Agenda (Appointed) - Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee - 20260211
Town of Aurora
Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time:10 a.m.
Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel.
To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation.
Pages
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
3.Approval of the Agenda
4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
5.Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 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.
1.
6.Delegations
7.Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Cultural Services Supervisor - Special Events; Re:
2026 Community Recognition Awards - Evaluation Matrices
5
That the memorandum regarding 2026 Community Recognition
Awards - Evaluation Matrices be received; and
1.
That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding 2026 Community Recognition Awards -
Evaluation Matrices be received and referred to staff for
2.
consideration and further action as appropriate.
7.2 Memorandum from Cultural Services Supervisor - Special Events; Re:
2026 Community Recognition Awards - Ceremony Logistics
17
That the memorandum regarding 2026 Community Recognition
Awards - Ceremony Logistics be received; and
1.
That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
comments regarding 2026 Community Recognition Awards -
Ceremony Logistics be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
2.
8.Informational Items
9.New Business
10.Adjournment
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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Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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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Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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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Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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
Page 4 of 20
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Community Services
Re: 2026 Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation Matrices
To: Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
From: Shelley Ware, Cultural Services Supervisor – Special Events
Date: February 11, 2026
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding 2026 Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation
Matrices be received; and
2. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee comments regarding
2026 Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation Matrices be received and referred
to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Background
The Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee (CRRAC) is responsible for
reviewing nominations and selecting recipients for each of the Community Recognition
Award categories on an annual basis.
In 2023, the CRRAC identified the need for a more structured, transparent, and equitable
approach to evaluating nominations. In response to this direction, staff developed a set
of Evaluation Matrices in 2024 to support the CRRAC’s review of each nomination
submission and selection of award winner. These matrices were designed to:
Reduce the influence of innocent or unconscious biases
Provide a consistent framework for assessing nominees across all award
categories
Support more focused, evidence‑based discussions during the selection process
Enhance fairness, clarity, and accountability in decision‑making
The Evaluation Matrices were implemented for the 2024 awards cycle and used again in
2025. With two full years of application, the CRRAC has expressed interest in reviewing
Page 5 of 20
2026 Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation Matrices
February 11, 2026 Page 2 of 3
the matrices to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with the Committee’s
expectations and the evolving nature of the awards program.
This review will support continuous improvement and help prepare the CRRAC for the
2026 selection meeting.
Analysis
The Evaluation Matrices have been developed by Staff to be a valuable tool for the
Selection Committee.
The Evaluation Matrices currently in use were developed following a comprehensive
review of:
Award categories and their intended purpose
Nomination form questions and criteria
Best practices in municipal recognition programs
Approaches to mitigating unconscious bias in group decision‑making
Since their introduction, the matrices have been positively received by Committee
members. They have contributed to:
More structured and consistent evaluation of nominees
Improved clarity around how each nomination aligns with award criteria
More balanced and equitable discussions during deliberations
Enhanced confidence in the fairness and transparency of the selection process
Given that the matrices have now been used for two award cycles, a formal review is
timely. Committee feedback will help determine whether:
The scoring criteria remain appropriate and reflective of the award categories
Any criteria require refinement, expansion, or clarification
The weighting of evaluation components continues to support fair and
meaningful assessment
Additional guidance or tools would further support the Committee’s work
Staff will compile and assess all Committee comments and, where appropriate, prepare
revisions for future Committee consideration.
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2026 Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation Matrices
February 11, 2026 Page 3 of 3
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Community Recognition Awards – Evaluation Matrices
Page 7 of 20
CriteriaScore ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Arts and Culture Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00Did the nominees efforts impact the larger community or a specific group?0 - Not impactful1 - Impactful to a specific group2 - Impactful to a specific group and for the community00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided. 0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Examples provided demonstrate the nominee's impact and contribution00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing00 00 00 00 00What relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees impact to the Arts and Culture community00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixArts and Culture AwardNominee:Attachment 1Page 8 of 20
Criteria Score ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Community Leadership Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria 3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00Do the nominee's efforts distinguish themself as a community leader?0 - No 1 - Nominee's efforts distinguished themselves in one area as a community leader2 - Nominee's efforts distinguished themselves in multiple facets as a community leader00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided. 0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Examples provided demonstrate the nominee's impact and contribution00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing 00 00 00 00 00What relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees impact as a community leader00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixCommunity Leadership AwardNominee:Page 9 of 20
Criteria Score ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Good Business Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria 3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00Did the nominee's efforts and actions have an impact on charitable causes, events or programs in the community?0 - Not impactful 1 - Nominee's efforts made a good impact to a specific group, cause or program2 - Nominee's efforts made to an outstanding effort to a specific group, cause or program and for the community00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided aside from financial contributions.0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Examples provided demonstrate the nominee's impact and contribution00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing 00 00 00 00 00What relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees impact to the community00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixGood Business AwardNominee:Page 10 of 20
Criteria Score Values Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score
Nomination meets the criteria of the
Good Neighbour Award
0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't
proceed with further scoring
1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria
2 - Nominee meets criteria
3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Did the nominees acts of kindness
and compassion have a positive
impact on their neighbourhood?
