Minutes - Council - 20251209
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
7 p.m.
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Ron Weese
Councillor Rachel Gilliland
Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Slav Szlapczynski, Deputy Town Solicitor
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
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,
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
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 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
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.2 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 November 25, 2025
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of November 25, 2025, be adopted
as circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 3
Carried
7.2 Special Public Planning Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2025
1. That the Special Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of
December 1, 2025, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of December 2, 2025
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of December 2, 2025, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.3.2, 8.4.2, 8.4.3, 8.8.1 and 8.8.3, 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 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 12,
2025
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 12, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.2 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 18, 2025
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 18, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.1.3 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 12, 2025
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2025, be received for
information.
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 4
Carried
8.1.4 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 20, 2025
1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 20, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8.2 Consent Agenda
None.
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS25-034 - Municipal Alcohol Policy - 2025 Update
1. That Report No. CMS25-034 be received; and
2. That the updated Municipal Alcohol Policy be approved.
Carried
8.3.2 CMS25-035 - Third Party Events Policy Update
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CMS25-035 be received; and
2. That the Third Party Events Policy be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.3.3 CMS25-037 - Town Hall Accommodation Plan - Funding Increase
1. That Report No. CMS25-037 be received; and
2. That Capital Project No. SO0077- Town Hall Accommodation
Plan budget authority of $80,000 be increased by $16,400 to a
total of $96,400; and
3. That this project’s total revised budget authority of $96,400 be
funded from the Studies & Other Reserve.
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 5
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS25-026 - Procedure By-law Update
1. That Report No. CS25-026 be received for information.
Carried
8.4.2 CS25-027 - 2025 Pending List Review
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CS25-027 be received; and
2. That the items marked “Complete” be removed from the
Pending List.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.4.3 CS25-029 - Council Compensation Committee
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CS25-029 be received.
Amendment No. 1
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clauses:
“That the Council Compensation Committee be established; and
That the Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) for Council
Compensation Committee be approved as amended to include
"and the Committee's feedback" in the first paragraph of the
Reporting section.”
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 6
Yeas (2): Councillor Weese, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (5): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Defeated (2 to 5)
Amendment No. 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause:
“That a consultant not be engaged, and staff provide a report on
the findings of Council Compensation Review.”
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Kim
Carried (4 to 3)
Main motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. CS25-029 be received; and
2. That a consultant not be engaged, and staff provide a report on
the findings of Council Compensation Review.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Thompson,
and Councillor Gallo
Nays (3): Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor Kim
Carried (4 to 3)
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
None.
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 7
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS25-114 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Armis
Holding Inc., 511, 521, 531 and 543 Wellington Street West, Part Lot
1 and Part 40 Acres, Plan 102, King, File Number ZBA-2024-05,
Related File Number SP-2024-07
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS25-114 be received; and
2. That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-2024-05 be
approved to rezone the subject lands to “Townhouse Dwelling
Residential Exception Zone R8-579” and “Environmental
Protection (EP)”; and
3. That the implementing By-law for the Zoning By-law
Amendment be brought forward to a future Council meeting for
enactment.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Carried (6 to 1)
8.8.2 PDS25-115 - Extension of Approval to Draft Plan of Subdivision,
Charlieville Developments Limited, 45 Tyler Street, Lot 26 and Part
Lots 24, 25 and 27, Plan 9, File Number SUB-2015-03, Related File
Number SP-2022-03
1. That Report No. PDS25-115 be received; and
2. That the Draft Approval to Plan of Subdivision for 45 Tyler
Street, File SUB-2015-03, be extended for one year, with a
lapsing date of December 17, 2026.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 8
8.8.3 PDS25-116 - Application for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-
law Amendment, Aurora-Leslie Developments Ltd., 25 and 55
Addison Hall Circle, Blocks 29 and 30, Plan 65M-4650, File Number
OPA-2025-06, ZBA-2025-06
Main motion
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS25-116 and PDS25-118 be received; and
2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2025-06 be
approved to redesignate the subject lands from “Business Park”
to “Medium-High Urban Residential” and implement a Site-
Specific Policy Area (73); and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2025-06, as
amended to remove the requirement of a Holding (H) Symbol,
be approved to rezone the subject lands from “Business Park
(BP) Exception Zone (443)” and “Business Park (BP) Exception
Zone (445)” to “Townhouse Dwelling Residential (R8) Exception
Zone (577)”; 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.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the third clause of the main motion be amended as
follows:
“That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2025-06, as
amended to remove the requirement of a Holding (H) Symbol, to
rezone the subject lands from “Business Park (BP) Exception
Zone (443)” and “Business Park (BP) Exception Zone (445)” to
“Townhouse Dwelling Residential (R8) Exception Zone (577)” be
postponed until a report on the holding provisions is brought
forward to a future meeting.”
