Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20250909
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, September 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
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
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 9:03 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
Committee of the Whole acknowledged that the meeting took place on
Anishinaabe lands, the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of
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September 9, 2025 2
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 agenda as circulated by Legislative
Services, as amended by the deferral of Member Motions items 15.4 and 15.5 to
the Council meeting of September 23, 2025.
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. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.7 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of May 28, 2025
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of May 28, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
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September 9, 2025 3
7.2 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2025
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 9,
2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
June 11, 2025
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 11, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2025
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June
11, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.5 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2025
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June
16, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.6 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2025
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 17,
2025, be received for information.
Carried
7.7 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2025
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
August 20, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
8.1 FIN25-033 - 2024 Grant Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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September 9, 2025 4
1. That Report No. FIN25-033 be received for information.
Carried
8.2 FIN25-034 - 2024 Year End Development Charges Statement
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-034 be received for information.
Carried
8.3 PDS25-061 - 2024 Building Division Annual Report
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-061 be received for information.
Carried
8.4 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 23, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of May 23, 2025, be received for
information.
Carried
8.5 Agenda Items Approved on Consent
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the Agenda items of sections 9 through 16 inclusive be approved,
with the exception of items 9.1, 9.2, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 13.1, 13.2, 14.1,
14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3, which were discussed and voted
on separately.
Carried
Committee of the Whole consented to consider items in the following order: 9.1, 9.2,
11.1, 11.2, 14.1, 14.3, 11.3, 14.2, 13.1, 13.2, 14.4, 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3.
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
9.1 CMS25-021 - NBA Watch Party - Summary
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September 9, 2025 5
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS25-021 be received for information.
Carried
9.2 CMS25-022 - 24-Hour Warming Emergency Centre - Pilot Project
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS25-022 be received; and
2. That Council direct staff to work with the Region on opportunities that
support those experiencing or are at risk of homelessness; and
3. That staff report back with outcomes of the work with York Region by
the October 14, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Carried as amended
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
None.
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN25-038 - Interim Forecast Update - as of April 30, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-038 be received for information.
Carried
11.2 FIN25-045 - Bill 17 and Other Proposed Residential Development Incentives
Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-045 be received; and
2. That staff proceed with the development of a First-Time Homebuyers
Development Charges Equivalent Rebate Policy, with an in-effect date
to be upon receipt of new, dedicated funding from other levels of
government that fully offsets all associated costs and incorporates:
Affordability conditions;
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A clawback provision requiring repayment if the home is sold within
five years;
A cap on total annual rebates to limit fiscal exposure; and
3. That staff proceed with the development of a Local Participation in
York Region Development Incentives policy for Council’s review and
approval at a future meeting that includes:
Securities for all DC deferrals to ensure collection;
Affordability mandates for developers accessing deferrals; and
4. That staff engage the public and non-profit housing providers for input
and provide a progress report with a cost-benefit analysis to ensure
effectiveness and fiscal sustainability.
Carried as amended
11.3 FIN25-046 - Full Accounting of the Armoury and Yonge Street Properties
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN25-046 be received for information.
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS25-017 - 2025-2026 Windrow Pilot Program Models
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS25-017 be received for information.
Carried
13.2 OPS25-018 - Beaver Mitigation Strategy
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS25-018 be received; and
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2. That the Beaver Management and Risk Mitigation Strategy, including
use of all measures when applicable, be approved; and
3. That the modified scope for Capital Project No. GN0130 – DeGraff
Crescent Trail Construction, to reflect Options B and C, be approved.
Carried
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 PDS25-079 - Application for Site Plan Approval, Charlieville Developments
Limited, 45 Tyler Street, Lot 26 and Part Lots 24, 25 and 27, Plan 9, File
Number: SP-2022-03, Related File Numbers: SUB-2015-03, OPA-2015-02,
ZBA-2015-06
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-079 be received; and
2. That Site Plan Application File SP-2022-03 to permit the development
of 70 freehold townhouse units (3 storey in height), within 13
residential blocks, on a private road, be approved.
