Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20260310
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, March 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
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
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Bill Jean, Manager, Building Division
Lawrence Kuk, Manager, Development Planning
Alexander Wray, Manager, Bylaw Services
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 8:34 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Committee of the Whole consented to extend the hour past 10:30 p.m.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
March 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 on a two-thirds majority vote to include the addition of
Delegations items 6.5 to 6.8, and Member Motions items 15.7 to 15.9.
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 Jocelyn Wigley, Development Manager, and Skai Spooner, Head of
Marketing, Jolt Charge; Re: Item 14.3 - PDS26-021 - Request for Sign By-law
Authorization for Third Party Digital Signage - Jolt Charge Inc., 14751 Yonge
Street
Jocelyn Wigley and Skai Spooner presented an overview of their request to
install a fast D.C. Level 3 electric vehicle charging station with third-party
L.E.D. digital advertising displays.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.3.
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6.2 Javed S. Khan, President and Chair, Aurora Sports Hall of Fame; Re: Aurora
Sports Hall of Fame Audit Update
Javed Khan provided an update regarding the auditing of financial
statements for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.3 Shawn Deane, Resident; Re: Items 7.1 - HAC Meeting Minutes of Feb 9,
2026; 13.2 - OPS26-010; 14.1 - PDS26-023; 14.2 - PDS26-020; 16.1 - York
Regional Council Highlights of Jan 29, 2026; and 16.2 - York Regional
Council Highlights of Feb 26, 2026
Shawn Deane expressed concerns regarding Victoria Hall and the heritage
permit process, status of the accessibility ramp and administration of the
Town’s asset management plan, the Town’s proposed home energy
retrofit program, York Region’s development charges draft legislation, and
the Region’s implementation of an insurance pool program.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to items 7.1,13.2, 14.1, 14.2, 16.1, and 16.2.
6.4 John Hartman, Resident; Re: Item 15.6 - Mayor Mrakas; Re: Review and
Release of Certain Closed Session Materials
John Hartman sought clarification on the wording of the Member Motion
regarding transparency and public trust as fundamental principles of good
governance as it relates to Council’s past record.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 15.6.
6.5 Nikki Alber, Resident; Re: Item 15.4 - Councillor Gallo; Re: Establishment of a
Joint Task Force and Funding Support to Combat Antisemitic Hate and
Violence and Protect Vulnerable Communities in Aurora
Nikki Alber spoke in support of the Member Motion, as well as Member
Motions item 15.9 - Mayor Mrakas; Re: Protecting Vulnerable Social
Infrastructure in the Town of Aurora.
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Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to items 15.4 and 15.9.
6.6 Nada Ismail and Co-Delegates William, Nathan, and Debra, Residents; Re:
Item 10.1 - CS26-007 - Implications of Implementing a Renoviction By-law
Council consented to allow additional time for the delegation.
Nada Ismail, and co-delegates William and Nathan, expressed concerns
regarding the redevelopment plans for their homes and their possible
displacement, and requested that the Town adopt a renoviction by-law to
protect tenants.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 10.1.
6.7 Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy, B'nai Brith Canada;
Re: Item 15.4 - Councillor Gallo; Re: Establishment of a Joint Task Force and
Funding Support to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence and Protect
Vulnerable Communities in Aurora
Richard Robertson spoke in support of the Member Motion, as well as
Member Motions item 15.9 - Mayor Mrakas; Re: Protecting Vulnerable
Social Infrastructure in the Town of Aurora.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to items 15.4 and 15.9.
6.8 Jennifer Brooks, Resident; Re: Item 15.4 - Councillor Gallo; Re:
Establishment of a Joint Task Force and Funding Support to Combat
Antisemitic Hate and Violence and Protect Vulnerable Communities in
Aurora
Jennifer Brooks spoke in support of the Member Motion, as well as
Member Motions item 15.9 - Mayor Mrakas; Re: Protecting Vulnerable
Social Infrastructure in the Town of Aurora.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to items 15.4 and 15.9.
