5 things to know from Aurora council: Airbnb rentals, Town Square updates, Sports Dome naming rights

Supporting green infrastructure and accessory dwellings also discussed at March 29 meeting

Yorkregion.com
April 11, 2022
Lisa Queen

Want to know the latest coming out of council?

Here are five highlights from the March 29 meeting, according to the town.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL BYLAW

Council approved a staff report providing direction to proceed with a bylaw overseeing short-term rentals such as Airbnb accommodations. The bylaw will implement various requirements on short-term rental property owners and operators, such as obtaining a licence with the town to ensure the safety, maintenance and upkeep of licensed properties. Staff will also proceed with a short-term rental compliance monitoring system that will be used by staff for record-keeping and allow residents to file complaints associated with short-term rentals. The bylaw will be presented at a future council meeting for enactment.

AURORA TOWN SQUARE UPDATES

Council approved several staff reports regarding the governance, service agreements with the Aurora Public Library and Aurora Cultural Centre, staffing and space usage and room permitting policy for Aurora Town Square. Council also approved the Aurora Town Square Bridge, Outdoor Square and Church Street Schoolhouse as opportunities to sell naming rights as part of the Aurora Town Square Capital Campaign and directed staff to initiate negotiations with potential partners.

FACILITY NAMING RIGHTS -- AURORA SPORTS DOME

Council approved the Aurora Sports Dome as an opportunity to sell naming rights and authorized staff to enter into negotiations with potential naming rights sponsors for the Aurora Sports Dome. Staff will begin formal negotiations with prospective sponsors and report back to council in a closed session for approval.

MOTION TO SUPPORT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Council unanimously approved a motion presented by Coun. Wendy Gaertner regarding green infrastructure. The motion directs staff to review the Official Plan, policies and bylaws and strengthen protective language around green development standards and tree canopy protection. The motion directs staff to bring a report back to council.

MOTION TO EXPLORE PERMITTING ACCESSORY DWELLINGS

Council unanimously approved a motion presented by Coun. Rachel Gilliland to direct staff to explore the introduction of a policy in the Official Plan to permit accessory dwellings in appropriate locations. The policy would allow a second unit within a home, plus an additional unit on a residential property. Staff will report back to council as part of the Official Plan review update process.