Re-Elect Mayor Tom Mrakas of Aurora… Email: Tom@Mrakas.ca
Aurora, Ont
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I always look forward to engaging with the Aurora community and having meaningful discussions that help shape and make Aurora the great Town it is.
Please read the Social Media Policy for all my social media sites including my Website. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
mrakas.ca/social-media-polic…
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I will be asking Council to consider adding a new line in the 2023 budget "Provincial Housing Tax" This will represent the tax increase due to the impacts of Bill 23. I encourage all municipalities do the same so all residents of Ontario understand why their tax bill is so high.
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While I believe a balanced measured approach to reopening is correct. With over 65% of eligible adults in York Region having received 1 dose, having businesses such as restaurants, gyms & personal services not being able to reopen indoor until end of July (Step 3) is unacceptable
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Outdoor activities are not the problem.... Premier @fordnation opening playgrounds is one thing, but there are many activities that are outdoors that should be allowed for mental and physical well being during this stay at home order.
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Aurora Town Council unanimously passed a motion tonight opposing Bill 23 in its current form and requesting the province to halt Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 to allow for more meaningful consultation with Ontario’s municipalities..
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We have well surpassed all vaccine requirements not just for Step 2, but Step 3. It is time to lift many of the restrictions, including Step 3 restrictions which can be done in a safe manner.
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The way to build the housing that people need – duplexes, triplexes, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and condos – is by incentivizing their development through planning innovations & upholding Municipal Official Plans - not gutting Municipal authority and environmental protections..
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Frankly, there’s little evidence that any of the measures in Bill 23 will build the housing we need, where we need it, or at a price our residents can afford….
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Bill 23 will not create affordable or attainable housing for future generations. What it will create is a 6% “Provincial Housing Tax” for Aurora residents to make up the difference for a for-profit industry to get a 132k discount per unit.
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At Committee this week, Aurora passed a motion unanimously to support the Regions position that the Province should NOT open up parts of the greenbelt to be developed. The greenbelt is not required for housing as there is enough supply of land without impacting the environment.
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The price for building new homes should not be the whole sale destruction of municipal authority and effective environmental protection…. And that is what Bill 23 will do….
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The Province’s housing plan defines “affordable housing” as 80% average market value. In Aurora, the average home price is roughly 1.4 million. So, using the Minister’s math, an affordable house in Aurora is $1.1 million. Does that sound “affordable” to you?
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York Regional Council has passed a motion requesting the province halt Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 to allow for more fulsome analysis and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Ontario’s municipalities..
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So not only does the province expect us to approve housing that won't have any wastewater servicing capacity
They expect us to approve housing without any DCs to help pay for the infrastructure and services needed for new housing.
Sounds like a great plan…
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With case counts down, and over 70% of the adult population in the Province having received one dose….. we need to move to Step 1 before June 14th. But we need the Province to make this decision and allow time for our businesses to prepare to reopen.
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Minister @SteveClarkPC stated on @TheAgenda that “Municipalities need to have skin in the game” I am disappointed the Minister has framed the housing crisis as a “game” Every game has a winner and a loser. And it seems in his “game” the developers win and the taxpayers lose.
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The impact of Bill 23 on the municipal taxpayer is simply staggering. The proposed reduction in development charges is estimated to cost taxpayers collectively in the billions of dollars.
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With York Region having protected most of our elderly, it is time for a more aggressive targeted approach to vaccinations. Let’s get our teachers, essential workers such as grocery store employees and those in manufacturing plants vaccinated!
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All the Provincial Government has done is shift the burden of costs — money that is needed for infrastructure, services, facilities for growth — onto taxpayers by raising property taxes and away from developers without seeing any appreciable increase in affordability.
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The data has never shown that gyms are causing outbreaks (We can point to specific cases in any sector).. We need to open our gyms with the proper restrictions/capacities for the mental & physical well being of everyone. Having them closed up to another 42 days is unacceptable.
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Extremely disappointed with the YRCDSB decision regarding the Pride Flag. It's disheartening, and frankly shocking, to see a publicly-funded institution decide to not promote inclusivity and support 2SLGBTQ+ students. This is all the more reason why we need to continue to advocate for an inclusive and accepting educational environment for all. #InclusivityMatters
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Regardless if the Province extends the stay at home order or not they need to allow outdoor recreational facilities to reopen for the mental and physical well being of everyone. A lot of these activities can be done while keeping residents safe….
