Minutes - Council - 20260428
Town of Aurora
Council
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, April 28, 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* (arrived at 7:25 p.m., departed at 8:09 p.m.)
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
Matthew Volpintesta, Acting Director, Operational Services
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Alexander Wray, Manager, By-law Services
Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk
Julia Shipcott, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:01 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,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 2
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 Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services including the
addition of Delegations Item 6.3, be approved.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
On a two-thirds majority vote the motion
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
None.
6. Delegations
6.1 John Hartman, Resident; Re: Items 8.7 and 8.9.2
John Hartman acknowledged Councillor Gaertner’s more than 22 years of
service to the Town. John spoke to cost concerns regarding the
continuation of the 2025-2026 Windrow Pilot Program, and shared support
with the proposed reporting framework for Council members attending
external events.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 3
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to items 8.7
and 8.9.2.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
6.2 Shawn Deane, Budget Voice Aurora; Re: Item 9.3 - PDS26-040 - Additional
Information to Report No. PDS26-031-Request for Increased Capital Budget
Authority for Capital Project GN0163-Yonge Street Active Transportation
Facilities
Shawn Deane spoke to concerns regarding the repealed March 31, 2026
by-law to Amend Municipal Waterworks Distribution By-law No. 3305-91,
and commented on the request for increased capital for item 9.3 Yonge
Street Active Transportation Facilities.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item 9.3 -
PDS26-040 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS26-031-Request for
Increased Capital Budget Authority for Capital Project GN0163-Yonge
Street Active Transportation Facilities.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
6.3 Boris Gartsbein, Resident; Re: Item 8.7.1 - OPS26-011 - 2025-2026 Windrow
Removal Pilot Program End of Season Update
Boris Gartsbein provided supportive comments on the continuation of the
2025-2026 Windrow pilot program.
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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April 28, 2026 4
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to item
8.7.1 - OPS26-011 - 2025-2026 Windrow Removal Pilot Program End of
Season Update.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That the Consent Agenda, items 7.1 to 7.2 inclusive, be approved.
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
7.1 Council Meeting Minutes of March 31, 2026
1. That the Council Meeting Minutes of March 31, 2026, be adopted as
circulated.
Carried
7.2 Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2026
1. That the Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2026,
be adopted as circulated.
Carried
8. Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of April 14, 2026
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the Committee of the Whole Meeting Report of April 14, 2026, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items 8.4.1, 8.5.1, 8.8.2 and 8.9.2, which were discussed and
voted on separately as recorded below.
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 5
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Carried (7 to 0)
8.1 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
8.1.1 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
8.1.2 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
8.1.3 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
8.2 Consent Agenda
None.
8.3 Community Services Committee Agenda
None.
8.4 Corporate Services Committee Agenda
8.4.1 CS26-009 - Election Sign By-law Update
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS26-009 be received for information.
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 6
Amendment:
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the main motion be amended by adding the following
clauses:
1. That a by-law to amend the election sign provisions in the
Sign By-law as set out in Table 2 be brought forward to a
Council meeting, except for the following:
a. Sign Installation Materials not be included as an
amendment; and
b. The application fee be $203.
2. That a by-law to amend the penalty amounts in the
Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law be brought
forward to a Council meeting.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gallo
Carried (6 to 1)
Main Motion as Amended
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CS26-009 be received; and
2. That a by-law to amend the election sign provisions in the Sign
By-law as set out in Table 2 be brought forward to a Council
meeting, except for the following:
a. Sign Installation Materials not be included as an
amendment; and
b. The application fee be $203; and
3. That a by-law to amend the penalty amounts in the
Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law be brought
forward to a Council meeting.
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 7
Yeas (7): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and
Councillor Kim
Carried as amended (7 to 0)
8.5 Finance and Information Technology Committee Agenda
8.5.1 FIN26-009 - 2026 Year End Surplus-Deficit Management and
By-law Report
Main Motion
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
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.
Motion to Defer
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
That Report No. FIN26-009 be deferred to January 2027.
Yeas (3): Councillor Weese, Councillor Gaertner, and Councillor
Gallo
Nays (4): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Motion to Defer
Defeated (3 to 4)
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Thompson, Councillor Gallo, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gaertner
Main Motion
Carried (6 to 1)
8.5.2 FIN26-012 - 2027 Budget Timeline and Process
1. That Report No. FIN26-012 be received; and
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April 28, 2026 8
2. That the proposed budget timeline as detailed in Table 1 be
approved.
