Minutes (Appointed) - Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee - 20251112
Town of Aurora
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
10 a.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)*
Diane Buchanan
Phiona Durrant*
Arif Faheem Khan*
Elaine Martini*
Jo-anne Spitzer
Patricia Wallace (Vice Chair)
Other Attendees: Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Shelley Ware, Supervisor, Special Events
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:05 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,
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.
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November 12, 2025 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Patricia Wallace
Seconded by Phiona Durrant
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
June 11, 2025
Moved by Jo-anne Spitzer
Seconded by Elaine Martini
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 11, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Round Table Discussion; Re: Inclusion of Heritage Award
Staff provided background and an overview of the potential to add the
Heritage Award as a category as suggested by the Heritage Advisory
Committee. The Committee and staff discussed solidifying the eligibility
criteria, timelines, and next steps for inclusion next year. There was further
discussion regarding the selection process and that it adheres to the
evaluation matrix.
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November 12, 2025 3
The Committee supported the inclusion of the Heritage Award as an
additional category.
Moved by Diane Buchanan
Seconded by Phiona Durrant
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding Inclusion of Heritage Award be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Round Table Discussion; Re: Alternate Location for the Awards Ceremony
The Committee discussed the possibility of an alternate venue for the
awards ceremony instead of the Council Chambers at Town Hall. The
Committee suggested to consider another Town facility noting that the
location should enhance the overall experience of the ceremony while
maintaining cost and accessibility. It was suggested that the Performance
Hall at Town Square should be explored as a possible alternate venue.
A further suggestion was made to gather feedback from past award
recipients regarding an alternate venue, and staff agreed to follow up.
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Diane Buchanan
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding Alternate Location for the Awards Ceremony be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee requested that the current Community Recognition Award
evaluation matrix be included for review and discussion at the next meeting.
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November 12, 2025 4
10. Adjournment
Moved by Elaine Martini
Seconded by Phiona Durrant
That the meeting be adjourned at 10:41 a.m.
Carried