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We all recognize the need to address the housing crisis. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment....
Read my full comments below 👇👇👇
mrakas.ca/the-greenbelt-2/
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The data does not show the problem is in our gyms, restaurants and personal care settings, yet these are the only businesses being closed. We need to address the spread in manufacturing, schools and illegal gatherings if we are going to take the strain off our ICUs.
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The price of houses is positioned by the Provincial govt as evidence of some sort of municipal planning failure, when it is nothing of the sort. Allowing the wholesale abandonment of municipal planning authority will not build more affordable housing.
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STATEMENT - Small Urban GTHA Mayors call on the Province to pause proceeding with Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
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Put simply, the cost of housing, of infrastructure, of services, of amenities doesn’t simply disappear.. Someone has to pay.. And that someone will be all of us through higher property taxes, or drastically reduced services – or both if Bill 23 is approved...
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The current land use planning legislative framework - Bills 23, 3, 109 & the outsized powers of the tribunal to override municipal planning decisions will not create more “affordable” houses. Nor will it lead to the type of housing “the gentle density” that is desperately needed.
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So a $1.1M new build “affordable housing” in Aurora using the minister’s math - would be exempt from DC’s. Exempt from paying for roads, sewers, infrastructure needed & the cost for these services shifted from the developer to existing homeowners through higher property taxes
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Minister @SteveClarkPC, The Town of Aurora welcomes a third-party audit of Town finances. We are confident it will show that every dollar of DC’s collected is required to fund the infrastructure & services needed for new housing. Growth should pay for growth period!
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Yet another false narrative by Minister @SteveClarkPC. What does his plan offer young families? The choice of vertical sprawl or urban sprawl neither of which will be affordable or attainable. Instead of attacking mayors, the Minister should stop ducking meetings with us...
"A mayor has to be able to look that young family in the face and give them some hope." — Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing @SteveClarkPC responding to criticism from mayors @TMrakas and @_JohnTaylor, tonight at 8/11pm with @spaikin | Producer: @carastern #onpoli
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At a round table discussion this morning with the Right Hon. Justin Trudeau and Mayors from the GTA to discuss the issue of gun control and the need to strengthen gun control measures to ensure that our residents in our communities are safe.
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Met with the Federal Environment Minister in Ottawa to discuss potential environmental impacts of opening Greenbelt lands to development by the Province through Bill 23. Working with all levels of government for workable solutions; that’s
#LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone
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I was honoured to join Minister Parsa as we not only signalled our commitment to celebrating Persian Heritage Month, but to also send a message by raising the lion & sun flag that we stand in solidarity with those in Iran for wider freedoms & the protection of women’s rights!
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Opening the Greenbelt will do nothing to create “affordable” or “attainable” housing. What happened to the original message of working together to build the “missing middle” The message now is build housing at all cost! Forget the environment & forget working with municipalities.
Ontario government pushes ahead with Greenbelt development despite broad concern theglobeandmail.com/canada/a…
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Met with Greenbelt Foundation CEO to discuss the impacts of the Province’s amendments to allow development on parts of the Greenbelt. It was a very interesting discussion and I support the position that we need to protect the Greenbelt for current and future generations.
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With 50% of the adult population in York Region fully vaccinated, I think it’s time to allow for indoor activities and move to Step 3… If 3500 fans can sit indoors to watch hockey. I think allowing 10 people in a restaurant can be done safely.
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The Province and Minster @SteveClarkPC have continually put forward a false narrative that municipalities are the main culprits of the housing crisis . . .A narrative they’ve used to impose a one-size-fits all approach to local land-use planning across Ontario.
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The @Town_of_Aurora will become the first municipality in York Region to install a rainbow crosswalk. A permanent feature in the heart of our Town that will always confirm that Aurora is a diverse & inclusive community where everyone is welcome & accepted. mrakas.ca/the-mayors-council…
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Since the @Town_of_Aurora has never requested or supported the MZO issued in our Town, will you be revoking it as well? @SteveClarkPC
We’ve been clear, every MZO on non-provincial land has been at the request of the local municipality, they are in the driver’s seat.
Given that Stratford is no longer proceeding with the proposed development and no longer wants the MZO – I will be issuing notice to revoke it.
