Library Square, ward system, new jobs are Aurora mayor's 2020 priorities

'2020 is going to be an extraordinary and busy year,' mayor says

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 2, 2020
Lisa Queen

Aurora heads into a new decade with several projects on the go for the upcoming year, Mayor Tom Mrakas said.

“2020 is going to be an extraordinary and busy year. There are a number of exciting and complex projects that will get underway,” he said.

“The biggest and boldest project is what is currently referred to as Library Square. This will see us transforming the downtown core by adding a stunning multipurpose facility and performance hall to 22 Church St. and creating a vibrant Town Square between the Church Street School and the Aurora Public Library.”

The project will also involve improvements to the library and the creation of a “thriving” arts and culture hub in the heart of downtown, Mrakas said. The town expects to break ground in the spring, he added.

A second key project will be the ongoing review of the electoral system.

“I have made no secret of the fact that I am an advocate of moving from the current at-large system to a ward-based system. Aurora is currently one of the few remaining at-large systems in Ontario and I firmly believe that having our community elect councillors to represent specific geographic areas is a better model,” Mrakas said.

“A ward system will provide better representation for our residents and improve the accountability for elected officials. I am confident that a ward system will lead to less politics and improved decision-making processes that will benefit the whole town.”

The town will begin a review of its official plan in 2020.

“As I have stated (before), I believe that our official plan is an essential road map for our community and it must adhered to. Our official plan is critical to ensuring we grow in a way that maintains our small-town charm,” Mrakas said.

“The review process will involve extensive community engagement, which has begun already. The project will continue in 2020 and I hope it’s something our residents get involved in so they can have their say into how they think Aurora should grow.”

The mayor also wants to focus on bringing more jobs to town.

“I look forward to working through our economic development board to bring more commercial offices to Aurora. Our residents want to work in the same community where they live and I intend on making sure Aurora is as desirable as possible for the business community come here and grow here,” he said.

“In 2019, we took a positive step forward when I brought forward a motion to council to exempt development charges for major office developments. Staff will be bringing back a bylaw to support this motion in the new year and I am confident it will be an excellent tool for us in attracting industrial, commercial and institutional development.”

Mrakas said he is looking to build off the success of the Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute (CFWI), which officially opened its doors with a community reception on Nov. 6.

The renovated, 145-year-old armoury at 89 Mosley St. is home to the college, which offers workshops, classes and events. The facility can be booked for corporate and social gatherings, weddings and business team-building opportunities.

“Having both St. Andrew’s College and the CFWI in our town has brought an international awareness to Aurora and in 2020 I, along with council, will work to grow Aurora’s educational presence in Ontario,” Mrakas said.

Halfway through council’s four-year mandate, Mrakas expects 2020 to be a busy year.

“It promises to be a year full of big, but exciting, changes,” he said.