Policy - Ratepayers Association - 20250801
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Policy
Legislative Services
Contact: Deputy Town Clerk
Approval Authority: Aurora Town Council
Effective: January 1, 2014
Revised: August 1, 2025
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Ratepayers Association
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to staff and external affected parties
who are currently part of, or plan to start a Ratepayers Association.
Scope
This policy applies to the Ratepayers Associations in the Town of Aurora (the “Town”),
and Town staff involved in the administration of Ratepayers Associations.
Definitions
Executive
The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer elected at a Ratepayer
Association’s annual meeting.
Member
A person, resident and / or landowner residing in the geographically bounded area of a
Ratepayers Association who has submitted their name as part of the group’s
membership.
Ratepayers Association
A group of residents and / or landowners within a geographically bounded area that
come together to address issues affecting their neighbourhood.
Town Clerk
The “Town Clerk” as defined in the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, or their
designate.
Policy
The Town is committed to supporting civic engagement through the registration of
Ratepayers Associations. This policy defines the framework for the administration of
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Ratepayers Associations in order to maintain a record of active Ratepayers
Associations in the Town.
Requirements
In order to register as a Ratepayers Association, groups must:
• Elect a formal executive team
• Represent no less than 10 households, or contain a membership of at least 20
persons
• Submit completed “Town of Aurora Ratepayers Association Registration Form”
including a list of all members and a map outlining the boundaries of the
Ratepayers Association to the Town
Renewing Ratepayers Associations are required to:
• Have held one meeting in the preceding 12 month period
• Elect a formal executive team
• Represent no less than 10 households, or contain a membership of at least 20
persons
• Submit completed “Town of Aurora Ratepayers Association Renewal Form”
confirming requirements have been met
• Submit an updated membership list, upon request, to the Town
Any new or existing Associations that fail to comply with Town requirements will not be
considered a registered Ratepayers Association.
Guidelines
The Town Clerk has discretion over the registration of Ratepayers Associations,
including geographical boundaries and name of the Ratepayers Association. As a
guideline, it is suggested that:
• Catchment area does not exceed one concession block in size
• The name is reflective of the area or concern being represented
Entitlements
Once the application has been approved, the Ratepayers Association is entitled to the
following benefits:
• Recognition as a Ratepayer Association to speak on behalf of their membership
at Aurora Town Council and Committee meetings
• Listing on the Town website and any other Town material containing Ratepayers
information
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• Based on availability, and in accordance with the Town’s Policy – Facility
Allocation and / or any other applicable policies, provision of meeting room
space for one meeting per year at no cost
Responsibilities
All Staff
• Provide Ratepayers Association information to council, staff and the public
• Maintain a list of registered Ratepayers Associations
• Notify registered Ratepayers Associations of upcoming planning applications in
their area, in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13
• Coordinate annual room booking with registered Ratepayers Associations
Town Clerk
• Review and approve of Ratepayers Association applications
Registered Ratepayers Associations
• Hold a general meeting at least once every 12 months
• Maintain status through registration with the Town
• Manage all functions of the Ratepayers Association, including membership,
meetings, and other administrative duties that may occur
• Notify the Town if executive changes or Ratepayers Association dissolves
Monitoring and Maintenance
C.A.O. / directors / managers / supervisors and employees should work collaboratively
to resolve issues related to this policy. Any employee found to be disrespecting the
terms of this policy other than under exceptional circumstances, emergencies or
operational requirement is subject to an investigation and discipline deemed
appropriate by their immediate supervisor, Human Resources, the Town Clerk and / or
C.A.O.
This policy will be reviewed two years from its effective or revision date, in accordance
with the Town of Aurora’s policy maintenance schedule.
References
• Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25
• Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13
o This act provides that appeals to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
(L.P.A.T.) may be filed by “persons”. Groups or associations, such as
residents or ratepayer groups that are not incorporated, may not be
considered “persons” for purposes of the Act. The Town does not provide
any advice on L.P.A.T. appeals or anything related to incorporation.
• Policy – Facility Allocation
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• Ratepayers Association Registration Form
• Ratepayers Association Renewal Form