News: Highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Aurora Town Square Business Plan Update

Aurora Town Council approved the updated 2026-2027 Aurora Town Square (ATS) Business Plan, reflecting its first year of operations since opening in September 2024. The ATS Business plan focuses on 2026 and 2027, acknowledging programs and revenue opportunities are still being developed, with a longer‑term 5‑year plan to follow in 2028.

Waste Collection Downtown Core Businesses

Aurora Town Council approved continuing temporary solid waste and organics collection for downtown core (former BIA) businesses with recycling drop-off at the Joint Operations Centre, as these businesses are not eligible for collection under the province’s new Blue Box program. This service will remain in place during the Yonge Street Downtown Promenade Detailed Design project, which will assess long-term waste storage and collection options.

2026-2030 Town of Aurora Visitor Growth Plan

Aurora Town Council approved 2026-2030 Visitor Growth Plan, developed with Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Board support and extensive community consultation, to position Aurora as a year-round premier destination. The plan builds on the pillars of Innovation, Local Business Support, Downtown Revitalization, and Storytelling with the Economic Development Office designated to lead implementation.

Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments for 14070 Yonge Street

Aurora Town Council approved an official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment for 14070 Yonge Street to permit the development of 93 townhouse units. The proposed development conforms to the provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments for 25 Mavrinac Boulevard

Aurora Town Council approved an official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment for 25 Mavrinac Boulevard to increase the maximum building height to permit a seven-storey apartment building consisting of 135 senior apartment units and 94 retirement suites for a total of 229 units and 186 parking spaces. The proposed development conforms to the provincial, regional and municipal policies.

Doors Open 2025 Summary

Aurora Town Council authorized staff to host another in-person Doors Open event in 2026 following the success of the 2025 event. This year’s event featured 20 participating sites and programs with 2,544 site visits recorded.

Motion Regarding Renoviction in the Town of Aurora

A motion put forward by Councillor Ron Weese and supported by Council recognizes the importance of protecting tenants from unfair displacement due to renovictions while balancing landlords’ rights to maintain safe housing. The motion directs staff to investigate the feasibility of a implementing a renoviction or similar bylaw and provide this report to Council in 2026.

Motion for Review of Vehicular Hazards for Daycare Facilities and Playgrounds Adjacent to Roads

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council directs staff to review daycare facilities and playgrounds located near roads, parking lots and driveways to assess risks of vehicle intrusion and recommend safety measures. The report back to Council in 2026 should include a summary of Town policies, best practices from other municipalities, and potential updates to design standards, with input from York Regional Police, Public Health, and Transportation Services.

Motion to Update Parks and Public Places Bylaw

A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council directs staff to review and update the Town’s 2005 Parks and Trails Bylaw to address modern mobility technologies, including electric bicycles and powered mobility devices. The review will consider provincial e-bike classifications and provide recommendations on whether different classes of e-bikes should be permitted on Aurora’s trail system, ensuring clarity, consistency and alignment with current standards.

Motion for Budget Cost Transparency and Public Trust

A motion put forward by Councillor Rachel Gilliland and supported by Council requests confidential cost estimates for the Town’s 2025 and 2026 Operating and Capital budgets be released online once provided to Council and recommends to the Mayor that future budgets revert to the previous standard of fully disclosing all budget figures.

Motion to Implement a First-Time Leak Forgiveness Program

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council directs staff to develop a program and policy for providing one-time high water consumption credits to coincide with the rollout of the automated meter read technology. The motion further requests staff report back on the status of the automated water meter read project implementation and provide details on how this system can be used to prevent large leaks from occurring in the future.