Minutes (Appointed) - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20250320
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, March 20, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Michael Thompson (Chair)
Bo Brkic
Lindsay Carvalho
Michelle Dakin (Vice Chair)
Jessie Fraser*
Steve Hall
Shannon Ippolito
Sean Noble*
Members Absent: Irene Clement
Other Attendees: Nichole Campsall, Cultural Development Coordinator*
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet Divisions
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
Moved by Lindsay Carvalho
Seconded by Steve Hall
1. That Michelle Dakin be appointed as Vice Chair of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee for a two-year term (2025-2026).
Carried
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2025 2
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
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Shannon Ippolito
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 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November
21, 2024
Moved by Bo Brkic
Seconded by Shannon Ippolito
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
of November 21, 2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
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March 20, 2025 3
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Cultural Services; Re: Public Art Strategy
Update
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and noted the existing
public art installations in Aurora. The Committee inquired about the
potential for private funding in relation to the Major Private Developments
site category, and suggested that greater detail on the development of the
Public Art Strategy and its implementation work plan be provided to the
Committee for further consideration and input.
Moved by Lindsay Carvalho
Seconded by Michelle Dakin
1. That the memorandum regarding the Public Art Strategy Update be
received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding the Public Art Strategy Update be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: 2025 Park Project
Updates
Staff gave an overview of the memorandum and provided additional
information on Fleury Park regarding the proposed priorities, based on
community feedback, and funding that would be required to include a
splash pad, playground accessibility features, and a new trail loop. The
Committee expressed support for an accessible playground and inquired
about the potential for external funding. The Committee further suggested
that the proposed capital projects for 2026 be brought forward for the
Committee’s consideration and input prior to the budget process.
Moved by Bo Brkic
Seconded by Shannon Ippolito
1. That the memorandum regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be
received; and
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
March 20, 2025 4
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding 2025 Park Project Updates be received and referred to staff
for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about follow-up information on the Sport Plan Refresh
and previous field user group statistics, and staff agreed to provide updates at a
future Committee meeting.
Staff encouraged all to attend the grand opening of the new gymnasium addition
at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m., including a ribbon cutting and many free activities, noting that
details are available at aurora.ca/SARCGym and permitting is being finalized.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Lindsay Carvalho
Seconded by Bo Brkic
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Carried