Thursday, October 30, 2025

Anna Lozyk Romeo
AURORA, ONTARIO

UNFILTERED

In my unfiltered column, I dig into what’s really happening in local politics and how it affects our community. I cut through the noise to share clear, honest takes—whether it’s about council decisions, local policies, grassroots movements, or public concerns. Occasionally, I step outside the local political scene to gain a broader perspective.

I'm a curious person, but my curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's rooted in an interest in learning and connecting. I'm drawn to how communities grow, how conversations unfold, and how we create space for diverse viewpoints, even when it's uncomfortable.

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Reclaiming the Conversation

I’ve long focused my writing on the community I live in, viewing it through a political lens. Over time, though, my photo-journal-style blog began to lose some of its uniqueness—especially as social media absorbed much of what once felt distinct. I’ll admit, I stepped...

FEATURED

Spring Moments and the Never-Ending Social Media Drama

The day began with the usual suspects: morning chores, the rush of routines, and the holy trinity of school, bank, and grocery store. On the way to drop-off, we spotted three Trumpeter swans gliding above St. John's Sideroad. As some would say—absolute poetry in motion....

Merely Constructing the Ice Rink Is Not Enough to Ensure Its Success

Unpredictable weather and mild winters often shorten the outdoor skating season. While seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks provide a valuable recreational option, there is some concern about whether taxpayers are receiving the full value of their investment. Even those who skate regularly on public...

$60M Plus Aurora Town Square BUDGET Increased By $600,000!

If you are curious about the sudden cancellation of last night’s General Committee meeting (January 16, 2024), here is why: a long deliberation on the three items in the Closed Session meeting until 8:40 pm. Two of the items were related to the over...

Mayor’s Budget 2024 Aurora Part-Time Sport Tourism Programmer Salary Was Set at $68,300

In the 2024 Mayor's budget, under the new Strong Mayor Powers, it is unusual that Mayor Mrakas included a part-time Sport Tourism Programmer position with a salary of $68,300. Did Mayor Mrakas even question the appropriateness of the salary for a part-time role before...

Aurora Solicitor Clarifies: Strong Mayor Powers Tied to Commitment Letter

On the topic of strong mayor powers, the next item discussed at the Town of Aurora’s General Committee meeting on November 7, 2023 was the Procedure By-Law. During the discussion, Cllr Harold Kim commented on the strong mayor powers, stating, “this is a provincial...

Cllr Harold Kim Accidentally Opposes Strong Mayor Powers

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...

Anna Lozyk Romeo for Mayor of Aurora, Municipal Elections 2022

To my Living in Aurora blog readers: I am running for Mayor of Aurora.  It is a great opportunity now to step up and serve our Aurora community at the council level. I want to be your voice at the Council table. However, regardless of what...

From Shining to Shameful – The Continued Loss of the Oak Ridges Moraine

A picture-perfect vista of soft, rolling hills where wild turkey, deer and coyote once roamed has been reduced to a lifeless, razed and barren landscape. The old yellow barn that once stood tall in all its charm, is long gone. So too is the...

North East Quadrant of Wellington St & John West Way Development Appealed

At the February 22nd, 2022 Council meeting, Aurora Council UNANIMOUSLY (7-0) voted to refuse a 6-storey, 150 unit residential apartment building application on the North East Quadrant of Wellington Street / John West Way because it does not conform to the Town’s Official Plan...

Multi-Million Dollar Artificial Turf Partnership

If someone were to ask me to choose between an artificial and a natural turf field, I would definitely choose the natural turf field. However, I don’t think it’s fair to ignore the benefits that artificial turf fields offer in terms of flexibility of...
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