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.4 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2026
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 9,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
February 11, 2026
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of February 11, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2026
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
February 11, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2026
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
February 23, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
None.
Committee of the Whole consented to consider items 15.4, 15.9, and 14.1 first, and the
rest of the items in the order presented on the agenda.
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
9.1 CMS26-006 - Roller Skating Programming Options
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March 10, 2026 6
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS26-006 be received; and
2. That roller skating be offered as a drop-in program.
Carried
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
10.1 CS26-007 - Implications of Implementing a Renoviction By-law
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS26-007 be received; and
2. That the matter be referred back to staff to further investigate the
financial impact of implementing and managing a Renoviction By-law,
specific and scaled to the Town of Aurora, and provide a report to
Council in Q2 of 2026.
Carried as amended
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN26-008 - Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of
Council, Committees and Local Boards
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN26-008 be received for information.
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS26-008 - Protecting Aurora's Oldest Trees - Heritage Tree Management
Guide
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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1. That Report No. OPS26-008 be received; and
2. That the Heritage Tree Management Guide, and associated principles,
be endorsed.
Carried
13.2 OPS26-010 - Waterworks By-law Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS26-010 be received; and
2. That staff bring forward the new Waterworks, Water Meter and Water
Rates By-law, and any related by-law amendments, to a future Council
meeting for enactment.
Carried
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 PDS26-023 - Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study
Alex Hill, Partner, Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors, presented an
overview of the Home Energy Retrofit Program including the findings and
results of the Feasibility Study and the Program Design Study.
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-023 be received; and
2. That the Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study be endorsed; and
3. That staff be directed to move forward with the implementation of the
Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study.
Carried
14.2 PDS26-020 - Servicing Capacity Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-020 be received; and
2. That a total of 577 persons worth of servicing capacity from
developments as listed in Appendix “A” be revoked; and
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3. That a total of 855 persons worth of servicing capacity be assigned
toward the list of approved developments as shown in Appendix “B”
within a three-year “use-it or lose-it” timeframe; and
4. That staff be directed to prioritize the list of developments as listed in
Appendix “C” and provide servicing allocation should additional
capacity become available.
Carried
14.3 PDS26-021 - Request for Sign By-law Authorization for Third Party Digital
Signage - Jolt Charge Inc. - 14751 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-021 be received; and
2. That the request for authorization of a third party digital sign on an EV
charging station located at 14751 Yonge Street be denied.
Carried
14.4 PDS26-022 - Request for Sign By-law Authorization for Third Party Digital
Signage - Hossein Goli - 14810 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-022 be received; and
2. That the request for authorization of a third party digital sign on an
existing ground sign located at 14810 Yonge Street be denied.
Carried
15. Member Motions
15.1 Councillor Thompson; Re: Exemption of Golf Courses from the Clean
Communities By-law for Grass Maintenance
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, authorizes
municipalities to pass by-laws respecting the health, safety, and well-being
of persons and the maintenance and regulation of property standards; and
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
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Whereas the Town of Aurora enacted the Clean Communities By-law to
establish clear, consistent, and enforceable standards for property
maintenance throughout the municipality; and
Whereas standards for grass and yard maintenance are intended to
reduce pests and vermin, ensure consistent community appearance, and
prevent selective or inconsistent enforcement practices; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora contains several fully operational golf
courses, many of which abut and share divisional property lines with
residential properties within Aurora and neighbouring municipalities; and
Whereas golf courses are highly specialized land uses that require
agronomic turf management practices distinct from residential or general
commercial properties in order to maintain safe, functional, and
environmentally managed playing surfaces; and
Whereas golf courses in Ontario are already subject to a comprehensive
provincial regulatory framework, including exemptions under the Cosmetic
Pesticides Ban Act and compliance requirements under Ontario
Regulation 63/09 of the Pesticides Act; and
Whereas applying standard grass height and yard maintenance provisions
of the Clean Communities By-law to golf courses may create operational
conflicts and unintended enforcement challenges without advancing the
original intent of the by-law;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Town staff be directed to
prepare and bring forward a by-law amendment to the Clean
Communities By-law to establish a permanent exemption for fully
operational golf courses, limited solely to grass and turf maintenance
standards; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the exemption apply only to lands actively
used or maintained as part of an operational golf course, and not to
vacant, surplus, or non-golf-related lands.