Carried
8.6 Administration Committee Agenda
None.
8.7 Operational Services Committee Agenda
8.7.1 OPS26-011 - 2025-2026 Windrow Removal Pilot Program End of
Season Update
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
8.8 Planning and Development Services Committee Agenda
8.8.1 PDS26-028 - Don Hillock Drive and Goulding Avenue Parking
Allowance
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
8.8.2 PDS26-031 - Request for Increased Capital Budget Authority for
Capital Project GN0163 - Yonge St. Active Transportation Facilities
and Item 9.3 - PDS26-040 - Additional Information
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. PDS26-031 and Report No. PDS26-040 be
received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 9
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.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Kim
Nays (1): Councillor Gallo
Carried (6 to 1)
8.9 Member Motions
8.9.1 Mayor Mrakas; Re: Annual Review and Release of Closed Session
Materials
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
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 10
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.
Carried
8.9.2 Councillor Gallo; Re: Reporting Framework for Members attending
Conferences, Seminars and External Events
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
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April 28, 2026 11
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;
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
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;
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, as well as
reviewing setting limitations on the number of conferences a
member may attend in a calendar year.
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 12
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland,
Councillor Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
8.10 Regional Report
8.10.1 York Regional Council Highlights of March 26, 2026
1. That the York Regional Council Highlights of March 26, 2026, be
received for information.
Carried
9. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
9.1 PDS26-029 - Bank of Approved Street Names Update and Item 9.2 - PDS26-
043 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS26-029 - Bank of Approved
Street Names Update
Moved by Councillor Gallo
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
1. That Report No. PDS26-029 and Report No. PDS26-043 be received for
information; and
2. That the matter be referred to staff to consider the comments received
at the April 14 Committee of the Whole meeting including comments
from the delegations, and from this April 28th Council meeting,
including:
a. reviewing the policy entirely; and
b. prioritization of names from the Cenotaph or of those Aurora
residents who served; and
c. simplifying the process to allow staff to make administrative or
spelling errors; and
d. ensuring stakeholders are consulted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 13
Absent (1): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to 0)
9.2 PDS26-043 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS26-029 - Bank of
Approved Street Names Update
Items 9.1 and 9.2 were considered together. See item 9.1.
9.3 PDS26-040 - Additional Information to Report No. PDS26-031-Request for
Increased Capital Budget Authority for Capital Project GN0163-Yonge Street
Active Transportation Facilities
Items 8.8.2 and 9.3 were considered together. See item 8.8.2.
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired as to the reason for the recent loss of power to the
Aurora Leisure Complex and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner shared concerns regarding a recent experience of being
unable to speak with staff directly when calling Access Aurora, and staff
provided clarification.
Councillor Weese requested staff consider vetting preferred service providers to
clear windrows for the upcoming winter season.
Councillor Thompson spoke to the regular process of repealing and amending
by-laws, and staff provided clarification.
Councillor Gaertner shared support of Councillor Weese' suggestion regarding
windrow clearing.
11. By-laws
11.1 By-law Number 6775-26 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6257-20
to require owners and occupiers of land to clean, clear, and maintain private
land and right of ways in the Town of Aurora
11.2 By-law Number 6776-26 - Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6404-22
being the Procurement Policy for the Town of Aurora
11.3 By-law Number 6777-26 - Being a By-law to regulate waterworks, water
meters and water rates
Council Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2026 14
11.4 By-law Number 6778-26 - Being a By-law to set and levy the rates of
Taxation forthetaxation year 2026
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Weese
That the By-laws,items 11.1 to 11.4 inclusive, be enacted.
Yeas (6): Mayor Mrakas, Councillor Weese, Councillor Gilliland, Councillor
Gaertner, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Gallo
Absent (1 ): Councillor Kim
Carried (6 to O)
12. ClosedSession
None.
13. Confirming By-law
13.1 By-lawNumber6779-26-BeingaBy-lawtoconfirmactionsbyCouncil
resulting from a Council meeting on April 28, 2026
Moved by Councillor Weese
Seconded by Councillor Gallo
That the confirming by-law be enacted.
Carried
14. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Carried
Tom ak s, Mayor Anne Kantharajah, Town Clerk