MINUTES - General Committee - 20200707
Town of Aurora
General Committee Meeting Report
Video Conference
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Gilliland
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent None
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Michelle Outar,
Acting Manager of Corporate Communications, Patricia De Sario,
Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Linda Bottos,
Council/Committee Coordinator
This meeting was held electronically as per Section 20.1 of the Town's Procedure By-
law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 9:07 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:18 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services,
including the following withdrawal and additional items:
• Withdrawal of Delegation (a) Brian Atkins, Architect, and Wayne Morgan,
Heritage Planner; Re: Item R7 – PDS20-028 – Request to Designate 15074
Yonge Street (“Poplar Villa”) under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 2 of 12
• Delegation (b) Rebecca Beaton, Resident
Re: Cost of Construction on Holman Crescent and Johnson Road
• Notice of Motion (c) Councillor Kim and Mayor Mrakas
Re: Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
2. 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.
3. Community Presentations
None
4. Delegations
(a) Brian Atkins, Architect, and Wayne Morgan, Heritage Planner
Re: Item R7 – PDS20-028 – Request to Designate 15074 Yonge Street
(“Poplar Villa”) under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
The delegation was withdrawn.
(b) Rebecca Beaton, Resident
Re: Cost of Construction on Holman Crescent and Johnson Road
Ms. Beaton expressed concerns regarding the approval process of two
current capital projects, numbers 31118 and 31119, and requested
clarification on the approval process, safeguards, and project budget
increases.
General Committee received the comments of the delegation for information.
5. Consent Agenda
None
6. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 3 of 12
A1 . Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2020
General Committee recommends:
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 10,
2020, be received for information.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
General Committee consented to permit the presentations for Items R1 and R2
additional time as required.
R1. CMS20-016 – Aquatics Feasibility Study
Mr. Stuart A. Isaac, President, The Isaac Sports Group, presented an overview of
the feasibility study of the Town’s aquatic facilities and programs, including
strategic direction, programming, design, management, and financial analysis.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS20-016 be received for information.
Carried
R2. PDS20-048 – Stable Neighbourhood Policy Review – Urban Design
Guidelines
Ms. Wai Ying Di Giorgio, Principal, The Planning Partnership, presented an
overview of the highlights of the proposed Urban Design Guidelines for the four
stable neighbourhoods in Aurora.
General Committee recommends:
That Report No. PDS20-048 – Stable Neighbourhood Policy Review – Urban
Design Guidelines be deferred to a September 2020 General Committee
meeting and a notification letter be sent to the residents of the four stable
neighbourhoods.
Motion to defer
Carried
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 4 of 12
R3. CMS20-017 – Downtown Street Wall Mural Program Guidelines
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS20-017 be received; and
2. That the Downtown Street Wall Mural Program Guidelines be approved;
and
3. That Community Services department staff be directed to initiate the
selection process for the first mural through an online Call for Artists
Application Process; and
4. That staff include a member of the Our Lady of Grace Church Council on
the selection committee; and
5. That funding up to a maximum of $5,000 be made available for the
installation of the first mural from the Council operating contingency
budget.
Carried
R4. PDS20-011 – Heritage Permit Application File: HPA-2019-08
67 Catherine Avenue, Plan 116, Lot 20 and Part Lot 1
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-011 be received; and
2. That Heritage Permit Application HPA-2019-08 be approved to permit
the partial demolition of the rear portion of the existing dwelling at 67
Catherine Avenue and to construct a new addition with a floor area of
28.9m2 (311 ft2).
Carried
R5. PDS20-017 – Streetscape Improvements in the Northeast Old Aurora
Heritage Conservation District
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-017 be received; and
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 5 of 12
2. That staff be directed to prepare a cost analysis for all the remaining
streetscape improvement measures recommended in the Northeast Old
Aurora Conservation District Plan to be submitted as part of the 2021
budget process.
Carried
R6. PDS20-026 – BIA 2020 Business Plan and Budget
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-026 be received; and
2. That the Aurora Business Improvement Association’s (BIA) 2019 audited
financial statements attached hereto as Attachment 2 be received; and
3. That the 2020 Business Plan and Budget attached hereto as Attachment
3 for the Aurora BIA be approved in part; and
4. That the Aurora BIA’s audited 2019 surplus in the amount of $6,293 be
carried over to 2020.
Carried
R7. PDS20-028 – Request to Designate 15074 Yonge Street (“Poplar Villa”)
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-028 be received; and
2. That the property at 15074 Yonge Street, including the building known
as “Poplar Villa” and its surrounding yards, be designated under Part IV
of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest; and
3. That the Town Clerk be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice
of Intention to Designate in accordance with the requirements of the
Ontario Heritage Act; and
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 6 of 12
4. That the designation by-law be brought before Council for adoption if no
objections are received within the thirty (30) day period as per the
Ontario Heritage Act.
