Minutes - Committee of the Whole - 20260512
Town of Aurora
Committee of the Whole
Meeting Report
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 12, 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
Marco Ramunno, Director, Planning and Development Services
Sara Tienkamp, Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Phillip Rose, Acting Director, Community Services
Michelle Johnson, Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Prior to approval of the agenda, Mayor Mrakas acknowledged the tragic incident
that occurred last week and the concern being expressed by the public following
the death of Heiniu, a Rottweiler in East Gwillimbury. Staff provided an update on
the Town’s response.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 2
Committee of the Whole consented to consider items in the following order: 14.1,
14.5, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1, 10.2, 14.3, and 15.1.
Committee of the Whole consented to recess the meeting at 9:12 p.m. and
reconvened the meeting at 9:22 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
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
5.1 Youth Engagement Committee, supported by Miranda Link, Youth and
Community Development Coordinator; Re: Youth Engagement Committee
(YEC) Presentation - Year in Review
Sparrow Als, Youth Programmer, introduced the members of the 2025-
2026 Youth Engagement Committee who presented an overview of their
accomplishments, community involvement of youth in Aurora, and the
Committee’s role in engaging youth, amplifying their voices, fostering
youth leadership and participation, and collaborating with Town staff in
the development and delivery of youth events and initiatives.
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 3
Committee of the Whole received the presentation for information.
6. Delegations
6.1 John Hartman, Resident; Re: Item 10.2 - CS26-011 - Disclosure of
Documents Related to Victoria Hall Refurbishment
John Hartman expressed concerns regarding the approval of the Victoria
Hall refurbishment project related to process, timing, and the Heritage
Advisory Committee comments.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 10.2.
6.2 David Heard, Resident; Re: Item 9.2 - CMS26-013 - Happy Woodland Pet
Cemetery Monument Alteration Plan
David Heard requested that education be provided without leaving the
offensive monuments visible to members of the public.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 9.2.
6.3 Leta Dayfoot, Resident; Re: Item 14.5 - PDS26-049 - Applications for OPA,
ZBA and Plan of Subdivision, Eric and Theresa Jacquelene Liversidge and
Livewell on Wellington General Partners Ltd., 1426 and 1452 Wellington
Street East
Committee of the Whole consented to permit additional time for the delegation.
Leta Dayfoot expressed concerns and a possible solution regarding the
proposed road configuration, and concerns regarding the proposed site-
specific zoning changes of the development.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.5.
6.4 Linda Duringer, Resident; Re: Item 14.1 - PDS26-044 - Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2026-02 - Victoria Hall (27 Mosley Street)
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 4
Linda Duringer expressed concerns about the Victoria Hall refurbishment
project related to the proposed design and Heritage Advisory Committee
comments, lack of public disclosure, costs, and impact on the community.
Committee of the Whole received and referred the comments of the
delegation to item 14.1.
7. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes, items 7.1 to 7.5 inclusive, be
received for information.
Carried
7.1 Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
April 8, 2026
1. That the Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of April 8, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.2 Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 8,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.3 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13,
2026, be received for information.
Carried
7.4 Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2026
1. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of April
16, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 5
7.5 Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026
1. That the Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April
20, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
8. Consent Agenda
8.1 Agenda Items Approved on Consent
Committee of the Whole recommends:
That the Agenda items of sections 9 through 16 inclusive be approved,
with the exception of items 9.1, 9.2, 10.2, 11.1, 14.1, 14.3, 14.5, and 15.1,
which were discussed and voted on separately.
Carried
9. Community Services Committee Agenda
9.1 CMS26-012 - Aurora Town Square Shade Structures
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS26-012 be received; and
2. That the condition on the approval of and budget authority for Capital
Project No. GN-F-0106 – Aurora Town Square Sail Shade Structure in
the amount of $150,000 be lifted, and the project be approved.
