Minutes (Appointed) - Environmental Advisory Committee - 20251020
Town of Aurora
Environmental Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, October 20, 2025
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Ron Weese (Chair)
Shun Chen*
Jason Cheng*
Angela Daust
Leta Dayfoot
Denis Heng
Ken Turriff (Vice Chair)
Members Absent: Victor Carvalho
Alain Godin
Other Attendees: Natalie Kehle, Program Manager, Energy and Environment
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 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
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
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 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025
Moved by Angela Daust
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
16, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Analyst, Energy and Climate Change; Re: 2024 Energy
and Environment Progress Update
Will Stover, Analyst, Energy and Climate Change, presented an overview of
the 2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update with a focus on the
five main environmental themes of water conservation, waste reduction
and diversion, natural capital and biodiversity, energy and greenhouse gas
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025 3
emissions, and climate resiliency, including sustainable design measures
implemented at Aurora Town Square.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and inquired
about the availability of more year-over-year comparison data, including
thresholds, to provide context around the Town’s progress and remaining
work. Staff provided a response, including clarification on rain barrel sales
and urban tree replacements, noting more data will be available in future.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding the Town’s rehabilitation
plan for streams abutting public lands only, and the need to approach
stream rehabilitation holistically, including on private lands. Staff agreed
to share the concerns with the appropriate staff.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding maintenance of the urban
tree canopy and the ability to meet future coverage targets in relation to
new developments, and suggested that developers should be deterred
from removing mature trees and use native species for replacement trees.
Staff noted that developers must meet the requirements of the Town’s
Green Development Standards and Tree Compensation By-law, currently
under review, as well as landscape design and stormwater management
expectations. Staff provided clarification on the Green Development
Standards applications received in 2024. It was further noted that staff
have been requested to investigate and create an inventory of culturally
significant trees with potential heritage value.
The Committee requested information on the Town’s funding request to
the Green Municipal Fund for support of tree canopy growth, and
suggested that boulevard trees should be mandatory throughout the
Town, noting that some older neighbourhoods have no boulevard trees.
The Committee inquired about whether the Town has considered the
concept of micro or mini forests, known to contribute to the overall tree
canopy and biodiversity, and staff agreed to follow up.
The Committee suggested an increased focus on providing residents with
education on the tree canopy, water conservation, planting native species,
gardening, landscaping, and managing invasive species. The Committee
inquired about a possible brainstorming opportunity to discuss ideas on
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025 4
how to increase awareness and education, and to recognize community
members for championing environmental goals.
The Committee discussed the need to integrate climate projections into
building design for energy efficiency, urban forest canopy, and stormwater
management.
The Committee further suggested that the Town’s by-laws regulating front
gardens and lawns be relaxed to allow for alternatives such as native and
pollinator-friendly plantings, and xeriscaping.
The Committee referred to the Town’s upcoming transition to a new blue
box recycling program and requested that more details on curbside waste
be provided at the next meeting, and that informing residents of the
changes be prioritized.
The Committee referred to the presented trails-per-residents ratio and
suggested that data metrics from comparator communities would be
useful in future reporting.
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Leta Dayfoot
1. That the memorandum regarding 2024 Energy and Environment
Progress Update be received; and
2. That the Environmental Advisory Committee comments regarding
2024 Energy and Environment Progress Update be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
None.
Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025 5
10. Adjournment
Moved by Ken Turriff
Seconded by Angela Daust
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Carried