Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20250513
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
7 p.m.
Video Conference
Council Members: Councillor Michael Thompson (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor John Gallo
Members Absent: Mayor Tom Mrakas
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
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Phil Rose, Manager, Cultural Services
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Alex Wray, Manager, By-law Services
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
This meeting was held electronically due to technical difficulties in Council
Chambers.
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May 13, 2025 2
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 9:12 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:21 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.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Committee of the Whole approved the revised agenda as circulated by
Legislative Services.
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
The presentation was deferred to the Council meeting of May 27, 2025.
6. Delegations
6.1 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Items 7.4 - Finance Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2025; 11.1 - FIN25-029 - 2025 Investment
Policy Update and 2024 Year End Investment Results; and 16.1 - York
Regional Council Highlights of April 24, 2025
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May 13, 2025 3
The delegation was not present.
6.2 Blair Boston and Paige Boston, Residents; Re: Item 14.2 - PDS25-049 -
Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-03 - 10-12 Spruce Street
Blair Boston and Paige Boston spoke in support of the staff
recommendation, providing background and an overview of their
application process.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.2.
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.4 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 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
7.2 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
7.3 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
7.4 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2025
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May 13, 2025 4
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 15,
2025, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
8.1 CS25-010 - Release of Closed Session Reports from Purchase of 15157,
15165 and 15171 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS25-010 be deferred to the Committee of the Whole
meeting of June 10, 2025.
Motion to defer
Carried
8.2 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 28, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of March 28, 2025, be received for
information.
Carried
8.3 Agenda Items Approved on Consent
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the Agenda items of sections 9 through 16 inclusive be approved,
with the exception of items 9.1, 9.3, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 13.1, 14.1, 14.2,
15.1, 15.2, and 15.3, which were discussed and voted on separately.
Carried
Committee of the Whole consented to consider the items in the following order: 10.1,
9.1, 9.3, 10.2, 13.1, 11.1, 14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3.
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
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9.1 CMS25-011 - Public Art Strategy
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS25-011 be received; and
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
9.2 CMS25-012 - Community Partnership Grant - Status Update and
Recommendations for Future
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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
9.3 CMS25-013 - Sport Plan Update 2025-2029 - Additional Information
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS25-013 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the recommendations contained in the attached
Sport Plan update.
Carried
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
10.1 CS25-009 - Periodic Report from the Integrity Commissioner
Janice Atwood, Principles Integrity, provided an overview of the Integrity
Commissioner's Periodic Report.
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May 13, 2025 6
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS25-009 be received for information.
Carried
10.2 CS25-008 - Fence By-law Variance Request
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS25-008 be received for information.
Carried
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN25-029 - 2025 Investment Policy Update and 2024 Year End Investment
Results
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-029 be received; and
2. That Council approve the updated Investment Policy Statement
(Attachment 4).
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS25-012 - Fleury Park Redevelopment - Funding Increase
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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
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May 13, 2025 7
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
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 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
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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
14.2 PDS25-049 - Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-03 - 10-12 Spruce
Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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,
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May 13, 2025 8
being the installation of an interpretive plaque and a contribution to
the Heritage Reserve Fund.
Carried
15. Member Motions
15.1 Councillor Gallo; Re: Full Accounting of the Armoury
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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
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May 13, 2025 9
15.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Amendment to the Procedure By-law
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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.
iii. In addition to the general notice provisions of this Procedure By-
law, the Clerk shall provide notice of a Special Meeting of Council
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May 13, 2025 10
or Committee by circulating an agenda at least seven (7) days prior
to the date of the Meeting.
Carried
15.3 Councillor Gallo; Re: Land Data Modernization
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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
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;
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May 13, 2025 11
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
16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of April 24, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 24, 2025, be
received for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on the status of pickleball courts in
Town parks, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether there is a plan to remove the goldfish
that have been introduced into the farm pond at the Arboretum, and staff
provided a response.
Councillor Gallo requested an update on the status of the water feature upgrade
at Queen's Diamond Jubilee Park, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese inquired about the plan for improving communications and
cooperation between Regional and Town initiatives, with reference to a Regional
tree planting project and a Town-planned, multi-use path in the same area along
Wellington Street East. Staff provided a response.
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May 13, 2025 12
Councillor Weese requested an update on plans to mitigate the heat and provide
shade at Aurora Town Square, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese advised that residents have expressed the need for additional
seating for gathering spaces at Town Park, and staff agreed to investigate the
matter.
Councillor Weese requested an update on the status of the splash pad upgrades
at Town Park, and staff provided a response.
18. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Weese announced the following activities and events:
The Town, in partnership with Sport Aurora, will be hosting the 2025 Ontario
Martial Arts Championship & Qualifier Event at the Stronach Aurora
Recreation Complex on May 24-25, 2025.
The Aurora Public Library, in partnership with Startup Help, is offering the
Startup Help Apex Program/Workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs; for
information, visit startuphelp.ca.
The next Metrolinx Construction Liaison Committee meeting will be held on
May 29, 2025, and any residents with an interest in the Aurora GO and Yonge
Street bridge project may contact their community representative on the
Committee.
Reminder that the Aurora Farmers' Market and Artisan Fair is open every
Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Park.
The CONTACT Photography Festival exhibit, running until June 30, 2025, at
Aurora Town Square, will hold its opening reception at 6 p.m. on May 14,
2025.
Councillor Thompson announced the following activities and events:
Aurora's Youth Innovation Fair will be held on May 14, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9
p.m. at Town Hall; for information, visit aurora.ca/YouthInnovation.
Children and youth performers are invited to compete in Aurora's Performing
Arts Festival; for details and to enter by May 19, 2025, visit
aurora.ca/ArtsFestival.
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May 13, 2025 13
Residents are invited to safely dispose of old or unwanted electronics at the
Town's eWaste event on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at
the Joint Operations Centre; for details, visit aurora.ca/wasteandrecycling.
Residents are encouraged to help keep our streams, creeks, and Lake Simcoe
healthy and full of life by following the proper pool and spa discharge steps;
for information, visit aurora.ca/pools.
The Aurora Economic Development team recently launched a new podcast
series of conversations with local business leaders; to stream or download
the first four episodes of Off the Cuff, visit aurora.ca/OffTheCuff.
Councillor Gaertner noted the following observances:
The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous
Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People was recognized on May 5, 2025.
The month of May 2025 is recognized as Sexual Violence Prevention Month.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:21 p.m.