IN GOOD COMPANY: Celebrating Aurora

June 24, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Mayor Geoff Dawe

This is a decidedly busy time of year for municipalities and Aurora is no exception. With so many events and activities taking place it is difficult to give each of them equal time in my monthly article, but I will certainly give it the “old college try.”
First, I would like to thank Aurora’s outgoing Chief Administrative Officer, Neil Garbe, for his service to the Town and our community during his six-year tenure with three different Councils. Neil brought a wealth of management expertise to Aurora and put a number of processes in place to increase efficiencies and accountability at Town Hall. His poise and professionalism greatly assisted my transition from the private sector to the Office of the Mayor, and I have every confidence that Neil will bring the same level of excellence to Richmond Hill, as he assumes the CAO position there.
During the summer, members of our Executive Leadership Team will be assuming the CAO role on a rotational basis, until an interim-CAO is selected to take the position. The interim CAO will help conduct an executive search for a permanent CAO, beginning this fall.
Thank you to Judy Marshall and the staff and volunteers at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for another wildly successful Street Festival on Sunday, June 7. Yonge Street was billowing with thousands of residents and visitors enjoying the many offerings of hundreds of on-site vendors. Many people stopped by the Town booth, and I would like to thank those who took to time to complete our communications survey. The Aurora Street Festival is a cornerstone event for our community and the Chamber deserves kudos for another job well done!
Thank you to the residents who attended our Public Planning meeting on Wednesday, June 24 at St. Maximilian Kolbe High School to provide input into the proposed redevelopment of the Highland Gate property. This is the first of three scheduled consultations, so those who didn’t get the opportunity to share their perspectives will have a chance in September and October.
I hope everyone has the opportunity to show Aurora’s pride during the Pan Am Torch Relay on Thursday, June 25. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 11.30 a.m. at Lambert Willson Park on Industrial Parkway North, with official greetings, a performance by White Pine Dancers and Blue Cloud Drum and a free community barbecue.
The Pan Am torch will travel up Yonge Street from Bloomington Road, head east along Wellington Street and travel up Industrial Parkway. Come and watch the relay and partake in the many activities taking place, including free public swimming at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex and the Legacy of Sport exhibit at the Aurora Cultural Centre. Remember to drop by Hillary House throughout July and August as the Aurora Historical Society celebrates Pan Am with Tennis in Canada from Early Beginnings to Global Success. Go to www.aurora.ca/panam for further details.
On June 30 and July 1, Aurora – Canada’s Birthday Town – celebrates Canada Day with events for the whole family. On Tuesday, June 30, join us for food and live entertainment with the Rotary Dance in the Town Park at Aurora Town Park. On Wednesday, July 1, join us for the annual Canada Day parade along Yonge Street, a classic car show, First Nations presentations, activities for kids, live bands and our fabulous fireworks display. Events take place in Lambert Willson Park. Full event details are available at www.aurora.ca/canadaday.
Throughout the summer, we have a great line-up of entertainment, including Theatre in the Park, Movies in the Park and Concerts in the Park. Theatre in the Park takes place at 7 p.m. from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12 in Town Park. The Humber River Shakespeare Company will be performing Falstaff and The Merry Wives of Windsor. A donation of $20 would be greatly accepted to support the theatre company’s production and performances.
Movies in the Park feature six movies from July through September. The first movie takes place in Lambert Willson Park on Friday, July 17, featuring Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. All movies begin at dusk.
Concerts in the Park run on Wednesdays in Town Park throughout July and August from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The first concert features Susie Sunshine on July 8. Each concert features a draw for a “Premium Concert Experience” provided by TD, where your family can win the chance for complimentary food and front row-seats. To enter, simply bring a food donation for the local food pantry. Donations are also gratefully accepted at Movies in the Park.
As a final note, we will be launching our Citizen Budget online consultation again. We will have a soft-launch in August and promote this online survey in September and October. This is a great way to have your voice heard on how your tax dollars are spent, so visit www.aurora.ca this fall for more details.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!