Councillor Kim mistakenly voted yes in favor of Councillor Weese’s motion, “Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora.” Recognizing the error, Cllr Weese generously agreed to reconsider the vote. On reconsideration, the motion passed 4–3, with Mayor Mrakas, Cllr Thompson, and Cllr Kim voting against it. The motion formally opposes Strong Mayor Powers and directs that this position be communicated to the Premier, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, York Region, and all Ontario municipalities.

This motion highlights ongoing tensions within Aurora Council regarding provincial mandates and the balance of local democratic authority, as well as the critical importance of procedural fairness and transparency in council votes.

Delegations

Check out the passionate delegations from members of the public here.

2:22 Delegation 6.1 Peter Smith, Resident; Re: Item 9.1 – PDS23-109 – Aurora’s 2031 Municipal Housing Target Pledge, and Motion 10.4 – Cllr Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora 11:26 Delegation 6.2 Andy Mitchell, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 – Cllr Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora 15:44 Delegation 6.3 Steve Fleck, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 – Cllr Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora 18:25 Delegation 6.4 David Heard, Resident: Re: Motion 10.4 – Cllr Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora 23:36 Delegation 6.5 Bruce Orrell, Resident; Re: Motion 10.4 – Cllr Weese; Re: Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora

Discussion

MOTION Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora
Moved by Cllr Weese
Seconded by Cllr Gaertner

September 26, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes, first and second vote on record here: https://pub-auroraon.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=13616

Whereas the Head of Council is required to confirm in writing his commitment to meet a municipal housing target by October 15, 2023, in order to receive Strong Mayor Powers; and

Whereas the municipality is required to submit a formal housing pledge outlining how the municipality plans to meet the housing target by December 15, 2023; and

Whereas Strong Mayor Powers will result in the Head of Council being granted powers such as:

• Choosing to appoint the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer;
• Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and reorganizing departments;
• Creating committees of council, assigning their functions, and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council;
• Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate Head of Council veto and council override process;
• Vetoing certain by-laws if the Head of Council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority;
• Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the Head of Council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority; and

Whereas these Strong Mayor Powers undermine democratic processes executed through municipal elections; and

Whereas Strong Mayor Powers may also violate by-laws established in Aurora that provide accepted and legal procedures for governance; and

Whereas Aurora Town Council recognizes the important role each Councillor provides to the residents in their ward and the community at large;

1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved that the Aurora Town Council opposes Strong Mayor Powers provided to the Head of Council; and
2. Be It Further Resolved that this approved motion be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Honourable Doug Ford; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Paul Calandra; the Regional Municipality of York; and each of the municipalities in Ontario.

Yeas (5): Cllr Weese, Cllr Gilliland, Cllr Gaertner, Cllr Gallo, and Cllr Kim
Nays (2): Mayor Mrakas and Councillor Thompson
Carried (5–2)

Motion to Reconsider
Moved by Cllr Weese
Seconded by Cllr Gallo

1. That the timing and notice provisions in Section 46 of the Procedure By-law be waived; and
2. That Motion 10.4 be reconsidered.

On a two-thirds majority vote, the motion to reconsider carried.

Reconsideration of Motion 10.4
Moved by Cllr Weese
Seconded by Cllr Gaertner

Yeas (4): Cllr Weese, Cllr Gilliland, Cllr Gaertner, and Cllr Gallo
Nays (3): Mayor Mrakas, Cllr Thompson, and Cllr Kim
Carried (4–3)

Was that a Freudian finger slip or something else? You can follow the discussion on this topic in the Facebook group, TOWN TALK.

TOWN TALK (Aurora ON) is a Facebook group focused on open dialogue and keeping the Aurora community informed about municipal issues, local policies, and matters that directly affect residents. The group provides a platform for discussing accountability in local government (Aurora, ON), examining municipal spending, and exploring how decisions impact the town and its taxpayers — and sometimes, it’s simply a space for general TOWN TALK.

Members can engage in constructive debates, share insights, and bring attention to concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. By providing a space for thoughtful discussion, the group encourages residents to stay informed, ask questions, and participate actively in local governance.

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