0 - Not demonstrated
1 - A positive impact on the neighourhood
was noted
2 - An extensive and lasting positive impact
on the neighbourhood was noted
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Has the nominee inspired others to
be a good neighbour?
0 - No specific applicable examples provided
1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided
2 - Good examples noted 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Has the nominee's contributions
been consistent over a period of
time?
1 - One time project
2 - Efforts have been ongoing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
What relevant additional information
provided?
1 - No or little additional information was
provided
2 - Additional information was provided but
was very general
3 - Additional information added to learning
more about the nominees impact to the
neighbourhood
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Score 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Aurora Community Recognition Awards
Evaluation Matrix
Good Neighbour Award
Nominee:
Page 11 of 20
Criteria Score ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Green Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria 3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00Have the actions of the nominee demonstrated impactful support for local environmental issues?0 - No 1- Somewhat impactful2 - Impactful 3 - Extremely impactful00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided. 0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Excellent and fullsome examples00 00 00 00 00What role did the nominee perform in support of a greener community?0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Solo effort2 - Leadership role within an organization or in a non-organized group00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing 0000000000Was relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees impact on their commitment to creating a greener community00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixGreen AwardNominee:Page 12 of 20
Criteria Score Values Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score
Nomination meets the criteria of the
Heritage Award
0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't
proceed with further scoring 1
- Nominee partially meets the criteria
2 - Nominee meets criteria
3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Have the actions of the nominee
made meaningful contributions to
enhancing the heritage or historical
awareness of the Town?
0 - No 1-
Somewhat impactful
2 - Impactful
3 - Extremely impactful 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Value of the examples provided in
terms of their scale and applicability
on a community level?
0 - No specific applicable examples provided
1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided
2 - Excellent and fullsome examples 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
What role did the nominee perform in
support of the heritage preservation,
education, or awareness project?
0 - No specific applicable examples provided
1 - Participatory effort
2 - Leadership role 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Has the nominee's contributions been
consistent over a period of time?
1 - One time project
2 - Efforts have been ongoing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Was relevant additional information
provided?
1 - No or little additional information was
provided
2 - Additional information was provided but
was very general
3 - Additional information added to learning
more about the nominees impact on their
commitment to promoting and preserving
history and heritage in Town
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Score 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Aurora Community Recognition Awards
Evaluation Matrix
Heritage Award
Nominee:
Page 13 of 20
Criteria Score ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Inclusivity Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria 3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided. 0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Examples provided demonstrate the nominee's impact and contribution00 00 00 00 00Value of the nominees contributions towards potential short term or long term impact on making Aurora more inclusive?0 - Not impactful 1 - Nominee's contributions provided short term impact on making the community more inclusive2 - Nominee's contributions provided short and long term impact on making the community more inclusive00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0What relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees contributions to the community to make it more inclusive00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixInclusivity AwardNominee:Page 14 of 20
Criteria Score Values Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score Enter Score Weighted
Score
Nomination meets the criteria of the
Older Adult Volunteer Award
0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't
proceed with further scoring
1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria
2 - Nominee meets criteria
3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
What role did the nominee perform in
volunteer positions?
0 - No applicable details provided
1 - Nominee has been a dedicated volunteer
2 - Nominee has been a dedicated volunteer
and has demonstrated leadership
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Value of examples provided.0 - No specific applicable examples provided
1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided
2 - Examples provided demonstrate the
nominee's impact and contribution 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
What was the commitment level of
the nominee?
0 - No specific applicable examples provided
1 - Demonstrated an ongoing commitment
to volunteering in a variety of fields
2 - Demonstrated an exceptional
commitment to volunteering in a variety of
fields
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
What relevant additional information
provided?
1 - No or little additional information was
provided
2 - Additional information was provided but
was very general
3 - Additional information added to learning
more about the nominees impact to the
community
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Score 0 0 0 0 0
Town of Aurora Community Recognition Awards
Evaluation Matrix
Older Adult Volunteer Award
Nominee:
Page 15 of 20
Criteria Score ValuesEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreEnter Score Weighted ScoreNomination meets the criteria of the Youth Volunteer Award0 - Nominee does not meet the criteria, don't proceed with further scoring 1 - Nominee partially meets the criteria 2 - Nominee meets criteria 3 - Nominee exceeds the criteria 00 00 00 00 00What role did the nominee perform in volunteer positions?0 - No applicable details provided 1 - Nominee has been a dedicated volunteer2 - Nominee has been a dedicated volunteer and has demonstrated leadership00 00 00 00 00Value of examples provided. 0 - No specific applicable examples provided 1 - Insufficient or weak examples provided 2 - Examples provided demonstrate the nominee's impact and contribution00 00 00 00 00Has the nominee's contributions been consistent over a period of time? 1 - One time project2 - Efforts have been ongoing 0000000000What relevant additional information provided?1 - No or little additional information was provided2 - Additional information was provided but was very general3 - Additional information added to learning more about the nominees impact to the community00 00 00 00 00Total Score00000Town of Aurora Community Recognition AwardsEvaluation MatrixYouth Volunteer AwardNominee:Page 16 of 20
100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Community Services
Re: 2026 Community Recognition Awards – Ceremony Logistics
To: Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee
From: Shelley Ware, Cultural Services Supervisor – Special Events
Date: February 11, 2026
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding the 2026 Community Recognition Awards –
Ceremony Logistics be received; and
2. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee comments regarding
the 2026 Community Recognition Awards – Ceremony Logistics and provide
feedback to be referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Background
The Town of Aurora’s Community Recognition Awards have traditionally been presented
in the Council Chambers at Town Hall during a formal ceremony. This setting has been
used consistently since the inception of the awards, with the exception of two years
(2009 and 2010), when alternative arrangements were made.
