Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20250610
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, June 10, 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
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
Nancy Fleming, Manager, Engineering and Capital Delivery
Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 9:31 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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June 10, 2025 2
Committee of the Whole consented to extend the hour to 11:10 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to further extend the hour to 11:15 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 on a two-thirds majority vote to include the addition of
Delegations items 6.5 and 6.6, and Member Motions item 15.4.
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 Javed S. Khan, President and Chair, and Melanie Pearson, Chair, Induction
Committee; Re: Aurora Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductees
Javed Khan and Melanie Pearson announced the 2025 Class of Inductees
to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame: Erlinda Biondic (Athlete, Running); Kris
King (Athlete, Hockey); Heather Morning (Coach, Hockey); and Robert Reid
(Athlete, Football). An invitation was extended to all for the 12th Annual
Induction Celebration Evening on November 6, 2025, at Royal Venetian
Mansion.
Committee of the Whole received the presentation for information.
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6. Delegations
6.1 Christopher Harris, Resident; Re: Tamarac Trail Safety
Katelyn Harris, on behalf of Christopher Harris, spoke to concerns
regarding pedestrian safety and walkability on Tamarac Trail, due to
excessive car speeds and a sharp bend at the west end of the road.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.2 Samia Anwer, Climate Policy Analyst, and Maryam Shekarrizfard, Manager,
Research and Innovation, The Atmospheric Fund; Re 2023 Community
Emissions Data and Progress on Climate Policies
Committee of the Whole consented to extend the delegation to ten minutes.
Samia Anwer, Climate Policy Analyst, and Maryam Shekarrizfard, Manager,
Research and Innovation, The Atmospheric Fund, presented a carbon
inventory of Aurora to identify the sources of emissions. Further
information was shared regarding possible policy recommendations
across four sectors, including the benefits of a Home Energy Retrofit Loan
Program initiative.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.3 Cathy Williams, Chair, and Lynne Logan, Treasurer, Aurora Farmers' Market;
Re: Funding/Partnership
Cathy Williams, Chair, accompanied by Lynne Logan, Treasurer, Aurora
Farmers' Market, presented an overview of the Market's inception,
statistics, and financial details and outlined current challenges
surrounding staffing limitations. It was requested that Council consider
providing additional funding or staffing support to the Market to manage
its logistics.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.4 Kathy Duncan, Climate Action Newmarket Aurora; Re: Request for Motion to
Oppose Ontario Bills 5 and 17
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Kathy Duncan of Climate Action Newmarket Aurora presented concerns
surrounding recently passed Bill 5 Protect Ontario by Unleashing our
Economy Act, 2025 and Bill 17 Protect Ontario by Building Faster and
Smarter Act, 2025, and their potential effects on Aurora's Official Plan,
green building initiatives, endangered species and the environment. It was
requested that Council pass a motion to oppose both Bills as proposed by
the Province of Ontario.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.5 Lindsay D'Andrade-Phillip, Resident; Re: Item 14.3 - PDS25-057 - Traffic
Calming Request on Heathwood Heights Drive and McClenny Drive
Lindsay D'Andrade-Phillip expressed concerns regarding the results of
recent traffic monitoring on McClenny Drive, and the location and length of
installation of the device to properly capture data. It was requested that
alternate solutions be explored to manage traffic calming in this
neighbourhood.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.3.
6.6 Jordan Drodge, Resident; Re: Tamarac Trail Safety Traffic Issues
Jordan Drodge spoke to Tamarac Trail traffic and pedestrian safety
concerns.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.2 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2025
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1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May
12, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2025
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
June 4, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Agenda items of sections 8 through 16 inclusive be approved, with the
exception of items 8.1, 9.1, 13.1, 14.1, 14.3, 15.2, 15.3, and 15.4, which were
discussed and voted on separately.
Carried
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 received for information.
Carried
8.2 FIN25-027 - Historical Summary of the Town’s Reserve Balances
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-027 be received for information.
Carried
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
9.1 CMS25-017 - 24hr Warming and Cooling Emergency Centres - Feasibility
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS25-017 be received; and
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2. That staff be directed to report back by September 2025 on a pilot
project to establish an emergency warming centre during the 2025-2026
winter season within an existing Town facility.
