Highlights of the Meeting of Council on June 24, 2025

2025 John West Memorial Scholarship Recipients Recognized

Aurora Town Council recognized two local students - Hailey Graham, Dr. G.W. Williams, Secondary School and Dabria Peta-Dragos, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Catholic High School, as the 2025 recipients of the John West Memorial Scholarships. The John West Memorial "Leaders of Tomorrow" Scholarship encourages students entering their first year of full-time post-secondary study to apply. This $1,000 award, given to two applicants annually, honours senior students' achievements. Applicants must reside in or attend secondary school in Aurora. This scholarship is made possible by the generous donation from the late Mayor John West, who served Aurora for over two decades.

24 Hour Warming and Cooling Emergency Centres Feasibility

Aurora Town Council considered a report on the feasibility of establishing a 24-hour emergency warming and cooling centre in Aurora and directed staff to report back by September 2025 with a pilot project plan to operate an emergency warming centre during the 2025-2026 winter season, using an existing Town facility. In York Region, the responsibility for housing and homelessness services lies within the Region, as the provincially designated Service Manager under the Housing Services Act, 2011. Like other local municipalities in the Region, the Town of Aurora does not directly provide homelessness services but supports regional efforts by offering Town facilities during regular hours as warming and cooling centres during extreme weather events. As such, Town staff with work with Regional staff to develop the plan.

Windrow Program Pilot Year-End Report

Aurora Town Council approved a report summarizing the 2024-2025 Windrow Removal Pilot Program and directed staff to report back by September 2025 with funding model options to potentially continue the program for the 2025-2026 winter season. The second year of the pilot, delivered by the Operational Services Department, was a more accurate reflection of typical winter conditions, with eight deployments and a total snowfall accumulation of 188 centimetres, more than double the previous year. The program faced several operational challenges due to the increased snowfall and limitations of the equipment used.

Salt Management Plan Update

Aurora Town Council approved and adopted the updated Salt Management Plan (SMP), following a comprehensive review of the Town’s 2014 SMP to align with evolving best practices, technology, and regulatory requirements set out in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Code of Practice for the Environmental Management of Road Salts (2004). The updated plan strengthens environmental compliance and risk management, supports long-term sustainability, and enhances operational effectiveness while maintaining Council-approved service levels. Key updates include improvements to infrastructure, equipment, and procedures to reduce the environmental impact of winter de-icing materials. The Town will continue to submit annual regulatory reports to Environment Canada as part of its commitment to accountability and continual improvement in winter maintenance operations.

Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study

Aurora Town Council approved the Home Energy Retrofit Loan Program Feasibility Study and directed staff to proceed with the Program Design Study. A local program would help fill market gaps and support energy upgrades such as attic insulation, window replacement, solar panels and efficient heating and cooling systems. Benefits include lower energy bills, increased comfort, and improved climate resiliency while ensuring equity by addressing the needs of vulnerable residents. The study recommends the Local Improvement Charge (LIC) model as the most suitable financing tool, and recommends a turnkey delivery model supported by education, outreach, and energy coaching to reduce both financial and non-financial barriers. Collaboration with York Region or nearby municipalities is also advised to maximize impact and funding opportunities.

Motion Regarding Procedure By-law Review

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council directs staff to undertake a comprehensive review of and update to the Procedure By-law to ensure alignment with current legislation, including the Municipal Act, 2001 and to reflect the governance structure and meeting practices currently in place. The updated By-law will be brought back to Council for consideration and ratification by the end of 2025.

Motion Regarding Full Accounting of 15157, 15165, 15171 Yonge Street

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and adopted by Council, asks staff to prepare a comprehensive report by the third quarter of 2025 detailing the full acquisition and operating costs, rental income, capital investments and current leasing status of the properties at 15157, 15165, and 15171 Yonge Street. The report will also include a summary of the net financial position of the properties since acquisition.

Motion Regarding 2026 Budget

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and adopted by Council, requests the Mayor to prepare the draft 2026 operating and capital budgets with a 0% municipal property tax increase, in response to ongoing financial pressures facing residents and businesses. The motion emphasizes maintaining current service levels while funding the Town’s fiscal strategy through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve. It also directs staff to identify temporary cost-saving measures, defer non-essential capital projects, seek grant opportunities, enhance operational efficiencies, and engage the public for input. The motion reaffirms Council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and will be shared with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and AMO.