Minutes (Appointed) - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20260209
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, February 9, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
Linda Duringer
John Green (Vice Chair), Aurora Historical Society
Representative
Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member
Rocco Morsillo
Chris Polsinelli* (departed 9:02 p.m.)
Other Attendees: Councillor Ron Weese
Matthew Volpintesta, Manager, Parks and Fleet*
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
The Committee consented to extend the hour to 9:30 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 2
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 John Green
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2025
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of December
8, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 David Heard, Resident; Re: Heritage Fund Request
David Heard presented an overview of the Dave’s Vinyl Party project, an
expansive, historical vinyl record archive, including its positive impact on
the community, groups, and individuals; tourism potential; support of the
Town’s Strategic Plan related to the celebration of culture, heritage music
and arts, diversity, and multiculturalism; 2026 goals; and funding request.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 3
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by John Green
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
6.2 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Management of
Aurora's Interpretive Plaques
Christopher Watts referred to item 7.3, Plaque Wording – 10-12 Spruce
Street, and expressed concerns regarding the proposed plaque wording
and mounting location, and the current guidelines for interpretive plaques.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by John Green
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Parks and Fleet; Re: The Protection and
Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural
Significance
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and draft End-of-Life Tree
Management Guide.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including the
program’s initial focus on town-owned trees; consideration of privately-
owned trees; the protection of trees on designated heritage properties and
criteria for previously designated heritage trees; growing trees from seeds;
repurposing of heritage tree wood; the role of historical research, staff,
and community resources to help identify significant trees; penalties for
illegal tree removal; and plans for review and enhancement of the Town’s
private tree protection by-law. It was suggested that most of the trees in
the pet cemetery should be protected, and that new trees not be planted
too close to the road. The Committee further highlighted the need for
standards and metrics, and clarity on the significance of the heritage tree
designation and associated responsibilities. Staff reviewed the next steps.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 4
The Committee expressed general support for the framework of the draft
Guide and suggested an alternative name for the Guide as opposed to
“End-of-Life”.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Linda Duringer
1. That the memorandum regarding The Protection and Commemoration
of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold Natural and Cultural Significance be
received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding The
Protection and Commemoration of Aurora’s Oldest Trees that Hold
Natural and Cultural Significance be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2026-01 - 15375 Yonge Street
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and proposed alterations
to facilitate the opening of a single-physician healthcare office on the
designated property at 15375 Yonge Street, located within the Northeast
Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including exterior
replacement materials; signage for the healthcare office; and accessibility.
The Committee expressed general concern regarding the protection of
heritage trees on the property, and suggested that the colour for repainting
the existing painted façade should be more of a cream tone. The
Committee was generally supportive of the application.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2026-01 - 15375 Yonge Street be received; and
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 5
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2026-01 - 15375 Yonge Street be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.3 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Plaque
Wording - 10-12 Spruce Street
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and proposed wording for
a commemorative heritage plaque to be installed on the property at 10-12
Spruce Street, located within the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage
Conservation District.
The Committee and staff discussed the location options and proposed
plaque wording. The Committee expressed support for the draft wording
with the exception of a minor grammatical revision, and further expressed
support for the plaque to be either pole- or rock-mounted.
Moved by Chris Polsinelli
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
1. That the memorandum regarding Plaque Wording - 10-12 Spruce
Street be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Plaque
Wording - 10-12 Spruce Street be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee referred to the Victoria Hall refurbishment item on the February
10, 2026 Committee of the Whole agenda and inquired about why the matter had
not been first considered by the Heritage Advisory Committee. Staff provided a
response, noting that the Committee would become involved through any future
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2026 6
heritage permit process. The Committee expressed its concerns and preference
for a potential use of Victoria Hall.
The Committee and staff discussed the ongoing efforts to improve building
façades and signage of properties in the downtown core noting that, while some
owners have been compliant with the rules, others have not. There was further
discussion on sign permit issues and efforts to enforce the Sign By-law. Staff
noted that Building enforcement is continuing to review signs in the downtown
and work with owners on compliance. Staff agreed to provide updates at a future
Committee meeting as they are available.
The Committee provided a status update on the planning and preparations
completed for the Heritage Week celebrations starting on February 16, 2026.
Staff expressed appreciation for the efforts of the working group.
The Committee expressed support for the earlier delegation and efforts of David
Heard, and encouraged their further presentation to Council.
Staff advised that Parks Canada will be shutting down its Canadian Register of
Historic Places website, on the basis that Parks Canada has indicated the
searchable database had become technologically outdated. It was noted that
staff had saved all of the Aurora property portfolio information and that various
groups have made an effort to protect and share the information further.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Linda Duringer
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Carried