Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20260414
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, April 14, 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
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Nancy Fleming, Manager, Engineering and Capital Delivery
Alexander Wray, Manager, By-law Services
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, 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.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 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
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 John Tzanis, Head Coach, Aurora Football Club; Re: Aurora Football Club
U15 Girls Win Provincial Title
John Tzanis provided background on the Aurora Football Club (Youth
Soccer) U15 Girls team's achievements in capturing the provincial indoor
soccer title, competing against top teams from across Ontario in the
toughest division. Council Members were presented with personalized
team jerseys and took part in photos.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 3
6.2 Shawn Deane, Budget Voice Aurora; Re: Items 11.1, 11.2, 14.3 and 16.1
Shawn Deane spoke to concerns regarding a funding gap as noted in item
11.2 FIN26-012 - 2027 Budget Timeline and Process, as well as the
request for budget increase outlined in item 14.3 - PDS26-031-Request for
Increased Capital Budget Authority for Capital Project GN0163-Yonge
Street Active Transportation Facilities.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to items 11.1, 11.2, 14.3 and 16.1.
6.3 Bernie Yeung, Resident; Re: Proposed Amendment to Fence By-law No.
6429-22 – Clarification of Height Limits for Hedges (Schedule A, Item 10)
Bernie Yeung spoke to concerns regarding perceived inconsistencies of
maximum vegetative hedge height allowances versus constructed fence
allowances, as outlined within Fence By-law No. 6429-22, Schedule A, Item
10.
Committee of the Whole received the comments of the delegation for
information.
6.4 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Item 14.2-PDS26-029
- Bank of Approved Street Names Update
Christopher Watts shared concerns with spelling and listing
inconsistencies within the Bank of Approved Street Names, and suggested
input be sought from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385 to confirm
the spelling of fallen heroes. Additionally, it was suggested that fallen
heroes whose names are unsuitable for use as street names could be
recognized on Town-owned assets.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.2.
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.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 4
Carried
7.1 Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2026
1. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of
February 19, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 25, 2026
1. That the Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2026
1. That the Mayor's Golf Classic Funds Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 1, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Agenda items of sections 9 through 16 inclusive be approved, with the
exception of items 10.1, 11.1, 13.1, 14.2, 14.3 and 15.2, which were discussed
and voted on separately.
Carried
Committee of the Whole consented to consider items in the following order: 10.1,
14.2, 11.1, 13.1, 14.3 and 15.2.
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
None.
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
10.1 CS26-009 - Election Sign By-law Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 5
1. That Report No. CS26-009 be received for information.
Carried
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN26-009 - 2026 Year End Surplus-Deficit Management and By-law Report
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN26-009 be received; and
2. That the by-law to allocate any 2026 operating surplus or deficit, as
detailed in this report, be brought forward to a future Council meeting
for approval
Carried
11.2 FIN26-012 - 2027 Budget Timeline and Process
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN26-012 be received; and
2. That the proposed budget timeline as detailed in Table 1 be approved.
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
13.1 OPS26-011 - 2025-2026 Windrow Removal Pilot Program End of Season
Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS26-011 be received; and
2. That the Town continue with the 2025-2026 model with the same $200
fee and program parameters as a pilot for the 2026-2027 season.
Carried
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 6
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 PDS26-028 - Don Hillock Drive and Goulding Avenue Parking Allowance
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-028 be received; and
2. That Parking Bylaw No. 4574-04.T be amended to allow on-street
parking on Don Hillock Drive (south side between Leslie Street and
Goulding Avenue) and Goulding Avenue (west side between Don
Hillock Drive and Eric T Smith Way).
Carried
14.2 PDS26-029 - Bank of Approved Street Names Update
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-029 be referred to the April 28, 2026 Council
meeting and to include with it the Street Naming Policy.
Motion to Refer
Carried
14.3 PDS26-031 - Request for Increased Capital Budget Authority for Capital
Project GN0163 – Yonge Street Active Transportation Facilities
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-031 be received; and
2. That the total approved budget authority for Capital Project No.
GN0163 be increased to $7,861,100 representing an increase of
$2,531,900; and
3. That the proposed total budget authority of $7,861,100 be funded by
$4,561,100 from roads and related development charges, $500,000
from the Growth and New reserve and a $2,800,000 contribution from
York Region.
Carried
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 7
15. Member Motions
15.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Annual Review and Release of Closed Session Materials
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to transparency, accountability,
and maintaining public trust in municipal governance; and
Whereas Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permits closed sessions
only in limited circumstances and does not require confidentiality to be
maintained indefinitely; and
Whereas information considered in closed session may, over time, no
longer meet the criteria for continued confidentiality;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council directs staff to
conduct an annual review of all closed session reports, minutes, and
related materials; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff, in consultation with the Town
Solicitor, assess which closed session materials no longer require
confidentiality under Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 or any
other applicable legislation; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That closed session materials deemed eligible
for public release be released in full or in redacted form, as required, to
protect personal, financial, security, legal, or other confidential
information; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That staff provide an annual public report to
Council, summarizing:
a. the number and general nature of closed session items reviewed;
b. materials released;
c. materials recommended to remain confidential;
d. the rationale for continued confidentiality where applicable; and
e. That this annual review and reporting process be incorporated as a
standard governance practice of the Town.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 8
Carried
15.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Reporting Framework for Members attending
Conferences, Seminars and External Events
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas Members of Council attend conferences, seminars, and external
events at the expense of the Town of Aurora, either through direct funding,
conference budgets, or reimbursements in accordance with the
Compensation and Support for Members of Council Policy; and
Whereas these events are intended to provide professional development,
enhance municipal knowledge, and bring forward best practices that can
benefit the Town and its residents; and
Whereas there is currently no formal, standardized requirement for
Members of Council to report back publicly on the value, insights, or
outcomes of their attendance; and
Whereas transparency and accountability in the use of public funds are
essential to maintaining public trust; and
Whereas sharing knowledge gained from conferences can support
informed decision-making and provide value to the broader Council and
community; and
Whereas ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for taxpayer-
funded conference attendance, while strengthening knowledge-sharing
among Members of Council, is in the public interest;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to develop
a written reporting framework requiring Members of Council who
attend a conference, convention, seminar, or external events at the
expense of the Town; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the written report framework include, at
minimum:
o The name, date, and location of the conference or event;
o Total cost incurred by the Town, including registration, travel,
accommodation, and related expenses;
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 9
o Key topics, sessions, or discussions attended;
o Summary of key learnings and takeaways;
o Any relevant best practices or ideas that could be considered for
implementation in the Town of Aurora; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That such reports be included on a public
Council or Committee of the Whole agenda for information purposes,
within a defined timeframe following the conference, seminar or
external event; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back on any administrative,
financial, or procedural implications of implementing this requirement,
including potential alignment with existing policies or expense
reporting practices.
Carried
16. Regional Report
Committee of the Whole recommends:
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of March 26, 2026
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of March 26, 2026, be
received for information.
Carried
17. New Business
Councillor Thompson directed staff to review and report back to a future meeting
of Council on the lack of height limitations on vegetative hedges within By-law
No. 6429-22.
Councillor Gaertner reported that the Henderson Ecological Passage rated
number two in the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority's Top Ten
Restoration Projects of 2025, noting that road wildlife mortality has dropped to
almost nothing, and extended thanks to local community group Turtle Tias for
their ongoing monitoring efforts.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 10
Councillor Gaertner inquired as to the status of Town-hosted roller-skating
events, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland requested an update on various watermain repairs throughout
the Town, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gilliland noted thebigcheese.ca festival has begun in southern Ontario
and requested an update on the status of this event from Economic
Development, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese inquired if the Town will consider taking part in the Heritage
District’s 20-year anniversary celebration, and the Mayor provided a response.
Councillor Weese inquired whether the Town's tree removal plan has been
followed at 65 St. John's Sideroad, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Weese inquired whether staff were provided a copy of Christopher
Watts' documentation as was referenced during the delegation, and whether
there exists a naming policy for Town-owned buildings, and staff provided a
response.
18. Public Service Announcements
Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:
The Annual Community Cleanup will occur on April 25, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12
p.m. Learn more at aurora.ca/cleanup.
The Aurora Art Show and Sale is presented in partnership with the Society of
York Region Artists and runs May 2 and 3, 2026. More details are available at
aurora.ca/ArtShow.
Aurora is hosting a rabies vaccine and microchip clinic on Saturday, May 2,
2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mount Albert Lions Community Centre for
cats and dogs. No appointment is necessary. Visit aurora.ca/AnimalServices
for more information.
Celebrate National Youth Week starting May 1, 2026 with a week of free and
registered activities! Visit aurora.ca/YouthWeek for details.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
April 14, 2026 11
Children and youth performers are invited to enter to compete in Aurora’s
Performing Arts Festival presented by Marquee Theatrical Productions. Find
out more at aurora.ca/ArtsFestival.
The Red Dress Day Walking Vigil will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:30
p.m. at Aurora Town Square in recognition of the National Day of Awareness
for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirited People.
More information is available at aurora.ca/RedDressDay.
Councillor Thompson noted that on-street parking restrictions end tomorrow.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Carried