Carried
R8. PDS20-030 – Heritage Street Naming for Cedartrail Subdivision
14288 Yonge Street, File: SUB-2014-04
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-030 be received; and
2. That the name “Phila Lane” be endorsed for the private road in the
Cedartrail Subdivision (SUB-2014-04) to satisfy the heritage condition
imposed by Council on July 4, 2017, for delisting the property from the
Town of Aurora’s Heritage Registry.
Carried
R9. FIN20-015 – 2019 Year-End Budget Report – as at December 31, 2019
General Committee recommends:
That Report No. FIN20-015 – 2019 Year-End Budget Report – as at
December 31, 2019 be referred to the Finance Advisory Committee.
Motion to refer
Carried
8. Notices of Motion
(a) Councillor Humfryes
Re: Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
(IHRA)
Whereas on April 30, 2020, the Regional Municipality of York adopted the
following resolution; and
Whereas the Regional Municipality of York and the Town of Aurora are rooted
in the values of democracy, equity and inclusion; and
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 7 of 12
Whereas in June 2018, the Inclusion Charter for York Region was endorsed as
a community initiative, bringing together businesses, community organisations,
municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation
authorities and agencies who share a vision to foster a welcoming and
inclusive community; and
Whereas we have a shared responsibility to stop antisemitism in all its forms
through education and public consciousness as antisemitic demonstrations
continue to threaten communities and undermine democracy; and
Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is an
intergovernmental organization founded in 1998 that consists of 34 countries
including Canada, each of whom recognizes that international coordination is
needed to combat antisemitism; and
Whereas six percent of York Region residents identify themselves as Jewish,
which is a higher representation than Canada and Ontario; and
Whereas on February 27, 2020, Bill 168, the Combating Antisemitism Act,
which directly mentioned IHRA, unanimously passed a second reading in the
Ontario legislature with all-party support; and
Whereas on January 28, 2020, Vaughan Council unanimously endorsed Mayor
Bevilacqua’s motion to declare January 27 as International Holocaust
Remembrance Day, which included the adoption of the IHRA definition of
antisemitism; and
Whereas York Regional Police dedicated a community room at District #4
headquarters to Holocaust survivor Max Eisen, in recognition and appreciation
of his remarkable efforts to eliminate racism and bigotry; and
Whereas York Region is enriched by its thriving, active and engaged Jewish
and Israeli communities;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town of Aurora adopt the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working
definition of antisemitism and its illustrative examples as adopted at the
IHRA Plenary on May 26, 2016, as follows:
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 8 of 12
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as
hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of
antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or
their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious
facilities.”
(b) Mayor Mrakas
Re: Rainbow Crosswalk at Yonge and Wellington Intersection
Whereas Aurora and other communities across the province have shown their
support for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community by raising the Pride flag in June
every year; and
Whereas the permanent installation of a rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of the
Town of Aurora’s acceptance of, support for, and commitment to diversity and
inclusiveness; and
Whereas the intent of this initiative is to show vulnerable people in our
community that Aurora is a town where everyone is welcome and accepted;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That Council approve and direct
staff to install a Rainbow Crosswalk at the intersection of Yonge and
Wellington Streets (south side); and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the installation of the Rainbow Crosswalk be
completed by Town staff/contractors who can ensure that it is installed
safely and complies with all appropriate accessibility and Ministry of
Transportation Ontario (MTO) requirements.
(c) Councillor Kim and Mayor Mrakas
Re: Anti -Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Whereas the Town of Aurora has endorsed a Diversity and Inclusion Charter,
a signed commitment to creating “…an inclusive environment…where
everyone can participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and
freedom from discrimination”; and
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Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to building a more inclusive society
by “working to identify, address and prevent systemic racism in municipal
policy, programs and services”; and
Whereas systemic barriers to full participation in our community continue to
affect the lived experiences of Black Ontarians; and
Whereas the United Nations proclaimed 2015-2024 the Decade for People of
African Descent, an important step in the international community recognizing
that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights
must be promoted and protected; and
Whereas the Town of Aurora is committed to taking meaningful action to
address anti-Black racism and affect long-term systemic change;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That an “Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force” be established; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That the purpose of this committee is to develop
strategies to eliminate anti-Black racism and anti-racism in our
community and the Municipal Corporation; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That staff work with Black community groups
within Aurora and York Region to identify and develop priorities for the
proposed task force, identify opportunities to increase Black community
engagement and foster an increased public awareness of anti-Black
racism; and
4. Be It Further Resolved That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism
Task Force be comprised of two (2) members of Council and seven (7)
citizen members; and
5. Be It Further Resolved That staff be directed to advertise, in accordance
with the provisions of the “Policy for Ad Hoc/Advisory Committees and
Local Boards”, for applications from members of the public for
appointment to the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force; and
6. Be It Further Resolved That the Chief Administrative Officer be directed
to appoint one appropriate staff liaison to support the work of the Anti-
Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force; and
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7. Be It Further Resolved That each employee will have the responsibility
to support the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion effort of the Town of
Aurora; and
8. Be It Further Resolved That the Task Force will report at least annually
on the progress made on diversity and inclusion in alignment with the
Employment Equity Act and Bill C-25.
