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Minutes - Council - 20251125 Town of Aurora Council Meeting Minutes Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 7 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair) Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Rachel Gilliland* Councillor Wendy Gaertner (arrived 7:03 p.m.) 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 Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications Phillip Rose, Manager, Cultural Services Michael de Rond, Town Clerk Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator *Attended electronically _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 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, Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 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 Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Kim That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Absent (1): Councillor Gaertner Carried (6 to 0) 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. Community Presentations None. 6. Delegations 6.1 Nada Ismail, Resident; Re: Item 8.9.1 - Councillor Weese; Re: Renoviction in the Town of Aurora Nada Ismail, on behalf of the residents of 14 and 18 Wellington Street East, spoke in support of the Member Motion, and shared their concerns regarding the potential renoviction from their homes. Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Thompson Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 3 That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 8.9.1. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 6.2 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Item 8.9.4 - Councillor Gilliland; Re: Budget Cost Transparency and Public Trust Shawn Deane spoke in support of the Member Motion. Moved by Councillor Gallo Seconded by Councillor Weese That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 8.9.4. 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 Gallo Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.9 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 October 28, 2025 1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of October 28, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.2 Special Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2025 1. That the Special Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 4 7.3 Council Closed Session Minutes of November 11, 2025 1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of November 11, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.4 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 11, 2025 1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of November 11, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.5 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 3, 2025 1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 3, 2025, be received for information. Carried 7.6 Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 10, 2025 1. That the Budget Committee Meeting Report of November 10, 2025, be received for information. Carried 7.7 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of November 17, 2025 1. That the Special Meeting of Council Minutes of November 17, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried 7.8 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025 1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2025, be received for information. Carried 7.9 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025 1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025, be adopted as circulated. Carried Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 5 8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of November 11, 2025 Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of November 11, 2025, be received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the exception of sub-items 8.3.1, 8.4.1, and 8.5.2, which were discussed and voted on separately as recorded below. 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 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2025 1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2025, be received for information. Carried 8.1.2 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025 1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025, be received for information. Carried 8.2 Consent Agenda 8.2.1 Correspondence from Mayor Elizabeth Roy, Town of Whitby; Re: Extended Producer Responsibility for Blue Box Recycling Collection and Impacts to Small Businesses Located in Mixed-Use Properties 1. That the Correspondence from Mayor Elizabeth Roy, Town of Whitby, regarding Extended Producer Responsibility for Blue Box Recycling Collection and Impacts to Small Businesses Located in Mixed-Use Properties be received; and 2. That Aurora Town Council supports the resolution adopted by the Town of Whitby Council regarding Extended Producer Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 6 Responsibility for Blue Box Recycling Collection and Impacts to Small Businesses located in Mixed-Use Properties; and 3. That this motion of support be sent to the Town of Whitby, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA). Carried 8.2.2 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 26, 2025 1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of September 26, 2025, be received for information. Carried 8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda 8.3.1 CMS25-032 - Aurora Town Square Business Plan Update Main motion Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That Report No. CMS25-032 be received; and 2. That the Aurora Town Square Business Plan, 2026-2027 be approved. Amendment Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson That the main motion be amended by adding the following clause: That staff report back to Council biannually with an Aurora Town Square performance update, including financial results, attendance and booking metrics, programming outcomes, and Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 7 progress toward the revenue and utilization targets identified in the Business Plan. