IN GOOD COMPANY: Get involved in Aurora’s budget process and have your say!

October 26, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Mayor Geoff Dawe

The Town of Aurora is a proud supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays and I personally want to congratulate them for becoming the 2015/16 American League Division Series winners. We are proud of your hard work, determination and love of baseball.
Setting a responsible budget in a municipality is imperative to ensuring a town runs smoothly and efficiently. Throughout the budgeting process, Council and Staff consult with residents and listen carefully to hear their wants and needs. This feedback helps us make better budget decisions and your input matters. Council and Staff are diligently and effectively working together to ensure your voices are heard and your tax dollars are being used responsibly.
Did you know that the Town has started its 2017 budget review? Our first meeting was on Saturday, October 15 to discuss capital items and it was a great start. We are looking forward to a positive dialogue and assessment of the projected numbers. I encourage all residents to have your say and participate in Aurora’s budget meetings. We will start to review the operating budget on Monday, November 14 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Please take the time to come out and attend the meetings or watch it online at aurora.ca/stream.
As well, thank you to the participants of the Citizen Budget Survey. We still want to hear about what you would like to see in this year’s budget. The survey closes on October 31 so there is still time to submit your comments. Participants will be entered to win $250 towards your municipal account or equivalent. For more information or to access the survey, please visit aurora.ca/budget.
I am also pleased to confirm that the Gormley GO Station and the Bloomington GO Station are on schedule for construction. The Gormley GO Station is slated to open at the end of the year, adding approximately 850 new parking spaces. The Bloomington Station will add up to 700 parking spaces and is scheduled for completion in 2018. These new parking structures will hopefully help alleviate parking congestion at the Aurora GO Station. I would also encourage GO riders to consider taking public transit, walking, cycling or carpooling to the station. Let’s do whatever we can to help eliminate or reduce our carbon footprint in Aurora.
Thank you to all of you who attended the final concert in the park. It was a wonderful event and I’m glad everyone enjoyed the festivities. Looking for a fun, family event to attend for Halloween? Join us for Aurora’s Haunted Forest on Saturday, October 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sheppard’s Bush. There are decorated trails and cabins to explore for all ages. A charity barbecue will be onsite along with fun crafts and games to enjoy at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex. Buy your $5 event wristband today! Wristbands can only be purchased in advance at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, Aurora Family Leisure Complex and Aurora Town Hall. For more information, please visit aurora.ca/hauntedforest.
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. We want to hear from you.
Enjoy the warm fall colours and the bright shining sun!