Carried
14.2 PDS25-081 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Heritage
Delisting, 2854756 Ontario Inc., 8 Kennedy Street East, Part Lot 162, Plan
246, File Number: ZBA-2024-08
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-081 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 heritage commemoration in the new
development and/or a contribution to the Heritage Reserve Fund, to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development Services; and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application, File: ZBA-2024-08 be
approved to rezone the subject lands from “Special Mixed Density
Residential (R7) Zone” to “Townhouse Dwelling Residential Exception
(R8-XXX) Zone”, as outlined in Appendix ‘A’; and
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4. That the implementing By-law for the Zoning By-law Amendment be
brought forward to a future Council meeting for enactment; and
5. That a total of eleven (11) persons worth of servicing allocation be
granted to facilitate the proposed development of four (4) freehold
townhouse units.
Carried
14.3 PDS25-083 - Application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of
Subdivision, 1626238 Ontario Inc., 326 Old Bloomington Road, Lot 3, Plan
166, File Numbers: SUB-2023-01, ZBA-2023-01
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-083 be received; and
2. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2023-01 be approved,
as shown in Figure 5, subject to conditions outlined in Appendix ‘A’;
and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2023-01 be approved
to rezone the subject property from “Estate Residential (ER) Zone” to
“Detached Fifth Density Residential (R5-570) Exception Zone”, “Public
Open Space (O1) Zone” and “Environmental Protection – Oak Ridges
Moraine (EP-ORM) Zone”, as outlined in Appendix ‘B’; and
4. That the implementing By-law for ZBA-2023-01 be brought forward to a
future Council meeting for enactment; and
5. That 32 persons worth (10 single detached dwellings) of servicing
allocation be granted to service the proposed development.
Carried
14.4 PDS25-082 - Aurora Planning Data Hub System
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS25-082 be received for information.
Carried
15. Member Motions
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15.1 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Elect Respect Campaign Support
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas a healthy democracy thrives when all individuals can participate
safely, equitably, and meaningfully in public life; and
Whereas Aurora, like many municipalities across Ontario, is witnessing an
erosion of civil discourse and growing hostility in the political arena, both
in person and online; and
Whereas elected officials at all levels, particularly women and those from
equity-deserving communities, are experiencing increased threats,
harassment, and toxic engagement that deter civic participation; and
Whereas social media platforms, while powerful tools for engagement,
have contributed to a climate of disrespect and polarization that
discourages individuals from seeking or maintaining public office; and
Whereas inclusive and respectful governance results in better decision-
making and stronger representation, especially when voices of diverse
genders, identities, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages, and
abilities are present at municipal council tables; and
Whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), through its
Healthy Democracy Project, has identified troubling trends of voter apathy
and a declining interest in running for municipal office; and
Whereas in 2024, a group of female elected officials from Halton formed
H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives), launching the Elect Respect
campaign to advocate for respectful political engagement and safe,
inclusive workplaces; and
Whereas on June 5, 2025, the Canadian Association of Feminist
Parliamentarians launched a national Parliamentary Civility Pledge,
inspired by the work of H.E.R., to promote respectful conduct among
elected officials;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora Council
endorses the Elect Respect pledge and commits to:
Treating all individuals with respect in every setting; public, private,
and digital;
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Speaking out against harassment, intimidation, and personal
attacks;
Keeping debate focused on ideas and public policy, not individuals;
Fostering an environment where people of all backgrounds feel
safe and supported in seeking and holding public office;
Urging relevant authorities to ensure the safety and protection of
elected officials facing threats or abuse;
Demonstrating leadership through integrity, accountability, and
mutual respect among colleagues and constituents; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town of Aurora encourages other
municipalities, elected officials, organizations, and residents to
support the Elect Respect initiative and sign the pledge at
www.electrespect.ca; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a copy of this resolution be sent to the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Ontario’s Big City
Mayors, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), local
Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Provincial Parliament
(MPPs), York Region, York Regional Police, and all Ontario
municipalities.
Carried
15.2 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Autonomous Microphone Control During Committee
of the Whole and Council Meetings
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the current Procedure By-law is silent on the operational control
of microphones by individual Council members; and
Whereas the principles of democratic participation, equitable speech, and
transparent governance are foundational to effective municipal
proceedings; and
Whereas the current practice of centralized microphone control may
inadvertently restrict or delay a member’s ability to respond to discussion,
raise a point of order, or contribute meaningfully to debate; and
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Whereas granting members operational autonomy over their microphones
does not diminish the Chair’s authority under the Municipal Act, 2001, and
the Procedure By-law to maintain order and decorum;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff report back to Council
regarding the changes required to the Council Chambers Audio/Visual
system to give autonomous microphone control to each member of
Council while also maintaining the Chair’s authority and ability to
enforce the rules of order, decorum, and speaking privileges; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the report include the associated costs of
making these changes to the Council Chambers Audio/Visual system
as well as any amendments required to the Procedure By-law.