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) Main motion as amended Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson 1. That Report No. CMS25-032 be received; and 2. That the Aurora Town Square Business Plan, 2026-2027 be approved; and 3. That staff report back to Council biannually with an Aurora Town Square performance update, including financial results, attendance and booking metrics, programming outcomes, and progress toward the revenue and utilization targets identified in the Business Plan. 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 8.4.1 CS25-022 - Fence By-law Variance Request - 18 Sirona's Lane Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gallo 1. That Report No. CS25-022 be received; and 2. That Council approve the applicant’s request for a Fence variance at 18 Sirona’s Lane, until such time that the fence requires replacement. Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 8 Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner Carried (6 to 1) 8.4.2 CS25-021 - Use of Corporate Resources for Election Campaign Purposes Policy 1. That Report No. CS25-021 be received; and 2. That the Use of Corporate Resources for Election Campaign Purposes policy (attachment 1) be approved. Carried 8.4.3 CS25-023 - Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Terms of Reference 1. That Report No. CS25-023 be received; and 2. That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force be approved. Carried 8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda 8.5.1 FIN25-053 - 2025 Interim Forecast Update - as of August 31, 2025 1. That Report No. FIN25-053 be received for information. Carried 8.5.2 FIN25-057 - York Region Development Incentives Collaboration and Other Development Charge Policies Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Weese 1. That Report No. FIN25-057 be received; and 2. That the York Region Development Incentives Collaboration Policy (Attachment #1) be approved; and 3. That the Development Charges Credit and Reimbursement Policy (Attachment #2) be approved; and 4. That the Development Charges Refund Policy (Attachment #3) be approved. Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 9 Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 8.6 Administration Committee Agenda None. 8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda 8.7.1 OPS25-023 - Waste Collection Downtown Core Businesses (former BIA) 1. That Report No. OPS25-023 be received; and 2. That the December 2, 2024 Council direction to stop the collection of recycling, solid waste, and compost from non- eligible source Downtown Core businesses (former BIA) be rescinded; and 3. That the collection of solid waste and compost materials from non-eligible source Downtown Core businesses (former BIA) continue as a temporary measure during the detailed design for the Yonge Street Promenade; and 4. That the Town of Aurora (the "Town") provide the Downtown Core businesses (former BIA) a location to dispose of recycling materials as a temporary measure as of January 1, 2026, as they will not be eligible for collection though the Blue Box Extended Producer Responsibility Program. Carried 8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda 8.8.1 PDS25-109 - 2026-2030 Town of Aurora Visitor Growth Plan 1. That Report No. PDS25-109 be received; and 2. That the 2026 – 2030 Town of Aurora Visitor Growth Plan be adopted; and Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 10 3. That staff proceed with the development of a wayfinding strategy, in accordance with the Town-wide Parking strategy and downtown redevelopment priorities, and report back to Council. Carried 8.8.2 PDS25-104 - Doors Open 2025 Summary 1. That Report No. PDS25-104 be received; and 2. That Council authorize staff to register and host another in- person Doors Open event in 2026. Carried 8.8.3 PDS25-105 - Request to Remove a Listed Property from the Town’s Heritage Register - 15 Tyler Street 1. That Report No. PDS25-105 be received; and 2. That the subject property be removed from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest on the basis that the owner provides appropriate commemoration and/or a contribution to the Heritage Reserve Fund, to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development Services. Carried 8.8.4 PDS25-107 - Application for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By- law Amendment, P.A.R.C.E.L. Inc., 14070 Yonge Street, Part Blocks A, B and G, Plan M42, Part 3, 65R-5870, and Parts 3, 6, 7 and 8, 65R- 33710, File Number: OPA-2024-03; ZBA-2024-03 1. That Report No. PDS25-107 be received; and 2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2024-03 be approved to amend Schedule ‘B’ and Schedule ‘H’ of the Town of Aurora Official Plan to expand the “Environmental Protection” designation and to add Site Specific Policy Area #72 for the subject lands; and 3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2024-03 be approved to rezone the subject lands to “Townhouse Dwelling Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 11 Residential Exception Zone with Holding Provision (H)R8-576” and “Environmental Protection (EP)”; and 4. That the implementing By-laws for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments be brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment. Carried 8.8.5 PDS25-108 - Applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment, Aurora Mavrinac Retirement Developments Limited and Aurora Mavrinac Retirement Developments Limited Partnership, 25 Mavrinac Boulevard, Block 38, Plan 65M-4731, File Numbers: OPA-2025-01 and ZBA-2025-02, Related File Numbers: OPA- 