Minutes - Council - 20250624
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, June 24, 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
Michelle Outar, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:03 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
June 24, 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
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the rules of procedure be waived to allow the addition of two Member
Motions from Councillor Weese regarding (1) Opposition to Bill 5, Protect
Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, and (2) Opposition to Bill
17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, requiring a
two-thirds majority vote.
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and
Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Defeated (4 to 3)
Yeas (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson, Councillor
Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (2): Councillor Gilliland, and Councillor Gaertner
Main motion
Carried (5 to 2)
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.
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June 24, 2025 3
5. Community Presentations
5.1 Miranda Link, Youth & Community Development Coordinator, and Sparrow
Als, Youth Programmer; Re: John West Memorial Scholarship Award
Presentation
Sparrow Als presented an overview of the achievements and community
involvement of the John West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow”
Scholarship Award 2025 recipients: Hailey Graham, graduate of Dr. G. W.
Williams Secondary School; and Dabria Peta-Dragos, graduate of St.
Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School. Hailey and Dabria were presented
with their awards and congratulated by the Mayor, Members of Council,
and Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services.
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
Delegations item 6.2 was considered prior to item 6.1.
6.1 Boris Gartsbein, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.1 - OPS25-014 - 2024-2025 Windrow
Program Pilot Year-End Report
Boris Gartsbein spoke in support of continuing the Windrow Program and
emphasized the importance of establishing a reasonable cost for
participants.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
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June 24, 2025 4
6.2 Jordan Drodge, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.1 - OPS25-014 - 2024-2025 Windrow
Program Pilot Year-End Report
Jordan Drodge spoke in support of continuing the Windrow Program.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.1.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.8 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 May 27, 2025
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2025, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of May 27, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of May 27, 2025, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 27, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of May 27,
2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2025 5
7.4 Council Closed Session Minutes of June 10, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of June 10, 2025, be adopted
as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of June 10,
2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.6 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.7 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2025
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2025, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.8 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
March 4, 2025
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 4, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of June 10, 2025
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of June 10, 2025, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.3.1, 8.7.1, 8.9.3, and 8.9.4, which were discussed and
voted on separately as recorded below.
Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2025 6
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 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of May 12,
2025
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
May 12, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 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
8.2 Consent Agenda
8.2.1 CS25-010 - Release of Closed Session Reports from Purchase of
15157, 15165 and 15171 Yonge Street
1. That Report No. CS25-010 be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 FIN25-027 - Historical Summary of the Town’s Reserve Balances
1. That Report No. FIN25-027 be received for information.
Carried
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS25-017 - 24hr Warming and Cooling Emergency Centres -
Feasibility
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. CMS25-017 be received, and
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June 24, 2025 7
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
None.
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS25-014 - 2024-2025 Windrow Program Pilot Year-End Report
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.7.2 OPS25-016 - Salt Management Plan Update
1. That Report No. OPS25-016 be received; and
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June 24, 2025 8
2. That the updated Salt Management Plan (May 2025) be
adopted.
Carried
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS25-059 - Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study
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
8.8.2 PDS25-058 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, 1000259515
Ontario Inc., 240 Industrial Parkway South, Lot 57, Plan 10328, File
Number: ZBA-2024-06
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
8.8.3 PDS25-057 - Traffic Calming Request on Heathwood Heights Drive
and McClenny Drive
1. That Report No. PDS25-057 be received for information.
Carried
8.9 Member Motions
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June 24, 2025 9
8.9.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Procedure By-law Review
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
8.9.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Full Accounting of 15157, 15165, 15171 Yonge
Street
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:
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
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June 24, 2025 10
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
8.9.3 Councillor Gallo; Re: 2026 Budget
Council consented to vote on clauses 1 and 3 separately from clauses 2,
4, and 5.
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
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
Whereas an estimated 33,000 Ontario jobs have been lost as a
result of tariffs; and
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June 24, 2025 11
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);
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;
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June 24, 2025 12
A review of existing reserves and reserve fund allocations to
ensure financial flexibility while maintaining long-term
sustainability;
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.
Yeas (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
and Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Clauses 1 and 3
Carried (4 to 3)
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Clauses 2, 4, and 5
Carried (7 to 0)
8.9.4 Councillor Kim; Re: Development Charges Deferral for all Housing
Types
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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;
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;
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June 24, 2025 13
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;
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;
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.
Yeas (3): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (4): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner,
and Councillor Gallo
Defeated (3 to 4)
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of May 22, 2025
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of May 22, 2025, be
received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 FIN25-038 - Interim Forecast Update - as of April 30, 2025
Motion to refer
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2025 14
1. That Report No. FIN25-038 be referred to the Committee of the Whole
meeting of September 9, 2025.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Motion to refer
Carried (7 to 0)
10. New Business
Councillor Thompson inquired about whether staff would be reporting on the
municipal impacts of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,
2025, and Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, and
staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the official opening of the David Tomlinson
Nature Reserve, including the butterfly park, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner noted her participation at the Mortgage Burning Party held at
the Aurora Legion on June 21, 2025, and emphasized the importance of the
Legion to the community and opportunities to support them.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about an item in a recent Council update from the
Chief Administrative Officer, and staff provided a response. Councillor Gilliland
noted that the recently renovated Petch House would be available for wedding
ceremonies by summer 2025.
Councillor Gilliland referenced the recent screenings of NBA games at Aurora
Town Square and inquired about whether staff could report on the financial and
other impacts of these events, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese referenced the delegation request at the June 24, 2025 Audit
Committee meeting and inquired about the communications plan to engage
public participation in the upcoming budget, and staff provided a response.
Mayor Mrakas recognized the efforts of local Auroran and NBA player Andrew
Nembhard and his team in the NBA Championship, and noted the success of the
Aurora Town Square game watch parties.
Council Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2025 15
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6713-25 - 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.
11.2 By-law Number 6714-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 240 Industrial
Parkway South (File No. ZBA-2024-06).
11.3 By-law Number 6715-25 - Being a By-law to establish land on Plan M-1457
as a highway.
11.4 By-law Number 6716-25 - Being a By-law to exempt Lots 20 to 31 on Plan
65M-4836 from part-lot control (File No. PLC-2025-01).
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.4 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.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6717-25 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on June 24, 2025
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
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June 24, 2025 16
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Tom as Mayor
Carried
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk