Minutes - Council - 20260224
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
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/Deputy Clerk
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services*
Kyle Stitt, Manager, Facilities Management
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Council consented to recess the meeting at 8:53 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:03 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 2
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
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 Thompson
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services including the
addition of Delegations items 6.3 and 6.4, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
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
6.1 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Item 8.3.1-Community Reflection Space
Concept Plan
Shawn Deane spoke to concerns regarding governance, oversight and
transparency with respect to the need for repairs and request for
additional funds to refurbish Victoria Hall.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 3
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.3.1.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the rules of procedure be waived to permit the addition of the
following amendment:
'...and item 8.3.2.'
Carried (7 to 0)
Main Motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.3.1 and item 8.3.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.2 John Hartman, Resident; Re: Item 8.3.2-Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding
Increase
John Hartman expressed gratitude to staff snow-removal teams, and
spoke to concerns with transparency and disclosure regarding the Victoria
Hall refurbishment funding increase request.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.3.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 4
Carried (7 to 0)
6.3 Linda Duringer, Resident; Re: Item 8.3.2-Victoria Hall Refurbishment
Funding Increase
Linda Duringer spoke to concerns regarding the potential impact on
neighbouring residents with regard to Victoria Hall's proposed
renovations, long-term use, parking, noise, traffic, garbage, lighting and
operating hours. Linda commented on the cost per square foot as
compared to industry standards, queried how costs may be recouped via
rental fees, and provided feedback on its preferred usage remaining as a
community space.
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.3.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
6.4 Leta Dayfoot, Resident; Re: Item 8.3.2-Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding
Increase
Leta Dayfoot spoke to the heritage and history of Victoria Hall and hoped
that its legacy might continue as a hub for community and social
programming, and suggested additional reserve funds may be used to
enhance other heritage projects.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.3.2.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Consent Agenda
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 5
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.3 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 January 27, 2026
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2026, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Closed Session Minutes of January 27, 2026 (confidential
attachment)
1. That the Council Closed Session Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2026,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2026
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of January
27, 2026, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of February 10, 2026
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of February 10, 2026 be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.3.1, 8.3.2, 8.5.2, 8.8.1, 8.8.2 and 8.9.1, 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
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 6
8.1.1 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
8.1.2 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
8.1.3 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
8.2 Consent Agenda
8.2.1 Memorandum from Councillor Thompson; Re: Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 23,
2026
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority Board Meeting Highlights of January 23,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
8.2.2 Correspondence from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority;
Re: Minimizing Salt Pollution in our Watersheds with Limited Liability
Legislation
1. That the Correspondence from Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority, regarding Minimizing Salt Pollution in
our Watersheds with Limited Liability Legislation be received;
and
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 7
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
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS26-003 - Community Reflection Space Concept Plan
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. CMS26-003 be received; and
2. That the design for the Community Reflection Space be
approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.3.2 CMS26-002 - Victoria Hall Refurbishment Funding Increase
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CMS26-002 be received for information.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the main motion be amended to include the following
clauses:
1. That capital project number AM0259 - Victoria Hall
Refurbishment budget authority be increased by $1,682,000
to a total of $2,182,000; and
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 8
2. That this project’s total revised budget authority of
$2,182,000 be funded by $500,000 and $1,682,000 from the
Facility Asset Management and Growth & New reserves,
respectively; and
3. That Council delegate authority to the Department Head, in
accordance with the Procurement By-law, to approve a Non-
Standard Procurement for consulting services greater than
$250,000, if required.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (3): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Gallo
Carried (4 to 3)
Main Motion as amended
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. CMS26-002 be received; and
2. That capital project number AM0259 - Victoria Hall
Refurbishment budget authority be increased by $1,682,000 to a
total of $2,182,000; and
3. That this project’s total revised budget authority of $2,182,000 be
funded by $500,000 and $1,682,000 from the Facility Asset
Management and Growth & New reserves, respectively; and
4. That Council delegate authority to the Department Head, in
accordance with the Procurement By-law, to approve a Non-
Standard Procurement for consulting services greater than
$250,000, if required.
Yeas (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor Thompson,
and Councillor Kim
Nays (3): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Gallo
Carried as amended (4 to 3)
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 9
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS26-003 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan Status
Report
1. That Report No. CS26-003 be received for information.
Carried
8.4.2 CS26-005 - Third Party Consultant Contractual Release
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
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN26-004 - 2026 Investment Policy Review
1. That Report No. FIN26-004 be received; and
2. That Council approve the updated Investment Policy Statement.
Carried
8.5.2 FIN26-006 - Procurement Amendments Report and Bylaw
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. FIN26-006 be received for information; and
2. That the necessary by-law to replace Appendix “A” of the Town’s
Procurement By-law No. 6404-22, as amended, with an updated
policy reflecting the amendments outlined in this report be
enacted at a future Council meeting.