As planning begins for this year’s Community Recognition Awards, the Community
Recognition Review Advisory Committee (CRRAC) expressed interest in exploring
potential alternative venues for the ceremony, while remaining within the approved
budget. The intent of this review is to consider whether another municipal venue could
appropriately host the event while maintaining the significance and quality associated
with the awards.
The Community Recognition Awards include multiple award categories presented
annually, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented
once every four years at the end of each Term of Council. The Citizen of the Year and
Lifetime Achievement Awards are considered the Town’s most prestigious community
honours.
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2026 Community Recognition Awards – Ceremony Logistics
February 11, 2026 Page 2 of 4
The event format includes:
A pre-ceremony reception for former Citizens of the Year;
A formal, invitation-only awards ceremony; and
A post-ceremony licensed reception.
Analysis
Staff have identified two viable municipal venue options for consideration: the Council
Chambers at Aurora Town Hall and the Davide de Simone Performance Hall at Aurora
Town Square.
Both the Council Chambers and the Performance Hall offer high-quality, municipally
operated spaces capable of hosting a meaningful and well-executed Community
Recognition Awards ceremony. Each venue presents distinct advantages and
considerations related to prestige, logistics, operations, and cost.
The Council Chambers in Town Hall is a long-standing and symbolic venue.
The Council Chambers provide a highly prestigious and formal setting. For many
residents, being recognized in this space represents a unique and rare opportunity, as
few community members are ever presented with an award in this environment. The
Chamber setting reinforces the civic importance of the awards, particularly for the
Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Additional considerations include:
Live Streaming: The Chambers are fully equipped for live streaming, which has
become a valued component of the ceremony.
Prestigious Awards: The Citizen of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement
Award—two of the Town’s highest honours—are traditionally presented in this
space. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented once every four years, at
the end of each Term of Council.
Event Flow: The pre‑ and post‑ceremony receptions can be accommodated
within Town Hall, with the licensed portion managed by Town staff.
Operational Context: Town Hall would be dedicated solely to the awards event
that evening, ensuring minimal operational disruption and full control over the
environment.
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2026 Community Recognition Awards – Ceremony Logistics
February 11, 2026 Page 3 of 4
The Davide de Simone Performance Hall in Aurora Town Square would showcase the
Awards in a contemporary cultural setting.
The Performance Hall at Aurora Town Square offers a modern and engaging venue that
has successfully hosted award ceremonies for various community organizations. The
space presents an opportunity for a different aesthetic and atmosphere while still
delivering a high-quality event.
However, there are several logistical considerations. Space within Town Square is more
limited for hosting a pre-ceremony reception specifically for former Citizens of the Year.
The post-ceremony reception would need to be relocated to the Bridge area within Town
Square, resulting in a smaller overall footprint compared to Town Hall.
Live-streaming capabilities in the Performance Hall would require further review. While
staff are confident that a technical solution can be identified, this would involve
additional planning. There is a third-party bar service provider at ATS, so staff would
need to ensure there are no issues with staff providing the licensed component of the
reception. If staff were not permitted to deliver the licensed component of the reception
there would be an increase to the cost. However, the difference in cost is considered
absorbable within the event budget.
It should also be noted that Aurora Town Square is a multi-use facility. Other programs
and activities—such as arts, cultural, or recreational classes—may be taking place in the
building concurrently on the evening of the awards, which could affect the overall feel
and exclusivity of the event.
Perceptions of venue significance and the recipient experience would be different at each
of the potential venues.
While many community organizations have successfully hosted their award ceremonies
in the Performance Hall, the Town of Aurora’s Community Recognition Awards may be
perceived differently due to the inclusion of the Citizen of the Year and Lifetime
Achievement Awards. These honours carry a distinct level of civic significance that
some recipients associate with the formal Council setting.
To better understand this perspective, staff consulted previous award recipients
regarding their venue preference. All individuals indicated a preference for receiving
their award in the Council Chambers, citing the limited public access to the space as a
factor that enhanced the meaning and memorability of the recognition. At the same
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2026 Community Recognition Awards – Ceremony Logistics
February 11, 2026 Page 4 of 4
time, all recipients acknowledged that a well-executed ceremony in the Performance
Hall could still be impactful.
Attachments
None
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