9. New Business
Councillor Gilliland expressed appreciation to staff for their efforts in organizing
Aurora’s upcoming annual community cleanup event on July 25 and 26, 2020.
Councillor Gallo inquired about the anticipated time frame for Council’s return to
the Council Chambers for in-person meetings at Town Hall, and staff provided a
response.
Councillor Gallo noted that a number of walls and fences on public property are in
disrepair and offered to provide details to Town staff, and staff provided a
response.
Councillor Humfryes referred to a petition received from Highland Green residents
regarding the location of a scheduled dog park, which will be forwarded to Council.
Councillor Humfryes inquired about the Town’s response and communications
regarding the current gypsy moth outbreak, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the state of the creek at the Geranium golf
course development, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about whether a Class A estimate for Library Square
has been received by Council, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Kim inquired about whether Niagara College’s Canadian Food & Wine
Institute will be moving forward with its fall agenda at the Aurora Armoury, and
staff provided a response.
Councillor Humfryes requested an update on the construction projects discussed
by Delegation (b) Rebecca Beaton, and staff provided a response.
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Councillor Humfryes inquired about the status and next steps of the Cousins Drive
crossing in relation to Metrolinx, and staff provided a response.
Mayor Mrakas noted that Regional Council would be addressing the issue of
mandatory masks later this week, and he requested feedback from the Council
members who provided their individual perspectives.
10. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Kim extended a reminder that residents can explore ways to stay active
and engaged while physical distancing and self-isolating by visiting the Town’s
Recreation at Home webpage at aurora.ca/recathome.
Councillor Kim announced that the Skylight Gallery is currently featuring Aurora-
based artist Sandra Murphy during the month of July 2020 and the online gallery
show can be viewed at aurora.ca/skylightgallery.
Councillor Thompson announced that the summer camps team has created a
Camp in a Bag program, including themed bag options and activities for campers
of all ages, and more information is available at aurora.ca/summercamps.
Councillor Gaertner extended congratulations to teacher Gina Shillolo, who worked
with her students regarding monarch butterflies, on her appointment as an outdoor
education teacher with the York Region District School Board.
Councillor Gaertner invited residents to share good news stories by recognizing
how #AuroraBusinessesLead, have given back and had a positive impact on the
community during these difficult times, by visiting engageaurora.ca/ourstories,
#OurCOVID19stories.
Councillor Gaertner encouraged everyone to shop local safely by visiting Aurora’s
one-stop online resource at exploreaurora.ca.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the Town is holding its annual community
cleanup event over two days, July 25 and 26, 2020, where residents may
participate in small groups or families, and more details and registration
information can be found at aurora.ca/cleanup.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Page 12 of 12
Councillor Humfryes advised the application deadline for 20 Female Leaders in
2020 is July 8, 2020, and details are available at aurora.ca/femalesportleaders.
Councillor Gallo encouraged residents to share their thoughts and complete an
online survey regarding the Town’s Community Energy Plan (CEP), a
comprehensive long-term plan to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions locally, at engageaurora.ca/cep.
Councillor Gilliland advised that the Town has an Instagram account just for teens,
@AuroraTeens, including activities and content for ages 12 to 17 years, and the
Youth Section of the Town’s #RecAtHome website also includes resources and
activities for teens at aurora.ca/recathome.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town has opened a temporary cooling centre in
the Aurora Community Centre lobby located at 1 Community Centre Lane, from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until July 10, 2020, and more information is available by calling
905-727-1375.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Aurora’s splash pads are now open from 10 a.m. to
9 p.m. daily at locations including Town Park, Ada Johnson Park, Trent Park,
Stewart Burnett Park, and Edward Coltham Park, and residents are being asked to
respect the current physical distancing and hand hygiene guidelines.
Mayor Mrakas announced that Magna International Inc. has decided to maintain its
corporate headquarters in Aurora by signing an extension to their current lease.
11. Closed Session
None
12. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.