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Bill 23 effectively guts many of the legislative mechanisms we rely upon as a municipality to fund our infrastructure needs, plan future parks and amenities, protect our natural and built heritage, and plan for growth and development. Read more below 👇
mrakas.ca/special-council-me…
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As a former mayor, one would think Minister Clark would understand how municipal DCs & reserves work. I recognize that there is a desperate need to put some positive spin on this universally panned “housing" legislation, but this just borders on fiction.
bit.ly/3F5Nmdz
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With 60.8% of the adult population in Ontario having received one dose as of today, I am hopeful the Province will move to Step 1 earlier than June 14
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It is unacceptable that Minister @SteveClarkPC has issued a MZO and by-passing the municipal planning process to permit development of 30 foot wide single family lots on property zoned "Open Space" without any consultation with the @Town_of_Aurora !
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Minister Clark’s interference in local municipal planning by changing town zoning through the York Region Official Plan approval is nothing more than a MZO in disguise. No rationale, no justification, no consultation with the Town.
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Premier Ford has just announced that the "stay at home" order has been extended until June 2nd... I am disappointed that this announcement did not include the reopening of outdoor activities.
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Discussing the York Region budget this morning and early estimates on the shortfall York Region could see due to the impacts of Bill 23 is 497M to 1.5B over 10 years…. The impact to taxpayers across the region will be significant…
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The new signs are up around the Town honouring both of Aurora’s Stanley Cup Champions!!! We are all proud of Robert and Barclay! #AuroraProud #HomeOfChampions
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SAVE THE DATE - Monday, July 29th
The Stanley Cup is coming to Aurora!! Let’s all come together and celebrate Aurora’s own Stanley Cup Champion Robert Thomas!!! Details of the day will follow. #WeAreAurora #AuroraProud
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We can't continue lockdowns everytime cases spike. Unfortunately, this virus will continue to be with us for an extended period of time. Properly following our current protocols will ensure risk is minimized & our residents remain safe w/o causing undue hardship on our businesses
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We need to work collaboratively & leverage the planning tools available to us to continue to encourage the development of “gentle density” & “missing middle” that is so often referenced by political leaders at every level. What we don’t need are the greenbelt lands to achieve it
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I am deeply concerned about the new powers to allow random stops of vehicles or individuals. I am awaiting to hear from @YRP and hope they will join the other police services that have announced they will not be conducting random checks of citizens.
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It was great to have Premier Ford
join us in York Region for the Pride Parade today.….. #loveislove #yorkpride
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With the Region at 30% fully vaccinated & the Province at 25% & needing 2 weeks for it to take effect… & while only requiring 25% fully vaccinated to move to Step 3… The Province should move to Step 3 for July 5th and not wait until July 23rd.
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Under the guise of providing more affordable housing supply, many of the proposed changes in Bill 23 are significant & will restrict how municipalities manage growth through implementation of the official plan & the ability to provide essential infrastructure & community services
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Visited with @Town_of_Aurora basketball star @AndrewNembhard to wish him luck in tomorrow’s @NBA draft…. All of Aurora will be watching the draft with excitement and pride!!!
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Premier @fordnation please rethink the closure of our outdoor playgrounds. They are not the problem...
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We know from the data the problem area is in the workplace (manufacturing, warehouses.. etc). Providing paid sick days & vaccinating all essential workers is what's needed right now, not closing outdoor activities
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Tonight the membership of Beacon Hall voted not to sell the lands for development. This is welcome news as Aurora retains this world class golf course and the valuable green space that our community cherishes. mrakas.ca/beacon-hall/
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Congratulations to Kristy Paterson who is the first woman in @CentralYorkFire history to become an Acting Captain. What an inspirational role model for all girls!! #AuroraProud
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With 76% of our adult pop. having received one dose and 20% fully vaccinated, given the ability for Personal Care services to operate within a safe environment, having these businesses continue to suffer and remain closed doesn’t make sense. Time to add them to Step 1.
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The protection of our Greenbelt is of the utmost importance. If we are to ensure its continued protection we need to carefully select the appropriate individual as head of the Greenbelt Council with a track record of doing so, rather than someone who voted against it in 2005.
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Listening to @SteveClarkPC stating that all MZO's have been at the request of the local Council.... That is interesting as the MZO in Aurora was done with no consultation of the local Council.
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On the advice of our Chief Medical Officer (Dr Kurji) Regional Council approved sending a letter to the Premier @fordnation immediately, asking that York Region NOT be placed in a lockdown zone from the Control-Red Zone at this time.