Carried
15.2 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Feasibility of an Opt-In Municipal Alert System for
Emergencies, Weather and Service Disruptions
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Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Municipality has a responsibility to support public safety,
emergency preparedness, and timely communication with residents
during significant weather events; and
Whereas severe weather events, including snowstorms, freezing rain, high
winds, flooding, and extreme heat, are increasing in frequency and
intensity due to changing climate patterns; and
Whereas timely and direct communication to residents can improve public
safety outcomes by providing advance notice of road closures, service
disruptions, warming or cooling centre availability, parking restrictions,
and other emergency measures; and
Whereas utility providers, including hydro companies, successfully operate
opt-in text, app-based alert systems to notify customers of outages and
restoration updates, demonstrating the effectiveness and public
acceptance of such platforms; and
Whereas a municipal alert system could reduce pressure on staff
resources by decreasing inbound inquiries during significant events and
improve coordination between municipal departments, emergency
services, and the public; and
Whereas many municipalities across Ontario have implemented digital
alert systems that integrate with existing emergency management
frameworks;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
report back on the feasibility of implementing an opt-in municipal alert
system, including text message, and/or mobile application
notifications, for significant weather events and related municipal
service disruptions; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the report include analysis of
implementation costs, ongoing operational requirements, privacy and
data security considerations, integration with existing emergency
management systems, and examples of comparable municipal
models.
Carried
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15.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Improving Accessibility and Public Record
Integration of Live and Archived Council Meeting Video
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to the principles of
transparency, accountability, and open government; and
Whereas the Town live streams Council and Committee meetings to allow
residents to observe local government in real time; and
Whereas the Town’s website serves as the primary and official source for
meeting agendas, minutes, and public records; and
Whereas the integration of video recordings alongside written agendas
and minutes strengthens the completeness and integrity of the public
record by providing context, clarity, and accuracy of Council proceedings;
and
Whereas the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) emphasize
the importance of providing accessible formats and communication
supports to the public; and
Whereas improving the visibility and accessibility of livestream and
archived meeting video supports these accessibility objectives and
enhances equitable public access to municipal governance; and
Whereas many Ontario municipalities, including Guelph, Vaughan, and
Burlington, integrate direct links to live and archived meeting video within
their meeting calendar pages as a standard best practice;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to update
the Town’s meeting calendar webpage to:
a. Prominently display a direct link to the active livestream video on
the meeting page while the meeting is in progress; and
b. Add a direct link to the archived video recording to each individual
meeting page, adjacent to the published agenda and minutes,
once the video becomes available; and
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2. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back to Council on the
implementation of these improvements, including timelines and any
associated costs, if applicable.
