Highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Public Art Policy

Aurora Town Council approved a new Public Art Policy to help guide how the town acquires, manages and displays public art. The Cultural Services Division will oversee the program and bring an annual public art plan to Council through the budget process recommending new public art projects each year. An Art Selection Panel will be created to review and recommend public art projects and Council will make the final decisions on applicability, suitability and placement of public art, with support from staff.

Sport Plan Update

Aurora Town Council received an update on the Aurora Sport Plan highlighting strong progress since June 2024. The Town has completed and approved the updated 2025-2029 plan, launched new programs like the Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership Course, and hosted inclusive community events such as Unity on Canvas, the Mayor’s Roundtables of Sport, and Sports Fest. These efforts have strengthened partnerships, promoted youth leadership and gender equity, improved accessibility and encouraged participation for all ages and abilities. Aurora will continue this momentum through collaboration, leadership events, and working groups to keep sport a source of pride and connection in the community. 

Application for Zoning By-law Amendment 14 and 18 Wellington Street East

Aurora Town Council approved the zoning bylaw amendment for 14 and 18 Wellington Street East for two additional storeys fronting Wellington Street which will result in an overall building height of four storeys and an increase in the total units from 20 to 33. The amendments align with provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Application for Zoning By-law Amendment, 25 and 29 George Street

Aurora's Town Council approved the zoning bylaw amendment and site plan control for 25 and 29 George Street to permit the development of a four-storey apartment building with a total of 25 units. The development will be integrated with an existing three-storey apartment building with eight units, for a combined total of 33 units.  The amendments align with provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Motion to Consider Roller-skating Opportunities

 A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council, directs staff to consult with roller-skating service providers and report back to Council on potential partnerships, programming options and operational considerations for introducing roller-skating activities in Aurora for the 2026 season.

Motion to Implement Awareness Campaign Regarding Silica Dust Awareness

A motion put forward by Councillor Harold Kim and supported by Council directs staff to create a public awareness campaign about the health risks of silica dust from cutting stone and concrete pavers. The campaign will promote safe cutting practices and use of protective equipment, developed in collaboration with public health and safety experts. It will include educational materials on the Town’s website and social media, information shared through permit processes, partnerships with local retailers and trade associations, signage at worksites, and outreach to residents doing DIY projects. Staff will also review the Town’s Clean Communities By-law and report back with proposed updates related to dust control.

Motion to Release Third Party Consultant Contracts

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council directs staff to ensure all future consultant reports commissioned by the Town be publicly released, unless restricted by legal, privacy, security, or contractual reasons. Staff must include provisions in contracts allowing for public disclosure at the Town’s discretion and make available any past reports once confidentiality reasons no longer apply. Staff will report back to Council by February 2026 with an implementation framework, including updates to procurement documents, standard contract language, and processes for releasing eligible reports.

Motion to Establish a Cannabis Retail Task Force

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council requested the creation of a Cannabis Retail Review Task Force. The group will look at the Town’s experience since allowing retail cannabis stores and identify any issues related to public safety, land use, business clustering, signage, community perception, and economic development. It will also review best practices from other municipalities and recommend possible actions or advocacy initiatives to Council. The Task will be formed by February 2026 and report back within six months of its first meeting.

Motion to Protect the Trail System from Motorized Vehicles

A motion put forward by Councillor Harold Kim and supported by Council directs staff to implement an education and awareness campaign to remind residents and visitors that motorized vehicles—including e-scooters and e-bikes—are prohibited on Town trails under the Parks and Public Spaces By-law. Staff will design and install clear signage at key trail entrances, develop messaging for advertising, social media, and targeted outreach, and determine suitable locations, timing, and costs for the campaign and signage installation.