Minutes (Appointed) - Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee - 20250611
Town of Aurora
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
10 a.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Diane Buchanan (Chair)
Mayor Tom Mrakas*
Arif Faheem Khan*
Elaine Martini*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Members Absent: Phiona Durrant
Patricia Wallace (Vice Chair)
Other Attendees: Shelley Ware, Supervisor, Special Events
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
*Attended electronically
____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Deputy Town Clerk called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
Diane Buchanan was appointed Chair for this meeting, and assumed Chair at
10.11 a.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,
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025 2
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
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
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 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 9, 2025
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Round Table Discussion; Re: Nomination and Selection Process
Staff provided a brief overview of the nomination and selection process
for this year's awards and sought the Committee's feedback for the future.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the availability of an evaluation
matrix as it made the overall process efficient. The Committee and staff
discussed about the possibility of retaining 2025 nominations to be re-
evaluated with the new nominations for 2026 to reduce barriers for
organizations to resubmit nominations. The Committee expressed
support to explore the option to retain nominations provided that they are
thoroughly reviewed to validate the merits of the nomination.
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding the Nomination and Selection Process be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Round Table Discussion; Re: Awards Ceremony and Reception Debrief
Staff provided an overview of the 2025 Awards Ceremony and highlighted
the changes in the awards ceremony and reception from previous years.
The Committee expressed appreciation for all the positive comments and
feedback received. The Committee inquired about the possibility of
making the photo session after each award efficient by having a
designated photographer, and staff agreed to follow up.
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding the Awards Ceremony and Reception Debrief
be received and referred to staff for consideration and further
action as appropriate.
Carried
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
June 11, 2025 4
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
Staff advised that the Heritage Advisory Committee has expressed an interest to
include the Heritage Award as part of the Community Recognition Awards. The
Committee inquired about the details of this category and staff agreed to
investigate and follow up.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Jo-anne Spitzer
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:42 a.m.
Carried