4 highlights from the Nov. 8 Aurora council meeting

Environment, cannabis and construction woes among discussion items

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 10, 2022
Melissa Wallace

The last Aurora council meeting from the 2018-2022 term began with tears and ended with a positive look forward.

Here are four highlights from the Nov. 8 meeting:

1. FAREWELL TO COUN. SANDRA HUMFRYES

Tears and appreciation filled council chambers as the mayor and councillors expressed appreciation for Humfryes, who served council for 12 years and was defeated by Ron Weese at last month’s election. “To give back is one thing, but the opportunities we have to help our residents and help the town move forward is another," said Humfryes. "I'm excited to cheer on from the sidelines and will continue to help anyway I can.”

2. FURTHER DISCUSSIONS NEEDED WITH LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

David Tomlinson, a landscape architect and longtime advocate for the environment, expressed concern that LSRCA's policies currently do not favour “online ponds,” and instead have suggested bypass ponds in order to promote cold water fish migration. Online ponds are located on a stream and built by dredging an area within it or by damming a stream. An off-line pond is completely separated from any other water body and has no inlets or outlets to a stream channel. Tomlinson argued bypass ponds are modifications of online ponds and are more costly to build and maintain. He suggested the simpler alternative of constructing drop-board dams, which make it easier for volunteers to control the water flow. “Stand up to the LSRCA and say, ‘If you want to do it, you pay for it, not the Aurora resident.'” Council agreed to have further discussions with the LSRCA.

3. REPORT ON CANNABIS RETAIL STORES IN AURORA

Coun. John Gallo said people want to know what is happening with cannabis stores in Aurora. On Jan. 19, 2019, Aurora council passed a resolution to opt in and permit cannabis retail stores within the town. There are currently 11 stores in Aurora with another pending. Council needs to create a report that includes a full financial accounting of what the town received directly or indirectly as a result of opting in, as well as all written submissions issued by staff to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario after receiving notice of a new cannabis retail store in Aurora.

4. HIGHLAND GATE RESIDENTS WANT ACTION ON DISRUPTIVE CONSTRUCTION

Coun. Wendy Gaertner said Highland Gate construction by developer, Geranium, is harming residents' way of life. "The roads are a mess, there’s clouds of dust, the residents have to keep their windows closed, spring, summer and fall," said Gaertner. "This is not rocket science ... Tell residents in advance what’s going on. If they’re not paving part of the road for some reason, tell them. I shouldn’t have to be so much in the mix." Coun. Rachel Gilliland said, "It’s development within an area that had a very peaceful environment ... now there’s havoc. They’re upset and I don’t blame them." Council agreed on further construction mitigation measures to help residents.