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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Status Update

Aurora Town Council approved a report on ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and 2025 objectives. Current DEI initiatives include youth programs, community support, cultural engagement, and partnerships. The report proposes creating a DEI workplan with expert guidance and forming a staff committee modeled after the Indigenous Relations Committee to address internal and community-focused initiatives. Planned 2025 community engagement, including a roundtable, will help shape the workplan.

Staff will update Council on progress by the end of 2025 and outline next steps for 2026.

Aurora Historical Society – Hillary House Consultation Feedback

Aurora Town Council approved a report authorizing staff to negotiate with the Aurora Historical Society (AHS) regarding the future of Hillary House. Public consultation revealed strong support for the Town to acquire and fund the preservation of Hillary House as a museum and public entity. Staff will negotiate with AHS and bring a report back to Council in a future Closed Session.

Blue Box Collection Changes – Non-eligible Sources

Aurora Town Council approved an update on the transition of the Blue Box Program to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) which will make producers fully responsible for collecting Blue Box recycling materials across Ontario starting January 1, 2026. Consequently, the Town of Aurora will discontinue recycling, waste and green bin collection for non-eligible sources, which represent about 1.6 per cent of the 20,000 curbside collection locations. Non-eligible sources include certain industrial, commercial and institutional properties, which municipalities are not legislatively required to serve.

While co-collection of materials in the BIA and Industrial Parkway areas currently provides efficiencies, continuing service post-transition would incur significantly higher costs. Staff recommend discontinuing collection for non-eligible sources to align with provincial legislation and manage financial impacts.

Aurora BIA Governance Review and Downtown Collaboration Model

Aurora Town Council approved dissolving the Aurora Business Improvement Area (BIA) and directed staff to perform administrative functions to conclude the business of the Aurora BIA and assume their assets and liabilities. The decision follows a Council motion to review the Aurora Business Improvement Area governance model. The Aurora Economic Development Corporation will incorporate the functions of the BIA into their economic development services and staff will lead the development and implementation of a business engagement strategy for the Downtown area and report back to a future Council meeting.

Endorsement of the Affordable Housing Action Plan

Aurora Town Council approved the finalized Affordable Housing Action Plan (the Plan) which was revised following public consultation since its initial presentation in June 2024. Key updates include accessible housing considerations, an expanded housing continuum, updated statistics for one- person/one-parent households, a clarified language framework, a housing deficit analysis and a priority matrix. The Plan is structured around six objectives – Increasing Housing Supply, Promoting Affordability and Stability, Ensuring Complete Community Growth, Streamlining Approvals, Enhancing Partnerships, and Monitoring and Educating – and aims to guide local decision-making on affordable housing. The Plan has been received by the community and housing sector.