Carried
15.4 Councillor Gallo; Re: Establishment of a Joint Task Force and Funding
Support to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence and Protect Vulnerable
Communities in Aurora
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Town of Aurora is a diverse and inclusive community where
residents of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds should feel safe,
respected, and protected; and
Whereas there has been a documented and deeply concerning rise in
antisemitic incidents, hate-motivated acts, and violence across Canada,
including within York Region and surrounding municipalities; and
Whereas hate-motivated incidents directed at the Jewish community and
other vulnerable communities undermine public safety, community
cohesion, and the fundamental values of tolerance and inclusion; and
Whereas municipal governments rely on strong partnerships with federal,
provincial, and regional law enforcement agencies to effectively prevent,
investigate, and respond to hate-motivated incidents; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora is served by the York Regional Police, and
benefits from coordination with provincial and federal partners including
the Ontario Provincial Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and
Canadian Security Intelligence Service; and
Whereas municipalities face increasing financial and operational
pressures in responding to rising incidents of hate, including the need for
enhanced policing coordination, prevention programs, and community
safety initiatives;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora Council
formally request the Government of Canada and the Province of
Ontario to work in partnership with York Region and the Town of
Aurora to establish a combined Federal, Provincial, Regional, and
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Municipal law enforcement joint task force, composed of but not
limited to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Security
Intelligence Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and York Regional
Police, to coordinate intelligence, prevention, and enforcement efforts
to combat and prevent antisemitic hate and violence, and to protect
vulnerable communities; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That Council request the Federal and Provincial
governments to provide dedicated and sustainable funding to support
these coordinated enforcement and prevention efforts, and to provide
financial assistance to municipalities and regional police services,
including York Regional Police, to address the increased operational
demands resulting from the rise in hate-motivated incidents; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That Council calls upon all municipalities in
York Region to join Town of Aurora in support of this resolution; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That Council direct that this resolution be
forwarded to:
The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
The Minister of Public Safety Canada
The Premier of Ontario
The Solicitor General of Ontario
The Attorney General of Ontario
The Regional Municipality of York
The York Regional Police Services Board
Local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial
Parliament representing Aurora
All municipalities within York Region
Carried
15.5 Councillor Gallo; Re: Financial Reporting for the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation Board (AEDC)
Committee of the Whole recommends:
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Whereas the Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a
corporation governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Not-for-Profit
Corporations Act, 2010; and
Whereas the AEDC plays an important advisory role in supporting
economic development initiatives, business attraction, and strategic
economic priorities within the Town of Aurora; and
Whereas Council funds economic-related activities through the Planning
and Development budget, specifically the Economic Development
Division's operating budget, and the economic development reserve; and
Whereas the AEDC's board recommends to the Economic Development
division economic-related activities and initiatives, which may have a cost;
and
Whereas expenditures related to recommended AEDC initiatives are
administered through the Town’s financial systems and approval
processes, and the AEDC itself does not independently approve
expenditures or produce standalone audited financial statements; and
Whereas, as a result, there is currently no consolidated annual financial
summary specific to AEDC activities presented to Council or the public;
and
Whereas Council has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure transparency,
accountability, and proper oversight of the Town's economic development
incentive budgets; and
Whereas providing clear, consistent, and detailed financial reporting
enhances transparency and ensures the community and Council have a
complete understanding of how public funds are being utilized in support
of economic development initiatives;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
prepare and present a report outlining the Town's economic
development incentive financials for the 2025 fiscal year to which the
Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) provides input,
including but not limited to:
a. The total Town budget allocated in support of AEDC-related
initiatives;
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March 10, 2026 15
b. A detailed breakdown of all expenditures, including administrative
costs, consulting services, marketing, events, and any other
operational expenses;
c. Any revenues, sponsorships, grants, or external funding received;
d. Any reserve funds held or utilized, if applicable; and
e. A comparison of the approved budget versus actual expenditures;
and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to provide an annual
report to Council outlining the financial details of the Town budget that
has been allocated in support of AEDC-related initiatives for the
preceding fiscal year, beginning with the 2026 fiscal year and
continuing annually thereafter.
Carried
15.6 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Review and Release of Certain Closed Session Materials
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas Council has previously discussed matters in Closed Session
relating to:
The purchase of lands commonly referred to as Henderson Forest;
Discussions concerning Hillary House National Historic Site; and
Matters relating to the property municipally known as 1289 Wellington
Street East; and
Whereas transparency and public trust are fundamental principles of good
governance; and
Whereas the Municipal Act permits the public release of Closed Session
materials once the need for confidentiality has lapsed;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to
conduct a review of all Closed Session reports, minutes, presentations,
and related materials concerning:
a. Henderson Forest (672 and 682 Henderson Drive);
b. Hillary House; and
c. 1289 Wellington Street East; and
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March 10, 2026 16
2. Be It Further Resolved That Council authorize the release of the
documents described above in accordance with the Municipal
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
M.56 and only to the extent without prejudice to the Town’s legal,
security, financial, or negotiating position; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That a public report be brought forward to
Council outlining:
a. What information can be released;
b. What must remain confidential and the legislative reason why; and
c. A proposed timeline for disclosure; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That any materials deemed appropriate for
release be made publicly available through the Town’s website.
