across Ontario and Canada are exploring
digital transformation efforts to improve access to land use
information, planning policies, and development activities;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
report on the feasibility of enhancing the Town’s existing
planning data system information to improve its accessibility,
by exploring one or more of the following components based on
available resources, priorities, capacity, and strategic goals;
Digitized Zoning: A property-level zoning interface linking
directly to relevant zoning bylaw sections;
Digitized Official Plan and Secondary Plans: A searchable
database on the property’s official plan designation and
related secondary plan classifications;
Development Application Database: A centralized database
capturing key application types such as site plans, ZBAs,
OPAs, subdivisions, and consents;
Constraint and Context Mapping: Interactive maps
displaying constraints and context layers including natural
features, servicing limits, and heritage overlays;
Address-Level Lookup with Policy Summary: A tool providing
summarized zoning, policy, and constraint data by address;
Ward Dashboards and Alerting Tools: Customizable
dashboards for Councillors displaying local planning activity
and key indicators;
Exportable and Public-Facing Summary Tools: Digital tools
for residents to better understand land use regulations,
nearby developments, and planning processes; and
2. That staff report back to Council with a preliminary scope,
resourcing requirements, or external funding opportunities to
support the pilot initiative by the end of Q3 2025 to provide time
to be included in the 2026 budget.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 14
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of April 24, 2025
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 24, 2025, be
received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led
movement to engage men and boys in ending violence towards women, children,
and those along the gender continuum.
Councillor Gaertner advised that the Voices of Joy Community Choir will hold its
spring concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Bethel Church, 333 Davis
Drive, Newmarket, including a raffle and live entertainment at 2:30 p.m.
Councillor Thompson extended congratulations to Mayor Mrakas for being
named the 2025 recipient of the Rob Ford Community Leader Award, presented
by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
Councillor Gallo advised that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce will hold its
annual Street Festival on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and encouraged attendees to
drop by the Ward 5 booth, which will be located just south of the Library.
Councillor Kim inquired about the impact of proposed provincial legislation
regarding the payment deferral of Development Charges, possibly for mid-rise
and high-rise developments only, and staff provided a response. Councillor Kim
recommended that low-rise developments also be included.
Councillor Weese noted that National AccessAbility Week is being celebrated on
May 25-31, 2025, and the Red Shirt Day of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion
will be held on May 28. Councillor Weese expressed appreciation to the Mayor’s
Office for its proclamation and to Town staff for their work on accessibility.
Council Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2025 15
Councillor Gaertner recognized that both Jewish Heritage Month and Asian
Heritage Month are being celebrated during the month of May 2025.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6702-25 - Being a By-law to repeal By-law Number 6439-22,
to designate a property to be of cultural heritage value or interest (34
Berczy Street “T. Sisman Shoe Factory").
11.2 By-law Number 6703-25 - Being a By-law to Authorize the Use of Alternative
Voting and Vote-Counting Methods.
11.3 By-law Number 6704-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6228-19,
as amended, to govern the proceedings of Council and Committee
meetings of the Town of Aurora.
11.4 By-law Number 6705-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 15385 and 15395
Bayview Avenue (File No. ZBA-2019-03).
11.5 By-law Number 6706-25 - Being a By-law to establish land on Plan 65M-
2685 as a highway.
11.6 By-law Number 6707-25 - Being a By-law to set and levy the rates of
Taxation for the taxation year 2025.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.6 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.
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May 27, 2025 16
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-lawNumber6708-25-BeingaBy-IawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on May 27, 2025
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
m ra s Mayor Michae de Rond, Town Clerk
Carried