Minutes (Appointed) - Cannabis Retail Review Task Force - 20260827
Town of Aurora
Cannabis Retail Review Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Thursday, August 27, 2026
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor John Gallo
Councillor Ron Weese
Nikki Alber
Megan Bamford*
Lenard Lind
William Newton, York Regional Police Representative*
Laura Schaffer
Ian Smith
Members Absent: Judy Collins
Other Attendees: James Gagnon, Bylaw Enforcement/Licensing Officer
Andrew Poray, Manager, Economic Development*
Carley Smith, Manager, Corporate Communications
Patricia De Sario, Director, Corporate Services/Town Solicitor
Daniel Ruberto, Deputy Town Clerk
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 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,
Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes
August 27, 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 Ron Weese
Seconded by Nikki Alber
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 Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2026
Moved by Councillor Ron Weese
Seconded by Laura Schaffer
1. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force meeting minutes of June
18, 2026, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Corporate Communications; Re: Retail
Cannabis Stores in Aurora Survey Feedback
The Task Force expressed appreciation for the survey and feedback.
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August 27, 2026 3
Moved by Nikki Alber
Seconded by Councillor Ron Weese
1. That the memorandum regarding Retail Cannabis Stores in Aurora
Survey Feedback be received; and
2. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force comments regarding
Retail Cannabis Stores in Aurora Survey Feedback be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Round Table Discussion: Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Final Findings
and Recommendations
The Chair provided an overview of the Task Force final findings and
recommendations to be reported back to Council. Staff outlined the staff
report that would be submitted to Council on September 8, 2026, including
the Task Force final report and recommendations.
The Task Force and staff discussed various aspects including the need
for public education on how to report observed criminality; public safety
concerns and continued monitoring; the need for communications with
the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO); retail
responsibilities; possible preventive measures; and the cannabis retail
location approval and dispute process.
The Task Force was generally supportive of the final findings and
recommendations report as presented by the Chair.
Moved by Councillor Ron Weese
Seconded by Nikki Alber
1. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Final Findings and
Recommendations be received; and
2. That the Cannabis Retail Review Task Force comments regarding the
Cannabis Retail Review Task Force Final Findings and
Recommendations be received and referred to staff for consideration
and further action as appropriate.
Carried
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August 27, 2026 4
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
None.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Ron Weese
Seconded by Laura Schaffer
That the meeting be adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Carried