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Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20260210 Town of Aurora Committee of the Whole Meeting Report Date: Time: Location: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 7 p.m. Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall Council Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair) Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Rachel Gilliland Councillor Wendy Gaertner (departed at 9:10 p.m.) Councillor John Gallo Councillor Harold Kim Members Absent: Councillor Michael Thompson Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer* Marco Ramunno, Acting CAO Patricia De Sario, Director, Corporate Services/Town Solicitor, Deputy Clerk Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services Matthew Volpintesta, Acting Director of Operational Services Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications Nancy Fleming, Manager, Engineering and Capital Delivery Kyle Stitt, Manager, Facilities Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator *Attended electronically _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 9:09 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 2 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. 3. Approval of the Agenda Committee of the Whole approved the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services. 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 5.1 Krissy Young, Southlake Health Foundation; Re: 2026 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake Krissy Young presented an overview of the annual Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake fundraising event being held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Newmarket, and extended an invitation to participate or donate, noting that registration is open at Runforsouthlake.ca. Committee of the Whole received the presentation for information. 6. Delegations 6.1 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Item 9.2-CMS26-002, Item 10.2-CS26-005, Item 11.1-FIN26-004 and Item 11.2-FIN26-006 Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 3 Shawn Deane shared concerns surrounding a request to increase refurbishment funds for Victoria Hall, advocated for Council's continued oversight of financial matters, and supported public access to third-party vendor documents. Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the delegation to items 9.2, 10.2, 11.1 and 11.2. 6.2 Rocco Morsillo, Resident; Re: Item 9.2-CMS26-002 - Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding Increase Rocco Morsillo shared concerns regarding the request for additional funds and consultant fees related to the refurbishment of Victoria Hall, noting that a Class D estimate on which the request is based could increase contingency costs by 20-30%. Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the delegation to item 9.2. 6.3 David Heard, Resident; Re: Item 9.2-CMS26-002-Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding Increase David Heard queried why the Hall's refurbishment is being prioritized over other historic properties such as Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery or Hillary House. David encouraged the Committee to ensure Victoria Hall remains a community space. Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the delegation to item 9.2. 6.4 Steve Fleck, Resident; Re: Item 9.2-CMS26-002-Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding Increase Steve Fleck queried the reasoning behind a request to increase refurbishment costs of Victoria Hall, as well as questioning its future use once repairs are completed. Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the delegation to item 9.2. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 4 7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Committee of the Whole recommends: That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.3 inclusive, be received for information. Carried 7.1 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026 1. That the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026, be received for information. Carried 7.2 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026 1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026, be received for information. Carried 7.3 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026 1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2026, be received for information. Carried 8. Consent Agenda 8.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 23, 2026 Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 23, 2026, be received for information. Carried Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 5 8.2 Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority; Re: Minimizing Salt Pollution in our Watersheds with Limited Liability Legislation Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That the Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, regarding Minimizing Salt Pollution in our Watersheds with Limited Liability Legislation be received; and 2. That Aurora Town Council support the resolution adopted by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority regarding the development of enforceable and provincially recognized contractor training and certification, and a single set of provincially endorsed standard best management practices for snow and ice management. Carried as amended 8.3 Agenda Items Approved on Consent Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That the Agenda items of sections 9 through 15 inclusive be approved, with the exception of items 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 11.1, 11.2, 14.1, 14.2 and 15.1, which were discussed and voted on separately. Carried 9. Community Services Committee Agenda 9.1 CMS26-003 - Community Reflection Space Concept Plan Staff provided a brief update on the status of the Aurora Community Reflection Space before introducing Adam Nordfors, Landscape Architect, FOTENN who, with assistance of a presentation provided an extensive overview of the symbolic and spiritual design elements incorporated into the Community Reflection Space. The proposed fully accessible space, located in the south-west quadrant of the Town Office main entrance, will integrate natural elements and barrier-free surfaces to provide a combined social gathering /contemplative area, and will include such features as a wind phone, speaking platform, seating and a water feature. Paul Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 6 LaPalme, Manager, Transportation Infrastructure Planning and Design, Chisholm, Fleming and Associates spoke to the parking lot redesign. Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CMS26-003 be received; and 2. That the design for the Community Reflection Space be approved. Carried 9.2 CMS26-002 - Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding Increase Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CMS26-002 be received for information. Carried 10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda 10.1 CS26-003 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan Status Report Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CS26-003 be received for information. Carried 10.2 CS26-005 - Third Party Consultant Contractual Release Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. CS26-005 be received; and 2. That staff implement the framework to release third-party consulting reports, studies or analyses as set out in this report. Carried 11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda 11.1 FIN26-004 - 2026 Investment Policy Review Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN26-004 be received; and 2. That Council approve the updated Investment Policy Statement. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 7 Carried 11.2 FIN26-006 - Procurement Amendments Report and Bylaw Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. FIN26-006 be received for information. Carried 12. Administration Committee Agenda None. 13. Operational Services Committee Agenda None. 14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda 14.1 PDS26-009 - Traffic Calming Requests on Limeridge Street and Gateway Drive - Update Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS26-009 be received for information. Carried 14.2 PDS26-010 - Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-01 – 220 Old Yonge Street Committee of the Whole recommends: 1. That Report No. PDS26-010 be received; and 2. That Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-01 for 220 Old Yonge Street be approved with grant funding of $10,000. Carried 14.3 PDS26-011 - Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-02 – 57 Fleury Street 1. That Report No. PDS26-011 be received; and Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 8 2. That Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-02 for 57 Fleury Street be approved with grant funding of $5,000. Carried 15. Member Motions 15.1 Councillor Weese; Re: Reduction of Commercial Stormwater Charges for St. Andrews Shopping Centre Committee of the Whole recommends: Whereas the Town of Aurora levies commercial fixed-rate stormwater charges to recover costs associated with stormwater management and related infrastructure; and Whereas the stormwater charged is a fixed commercial rate which is charged on each water account, and tenants of the St. Andrews Shopping Centre have individual water accounts; and Whereas tenants of the St. Andrews Shopping Centre have raised concerns that existing commercial stormwater fixed rate charges create a disproportionate financial burden on small and medium-sized local businesses as they pay the same as larger businesses, particularly in the context of rising operating costs; and Whereas the St. Andrews Shopping Centre is a unique and long- established commercial hub within the Town of Aurora that provides essential goods, services, and employment opportunities to the community; and Whereas municipal stormwater billing structures can be reviewed and adjusted through Council policy direction where unique site-specific or economic circumstances exist; and Whereas Council has an interest in supporting the sustainability and economic vitality of local commercial tenants while maintaining fiscal responsibility and cost recovery principles for municipal services; 1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to prepare a report for Council’s consideration that: Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 9 a. Reviews the current commercial stormwater charges applied to tenants of the St. Andrews Shopping Centre; and b. Analyzes options to reduce or eliminate such charges, including but not limited to alternative billing structures, exemptions, rebates, or cost-sharing arrangements; and c. Assesses the financial, operational, and legal implications of any proposed changes, including impacts on the Town’s stormwater rate-supported budget; and d. Considers whether similar relief measures may apply to other comparable commercial plazas or tenant configurations within Aurora; and e. Provides recommendations, implementation timelines, and any required policy or by-law amendments for Council’s consideration. Carried 16. Regional Report None. 17. New Business None. 18. Public Service Announcements Councillor Gallo acknowledged the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and expressed Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslim residents. Councillor Kim expressed appreciation to Phiona Durrant and the Aurora Black Community Association for hosting their recent Black History Month Gala, and extended wishes to all for a happy Lunar New Year. Councillor Weese announced that Sport Aurora, ParaSport Ontario and Community Living Central York will again present ParaSport Try It sessions with various adaptive sports, at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex on February 23, 2026 from 12 - 3 p.m. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 10 Councillor Gilliland announced that the John Abel Community Gardens is accepting applications online for a garden plot until March 6, 2026. Additionally, the Aurora Winter Blues Festival is occurring from February 26 - March 1, 2026 with a wide variety of events and workshops at various locations. Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:  The Mayor will deliver his annual address at the Mayor's State of the Town, hosted by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce at the Royal Venetian Mansion on February 18, 2026.  Aurora's 2026 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Calendar is now available at aurora.ca/DEI.  Celebrate Black History month in partnership with the Aurora Black Community Association and take part in a variety of events and experiences, all outlined at aurora.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.  Aurora's Arctic Adventure will occur on Family Day long weekend, with free events on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Aurora Town Square, and Monday, February 16, 2026 at Town Park. The full schedule is available at aurora.ca/ArcticAdventure.  Heritage Week will launch on Monday, February 16, 2026, with details available at aurora.ca/HeritageWeek.  The 2026 Summer Camps Program Guide is now out, with summer camp registration for residents opening on February 17, 2026 and non-resident registration beginning on February 23, 2026.  Heartfelt condolences were extended to the friends and families of those impacted by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, BC.  The following resident members have been appointed to the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force, along with Council member appointees Councillor Gallo and Councillor Weese: o Nikki Alber o Megan Bamford o Judy Collins o Lenard Lind Committee of the Whole Meeting Report February 10, 2026 11 o Laura Schaffer o Ian Smith 19. Closed Session None. 20. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.