Carried
9.2 CMS26-013 - Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery Monument Alteration Plan
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS26-013 be received; and
2. That Council endorse a case‑by‑case approach to addressing racially
offensive language on monuments within the Happy Woodland Pet
Cemetery, including:
a. Retention of three monuments located in their original historic
positions, supported by enhanced interpretation and educational
materials;
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 6
b. Documented removal and storage of two monuments previously
displaced from their original locations; and
c. Retention of one severely damaged monument in its current
condition, without reconstruction or replication of the original
offensive inscription as documented in archival records; and
3. That Council direct staff to explore and implement interpretive
approaches for monuments containing offensive language that prioritize
contextualization, historical preservation, and consent-based
engagement, including options that reduce unavoidable public exposure
within the general visitor experience; and
4. That an information report be brought back to Council on the options
considered.
Carried as amended
10. Corporate Services Committee Agenda
10.1 CS26-004 - Council Compensation Review
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS26-004 be received; and
2. That Council provide direction.
Carried
10.2 CS26-011 - Disclosure of Documents Related to Victoria Hall Refurbishment
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. CS26-011 be received for information.
Carried
11. Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
11.1 FIN26-016 - Reserve Framework Updates
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN26-016 be received; and
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 7
2. That Council approve all identified reserve framework changes as
proposed.
Carried
12. Administration Committee Agenda
None.
13. Operational Services Committee Agenda
None.
14. Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
14.1 PDS26-044 - Heritage Permit Application HPA-2026-02 - Victoria Hall (27
Mosley Street)
Consultants Joey Giaimo, Principal, Giaimo, and Ryan Giuricich, Project
Principal, CS&P Architects, presented an overview of the project to
refurbish Victoria Hall, including site context and history, building
elevations, heritage attributes and potential impacts, exterior and interior
conditions, and the proposed design.
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-044 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2026-02 be approved, to permit
the restoration and alteration of Victoria Hall (27 Mosley Street).
Carried
14.2 PDS26-045 - Heritage Permit Application HPA-2026-01 - 15375 Yonge
Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-045 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2026-01 for 15375 Yonge Street
be approved, subject to future site plan review and approval.
Carried
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 8
14.3 PDS26-046 - Request for Sign By-law Authorization for a Mural Sign - The
Lind Realty Team Inc. - 15105 Yonge Street
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-046 be received; and
2. That the request for authorization to permit a Mural Sign at 15105
Yonge Street be approved.
Carried
14.4 PDS26-048 - 2025 Financial Reporting for the Aurora Economic
Development Corporation
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-048 be received for information.
Carried
14.5 PDS26-049 - Applications for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law
Amendment and Plan of Subdivision, Eric and Theresa Jacquelene
Liversidge and Livewell on Wellington General Partners Ltd., 1426 and 1452
Wellington Street East, Lots 1 and 2, Registered Plan 525 and Block 1, File
Numbers: OPA-2025-10, ZBA-2025-09, ZBA-2022-06, SUB-2026-01
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS26-049 be received; and
2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2025-10 be approved
to redesignate the subject lands from “Community Commercial” to
“Medium-High Density Residential”; and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2025-09 be approved
to rezone the subject lands from “Rural (RU)” to “Townhouse Dwelling
Residential (R8) Exception Zone (582)” and “Townhouse Dwelling
Residential (R8) Exception Zone (583)”; and
4. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2022-06 be approved
to rezone the subject lands from “Townhouse Dwelling Residential (R8)
Exception Zone (551)” to “Townhouse Dwelling Residential (R8)
Exception Zones (583)”; and
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 9
5. That Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2026-01 be approved as
shown in Figure 6, subject to the conditions outlined in Appendix ‘A’;
and
6. That the implementing By-laws for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment applications be brought forward to a future Council
meeting for enactment; and
7. That 84 persons worth of servicing allocation be granted to the subject
lands to implement the land use permissions.