Carried as amended
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
None.
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS25-014 - 2024-2025 Windrow Program Pilot Year-End Report
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS25-014 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to report back by September 2025 on the various
funding models to consider the continuation of the windrow pilot
program for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Carried as amended
13.2 OPS25-016 - Salt Management Plan Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS25-016 be received; and
2. That the updated Salt Management Plan (May 2025) be adopted.
Carried
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
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14.1 PDS25-059 - Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study
Janice Ashworth, Senior Consultant, Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors,
presented an overview of the results of the Phase One: Feasibility Study
for the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program, including Aurora's emissions
profiles, retrofit options and loan programs available to the Town, related
delivery costs, and potential energy and greenhouse gas savings.
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-059 be received; and
2. That Council endorse the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program
Feasibility Study, and direct staff to move forward with the Program
Design Study.
Carried
14.2 PDS25-058 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, 1000259515
Ontario Inc., 240 Industrial Parkway South, Lot 57, Plan 10328, File Number:
ZBA-2024-06
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-058 be received; and
2. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2024-06 be approved
to rezone the subject property to “General Industrial Exception E2(569)
Zone”, as outlined in Appendix “B”; and
3. That the implementing By-law for the Zoning By-law Amendment be
brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment.
Carried
14.3 PDS25-057 - Traffic Calming Request on Heathwood Heights Drive and
McClenny Drive
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-057 be received for information.
Carried
15. Member Motions
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15.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Procedure By-law Review
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the current Procedure By-law does not fully align with the
Municipal Act, 2001; and
Whereas the governance structure and meeting practices of Council have
evolved and are not accurately reflected in the existing Procedure By-law;
and
Whereas it is essential that the Procedure By-law provide a clear,
consistent, and legislatively compliant framework for how Council
conducts its business, in order to promote transparency, accountability,
and effective governance;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
undertake a comprehensive review of the Procedure By-law; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Clerk be directed to update the
Procedure By-law to ensure alignment with current legislation,
including the Municipal Act, and to reflect the governance structure
and meeting practices currently in place; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the revised Procedure By-law be brought
forward to Council for consideration and ratification by the end of
2025.
Carried
15.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Full Accounting of 15157, 15165, 15171 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Town of Aurora purchased the properties located at 15157,
15165, and 15171 Yonge Street on July 30, 2020; and
Whereas transparency and accountability in municipal acquisitions and
asset management are critical to informed decision-making and public
trust;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
prepare a comprehensive report outlining:
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The full acquisition costs for each of the properties located at
15157, 15165, and 15171 Yonge Street, including purchase price,
legal and professional fees, due diligence costs, and any other
associated acquisition-related expenditures; and
Any rental income received to date from tenants occupying the
properties since the date of acquisition; and
All operating and maintenance expenses incurred for each property
since acquisition, including but not limited to utilities, insurance,
repairs, and property management; and
Any capital investments made to date in relation to these
properties; and
An overview of the current occupancy status and any leasing
arrangements in place; and
A summary of the net financial position (i.e., income vs. expenses)
of the properties since acquisition, and
2. Be It Further Resolved 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
15.3 Councillor Gallo; Re: 2026 Budget
Committee of the Whole consented to vote on clauses 1 and 3 separately from
clauses 2, 4, and 5.