Amendment 1
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause(s):
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 10
1. That Schedule D – Threshold and Authorization Schedule,
Table 2 – Non-Standard Procurement, be amended to
require Council approval for Piggyback Procurements with a
Procurement Value equal to or greater than $500,000; and
2. That Piggyback Procurements with a Procurement Value up
to $500,000 may be authorized by the Procurement
Governance Committee (PGC) in accordance with the
Procurement By-law.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Amendment 2
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause(s):
1. That staff be directed to revise Schedule B – Non-Standard
Procurements to include objective definitions and criteria for
the following justification categories:
a. “Significant inconvenience”; and
b. “Substantial duplication of costs”; and
c. “Best interest of the Town”; and
2. And that such criteria require written justification to be
retained.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
Amendment 3
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 11
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause(s):
1. That Schedule E – Exclusions to the Procurement By-law be
amended to remove the following proposed exclusions:
a. Advertising for Town services or programs; and
b. Goods or services for public relations, media, and social
media monitoring; and
c. Trade show registration, booth rentals, and event
sponsorship; and
2. And that such goods and services remain subject to the
standard procurement requirements, thresholds, and
approval authorities established under the Town’s
Procurement By-law.
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 Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
1. That Report No. FIN26-006 be received; and
2. That the necessary by-law to replace Appendix “A” of the Town’s
Procurement By-law No. 6404-22, as amended, with an updated
policy reflecting the amendments outlined in this report be
enacted at a future Council meeting; and
3. That Schedule D – Threshold and Authorization Schedule, Table
2 – Non-Standard Procurement, be amended to require Council
approval for Piggyback Procurements with a Procurement Value
equal to or greater than $500,000; and
4. That Piggyback Procurements with a Procurement Value up to
$500,000 may be authorized by the Procurement Governance
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 12
Committee (PGC) in accordance with the Procurement By-law;
and
5. That staff be directed to revise Schedule B – Non-Standard
Procurements to include objective definitions and criteria for the
following justification categories:
a. “Significant inconvenience”; and
b. “Substantial duplication of costs”; and
c. “Best interest of the Town”; and
6. And that such criteria require written justification to be retained;
and
7. That Schedule E – Exclusions to the Procurement By-law be
amended to remove the following proposed exclusions:
a. Advertising for Town services or programs; and
b. Goods or services for public relations, media, and social
media monitoring; and
c. Trade show registration, booth rentals, and event
sponsorship; and
8. And that such goods and services remain subject to the standard
procurement requirements, thresholds, and approval authorities
established under the Town’s Procurement By-law.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried as amended (7 to 0)
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 13
8.8.1 PDS26-009 - Traffic Calming Requests on Limeridge Street and
Gateway Drive - Update
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
1. That Report No. PDS26-009 be received for information.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clause(s):
1. That Council recognize and support the recommendations
and agreement of the Active Transportation and Traffic
Safety Advisory Committee, as reflected in its January 28,
2026 meeting minutes, which advised that traffic calming
measures should be considered along the entire length of
Gateway Drive to improve roadway safety; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with the installation of
traffic calming speed cushions on the south leg of Gateway
Drive; and
3. That staff be directed to implement traffic calming speed
cushions on the north leg of Gateway Drive, subject to the
completion of a successful traffic calming petition in
accordance with the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy; and
4. That staff report back to Council with implementation timing
and funding requirements.
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 Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 14
1. That Report No. PDS26-009 be received; and
2. That Council recognize and support the recommendations and
agreement of the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee, as reflected in its January 28, 2026 meeting
minutes, which advised that traffic calming measures should be
considered along the entire length of Gateway Drive to improve
roadway safety; and
3. That staff be directed to proceed with the installation of traffic
calming speed cushions on the south leg of Gateway Drive; and
4. That staff be directed to implement traffic calming speed
cushions on the north leg of Gateway Drive, subject to the
completion of a successful traffic calming petition in accordance
with the Town’s Traffic Calming Policy; and
5. That staff report back to Council with implementation timing and
funding requirements.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried as amended (7 to 0)
8.8.2 PDS26-010 - Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-01 – 220 Old
Yonge Street
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.8.3 PDS26-011 - Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-02 – 57 Fleury
Street
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 15
1. That Report No. PDS26-011 be received; and
2. That Heritage Grant Application HGP-2025-02 for 57 Fleury
Street be approved with grant funding of $5,000.
Carried
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Weese; Re: Reduction of Commercial Stormwater Charges
for St. Andrews Shopping Centre
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;
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 16
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
prepare a report for Council’s consideration that:
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.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
10. New Business
Councillor Thompson inquired about communication plans staff may have for
the Yonge Street South Public Open House, occurring on Monday, March 23,
2026 from 6-8 p.m., and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese expressed sorrow for human and economic losses
experienced over the four years of Russian aggression against the Ukraine and
offered prayers for peace.
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 17
Councillor Gallo acknowledged the Operational Services Department on their
prompt and helpful snow-clearing efforts this season.
Councillor Gaertner echoed thanks and congratulations to the Operational
Services Department for their tireless efforts at snow-clearing. Additionally,
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the human loss of the Russian aggression.
Mayor Mrakas spoke to the unjust war in the Ukraine, and suggested the solidarity
walk and Town Park flag-raising event that occurred at its outbreak be revisited.
Additionally, Mayor Mrakas shared appreciation for the Operational Services
Department, referencing an eye-opening ride-along with plow operators.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6763-26 - Being a By-law to appoint a Clerk
11.2 By-law Number 6764-26 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 115 George Street
(File No. ZBA-2024-07)
11.3 By-law Number 6765-26 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, respecting the lands municipally known as 180 Wellington
Street East, to remove a holding symbol “H” (File No. ZBA(H)-2025-01)
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
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
Carried (7 to 0)
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6766-26 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on February 24, 2026
Council Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2026 18
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
Carried
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:33 p.m.
Tom Mr as Mayor
Carried
"'[rio, Deputy Clerk