Carried
15. Member Motions
15.1 Councillor Gallo; Re: R.A.I.L. 175 - Commemoration of the Arrival of Rail
Service to Aurora
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the arrival of rail service from Toronto to Aurora in 1853 was a
defining moment in the Town’s history, contributing significantly to its
economic development, population growth, and long-term prosperity; and
Whereas the year 2028 will mark the 175th anniversary of this historic
milestone, presenting a unique opportunity to celebrate Aurora’s heritage
and educate residents and visitors about the Town’s railway history; and
Whereas the concept of a “R.A.I.L. 175” commemorative initiative was
brought forward by local historian David Heard, reflecting his ongoing
contributions to preserving and promoting Aurora’s history; and
Whereas the Aurora Historical Society and other community partners have
a strong track record of supporting local heritage initiatives through
programming, exhibitions, and community engagement; and
Whereas the Town’s Museum and Cultural Services division maintains
significant archival collections, artifacts, and expertise necessary to
support the interpretation and delivery of historical exhibitions and
programming; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora has previously delivered successful
commemorative initiatives, such as the 100th anniversary of the War
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 10
Memorial, through a coordinated model led by the Museum in
collaboration with community partners and stakeholders; and
Whereas staff have indicated that the Museum team is already in
discussions with neighbouring municipalities and partners regarding this
milestone, and that the Town’s Special Events team may also play a
supporting role; and
Whereas the Town’s Heritage Fund is intended to support initiatives that
preserve, promote, and celebrate Aurora’s cultural and historical assets;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff be directed to develop
a coordinated plan for the R.A.I.L. 175 commemorative initiative to
take place in May–June 2028, recognizing the 175th anniversary of the
arrival of rail service to Aurora; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the Town’s Museum and Cultural Services
division be identified as the lead facilitator for the initiative, working in
collaboration with David Heard, the Aurora Historical Society, other
community partners, neighbouring municipalities, and relevant
stakeholders; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That the Town’s Special Events team be
engaged in a supporting role to assist with the planning and delivery of
community events associated with the initiative; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That staff report back to Council no later than
Q2 2027 with a detailed workplan, partnership framework, and budget
for the R.A.I.L. 175 initiative; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That, as part of that report, staff include options
for funding, including the potential allocation of up to $50,000 from the
Town of Aurora Heritage Fund to support the initiative; and
6. Be It Further Resolved That, upon completion of the initiative, staff
provide a report to Council summarizing outcomes, community
participation, partnerships, and financials.
Carried
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 11
15.2 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Heritage Conservation District Street Signage
Committee of the Whole recommends:
Whereas the Town of Aurora designated the Northeast Old Aurora
Heritage Conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act on
June 13, 2006, through By-law 4809-06.D; and
Whereas the designation of the District has been instrumental in guiding
the preservation of this part of Town, known as one the first major
residential expansions of Aurora spurred by the arrival of the railway in the
mid-1800s; and
Whereas 2026 marks the 20-year anniversary of this designation and the
creation of the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District; and
Whereas section 5.6 of the District Plan encourages the installation of
Heritage District street name signs to help promote the identification of
the Heritage Conservation District, including having signage be a distinct
shape or utilizing a logo while also being compatible with the style and
character of the area; and
Whereas promotion of the Heritage Conservation District through
dedicated signage will further enhance awareness and encourage the
preservation and celebration of this distinct and historically and culturally
significant part of Town;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council direct staff to
evaluate the design options and costs for new street name signs
throughout the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District
area and report back to Council; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That Council further direct staff to evaluate
opportunities for additional gateway signage or features for the District
area through the ongoing Wayfinding Signage capital project.
Carried
16. Regional Report
16.1 York Regional Council Highlights of April 23, 2026
Committee of the Whole Meeting Report
May 12, 2026 12
Committee of the Whole recommends:
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of April 23, 2026, be received
for information.
Carried
17. New Business
None.
18. Public Service Announcements
Mayor Mrakas announced the following activities and events:
Children and youth performers may enter by May 18, 2026, for the Aurora
Performing Arts Festival presented by Marquee Theatrical Productions in
partnership with the Town; for details, visit aurora.ca/ArtsFestival.
Residents are reminded that pool water is harmful to aquatic life, and to
follow the proper pool and spa discharge steps to keep our streams, creeks,
and Lake Simcoe healthy; for information, visit aurora.ca/Pools.
Aurora's Community Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026,
at the Aurora Community Centre and vendors may register by May 22; for
details and registration, visit aurora.ca/GarageSale.
Aurora's Youth Innovation Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026,
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall; for information, visit
aurora.ca/YouthInnovation.
19. Closed Session
None.
20. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.