MINUTES - General Committee - 20200616
Town of Aurora
General Committee Meeting Report
Video Conference
Tuesday, June 16, 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, Cindy Shaver,
Communications and Community Engagement Specialist, Patricia
De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk, Ishita
Soneji, 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 7:03 p.m.
General Committee consented to recess the meeting at 8:55 p.m. and reconvened the
meeting at 9:02 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
General Committee approved the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, on
a two-thirds vote, with the following additional items:
• Delegation (a) Don Given, Founding Partner, Malone Given Parsons Ltd., Re:
Item R9 – PDS20-045 – Application for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-
law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision, Shining Hill Estate Collections
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 2 of 14
Inc., 306, 370, 434 and 488 St John’s Sideroad, File Numbers: OPA-2018-01,
ZBA-2018-02 & SUB2018-02
• Delegation (b) Bruce Hall, The Planning Partnership, representing Owners of
15356 Yonge Street, Re: Item R7 – PDS20-032 – Revoking Servicing
Allocation
• Item C1 – Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas, Re: Letter from Canadian
Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), Re: The Benefits and
Safety of 5G
• Item A1 – Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 1, 2020
• Item R9 – Replacement Report – PDS20-045 – Application for Official Plan
Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision,
Shining Hill Estate Collections Inc., 306, 370, 434 and 488 St John’s Sideroad,
File Numbers: OPA-2018-01, ZBA-2018-02 & SUB2018-02
• Notice of Motion (a) Councillor Gallo, Re: Trail Crossings
• Notice of Motion (b) Councillor Gaertner, Re: Aurora Community Tennis Club
(ACTC)
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) Don Given, Founding Partner, Malone Given Parsons Ltd.
Re: Item R9 – PDS20-045 – Application for Official Plan Amendment,
Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision, Shining
Hill Estate Collections Inc., 306, 370, 434 and 488 St John’s Sideroad
File Numbers: OPA-2018-01, ZBA-2018-02 & SUB2018-02
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 3 of 14
Mr. Given spoke in support of the staff recommendation noting that the
application has been revised as per suggestions from the Public Planning
meeting, and offered to respond to any questions or comments regarding the
application.
General Committee received and referred the comments of the delegation to
Item R9.
(b) Bruce Hall, The Planning Partnership, representing Owner of 15356 Yonge
Street
Re: Item R7 – PDS20-032 – Revoking Servicing Allocation
Mr. Hall spoke to the Site Plan Application SP-2006-13 for 15356 Yonge Street
noting that the owner intends to submit a new application with updated plans
and revisions suggested at previous Public Planning meeting. He requested
that the current servicing allocation be maintained for the property until the
new application is approved.
General Committee received and referred the written comments of the
delegation to Item R7.
5. Consent Agenda
General Committee recommends:
That the following Consent Agenda item, C1, be received:
C1. Memorandum from Mayor Mrakas
Re: Letter from Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
(CWTA), Re: The Benefits and Safety of 5G
1. That the memorandum regarding Letter from Canadian Wireless
Telecommunications Association (CWTA) regarding the Benefits and
Safety of 5G, be received for information.
Carried
6. Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 4 of 14
A1. Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 1, 2020
General Committee recommends:
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 1, 2020,
be received for information.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
General Committee consented to consider the items in the following order: R3, R1 and
R2 together, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9.
R1. CS20-013 – Pros and Cons of Ward and At-large Electoral Systems
R2. CS20-014 – Electoral System Review – Final Report
Ms. Beate Bowron, Beate Bowron Etcetera and Mr. Gary Davidson, Political
Scientist, presented an overview of the final Electoral System Review report
including details of the public engagement and outreach process and comparison
of the various ward options. It was recommended that the six ward option be the
preferred ward boundary configuration for the Town as it achieves effective
representation and leaves the Council size unchanged.
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report Nos. CS20-013 and CS20-014 be received; and
2. That the six (6) ward option presented by the Consultant be adopted and
implemented for the 2022 Municipal Election; and
3. That a by-law be brought forward to a future Council meeting to enact
the ward system.
Carried
R3. CMS20-012 – Library Square – Governance Review
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS20-012 be received; and
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 5 of 14
2. That the Not-for-Profit/Municipal Hybrid Model be approved as the
governance model for the future operation of Library Square; and
3. That staff work with stakeholders to develop a fees and charges
schedule for Library Square and report back to Council at a later date;
and
4. That the Director of Community Services form a Space Allocation
Working Group comprised of Town staff and key stakeholders that will
provide recommendations regarding rental and booking responsibilities
for Library Square, including all spaces at 22 Church St. School, the
New Addition, Outdoor Square, Bridge and Aurora Public Library; and
5. That the Director of Community Services form a Collaborative
Programming Working Group comprised of Town staff and key
stakeholders that will provide recommendations regarding program
delivery strategies and create a programming and performance schedule
for Year 1 and Year 2 of Library Square operations; and
6. That the Director of Community Services form an Information
Technology Working Group comprised of Town staff and key
stakeholders that will provide recommendations regarding the delivery of
IT Services for Library Square, including all spaces at 22 Church Street
School, the New Addition, Outdoor Square, Bridge and Aurora Public
Library.
