Council focus to make Aurora 'more livable' community over next 4 years

Stable neighbourhoods, downtown revitalization, environment, transit, community gardens top list of things to accomplish

Yorkregion.com
January 10, 2019
Teresa Latchford

Town council will aim to create a more livable community in the next four years.

Each member of council who was elected has a vision for Aurora and the residents who voted tasked those sitting in council chambers with working together to bring that vision to life, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said.

“The next four years represents a pivotal point in Aurora’s history,” he added. “Building on the work of the past term of council, we are now positioned to move forward on important initiatives that will be key community builders in the years to come.”

Creating a livable community isn’t simple but based on feedback collected on the campaign trail leading up to the election, council will seek to tackle a number of those priorities.

“Over the next four years this council must focus on creating a livable community we can be proud to leave our children,” Mrakas said.

When it comes to growth and development, enforcing the official plan, protecting green spaces by using the tools and resources available to do so, respecting the past while looking to the future by protecting heritage buildings and striving for smart growth to uphold the vision for the community are all key to a thriving town.

“I will work with council to ensure the planning decisions we make are focused on providing big city amenities and services while maintaining Aurora’s small town charm and green spaces for our future generations,” he said.

Due to the demand of development, existing neighbourhoods are increasingly concerned about buildings that do not fit in or keep with the character of the community, otherwise known as “monster homes”.

While a bylaw banning these monster homes may seem to be the solution, Mrakas believes the situation needs more consideration. Council will respect the work that has already been done on the proposed policy and following a planning consultant’s report, which is expected this month, council will work toward completing a bylaw to protect these neighbourhoods.

On the subject of housing, affordability and accessibility, specifically for senior citizens and young families, need to be addressed. Council will use the tools they have to diversify housing including bungalows, single unit dwellings and purpose-built rentals.

The downtown core needs revitalization and this term Mrakas plans to get something done: Library Square transformation and the restoration of the Aurora Armoury.

Mrakas and council will also be working with all levels of government to try to finally find a way to relieve traffic congestion and a solution to parking woes, specifically around the GO station. Lobbying for more interconnected transit services to get people to and from the station located on Wellington tops the list.

Fiscal accountability will also be a priority for the next four years by continuing to build reserves and look at providing services in the most efficient way without raising taxes.

Moving toward making the town a premier destination for sport tourism, the town needs to be innovative and work with the sporting community to build a true centre of sport excellence.

Mrakas has also committed to being the town’s ambassador when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses and introducing a proposal to implement a ward governance system.

Collaboration and communication will also be instrumental in getting things done.

“I will work to ensure residents and businesses know what decisions we have made and where I stand on the issues that matter most to residents,” he added. “I won’t be sitting behind a desk. I will be out in the community meeting with you.

Deputy Mayor Harold Kim will ensure Library Square and the Aurora Armoury projects are carried through to completion and plans to work with council, staff and the public to encourage more residents to be involved in the community.

Coun. Sandra Humfryes will focus on protecting heritage buildings and properties through the finalization of a strong policy to protect stable neighbourhoods when it comes to infill development. She also will work to ensure town services are of the highest quality.

Coun. Michael Thompson is dead set on completing the design and construction of Library Square and having the Aurora Armoury project complete, two projects he says will kick-start the revitalization of the downtown core and are very doable in the next four years.

Coun. John Gallo will ask council to invest in a study on how best to implement an extensive, year-round community garden program, work toward the completion of the wildlife park and promote modern day methods of communication with the public.

Coun. Wendy Gaertner plans to push to finalize protections for stable neighbourhoods when it comes to development, address adequate parking for the planned Library Square and policy changes that will set higher environmental standards for new development and buildings while improving efficiency of operations in town facilities.

Coun. Rachel Gilliland supported the stable neighbourhood protection policy when not sitting at the council table and following the planning consultant’s report, she plans to ensure decisions are expedited since residents have waited long enough.