Highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Aurora Town Council approved a case-by-case approach to addressing racially offensive language on monuments within Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery including interpretive measures that prioritize historical context, heritage preservation, and consent-based engagement, while exploring options to reduce unavoidable public exposure. Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, Happy Woodland Pet Cemetery is recognized as Canada’s first pet cemetery, operating from 1934 to 1978 and containing more than 800 commemorative pet gravestones within a naturalized, forested landscape.

Aurora Town Council approved the Heritage Permit Application to permit the restoration and alteration of Victoria Hall located at 27 Mosley Street. Victoria Hall is an individually designated heritage property located within the downtown Aurora Promenade. Council has previously approved a capital project to refurbish the building, and construction can now commence with this heritage permit approval.

Aurora Town Council approved an Official Plan and Zoning Amendment for 1426 and 1452 Wellington Street East to facilitate the development of 42 standard townhouse units and 32 back-to-back townhouse units on a private road. The proposed development conforms to the provincial, regional and municipal policies.

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council requests staff to develop a plan with R.A.I.L 175 commemorative initiative to take place in May to June 2028 recognizing the 175th anniversary of the arrival of rail service to Aurora. Staff, in consultation with the Aurora Historical Society, community partners and neighbouring municipalities will plan and deliver events associated with the initiative and bring back a report to Council to detail the partnership, and budget for the initiative.

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council directs staff to evaluate the design options and costs for new street name signs throughout the Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District area and evaluate opportunities for additional gateway signage or features for the District area through the ongoing Wayfinding Signage capital project.