Minutes (Appointed) - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20260413
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, April 13, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
Linda Duringer
John Green, Aurora Historical Society Rep. (Vice Chair)
Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member
Rocco Morsillo
Chris Polsinelli*
Other Attendees: Mayor Tom Mrakas*
Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Ron Weese*
Kyle Stitt, Manager, Facilities
Andrea Vento, Program Manager, Facility Capital Projects
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 7:02 p.m.
The Committee consented to extend the hour to 9:15 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,
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April 13, 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 Linda Duringer
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 February 9, 2026
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Rocco Morsillo
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 9,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Interpretive Plaques
Christopher Watts expressed concerns regarding the Town’s guidelines
and available information on interpretive plaques, noting the practices of
other communities, and made suggestions for improvements.
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
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April 13, 2026 3
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
6.2 David Heard, Resident; Re: Heritage Events Report (Heritage Week)
David Heard presented a proposal and requested assistance in launching
the celebration of R.A.I.L. 175, the 175th anniversary of the arrival of rail
service to Aurora in 1853, to be held mid-May to mid-June 2028, and to
include events such as rail-themed music and costume festivals, exhibits
and merchandise, an art contest and murals, rail excursions, and an expo.
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2026-02 - Victoria Hall (27 Mosley Street)
Staff provided a brief overview and introduced the heritage consultants,
Ryan Giuricich, Project Principal, CS&P Architects; Joey Giaimo, Principal,
Giaimo; and Sara Shemirani, Associate, Giaimo. The consultants
presented an overview of the proposed alterations and refurbishments to
Victoria Hall at 27 Mosley Street, and provided details on the site and
context, building elevations, history and design, heritage attributes,
exterior and interior conditions, proposed work, and potential impacts on
heritage attributes.
The Committee discussed various aspects including concerns with
maintaining the heritage aspects, concerns with the compatibility and size
of the proposed addition, purpose of the front room, the preference to
maintain the existing front entrance, accessibility, metal and glass
cladding of the addition versus matching the existing brickwork, gas meter
location, washroom facilities location, preservation of the existing
wainscoting, buttresses and rafters, the loss of two parking spaces from
the Town Square parking lot, and intention of the flexible outdoor space.
The Committee noted the challenge in determining the efficacy of the
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April 13, 2026 4
design while not knowing the end purpose and users of the building. The
Committee was generally not in support of the proposed design. The
consultants also provided further information on their design principles
and general best practices being to maintain legibility and reversibility by
designing the new addition as a product of its own time, and that a
primary focus was to also make the building accessible. The consultants
indicated that the proposed work had minimal levels of impact on the
heritage features of the property.
Moved by Rocco Morsillo
Seconded by Linda Duringer
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2026-02 - Victoria Hall (27 Mosley Street) be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2026-02 - Victoria Hall (27 Mosley Street) 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 - Revised Plans for 15375 Yonge Street
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and revised plans for
alterations and demolition of a rear, non-heritage garage 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 owner provided further clarification on the proposal and affirmed their
commitment to maintaining the heritage features of the property.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the owner’s consideration of
its previous feedback and was supportive of the revised application.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2026-01 - Revised Plans for 15375 Yonge Street be received; and
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April 13, 2026 5
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2026-01 - Revised Plans for 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: Summary of
the 2026 Heritage Week Event
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and expressed
appreciation to all those involved in the success of the 2026 Heritage
Week Event. Staff highlighted the need for more dedicated resources and
collaboration to ensure the ongoing long-term success of Heritage Week
and other related events, noting that the leading of special events is
generally beyond the scope and function of the Heritage Advisory
Committee and planning and development services staff.
The Committee and staff discussed possible ways and resources to
support future Heritage Week events including the potential for Committee
volunteers, sub-committees and community volunteers, possible use of
the Heritage Reserve Fund and federal/provincial grant funding, and
collaboration with other Town departments and partners. Consideration
was given to possibly hold the event biennially if necessary, and to select a
different theme for each event. Staff agreed to provide an update on any
further resources and supports as they become available, and clarified
that the Heritage Advisory Committee and planning/heritage staff can still
participate and assist with events, but are limited in the ability to be the
primary event management leads.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Linda Duringer
1. That the memorandum regarding Summary of the 2026 Heritage Week
Event be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Summary
of the 2026 Heritage Week Event be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
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April 13, 2026 6
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee referred to the delegation regarding interpretive plaques and
inquired about next steps. Staff provided a response noting they were open to
meeting with the delegate and would consult with the Town’s GIS team to build
further heritage mapping as necessary, using information that is publicly
available.
The Committee referred to the delegation regarding the proposed R.A.I.L. 175
celebration and discussed event management and funding options, and inquired
about next steps. Staff provided a response noting that Council would need to
approve any funding from the Heritage Reserve Fund through a member motion.
The Committee inquired about plans for installation of Northeast Old Aurora
Heritage Conservation District street signage, and staff provided a response
noting this matter was actively being explored across relevant departments and
through the Town’s ongoing wayfinding signage capital project.
The Committee noted that 2026 is the 20th anniversary of the Northeast Old
Aurora Heritage Conservation District, which was designated in 2006.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Linda Duringer
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Carried