Carried
R4. CMS20-014 – Hallmark Lands: Request for Information and User Group
Survey Results
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. CMS20-014 be received; and
2. That the Director of Operational Services be authorized to commence
the tendering process for 100 Vandorf Sideroad and proceed with
Capital Project No. 73287 as previously presented; and
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 6 of 14
3. That staff report back to Council with an updated budget request prior to
awarding the contract, if required.
Carried
R5. FIN20-017 – 2020 User Rate Funded Operations Forecast Update – as of
April 30, 2020
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. FIN20-017 be received; and
2. That the Town’s present ‘break-even’ water, wastewater and storm water
rates be maintained for the remainder of the year; and
3. That a by-law to extend the Town’s ‘break-even’ water, wastewater and
storm water rates be brought to the June 23, 2020 Council meeting for
approval.
Carried
R6. OPS20-010 – Award of Tender for Supply and Delivery of One (1) 2021
Combination Dump, Sander and Plow Truck
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. OPS20-010 be received; and
2. That the total approved budget for Capital Project No. 34440 be
increased to $263,900, representing an increase of $23,900 to be
funded from the Fleet Repair and Replacement Reserve.
Carried
R7. PDS20-032 – Revoking Servicing Allocation
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-032 be received; and
2. That water and sewage capacity previously allocated to the following
Site Plan Application be extended for one year:
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 7 of 14
(i) Site Plan Application File SP-2018-03 at 15086-15106 Yonge Street;
and
3. That water and sewage capacity previously allocated to the following
Site Plan Applications, be revoked:
(i) Site Plan Application File SP-2006-13 (formerly D11-13-06) at 15356
Yonge Street; and
(ii) Site Plan Application File SP-2013-05 at 15132-15136 Yonge Street.
Carried
R8. PDS20-037 – Capital Project No. 34527 – Yonge Street at Wellington
Street Right Turn Lane Intersection Improvement
Proposed Capital Budget Increase
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-037 be received; and
2. That the total approved budget for Capital Project No. 34527 be
increased from $75,000 to $94,100, representing an increase of
$19,100, to be funded from the Roads Repair and Replacement
Reserve.
Carried
R9. PDS20-045 – Application for Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law
Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision
Shining Hill Estate Collections Inc.
306, 370, 434 and 488 St John’s Sideroad
File Numbers: OPA-2018-01, ZBA-2018-02 & SUB2018-02
General Committee recommends:
1. That Report No. PDS20-045 be received; and
2. That Official Plan Amendment application OPA-2018-01 (Shining Hills
Collections Inc.) be approved to:
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 8 of 14
a) Amend Schedule AA of OPA 37 to re-designate the subject lands
from ‘Suburban Residential (SR)’, ‘Suburban Residential (SR-1)’,
‘Core Area Open Space’ and ‘Supporting Area Open Space’ to
‘Suburban Residential (SR-2)’ and ‘Core Area Open Space (COS-
1); and
b) Amend Section 2.0 of OPA 37 to add the following new Section 2.5
‘Suburban Residential (SR-2)’ and the following policy: “Suburban
Residential permits fully serviced single-detached lots with
frontages generally greater than 15 metres and areas generally
greater than 460 square metres. Accessory uses and home
occupations which are accessory to the residential use and
compatible with the residential character may also be permitted.
Neighbourhood oriented community services such as schools and
parks shall also be permitted”; and
c) Amend Section 2.0 of OPA 37 to add the following new Section 2.6,
‘Core Area Open Space (COS-1)’ and the following policy: “The
Core Area Open Space designation permits lands that are open
space, approved stormwater management ponds, and approved
road and municipal service crossings. Other than the above
permitted services this area shall remain in its natural state with
only passive recreation uses permitted; and
3. That Zoning By-law Amendment application ZBA-2018-02 (Shinning Hills
Collections Inc.) be approved to rezone the subject lands from ‘Oak
Ridges Moraine Rural General (RU-ORM)’ to ‘Detached Third Density
Residential Exception Zone (R3-XX)’, Private Open Space (O2-XX),
‘Oak Ridges Moraine Environmental Protection (EP-ORM)’; and
4. That the Draft Plan of Subdivision application SUB-2018-02 (Shinning
Hills Collections Inc.) to create eight blocks be approved, subject to the
conditions listed in Schedule ‘A’ to this report; and
5. That Council grant an allocation of 291 persons from the reserve to
service the development of 90 single-detached dwellings on the
approved Draft Plan of Subdivision; and
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 9 of 14
6. That the implementing Official Plan Amendment be forwarded to the
Region of York for approval; and
7. That the Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA-2018-02 be brought forward to
a future Council Meeting, after the implementing Official Plan
Amendment is approved by the Region of York.
