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Sport Plan Update

Aurora Town Council received an update on the progress of the Aurora Sport Plan. The Town’s Sport Plan has been widely recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and innovative community development and has received provincial and national recognition for many of its initiatives. A Request for Proposal has been issued for an update to the Sport Plan, which is expected to be complete prior to October 30, 2024.

Hillary House Considerations

Aurora Town Council received a report summarizing the request from the Aurora Historical Society (AHS) about the long-term sustainability of Hillary House, a National Historic Site maintained and preserved by a volunteer Board, its membership and community volunteers. A recent assessment revealed that necessary repairs exceed AHS’s financial capacity. AHS seeks the Town’s collaboration to explore options for the future sustainability of the building and property. Council directed staff to consult with AHS and its members, host public consultations on the future of Hillary House and report back with recommendations.

Town Park Accessible Playground Update

Aurora Town Council approved a funding increase for the playground replacement and splash pad upgrade in Town Park. Public feedback, gathered online and in person, shaped the final design to enhance the playground and meet accessibility needs. To offset the requested additional budget, staff have applied for a grant in support of this project’s accessible design work. The project is estimated to cost $622,700.

2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan

Aurora Town Council endorsed the 2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (ECDMP), a five-year corporate energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission plan for Town operations, required under Ontario Regulation 23/25: Broader Public Sector: Energy Reporting and Conservation and Demand Management Plans. The ECDMP reinforces the Town’s climate action commitment and aims for net- zero emissions by 2050. It takes a strategic 25-year approach with actions that are impactful, cost effective, and meet the Town’s needs.

Results of Consultation with Owners Regarding Heritage Designation

Aurora Town Council received a report summarizing property owner feedback on heritage designation. Due to Provincial Bill 23, all listed properties in Ontario will be removed from municipal Heritage Registers on January 1, 2027, unless designated. Staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee identified 30 properties that meet the criteria for designation due to their physical, historical and contextual value. Following consultations, eight property owners expressed support for designation. Council directed staff to pursue heritage designation for those eight properties.

Draft Affordable Housing Action Plan

Aurora Town Council received the draft Affordable Housing Action Plan that outlines six key objectives and 26 action items to address housing affordability at the local level. This plan guides local decision- making to promote affordable and attainable housing, aligning with the Town’s Official Plan and Regional and Provincial policies. It serves as a blueprint for achieving diverse, affordable housing through 2051 and beyond. The draft will be reviewed by the public and partners before being brought back for Council’s endorsement.

George Street Parkland Acquisition Next Steps – Demolition, Zoning, Park Design Consultation

Aurora Town Council directed staff to proceed with next steps after acquiring 115 George Street from the York Region District School Board. The property, intended for a neighbourhood park, will serve the surrounding residential area with outdoor recreation amenities such as multi-use courts, a playground or other outdoor recreation uses. Next steps include preparing the George Street School building for demolition, consulting the public on parkland design and initiating a zoning by-law amendment to re- zone the George Street frontage to residential. Concurrently, the remaining area, previously designated as Institutional, is proposed to be rezoned to open space, safeguarding it for future community use as a neighborhood park.