2017-01, ZBA-2017-03, SP-2022-07 1. That Report No. PDS25-108 be received; and 2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2025-01 be approved to amend the Site-Specific Policy Area (55) to increase the maximum building height to 7 storeys; and 3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2025-02 be approved to amend the “Second Density Apartment Residential Exception RA2(540) Zone” to increase the maximum number of residential units and height and reduce amenity area and parking requirements; and 4. That the implementing By-laws for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments be brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment. Carried 8.9 Member Motions 8.9.1 Councillor Weese; Re: Renoviction in the Town of Aurora Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 authorizes municipalities to pass by-laws for the protection of persons and the regulation of residential property standards; and Whereas the Town of Aurora recognizes the importance of protecting tenants from unlawful or unnecessary evictions due to Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 12 renovations, repairs, or demolitions, while balancing the rights of landlords to maintain safe, healthy, and habitable housing; and Whereas affordable housing is of great concern to the residents of Aurora; and Whereas rental housing is a major component of the affordable housing stock; and Whereas, based on the 2024 Aurora Affordable Housing Action Plan, approximately 19% of private households are rented; and Whereas eviction by renovation (sometimes termed “renoviction”) is used by landlords to evict tenants under the guise of major renovations but, in reality, are used to remove low-rent-paying tenants to be able to do some cosmetic renovations with the goal of renting out the space at a higher level; and Whereas this process of “renoviction” has a negative effect on affordable housing stock; and Whereas the provincial government allows annual rent increases presently at 2.1%; and Whereas government regulations allow “Above Guideline Rent Increases” (AGI’s) to be charged to tenants; and Whereas AGI applications in Ontario have tripled since 2012; and Whereas Aurora Town Council deems it desirable to establish requirements for landlords undertaking renovations to ensure that tenants are not unfairly displaced; and Whereas several Ontario municipalities have approved a “Renovation License and Relocation By-law” to bring greater oversight into this practice; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a renoviction or similar by-law and provide this report to Council in Q1 of 2026. Carried Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 13 8.9.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Review of Vehicular Hazards for Daycare Facilities and Playgrounds Adjacent to Roads Whereas the safety of children attending daycare facilities and using playgrounds is a matter of utmost importance to the Town of Aurora; and Whereas several daycare facilities and playgrounds in Aurora are located adjacent to or in close proximity to public roads, parking lots, and vehicle driveways; and Whereas vehicular collisions involving buildings and outdoor spaces can have severe and tragic consequences, particularly where vulnerable users such as children are present; and Whereas the Town currently reviews site plans and development applications for traffic circulation and pedestrian safety, but there is no dedicated process to evaluate the potential risks of vehicular intrusion (such as cars accidentally entering play areas or building perimeters); and Whereas other municipalities have begun implementing protective design features such as bollards, raised planters, fencing, and setbacks to reduce risks of vehicle-structure collisions near childcare facilities and playgrounds; and Whereas the Town recognizes that many daycare facilities are small, privately operated businesses with limited financial capacity to absorb additional regulatory or capital costs; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review existing and new daycare facilities and playgrounds located adjacent to or near public roads, parking areas, or driveways to assess potential vehicular hazards and risks of vehicle intrusion into outdoor play areas or building spaces; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be requested to prepare a report to Council outlining: a. A summary of existing Town policies, by-laws, and site plan standards related to traffic safety and physical protection measures around daycare and playground sites; Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 14 b. Best practices and design standards from other municipalities for mitigating vehicular hazards near child- oriented facilities; c. Potential measures or amendments to Town policies, design standards, or the site plan review process to improve child safety; and 3. Be It Further Resolved That staff consult with York Regional Police, York Region Public Health, and York Region’s Transportation Services Department, as appropriate, in the preparation of the report; and 4. Be It Further Resolved That the findings of the report be presented to Council for consideration at the June 2026 Committee of the Whole. Carried 8.9.