Carried
8. Notices of Motion
(a) Councillor Gallo
Re: Trail Crossings
Whereas since the 1970’s, Aurora’s planners have been urged to include off-
road trails in natural environments for non- motorized traffic; and
Whereas in 2011 with the assistance of Town staff and MMM Group the Trails
Sub-Committee developed the Town of Aurora Trails Master Plan; and
Whereas during these unpresented times, Aurora’s trails have been used and
appreciated more than ever; and
Whereas Aurora trails serve “the dual function of the trails network; as
community infrastructure for non-motorized and self-propelled traffic, for
utilitarian as well as recreational purposes”; and
Whereas key goals to the development of the Trails Master Plan are “Improve
connections between existing trails, and to provide new trails and connections
between residential areas, schools, commercial, industrial and institutional
establishments, and parks, greenspace and natural areas” and “Create a
connected network of trails which provide Aurora's residents with active,
healthy lifestyle opportunities, the ability to travel easily throughout Town with
opportunities to experience nature without having to rely on a car”; and
Whereas the Trails Master Plan has identified difficulties in trail development
such as “challenging or non-existent road or rail crossings” and “a lack of trail
continuity”; and
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 10 of 14
Whereas the Trails Master Plan has identified that the “implementation of the
plan can only be accomplished through short, medium and long term actions
under the leadership and guidance of Council”; and
Whereas Section 11.10 (d) Policies for Public Open Space of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan states “This Plan aims to encourage retention,
enhancement, and full utilization of the existing public parks, including
enhancements to improve the visual and physical linkages with the parks and
associated trails with, for example, wayfinding signage, improved streetscape
links and crosswalks”, and Section 12 (d) states “Enhance the Greenlands
System through a comprehensive network of trails, in accordance with the
Town’s Trails Master Plan”; and
Whereas in addition, section 12.2 (a) The Greenlands System of the Town of
Aurora Official Plan clearly states “It is a fundamental principle of this Plan
that the Town promote an active, healthy lifestyle for its residents. The
provision of a highly integrated system of environmentally protected lands,
parks, trails and recreation facilities that are well distributed, strategically
located, well maintained and diverse plays an important role in encouraging
community members to have active and healthy lifestyles”; and
Whereas Council has passed the following resolution “Now Therefore Be It
Hereby Resolved That staff work with our local MPPs for their support and to
advocate for Aurora to Metrolinx for re-opening the Cousins Drive Crossing
and that staff provide an update report to a future General Committee
meeting including an estimate of the costs of all possible options should the
Town undertake the project”; and
Whereas the Mayor has sent a letter to Mr. Verster (CEO of Metrolinx) on
May 13, 2020 regarding Cousins Drive; and
Whereas it is fundamentally clear the Town of Aurora is bisected by train
tracks and in order to properly implement the Trails Master Plan and parts of
the Town of Aurora Official Plan frequent and safe east west crossing for non-
motorized traffic must be established; and
Whereas should the Town be interested in multiple non-motorized crossings
along the train track, designs must be included in the tender documents
during the track reconstruction by Metrolinx;
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 11 of 14
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That staff provide a status report
on all potential pedestrian crossings for non-motorized traffic along the
train corridor to a General Committee meeting by the end of October;
and
2. Be It Further Resolved That staff include in that report the priority
crossings as identified in the Trails Master Plan and costing of detailed
designs so that they may be included in the tender documents during the
reconstruction by Metrolinx.
