5 highlights from Aurora council's Jan. 31 meeting

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 3, 2023

Council tackled a number of issues at the Jan. 31 meeting. Here are a few highlights:

1. Windrow removal plan: Three residents addressed council to request a windrow removal service, similar to what other municipalities offer, including King, Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville. A windrow is the pile of snow left at the end of your driveway created by snowplows after they clear the road. It has been a cause of frustration for many residents, especially for those who may find it physically challenging to remove.

“The plow leaves a ridiculously large windrow at the end of our driveway, and I do not want to experience a heart attack trying to remove this snow so I can get out,” said John Nowell, in a written delegation. “We always hear about problems with windrows, but this year has been exceptional with the number of phone calls and emails I’ve received,” said Coun. Wendy Gaertner. Council passed a motion put forward by Coun. Rachel Gilliland for staff to report back on the feasibility of introducing a program where older residents or those living with disabilities can apply to have their windrows cleared of snow.

2. Budget approved: Council approved the 2023 municipal budget, with a 3.5 per cent increase on the tax levy, representing an increase of 2.5 per cent to account for inflationary pressures and another 1 per cent for the long-term renewal of Town infrastructure. The increase translates to an additional $81 for the average home in Aurora. For more information, visit the Town’s Budget Page at aurora.ca/budget2023.

3. Protecting the Greenbelt: Council adopted a motion that supports York Region’s position that proposed provincial boundary amendments to the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine are not required to build more housing in York Region. In November 2022, the Ontario Government put forward proposed amendments to the Green Belt Plan that would redesignate or remove 330 hectares of protected land in York Region for urban development. A report from York Region notes, however, that there is already adequate opportunity for housing in York Region to address the province’s accelerated growth targets through intensification and expanded, approved urban boundaries, without the need for the amendments.

4. New committee appointments: The following committee appointments for the 2022-2026 term of council were confirmed:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee -- Coun. Harold Kim
• Aurora Economic Development Corporation -- Mayor Tom Mrakas and Coun. Rachel Gilliland
• Aurora Public Library Board -- Councillors John Gallo and Ron Weese
• Aurora Cultural Centre Board -- Councillors Harold Kim and Michael Thompson
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee -- Coun. Ron Weese
• Community Recognition Review Advisory Committee -- Mayor Tom Mrakas
• Environmental Advisory Committee -- Councillors Wendy Gaertner and Rachel Gilliland
• Finance Advisory Committee -- Mayor Tom Mrakas, Councillors Michael Thompson and Ron Weese
• Heritage Advisory Committee -- Coun. John Gallo
• Joint Council Committee -- Councillors John Gallo, Wendy Gaertner and Rachel Gilliland (previously approved by council on Dec. 13, 2022)
• Active Transportation and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee -- Coun. John Gallo

 

5. Honouring Betty Pedersen: Closing the meeting, Mayor Tom Mrakas announced that former councillor Betty Pedersen died on Jan. 26. Pedersen served on Town Council on and off for more than 15 years between 1978 and 2003. After serving as a politician, she continued to volunteer in her community. Flags were lowered to half-mast on Feb. 1 at Town of Aurora facilities to honour her life and service.