IN GOOD COMPANY: Celebrating our achievements

May 18, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Mayor Geoffrey Dawe

With April showers’ turning to May flowers, Aurora is buzzing with activity. There are many events that will appeal to you and your family this spring and summer! Check out our Town event calendar at www.aurora.ca to find out more.
We need your feedback! The Town is hosting a Public Open House for the Mavrinac Park design on Tuesday, May 31. The purpose of the meeting is to present the conceptual plan for Mavrinac Park and to obtain input and comments from the public on the proposed design and facilities to be included in the park. I encourage all to attend and provide your input.
Earlier this month, the Province announced significant proposed changes to four key land use planning documents: the Greenbelt Plan, the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Niagara Escarpment Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Plan.
The proposed changes could have a significant impact on the planning of communities in York Region. The next step in the coordinated land use planning review involves a second round of consultations and a number of public open houses. The closest planned public meeting is in Vaughan on Thursday, June 2. Details about this and all other public open houses can be found online at: www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page14854.aspx.
The deadline for second-round comments on the proposed amendments to the four plans is Friday, September 30. For more information about the proposed changes, visit: news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2016/05/ontario-proposing-to-grow-the-greenbelt.html.
The topic of high-speed internet access is one that is important to me and the residents of Aurora. As Vice-Chair of York Region’s Broadband Strategy Advisory Taskforce, I am focused on ensuring that Aurorans can access the services they need at a reasonable price. I will update all residents as more details become available.
Calling all students! The Town is accepting applications for the John West Memorial Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Award geared towards local students applying to their first year of
full-time post-secondary study. Applications will be accepted by Wednesday, June 1. For information, visit www.aurora.ca/leadersoftomorrow.
Congratulations to all participants of the 2016 Run or Walk for Southlake Regional Health Centre that occurred in May. The Run or Walk for Southlake is the evolution of the Bob Hartwell Challenge that began in 2002 to pay tribute to Bob Hartwell, a former Aurora Councillor, local businessman and avid runner. I believe that Team Aurora unofficially won the “Municipal Challenge” and raised the most money of participating municipalities for this tremendous cause.
On Wednesday May 18, I will be attending the York Regional Police (YRP) Appreciation Dinner. This dinner is an opportunity for Council and the community to show its support for the outstanding service and support that the YRP provides to our community. Congratulations to all the officers and YRP staff!
On Saturday, May 28, I will be attending the 140 Air Cadets Annual Ceremony. A ceremonial parade is about showcasing the skills learned, precision marching and celebrating a year full of accomplishments.
The Town of Aurora believes in recognizing the outstanding volunteers who have made a positive impact in our community. These volunteers play a critical role in assisting with charitable causes, running sporting programs and organizing initiatives to support our Town.
On Monday, May 30, the Town will recognize the outstanding individuals, groups and businesses that have helped shape our community and have donated countless hours to the betterment of our community.
The Town recently received a $10,000 grant for the Community Memories Program under the Virtual Museum of Canada. The Virtual Museum of Canada is the largest digital source of stories and experiences shared by Canada’s museums and heritage organizations. The Museum’s Community Memories Investment Program helps smaller Canadian museums and heritage organizations work within their local communities to develop virtual exhibits that engage online audiences in the past and present stories of Canada’s communities.
Stay connected to the Town. Visit the Town’s website, read the local Notice Board, subscribe to our social media feeds and sign-up for our monthly e-newsletter, Aurora Matters.
Have a wonderful month of May!