(b) Councillor Gaertner
Re: Aurora Community Tennis Club (ACTC)
Whereas the Aurora Community Tennis Club was allowed to open in mid-May
as per an update to the Provincial Orders; and
Whereas the restrictions and measures required to operate the club in an
effective and safe way have impacted the club’s continued ability to resume
operations for the 2020 season; and
Whereas a large part of their programming is tennis lessons taught by their
Club Pro; and
Whereas the Club is asking permission for their Club Pro to permit one court
at McMahon Park for tennis lessons in this 2020 season; and
Whereas this will hopefully enable the ACTC to maintain some level of
service/connection with their members as they try to manage through a year
of significant transition and the difficulties imposed by COVID-19; and
Whereas the recent Council decision anticipated that typical demand would
be satisfied with the permitting of two courts at Fleury Park; and
Whereas, as a result of the pandemic, tennis is one of the few allowed sports
and increased demand for permits has superseded supply; and
Whereas the permitting of one court at McMahon Park should have no impact
on public availability as these courts are mostly reserved for the ACTC;
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Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 12 of 14
1. Now Therefore Be It Resolved That staff be authorized to issue Tennis
Court rental permits for one court only, at McMahon Park, for the
exclusive use of the Aurora Community Tennis Club Pro, for the
remainder of the 2020 calendar year.
9. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the Joint Operations Centre final budget report
and staff provided a response noting that the information would be provided as
part of a Capital Project Close report.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the status of the street light request in the
Mosaics area, south side of 14700 Yonge Street, and staff agreed to follow up.
Councillor Gilliland noted her attendance at a Tele-Town Hall with Minister Lisa
McLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries, and noted
that $13,000,000 has been allocated towards tourism recovery and marketing plan
and that $5,000 has been allocated towards initiatives in York Region.
Councillor Gilliland advised that the Ontario.live website has been launched,
where artists and performers have an opportunity to display their art and
merchandise.
10. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Humfryes extended a reminder that the Aurora Farmers Market and
Artisans Fair will be on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town
Park and advised that the artisans will be present beginning this Saturday.
Councillor Kim extended his regards to Tom Connor, Aurora resident and recipient
of the 2020 Aurora Citizen of the Year award.
Councillor Gaertner extended her wishes for Pride Month and emphasised the
importance of promoting anti-discrimination and increasing awareness on
inclusivity in the society. She extended her regards to York Region Police for being
the first police department to raise the Pride Flag in Canada.
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 13 of 14
Councillor Gaertner relayed comments of appreciation from Ms. Shillolo, Hartman
Public School teacher, regarding the forthcoming butterfly garden in the Town’s
Wildlife Park.
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that due to the ongoing risks associated with
COVID-19 & in the interest of public safety, the Town has cancelled all previously
scheduled Town summer camp and aquatic programs noting that full refunds will
be issued to all registered participants, and more information is available at
aurora.ca/summercamps and aurora.ca/aquatics.
Mayor Mrakas extended his wishes for Pride Month noting that the annual parade
has been cancelled and the Town will continue the tradition of raising the Pride
Flag at Town Hall.
Mayor Mrakas announced the launch of the new online community engagement
platform, Engage Aurora, a 24/7 digital platform where residents can share
feedback on a variety of Town projects, and noted that more information is
available at engageaurora.ca.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town is looking for up to four members of our
community to serve on the Official Plan Review Community Steering Committee
(CSC), noting that more information regarding the Committee and the application
form is available at engageaurora.ca/opr. He noted that the deadline for
submissions is Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town has launched a Business Visitation
Program to provide assistance to Aurora businesses as they move forward to
recovery noting that Town staff will be reaching out to businesses to schedule
visits, and more information is available at aurora.ca/businesssupport.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Aurora Cares Community Resource Guide is
now available at aurora.ca/auroracares.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Online Skylight Gallery, featuring artists
Christine Chin-Fook and Tina Sanders for the month of June can be viewed at
aurora.ca/skylightgallery.
General Committee Meeting Report
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Page 14 of 14
Mayor Mrakas extended a reminder that residents can stay active and engaged by
visiting the Recreation at Home webpage at aurora.ca/recathome that contains a
collection of activities to keep families active at home.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town is hosting a NHL20 PS4 Canada Day
Tournament noting that further information regarding the tournament, participation,
prizes, and registration is available at aurora.ca/canadaday.
Mayor Mrakas advised that the Aurora Business Continuity Task Force and Aurora
Cares Community Action Team were concluded and noted that Premier Doug Ford
was in attendance at the last meetings.
Mayor Mrakas referred to his discussions with the Premier regarding commencing
Stage 2 in Aurora starting on Friday, June 19, 2020, and the preparations the
Town would be making to ensure a smooth transition.
Mayor Mrakas announced that as the Town prepares for Phase 2 of reopening, the
Aurora Outdoor Patio Program has been developed for local business to ensure
adequate expansion of patio areas. He noted that the program includes:
• Waiving of all application fees;
• Waiving of all application fees for minor variances for patio expansions; and
• Restaurants and bars that would like to expand to create patio space onto the
sidewalk will have to enter into an encroachment agreement with the Town and
must maintain accessibility requirements.
11. Closed Session
None
12. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.