Highlights of the Meeting of Council on Tuesday, April 22, 2025

War Memorial 100^th Anniversary

Aurora Town Council approved a report detailing the project scope and budget for the 100^th Anniversary of the Aurora War Memorial to be marked in October 2025. Planned upgrades at Aurora War Memorial Peace Park include hardscaping, permanent seating, memorial restoration, electrical and lighting enhancements and replacement of wreath standards. The Town is collaborating with Stouffville, King Township and the Aurora Legion on programming, including exhibitions, a ceremony and street banners with costs equally shared. A new permanent memorial dedicated to indigenous soldiers will also be added.

2026 Municipal Election – Methods of Voting

Aurora Town Council approved a hybrid voting method consisting of internet voting and traditional paper ballot for the next municipal election in 2026. A hybrid model was also used in 2022 and the 2018 municipal elections with internet voting deployed in the advanced period and only a paper ballot available on election day. The next Ontario municipal and School Board Election will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026.

2026 Budget Timeline and Process

Aurora Town Council approved the timeline for reviewing and finalizing the Town’s 2026 Budget, the final year of the current four-year budget cycle. The budget, to be shared with Council on October 20, addresses inflationary, tariff, and capital asset management pressures. If the proposed schedule is followed, the revised 2026 budget and capital plan will be adopted by December 14, 2025.

Adoption of the Heritage Grant Program

Aurora Town Council approved the Heritage Grant Program to support the preservation of designated heritage properties. Developed with input from the Heritage Advisory Committee, the program will be funded by the Heritage Reserve, which has an uncommitted balance of $299,600. Annual application approvals will initially be capped at $30,000.

Application for Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment, 180 Wellington Street East

Aurora Town Council approved an Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment for the development at 180 Wellington Street East, enabling the development of four 12-storey multi unit apartment buildings with 948 residential units and ground-floor amenities. The amendments align with provincial and municipal policies promoting growth and intensification in the Major Transit Station Area, supporting sustainable, transit-oriented development.

Application for Draft Plan of Condominium, 175 Melvin Robson Avenue

Aurora Town Council approved the Draft Plan of Condominium application for 175 Melvin Robson Avenue, located within the Aurora Mills Business Park. The plan establishes a standard condominium consisting of 24 industrial units with 97 parking spaces, designed to support small-scale industrial and retail/commercial uses.

Motion to Amend the Procedure By-law

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council, requested that the Procedure By-law be amended to pass the Chair of the meeting to the assigned Deputy Mayor when a member of Council raises a point of personal privilege regarding the Chair. A Procedure Bylaw amendment will be brought forward for adoption in May.

Motion to Release Closed Session Reports Related to Yonge Street Purchase

A motion put forward by Councillor John Gallo and supported by Council requests the public release of all reports related to the purchase of 15157, 15165, and 15171 Yonge Street. These reports, as redacted in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, will be added to the agenda for the next Committee of the Whole meeting.

Motion to investigate Development Charge Rebate Program for First-Time Homebuyers

A motion put forward by Mayor Tom Mrakas and supported by Council requests staff investigate and develop a framework for a Development Charge (DC) rebate program aimed at supporting first-time homebuyers in the Town of Aurora. Staff will explore eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, and potential financial impacts of such a program and bring back a report at a future meeting.