Highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, September 23, 2025

24-Hour Warming and Cooling Emergency Centre – Pilot Project

Aurora Town Council approved a report directing staff to work with York Region on opportunities that support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and report back with outcomes of the work with York Region by the October Committee of the Whole meeting.

Bill 17 and Other Proposed Residential Development Incentives Update

Aurora Town Council approved a report outlining Bill 17 and other residential development incentives aimed at accelerating home construction. Council requested staff proceed with the development of a First-Time Homebuyers Development Charges Equivalent Rebate Policy, contingent on funding from other government levels. Council also directed staff to proceed with the development of a Local Participation in York Region Development Incentives policy for Council’s review and approval at a future meeting.

2025-2026 Windrow Removal Pilot Program Models

Aurora Town Council approved continuing the Windrow Pilot Program for the 2025-2026 winter season. The program offers service to seniors aged 65 and over for $200 per household, with a subsidized option for low-income seniors or individuals with disabilities. Staff will report back in Q2 of 2026 on program results and any recommendations for service or budget improvements.

Application for Site Plan Approval, Charlieville Developments Ltd 54 Tyler Street

Aurora Town Council approved the site plan application for the development of 70 freehold townhouse units (three storey in height) at 45 Tyler Street, the former site of the Collis Leather Factory. The proposed development conforms to the policy directions of the Province, Region and Town.

Application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Heritage Delisting, 8 Kennedy Street East

Aurora Town Council approved the zoning by-law amendment to permit a four-unit freehold townhouse development at 8 Kennedy Street East. The property will also be removed from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest which was supported by the Town’s Heritage Advisory Committee. The proposed amendments align with provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Application for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision, 326 Old Bloomington Road

Aurora Town Council approved the zoning by-law amendment to permit 10 single detached dwellings at 326 Old Bloomington Road. The proposed development aligns with provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Motion to Support Elect Respect Campaign

A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council endorses the Elect Respect pledge and commits to respectful conduct, speaking out against harassment, focusing debate on ideas, and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for public service. Council also urges authorities to protect elected officials and pledges to lead with integrity and respect. The Town encourages others to sign the pledge at electrespect.ca, and will share this resolution with key municipal, regional, and federal organizations.

Motion to Request Autonomous Microphone Control for Committee of the Whole and Council Meetings

A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council requests a staff report on changes required to Council Chambers to give each member autonomous microphone control while preserving the Chair’s authority over order and speaking privileges. The report will outline costs and any required amendments to the Procedure By-law.

Motion to Protect and Commemorate Aurora’s Oldest Trees

A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council directs staff to work with certified arborists and local environmental groups to assess the health, species, and age of designated trees and recommend long-term protection measures, including annual evaluations and hazard assessments. The report will also propose commemorative elements and an “afterlife” plan for the trees, such as repurposing wood and cultivating cuttings, with costs outlined for future budgets or potential grants and sponsorships.

Motion to Release Closed Session and Other Materials – Armoury New Tenant Process

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council directs staff to review all records related to the Armoury new tenant process and release any materials which are no longer subject to confidentiality or disclosure restrictions.

Motion to Release Closed Session Minutes

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council directs staff to review July 9, 2024 closed session minutes concerning the reconsideration request for 65 St. John’s Sideroad East and release any portions of the minutes no longer subject to litigation privilege or other disclosure restrictions.