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 9
Yeas (3): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Gallo
Nays (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Defeated (3 to 4)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Main motion
Carried (6 to 1)
8.8.4 PDS25-117 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, Town of
Aurora, 115 George Street, Part of Lots 1 and 2, Registered Plan 38,
File Number ZBA-2024-07
1. That Report No. PDS25-117 be received; and
2. That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-2024-07 be
amended to approve the zoning for the subject lands to a
maximum of six lots instead of seven lots; and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA-2024-07, as
amended, be approved to rezone the subject lands from
“Institutional (I) Zone” and “Environmental Protection Zone” to
“Detached Third Density Residential (R3) Exception Zone (578),”
and “Public Open Space (O1) Zone”, and maintain the existing
Environmental Protection Zone boundaries; and
4. That the implementing By-law for the Zoning By-law
Amendment be brought forward to a future Council meeting for
enactment.
Carried
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Establish an Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Challenge in Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 10
Whereas community-based culinary events have proven successful
in engaging residents and supporting local businesses in other
municipalities; and
Whereas an Ultimate Grilled Cheese Challenge in Aurora would
provide a creative and enjoyable platform for local restaurants,
regardless of their usual specialties, to showcase unique and
inventive takes on a classic comfort food; and
Whereas such an event can stimulate economic development by
encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore Aurora’s dining
scene, thus supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of
community pride; and
Whereas the proposed Ultimate Grilled Cheese Challenge is a
relatively low-cost event to organize, requiring only minimal
resources such as the printing of tasting passports and the
coordination of participating restaurants, making it an accessible
and financially feasible initiative for the town; and
Whereas collaboration with key stakeholders, including local
businesses, the Aurora Economic Development Board, and the
Aurora Chamber of Commerce, would strengthen the event’s reach,
support participation, and help ensure its success;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town staff, in
collaboration with stakeholders, explore the establishment of an
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Challenge and report back to Council
with recommendations.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS25-128 - Additional Information-Employment Land Analysis for 25 and
55 Addison Hall Circle - File No. OPA-2025-06, ZBA-2025-06
(See section 8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
item 8.8.3).
10. New Business
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 11
Councillor Thompson inquired on the status of the exchange process of the new
recycling bins and the ongoing communication strategy to keep residents
informed, and the Mayor and staff provided responses.
Councillor Gaertner expressed feedback received from residents on the new
recycling bins still being generally too large.
Councillor Gaertner extended best wishes for the holiday season.
Councillor Gaertner emphasized on adequate process to provide responses to
resident questions posed during a delegation.
Councillor Gilliland referred to Item 8.8.4 and sought further clarification
regarding the lot depth, width, and border lines since the approval of reduction in
number of lots to six, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese concurred with Councillor Gaertner on the process of providing
a response to delegate questions.
Councillor Gallo requested an update on the status of the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee Park outdoor ice rink, and staff provided a response.
The Mayor requested an update on the status of all outdoor ice rinks, and staff
provided a response.
11. Regional Report
11.1 York Regional Council Highlights of November 27, 2025
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of November 27, 2025, 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)
12. By-laws
12.1 By-law Number 6742-25 - Being a By-law to levy Interim Property Taxes for
the 2026 taxation year
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 12
12.2 By-law Number 6743-25 - Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Clerk and to
delegate certain authority to the Deputy Clerk on behalf of The Corporation
of the Town of Aurora.
12.3 By-law Number 6744-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5590-14,
as amended, for the collection of solid waste in the Town of Aurora.
12.4 By-law Number 6745-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 39 (File No. OPA-2024-
03).
12.5 By-law Number 6746-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6579-24,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 9 (File No. OPA-2024-
03).
12.6 By-law Number 6747-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 14070 Yonge
Street (File No. ZBA-2024-03).
12.7 By-law Number 6748-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 40 (File No. OPA-2025-
06).
12.8 By-law Number 6749-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6579-24,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 10 (File No. OPA-2025-
06).
12.9 By-law Number 6750-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 5285-10,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 41 (File No. OPA-2025-
01).
12.10 By-law Number 6751-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6579-24,
as amended, to adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 11 (File No. OPA-2025-
01).
12.11 By-law Number 6752-25 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 25 Mavrinac
Boulevard (File No. ZBA-2025-02).
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the By-laws, items 12.1 to 12.11 inclusive, be enacted.
Council Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 13
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to O)
13. Closed Session
None.
14. Confirming By-law
14.1 By-lawNumber6753-25BeingaBy-lawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on December 9, 2025
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Carried
Mayor Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk