Minutes - Council - 20260331
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, March 31, 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 John Gallo
Councillor Harold Kim
Members Absent: Councillor Michael Thompson
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
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
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,
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 2
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 Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 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
5.1 Phiona Durrant and Leticia Osei, Aurora Black Community Association
(ABC); Re: Community Partner Presentation - Black History Month Reporting
Phiona Durrant presented a brief reflection on the community impact of
the Black History Month events held during February 2026, highlighting
ways in which ABC has evolved into an essential force for economic and
social growth together with the community, and thanked the Town for its
sponsorship and support.
Phiona was joined by ABC Treasurer Ibrahim Njingun and ABC Board
Member Bobbie Marshall to recognize youth member Kiel Thomas with
the PowerForward Grant. Kiel expressed appreciation to Phiona and ABC
for the grant award and to family for their support.
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 3
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the presentation be received for information.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
6. Delegations
None.
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2026
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2026, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Special Meeting of Council Minutes of February 24, 2026
1. That the Special Meeting of Council Minutes of February 24, 2026, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.3 Council Closed Session Minutes of March 10, 2026
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March 31, 2026 4
1. That the Council Closed Session Minutes of March 10, 2026, be
adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.4 Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of March 10, 2026
1. That the Council Closed Session Public Meeting Minutes of March 10,
2026, be adopted as circulated.
Carried
7.5 Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting Minutes of
November 4, 2025
1. That the Central York Fire Services Joint Council Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 4, 2025, be received for information.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of March 10, 2026
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of March 10, 2026, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.7.1, 8.7.2, 8.8.1, and 8.8.2, which were discussed and
voted on separately as recorded below.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
8.1 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 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
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8.1.2 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
8.1.3 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
8.1.4 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
8.2 Consent Agenda
None.
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
8.3.1 CMS26-006 - Roller Skating Programming Options
1. That Report No. CMS26-006 be received; and
2. That roller skating be offered as a drop-in program.
Carried
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS26-007 - Implications of Implementing a Renoviction By-law
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
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March 31, 2026 6
Renoviction by-law, specific and scaled to the Town of Aurora,
and provide a report to Council in Q2 of 2026.
Carried
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN26-008 - Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members
of Council, Committees and Local Boards
1. That Report No. FIN26-008 be received for information.
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS26-008 - Protecting Aurora's Oldest Trees - Heritage Tree
Management Guide
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. OPS26-008 be received; and
2. That the Heritage Tree Management Guide, and associated
principles, be endorsed.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
8.7.2 OPS26-010 - Waterworks By-law Update
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
1. That Report No. OPS26-010 be received; and
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March 31, 2026 7
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.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS26-023 - Home Energy Retrofit Program Design Study
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
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.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
8.8.2 PDS26-020 - Servicing Capacity Update
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
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
3. That a total of 855 persons worth of servicing capacity be
assigned toward the list of approved developments as shown in
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March 31, 2026 8
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.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
8.8.3 PDS26-021 - Request for Sign By-law Authorization for Third Party
Digital Signage - Jolt Charge Inc. - 14751 Yonge Street
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
8.8.4 PDS26-022 - Request for Sign By-law Authorization for Third Party
Digital Signage - Hossein Goli - 14810 Yonge Street
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
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Councillor Thompson; Re: Exemption of Golf Courses from the Clean
Communities By-law for Grass Maintenance
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
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 9
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
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 10
8.9.2 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Feasibility of an Opt-In Municipal Alert
System for Emergencies, Weather and Service Disruptions
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
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 11
8.9.3 Councillor Gilliland; Re: Improving Accessibility and Public Record
Integration of Live and Archived Council Meeting Video
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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March 31, 2026 12
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
8.9.4 Councillor Gallo; Re: Establishment of a Joint Task Force and
Funding Support to Combat Antisemitic Hate and Violence and
Protect Vulnerable Communities in Aurora
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
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March 31, 2026 13
Province of Ontario to work in partnership with York Region and
the Town of Aurora to establish a combined Federal, Provincial,
Regional, and 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:
o The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada
o The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
o The Minister of Public Safety Canada
o The Premier of Ontario
o The Solicitor General of Ontario
o The Attorney General of Ontario
o The Regional Municipality of York
o The York Regional Police Services Board
o Local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial
Parliament representing Aurora
o All municipalities within York Region
Carried
8.9.5 Councillor Gallo; Re: Financial Reporting for the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation Board (AEDC)
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March 31, 2026 14
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:
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March 31, 2026 15
a. The total Town budget allocated in support of AEDC-related
initiatives;
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
8.9.6 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Review and Release of Certain Closed Session
Materials
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:
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March 31, 2026 16
a. Henderson Forest (672 and 682 Henderson Drive);
b. Hillary House; and
c. 1289 Wellington Street East; and
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
8.9.7 Councillor Gallo; Re: Disclosure of Documents Related to Victoria
Hall Renovations
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
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March 31, 2026 17
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
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
8.9.8 Councillor Gallo; Re: Traffic Calming Measures on Limeridge Street
Whereas residents on Limeridge Street have raised ongoing
concerns regarding traffic speeds, roadway safety, and sightline
limitations along the street; and
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March 31, 2026 18
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
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
8.9.9 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Protecting Vulnerable Social Infrastructure in the
Town of Aurora
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March 31, 2026 19
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
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
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March 31, 2026 20
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
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
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of January 29, 2026
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of January 29, 2026,
be received for information.
Carried
8.10.2 York Regional Council Highlights of February 26, 2026
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of February 26, 2026,
be received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
None.
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 21
10. New Business
Councillor Gallo inquired about full move access and right-in/right-out access in
the Archerhill Court and Vandorf Sideroad area, and staff provided clarification.
Councillor Weese inquired about construction property standards requirements
for new developments, noting a number of applications are experiencing
construction delays and fencing has been erected sometimes causing sightline
issues, particularly on Yonge Street north of Wellington Street, and at Industrial
Parkway North and Wellington Street East. Staff provided a response and agreed
to follow up and ensure the sites are safe and secure.
Councillor Weese referred to the tree cutting plan for the 65 St. John's Sideroad
development and inquired about how the Town is ensuring that the plan is being
followed, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner acknowledged the upcoming Passover and Easter holidays
and extended wishes to all for peaceful and happy celebrations.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6769-26 - Being a By-law to assume highways on Plan 65M-
4667 for public use and maintenance by The Corporation of the Town of
Aurora (File No. SUB-2015-05).
11.2 By-law Number 6770-26 - Being a By-law to exempt Lots 35 and 36 on Plan
65M-4567 from part-lot control (File No. PLC-2025-03).
11.3 By-law Number 6771-26 - Being a By-law to amend Municipal Waterworks
Distribution By-law Number 3305-91, as amended.
11.4 By-law Number 6772-26 - Being a By-law to appoint a Deputy Clerk.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the By-laws, items 11.1 to 11.4 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Absent (1): Councillor Thompson
Carried (6 to 0)
Council Meeting Minutes
March 31, 2026 22
12. Closed Session
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-law Number 6773-26 - Being a By-law to confirm actions by Council
resulting from a Council meeting on March 31, 2026
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Carried
akas, ayor Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk