Minutes (Appointed) - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - 20251120
Town of Aurora
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, November 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
Charles Legge
Sean Noble*
Members Absent: Irene Clement
Shannon Ippolito
Other Attendees: Michelle Johnson, Coordinator, Collections and Exhibitions
Hailey Jones, Sport and Community Development Specialist*
Glen McArthur, Engineer, Municipal
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet Divisions*
Lisa Warth, Manager, Recreation
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 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,
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November 20, 2025 2
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 Steve Hall
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 September
18, 2025
Moved by Sean Noble
Seconded by Jessie Fraser
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting minutes
of September 18, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator; Re: Community
Reflection Space Design Update
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November 20, 2025 3
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and update regarding
the selection of Town Hall as Aurora’s new Community Reflection Space.
Adam Nordfors, Associate, Landscape Architecture, FOTENN, presented
an overview of the design development approach and key elements of the
thirty percent design proposal for the Community Reflection Space.
The Committee, staff, and consultant discussed various aspects of the
space including concerns regarding how to maintain a clear distinction
between a quiet reflection space and political activity; multi-purpose
vehicle barriers; creation of a natural, secluded space that encourages
peaceful interaction; and possible use of the space as a shortcut.
Moved by Steve Hall
Seconded by Charles Legge
1. That the memorandum regarding Community Reflection Space Design
Update be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Community Reflection Space Design Update be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Recreation; Re: Sport Plan Working Groups -
Consultation
Staff presented an update on the approach to implementing some of the
strategies of the Sport Plan Update noting that diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI) is now part of the overarching goal and flows through all
four pillars of the Plan. Staff further provided an overview of the updated
sport action plan including the launching of a Leadership Working Group,
Governance Working Group, and Environmental Scan Working Group, with
a focus on obtaining feedback on the environmental scan surveys toward
a better understanding of who is being served in Aurora’s sport landscape.
The Committee and staff discussed aspects of the environmental scan
cohort 1 and cohort 2 survey questions including the risk of duplication of
data collection and burden on LSOs (local sport organizations) and CSOs
(community sport organizations); consistency of data collection over time;
feedback to reduce cohort 1 questions; benefits of participation in survey;
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November 20, 2025 4
communication languages; provision of opt-out mechanism for questions
and identification of baseline questions for participation; and flexibility in
the timing and collection periods to complete surveys.
Moved by Sean Noble
Seconded by Bo Brkic
1. That the memorandum regarding Sport Plan Working Groups -
Consultation be received; and
2. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comments
regarding Sport Plan Working Groups - Consultation be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
8.1 Memorandum from Manager of Parks and Fleet; Re: 2026 Budget: Park
Projects
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum including major
projects for 2026 and continuing multi-year projects.
The Committee inquired about the Fleury Park renovations and staff
provided a response.
Moved by Bo Brkic
Seconded by Steve Hall
1. That the memorandum regarding 2026 Budget: Park Projects be
received for information.
Carried
9. New Business
The Committee requested that staff provide an update at the next meeting
regarding the status of work being done on an additional indoor (dome) field, and
staff agreed to follow up.
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November 20, 2025 5
10. Adjournment
Moved by Michelle Dakin
Seconded by Charles Legge
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Carried