Carried
15.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Protection and Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest
Trees that Hold Cultural and Historical Significance
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas Aurora is home to a handful of trees believed to be senescent or
centenarian in nature, representing important natural, cultural and
historical significance; and
Whereas these trees serve as a living testament and hold future cultivar
legacies to Aurora’s ecological heritage and is valued by residents and
visitors alike; and
Whereas the preservation of significant natural features aligns with the
Town’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, public
education, and the protection of its natural assets;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to identify
these trees, assess the health, species, and estimated age of these
trees in collaboration with certified arborists and local environmental
groups; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back with recommendations on
measures to ensure the long-term protection and maintenance of
these trees, including hazard risk assessments, long-term health plans
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with yearly evaluations and other necessary practices to extend
longevity; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the report should also include
commemorative recognition elements such as an interactive plaque at
the site highlighting its ecological, cultural, and natural significance to
the community; a neighbourhood ribbon-cutting event to foster
community pride; and collaborative tours or map-based integration
with the arboretum; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That staff consult with the Town’s Museum and
Archives, Heritage and Environmental Advisory Committees, if
applicable, for input on the design and wording of the commemorative
plaque; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That staff develop an afterlife life plan should
the tree perish such as architectural art; repurposing of wood; and
cultivating seeds and cuttings to expand its genus strain; and
6. Be It Further Resolved That any costs associated with the plaque,
assessment, and preservation measures be considered as part of the
next applicable operating or capital budget or funded through available
grants or sponsorship opportunities.
Carried
15.4 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Release of Closed Session and Other Materials -
Armoury New Tenant Process
Member Motion 15.4 was deferred to the Council meeting of September
23, 2025.
15.5 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Release of Closed Session Minutes
Member Motion 15.5 was deferred to the Council meeting of September
23, 2025.
16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of June 26, 2025
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of June 26, 2025, be
received for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Weese noted that he would bring forward a motion to request a staff
report on the Town’s Noise By-law and how the cultural district area residents
can be protected from ambient noise that disturbs their quality of life.
Councillor Gaertner expressed appreciation to Town staff who assisted with
safety issues involving residential construction and gravel on Fairway Drive and
developer construction and traffic control on Murray Drive.
Councillor Gilliland inquired about the status of the George Street Public School
property, and staff provided a response.
18. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gallo expressed appreciation to the Operational Services team
regarding the water fountain at Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park.
Councillor Gaertner advised that many residents have inquired about beer bottle
return locations, and the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer provided a
response.
Councillor Gaertner noted that former resident David Tomlinson passed away
two years ago and expressed appreciation for his advocacy and contributions
toward the protection of wildlife and nature in Aurora.
Councillor Weese announced the following activities and events:
Culture Days will be celebrated from September 19 to October 12, 2025; for
information, visit aurora.ca/CultureDays.
Doors Open Aurora will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; for details, visit doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/aurora.
A Waste Collection Public Open House will be held on September 24, 2025,
from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Aurora Public Library.
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September 9, 2025 14
A Town-Wide Parking Study Public Open House will be held on September 25,
2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Square; for information, visit
engageaurora.ca/ParkingStudy.
An Aurora Promenade Streetscape Public Open House will be held on
September 25, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Square; for
details, visit engageaurora.ca/Streetscape.
Councillor Weese extended congratulations to the Town and Aurora Barbarians
Rugby Football Club for the recent opening of the new artificial turf field at
Sheppard’s Bush. Mayor Mrakas expressed appreciation for the partnership.
Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:
The Town is participating in the annual Rail Safety Week, a national effort to
reduce avoidable rail-related tragedies, from September 15 to 21, 2025.
Aurora’s Fall Community Cleanup will take place on Saturday, September 27,
2025; for information and to register, visit aurora.ca/Cleanup.
Aurora’s Multicultural Festival will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20,
2025; for details, visit aurora.ca/MulticulturalFestival.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be honoured on Tuesday,
September 30, 2025, at Aurora Town Square; for information, visit
aurora.ca/TruthandReconciliation.
Councillor Gaertner noted that Town staff member Andrew Saltes has qualified
to compete at the AORS Provincial Safety Truck Roadeo on September 24, 2025.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:13 p.m.