INSIDE AURORA: The Year in Review

December 21, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Scott Johnston

2015: The Year in Review

While there are still several days left in the year, and anything can and will happen in this Town, let’s take a look back at 2015 so far in Aurora.

Jan 22 – Even though the pool, rink and fitness facility are closed, the Aurora Family Leisure Complex renovation project manages to keep residents’ heart rates up through a series of increasingly ballooning budget cost overruns.

Jan 29 – Sales were obviously not on Target as, after a short period in Town, that retail chain announces it is closing.

Feb 12 – It is not clear whether it’s because of the Latin inscription, Royal crown, depiction of Egyptian pyramids or something else, but Council reinstates the Town’s original flag because they say it is relevant to today’s residents.

Feb 27 – Electronic voting proposed for 2018 is guaranteed to improve the ease of casting a ballot, but not necessarily the quality of the candidates.

Mar 12 – Just how many people asking for the same thing is enough to be noticed by Aurora Council? Obviously a lot more than we think, as despite over 8,000 Aurora residents voting in the recent municipal referendum to reduce Council by two members, Council quickly decides not to even discuss it.

Mar 19 – Those working to keep Aurora beautiful rejoice when Council rejects the proposed clear bag program for curbside garbage pickup.

Apr 2 – Venues in Paris, Rome and Hawaii brace for the potential revenue loss when it is announced that weddings will be allowed at Aurora Town Hall.

Apr 29 – The province commits to all day GO service, while the Town refuses to commit to any parking being available after the 4th train of the day.

May 21 – When Magna announces it is leaving Aurora for King in two years, the Town’s reaction is such that it’s excellent timing that Council recently rejected plans to audio record its closed door sessions.

Jun 18 – Cell towers continue to be residents’ most hated proposed infrastructure, narrowly beating out super mailboxes and speed humps.

Jul 16 – Aurorans get a hint that the costs may be higher than expected for the Town’s proposed new radio station when it is revealed the call letters will be “CHR$”.

Aug 6 – Hotel chains eager to establish themselves in Aurora balk at financial conditions imposed by Council, including extremely high municipal development charges, and a cut of mini-bar proceeds.

Sep 9 – Queen Elizabeth’s reign of over 63 years is longer than the number of years of active Aurora Council-based lawsuits, although both are still going strong.

Sep 17 – The City of Hamilton is successful in winning its suit against Canada Post over placement of super mailboxes, thereby saving Aurora $10,000, but is unsuccessful in convincing our Town to part with any of those savings to help defer Hamilton’s legal costs.

Oct 19 – New riding boundaries may have resulted in Aurora being split, but voters are not, with the Liberals easily winning both local ridings.

Nov 21 – Council gets serious about moving forward on making a decision on the Cultural Precinct by commissioning a study of all the previous studies on moving forward that have been completed to date on this topic.

Dec 8 – After Council refuses to consider purchasing the property, Highland Gate residents hope to encourage a change of heart by renaming the area “Mavrinac West”.

Dec 17 – Council’s newly accelerated budget process kindly lets residents know how much more they’ll be paying in taxes next year, so they can factor that into their Christmas shopping budget.

Feel free to e-mail Scott at: machellscorners@gmail.com