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Update By-law Number 4752-05.P (Parks and Public Places) Whereas By-law Number 4752-05.P, which regulates the use of Aurora’s parks, trails, and public spaces, was enacted in 2005 and has not been substantively updated since; and Whereas the by-law predates modern mobility technologies such as electric bicycles, pedal-assist systems, and powered mobility devices; and Whereas provincial regulations now distinguish between three classes of e-bikes—Class 1 (pedal-assist), Class 2 (throttle-assist), and Class 3 (speed-limited pedal-assist)—and municipalities are encouraged to align local by-laws accordingly; and Whereas clarity is needed to differentiate between recreational motorized devices and mobility-assistive devices to ensure consistent and fair enforcement; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to review By-law Number 4752-05.P and report back to Council with recommendations on whether or not to permit various classes of e-bikes on Aurora’s trail system, and to update the Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 15 by-law as necessary to align with current provincial e-bike classifications and standards. Carried 8.9.4 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Budget Cost Transparency and Public Trust Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to fostering public trust through transparent budget practices; and Whereas transparency in presenting cost estimates helps residents make informed judgments about the necessity and priority of proposed expenditures; and Whereas municipalities such as the Town of Newmarket publicly release detailed draft budget documents, including project cost estimates, departmental allocations, and funding sources, within their Council agendas, presentations, and staff reports; and Whereas this practice promotes transparency and accountability in the budgeting process, while maintaining procurement integrity, as the figures presented represent preliminary budget estimates rather than formal tender values; and Whereas the public disclosure of these estimates provides residents with meaningful context to engage in informed discussions and contribute to an open, democratic budget process; and Whereas staff have historically provided Council and the public with estimated maximum budgets for items under consideration, with the exception of the presented 2025 and 2026 Operating and Capital Budget cycles; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the confidential cost estimates for the Town’s 2025 and 2026 Operating and Capital budgets be released online once provided to Council; and 2. Be it Further Resolved That Council recommends to the Mayor that future budgets revert to the previous standard of fully disclosing all budget figures, ensuring ongoing transparency for our community. Carried Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 16 8.10 Regional Report 8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of October 23, 2025 1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of October 23, 2025, be received for information. Carried 9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda) 9.1 Member Motion - Mayor Mrakas; Re: Implementation of a First-Time Leak Forgiveness Program Moved by Councillor Kim Seconded by Councillor Weese Whereas residents of Aurora may experience unexpected and significant increases in their water bills due to undetected leaks; and Whereas such unforeseen expenses can place undue financial strain on homeowners, particularly those on fixed or limited incomes; and Whereas the other York Region municipalities have successfully implemented water bill adjustment programs that provides financial assistance to homeowners facing high water bills resulting from leaks; and Whereas these programs offer a one-time credit of 50% of the bill amount above the average, up to a maximum of $2,500, provided the leak is repaired and the usage returns to normal; and Whereas the Town is working towards implementing automated water meter read technology that will help Town staff and residents identify potential leaks sooner; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora Council direct staff to develop and report back about a program and policy for providing one-time high water consumption credits to coincide with the rollout of the automated meter read technology; and 2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back on the status of the automated water meter read project implementation and provide Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 17 details on how this system can be used to prevent large leaks from occurring in the future. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim Carried (7 to 0) 9.2 CAO25-001 - Blue Bin Program Communications Summary Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gallo 1. That Report No. CAO25-001 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) 10. New Business Councillor Weese advised that many advertising signs have been pasted on sign posts and other objects in Ward 1, including the Valhalla area, and staff agreed to follow up on the removal of the signs. 11. By-laws 11.1 By-law Number 6737-25 - Being a By-law to establish a schedule of fees and charges for municipal services, activities, and the use of property within the Town of Aurora (Fees and Charges By-law). 11.2 By-law Number 6738-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17, as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 14 and 18 Wellington Street East (File No. ZBA-2024-09). 11.3 By-law Number 6739-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17, as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 25 George Street and 29 George Street (File No. ZBA-2020-06). Moved by Councillor Gilliland Seconded by Councillor Thompson Council Meeting Minutes November 25, 2025 18 That the By-laws,items 11.1 to 11.3 inclusive, be enacted. Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim 12. Closed Session None. 13. Confirming By-law Carried (7 to O) 13.1 By-lawNumber6740-25BeingaBy-IawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil resulting from a Council meeting on November 25, 2025 Moved by Councillor Weese Seconded by Councillor Gaertner That the confirming by-law be enacted. 14. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Thompson Seconded by Councillor Kim Carried That the meeting be adjourned at 8:53 p.m. rags, Mayor Carried , Michael de Rond, Town Clerk