Carried
15.7 Councillor Gallo; Re: Disclosure of Documents Related to Victoria Hall
Renovations
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas Council recently approved an increase to the capital budget for
the Victoria Hall Refurbishment project from $500,000 to approximately
$2.18 million; and
Whereas the increase was based on structural findings, engineering
reports, design work, and updated cost estimates that significantly
expanded the scope and financial implications of the project; and
Whereas certain documents related to the project were not shared
publicly; and
Whereas residents have expressed significant interest in understanding
the basis for the increased project costs and the information that
informed Council’s decision; and
Whereas transparency and public confidence in municipal decision-
making are strengthened when supporting documentation for major
capital expenditures is made available to the public; and
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
March 10, 2026 17
Whereas, while certain information related to procurement, legal matters,
or third-party commercial interests cannot be disclosed by the
municipality, the majority of documentation supporting this decision
should be publicly accessible;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to compile
and release publicly all documentation related to the Victoria Hall
Refurbishment budget increase, including but not limited to:
a. Engineering and structural reports;
b. Architectural and design consultant reports;
c. The Class D cost estimate dated December 1, 2025, and any
subsequent cost estimates;
d. Project scope documents and supporting technical studies;
e. Internal staff reports or memoranda that informed the revised
project scope or cost estimates;
f. Any additional documentation relied upon in preparing the report
recommending the budget increase; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That such release does not contravene the
Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,
procurement integrity requirements, contractual confidentiality
obligations, or legal privilege; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back to Council by May 2026
confirming the documents being released and listing any unreleased
documents with an explanation of the applicable reasons for requiring
continued nondisclosure.
Carried
15.8 Councillor Gallo; Re: Traffic Calming Measures on Limeridge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas residents on Limeridge Street have raised ongoing concerns
regarding traffic speeds, roadway safety, and sightline limitations along
the street; and
Whereas a petition meeting the requirements of the Town’s Traffic
Calming Policy was submitted by residents on Limeridge Street requesting
traffic calming measures; and
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March 10, 2026 18
Whereas the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
reviewed the matter at its meeting on January 28, 2026, and provided
comments supporting potential safety improvements including traffic
calming measures and improved sightlines; and
Whereas Limeridge Street includes a bend in the roadway where
vegetation and foliage may obstruct sightlines, creating potential safety
concerns for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians; and
Whereas Council has the authority under the Municipal Act and the
Highway Traffic Act to regulate traffic and speed limits on municipal roads
in the interest of public safety;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
implement traffic calming measures on Limeridge Street between
Gateway Drive and Kirkvalley Crescent, including the installation of one
set of speed cushions on the west leg of Limeridge Street at a location
deemed appropriate by staff; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That Council direct staff to bring forward the
necessary by-law amendment to reduce the speed limit on Limeridge
Street to 30 km/h; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That Council direct staff to install flashing
speed display boards on Limeridge Street on a rotational basis as
operationally appropriate to improve driver awareness of vehicle
speeds; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That Council direct the appropriate department
to investigate and address vegetation and foliage obstruction
affecting sightlines near 55 Limeridge Street, including trimming or
pruning as required.