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas many residents and small businesses in the Town of Aurora
continue to face significant financial challenges due to inflation, rising
interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures; and
Whereas municipalities have a responsibility to support their communities
during difficult economic times by practicing fiscal restraint and ensuring
affordability; and
Whereas the unemployment rate in Ontario has recently increased to 7.8%;
and
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Whereas an estimated 33,000 Ontario jobs have been lost as a result of
tariffs; and
Whereas unemployment leads to reduced consumer spending, which
results in reduced Provincial revenue and therefore reduced Provincial
funding to municipalities and ultimately uncertainty/risk in municipal
budgets; and
Whereas a 0% tax increase for the 2026 fiscal year would provide much-
needed relief to households and help local businesses stabilize in a still-
recovering economy; and
Whereas it is essential to maintain core services and infrastructure while
finding innovative ways to reduce costs, defer non-essential capital
projects, and increase operational efficiency;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Mayor be requested to
prepare the draft 2026 operating and capital budgets based on a 0%
municipal property tax increase; and
2. That the Mayor be requested not to reduce service levels in the 2026
Budget; and
3. That the request to the Mayor also include the one percent increase for
fiscal strategy, which funds capital reserves, be funded from the Tax
Rate Stabilization Reserve (estimated to be $630,000); and
4. That the Mayor, as part of the 2026 Budget, requires that staff identify
and recommend;
Temporary cost-containment measures, including reduced
discretionary spending and hiring freezes;
Phased or deferred capital projects that will not compromise safety
or core service delivery, and can be responsibly postponed;
Opportunities for grant funding or cost-sharing with other levels of
government to offset planned expenditures;
Increased operational efficiencies through technology,
interdepartmental collaboration, and service delivery reviews;
A review of existing reserves and reserve fund allocations to ensure
financial flexibility while maintaining long-term sustainability;
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Options for engaging the public to gather feedback and priorities,
ensuring transparency and community alignment in budget
decisions; and
5. That Council affirms its commitment to fiscal responsibility and
economic support for residents, and that this motion be circulated to
the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for their awareness.
Clauses 1 and 3 Carried
Clauses 2, 4, and 5 Carried
15.4 Councillor Kim; Re: Development Charges Deferral for all Housing Types
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Province of Ontario has passed Bill 17, Protect Ontario by
Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, which permits the deferral of
development charges (DCs) for all residential developments until the time
of occupancy; and
Whereas the current Town of Aurora DC by-law and administrative
practices has yet to implement the DC deferrals for both low-, mid- and
high-rise developments; and
Whereas the deferral of DCs until occupancy may support housing
affordability, encourage a broader range of residential construction, and
reduce up-front financial pressure on developers building low-, mid- and
high-density projects; and
Whereas other jurisdictions, including York Region, have implemented
structured DC deferral programs for a range of residential initiatives, and
the Province now enables all lower-tier municipalities to do the same; and
Whereas Aurora currently has 23 applications approved by Council
totalling 4,200 housing units that have yet to submit building permits;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to update
the Town’s development charges by-law and administrative
procedures to comply with the residential DC deferral provisions of
Bill 17 when the changes of the legislation come into effect.
Carried
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16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of May 22, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of May 22, 2025, be received
for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Weese referred to the community’s concerns surrounding the
impending installation of a double track by Metrolinx across Wellington Street
and the impact on traffic, and inquired about the need for traffic studies in the
area of Wellington Street, Centre Street and Industrial Parkway to assess the
impact, and staff agreed to follow up.
Councillor Weese inquired about the possibility of updating traffic calming
warrants to address safety issues for smaller streets lacking the volume to pass
existing warrants, and staff agreed to follow up.
Councillor Gilliland requested clarification as to how concerns regarding Bill 5,
Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 and Bill 17, Protect Ontario
by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 can be relayed to the Province, and the
Mayor provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner emphasized the need for staff reports to be brought forward
to Council on Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 and Bill
17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 once all the details
have been provided by the Province.
Councillor Gallo referred to the recent news on Metrolinx’s end of partnership
with Deutsche Bahn for GO Expansion projects and suggested the need to obtain
clarification on any potential impact on Aurora.
18. Public Service Announcements
Mayor Mrakas announced the appointment of Terri Watman as a citizen member
to the Aurora Public Library Board.
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Councillor Gallo announced the following events celebrating June as Italian
Heritage Month:
The Aurora Soccer Club is celebrating with Viva Italia Soccer Celebration on
June 14, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. with a soccer match, Italian food, music, and
more.
Aurora Film Circuit and partner Royal Rose Gallery will present a special
screening of the award-winning Canadian documentary, “The South” at the
Cineplex Odeon Aurora Cinemas, on June 16, 2025, at 7 p.m.
The Royal Rose Gallery will host an event, Autori and Amaretti, on June 19,
2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. celebrating literature, language and culture.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the NBA finals match between Indiana Pacers and
Oklahoma City Thunder will be streamed at Aurora Town Square on June 11,
2025, at 8:30 p.m. to support Auroran Andrew Nembhard.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.