The Town of Aurora is outlining a suite of new emissions-cutting goals in its energy management plan, as part of its “vision of net-zero by 2050” at council's committee of the whole meeting tomorrow evening.
At committee of the whole June 4, council is also getting an initial look at the town’s affordable housing action plan, which is set to go up for public consultation, as well as plans for the future of national historic site Hillary House.
Also on the agenda is the designation of eight heritage properties, as well as plans for the future of the George Street plot the town bought back in April.
Here’s what AuroraToday is keeping an eye on at June 4’s committee of the whole meeting:
Energy management plan
Aurora’s new energy management plan outlines a series of emission reduction targets, as part of the town's goal of working toward net-zero by 2050.
The short, medium, and long-term targets compared with a 2018 baseline:
- Short-term target: 20 per cent GHG emissions reduction by 2030
- Medium-term target: 50 per cent GHG emissions reduction by 2035
- Long-term target: net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
The town actually beat its emissions-cutting target from 2019, with an overall reduction in GHG emissions of 20 per cent, surpassing the goal of 16 per cent, according to a staff report.
The report pointed to several factors, including building closures due to COVID-19, among other factors will have contributed.
Heritage properties
Council will consider designating eight heritage properties from its heritage register.
After consulting with owners, the properties the town is putting forward are: 71 Connaught Ave., 15 Kennedy St. West, 19 Kennedy St. West, 29 Kennedy St. West, 77 Spruce St., 80 Spruce St., 139 Temperance St., and 59 Tyler St.
Provincial legislation means any properties not officially designated will be removed from the register by Jan. 1 of next year.
The town had approached around 30 property owners about designation, but most said they did not want their properties to be designated.
George Street Parkland acquisition
The committee will also be mulling over plans for the four-acre plot on George Street the town bought in April from York Region District School Board.
The old George Street school building is being prepared for demolition and the town expects all the work to cost $415,800.
In its place, the town could rezone to allow for around seven single-family homes, with the back portion of the lot being reserved for a community park.
Public consultation on what that park may look like is set to come.
The town is streaming the June 4 committee meeting at 7 p.m. Committee of the whole meets the first Tuesday of each month. You can watch on the town's YouTube page or attend in person at 100 John West Way.
You can speak at a meeting as a delegation by submitting a Delegation Request Form. To make a community presentation or send correspondence, email [email protected].