Carried
15.9 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Protecting Vulnerable Social Infrastructure in the Town
of Aurora
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas safeguarding the quality of life for all Aurora residents requires a
firm commitment to combating all forms of hate, intimidation, intolerance,
discrimination, and the incitement of violence; and
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March 10, 2026 19
Whereas acts of intimidation and violence targeting communities, places
of worship, schools, and community institutions across the Greater
Toronto Area have created fear and distress among residents; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora is a diverse and welcoming community
where residents of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds must feel safe
attending religious services, schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, and
congregate care facilities; and
Whereas all levels of government share a responsibility to ensure
vulnerable social infrastructure remains safe and accessible for the
people who rely on these essential services; and
Whereas legislative measures have been introduced in Canada to address
intimidation near critical services, including amendments to the Criminal
Code of Canada through Bill C-3 which created an offence for intimidating
health care workers or those seeking health care services; and
Whereas other municipalities in Canada have implemented access or
safety zones to ensure safe and inclusive access to public and community
facilities; and
Whereas any measures taken to protect vulnerable social infrastructure
must respect and preserve the fundamental right to lawful and peaceful
protest;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
report back to Council at the earliest opportunity with options for a
bylaw or policy framework that would prohibit demonstrations or
activities that intimidate, incite hatred, violence, intolerance, or
discrimination within a defined distance of vulnerable social
infrastructure, including places of worship, schools, childcare centres,
hospitals, and congregate care facilities within the Town of Aurora;
and
2. Be It Further Resolved That Council request that staff review best
practices from other municipalities and relevant provincial and federal
legislation in developing any recommended framework; and
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March 10, 2026 20
3. Be It Further Resolved That any proposed bylaw ensure penalties are
consistent with applicable legislation and municipal authority under
the Municipal Act; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That nothing in any proposed bylaw restrict the
right to lawful and peaceful protest or demonstrations, including lawful
labour activity; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That staff consult with York Regional Police
regarding enforcement considerations and coordination should such
measures be implemented; and
6. Be It Further Resolved That this resolution be circulated to the
Government of Ontario, York Region, York Regional Police, and York
Region municipalities for their information.
Carried
16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of January 29, 2026
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of January 29, 2026, be
received for information.
Carried
16.2 York Regional Council Highlights of February 26, 2026
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of February 26, 2026, be
received for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Weese requested a status update on the pending Metrolinx approval
of a grade separation at Wellington Street East and the Aurora GO Station, and
the Mayor provided a response.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
March 10, 2026 21
Councillor Weese inquired about how markers are assigned for fire hydrants that
become covered with snow, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland requested clarification on the removal of a very old Willow
tree in Fleury Park, and staff provided a response. Councillor Gaertner suggested
that signage be posted in these instances to inform the public on the outcome.
Councillor Thompson advised that the Ontario government today announced its
plan to consolidate 36 conservation authorities into nine, and noted that the Lake
Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) will now be part of the Lake
Huron Regional Conservation Authority, effective February 1, 2027.
18. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Weese announced that Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
is holding its 10th annual Capes for Kids fundraiser on March 6-13, 2026, to help
kids with disabilities, and encouraged everyone to make a donation at
https://fundraise.capesforkids.ca/cfk2026/ron-weese.
Councillor Weese announced the Town’s call for artists to register by April 6 for
participation in its 62nd Annual Art Show and Sale to be held on Saturday, May 2
and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Hall; for details, visit
aurora.ca/artshow.
Councillor Weese extended congratulations on the success of the recent Aurora
Winter Blues Festival and gave special thanks to Suzanne Haines of the Aurora
Cultural Centre and Greg Smith of Music Aurora.
Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:
Wristbands are on sale for the Town’s annual Easterpalooza event being held
on Saturday, April 4, 2026; for more information, visit aurora.ca/easter.
Nominations are open for the Town’s annual Community Recognition
Awards; for details and the nomination form, visit aurora.ca/cra.
March Break activities are being offered by the Town including day camps
and drop-in programs; for more information, visit aurora.ca.
Reminder that the Aurora Family Leisure Complex (A.F.L.C.) pool will be
closed March 16-19, 2026, for annual maintenance; for the Stronach Aurora
Recreation Complex (S.A.R.C.) swim schedule, visit aurora.ca/aquatics.
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March 10, 2026 22
The Aurora Museum & Archives and Aurora Historical Society are presenting
a special Speaker Series event—Toronto’s Lost Shipwreck—with Aurora
resident Heison Chak, on March 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Aurora Town Square;
to purchase tickets, visit auroratownsquare.ca/whatson.
An Open House will be held on March 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Town
Hall to gather public input on the development of the Yonge Street Regional
Corridor (south area); for more details, visit aurora.ca/publicnotices.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m.