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What an historic moment for our Town as I was joined by our MP’s, MPP and Council as we walked together across the newly installed “Rainbow Crosswalk”.And what a message to send to the world that Aurora is an inclusive community that is accepting & welcoming of all. #AuroraProud
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Motion at York Regional CoW passed unanimously today to request allowing personal service businesses and gyms to re-open as of 12:01 am on Fri, June 18 as part of Step One… This continues a cautious approach while allowing our businesses to begin to recover...
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Receiving my first shot of AstraZeneca this morning at the Wellness Clinical Pharmacy. I encourage anyone that wants a vaccine, and is eligible, to book an appointment at one of our 11 local pharmacies. Remember the best vaccine is the one first available to you. #COVID19
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Congratulations to @Town_of_Aurora’s own @_morganfrost_10 on making the opening day roster for the @NHLFlyers #auroraproud🇨🇦
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If we are truly looking to build desperately needed housing and better ensure appropriate growth — growth that continues to protect the environment and our built and natural heritage — then give municipalities the authority to plan our communities.
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I've heard the Minister say we should empty our DC reserves. As if they are some kind of magical piggy bank that can be used to bring down the cost of housing. As a fmr Mayor, he knows that's not true. DCs are collected to help pay for infrastructure & services for new housing.
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With almost 25% fully vaccinated it is unacceptable to continue to keep personal care services closed. These small businesses have had some of the most stringent safety measures in place & should be part of Step 1. I will continue to advocate to the Premier to get this done.
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Development Charges are charged so that “growth pays for growth” that the infrastructure needed for future developments isn’t paid for by existing taxpayers. But Bill 23 turns that whole notion on it’s head.
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A "Hot Spot" in York Region is just as important as any "Hot Spot" in Toronto and Peel... We need equitable distribution & increased supply of vaccines to ALL "Hot Spots"
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There are very real concerns around the erosion of municipal autonomy and that needs to be tackled, whether through @AMOPolicy or other mechanisms….
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I will continue to advocate for teachers, caretakers, and all staff at schools to be vaccinated now - not in June. But we need the supply to get this done. If we can’t get all staff and teachers vaccinated, schools should remain closed to in-person learning.
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Letter from Minister Clark in response to my request for a meeting to discuss the changes that he made to the zoning of 1289 Wellington St with no consultation - and my response letter back.
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I am pleased to share that Aurora Council unanimously voted to approve the motion requesting Minister @SteveClarkPC repeal the MZO on the Bloomington lands which was issued without consultation with our town. I look forward to discussing this further with the Minister.
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Parents need more time to plan. Leaving an announcement this late regarding whether children will be returning to school on Monday is not acceptable.
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There should NEVER be a 12+ building in Aurora. We can meet & even exceed provincial housing growth targets in our town by following our OP & height restrictions. Growth & intensification are welcomed but must meet our OP & be appropriate for our Town.
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I am proud to say that all streets in our Town named after veterans have been identified by staff and a poppy has been added to properly recognize those that served.
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Teachers, custodians, and all staff at schools should be vaccinated now not in June. Everyday they remain unvaccinated they are at risk. We need to pivot now to vaccinate all our essential workers ….
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In response to the letter issued today by Minister @SteveClarkPC regarding the MZO, I have issued the following letter. Please visit the website below to view both letters. @CP24
mrakas.ca/response-to-minist…
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This is unacceptable! Bill 257 will allow Minister Clark to issue MZOs without regard to the provincial policy statement. Another step towards eroding the Planning Act & local Councils decision-making to protect our environment & appropriately develop our communities.
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While it is great news that the Province has just announced that we are moving to Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01am on Wed, June 30. We need to be looking at moving to Step 3 as all requirements for Step 3 have been met.
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Great News!! Starting Tuesday, AstraZeneca will be available to anyone 40+. With so many Aurorans under the age of 55 anxiously awaiting their turn, this is truly welcome news.
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York Region has hit a major milestone as 80% of eligible residents (age 12+) have been fully vaccinated!!!
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Welcomed Mr @JustinTrudeau to Machell's Alley in our downtown core. It was great to have the opportunity to discuss revitalization plans for our community and what role the Federal Government can play in assisting small urban Towns like ours.
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Toronto Councillors @JoshMatlow & @kristynwongtam have put forward the motion to have Toronto join municipalities across Ontario in requesting that Queen’s Park dissolve the Ontario Land Tribunal.. @SteveClarkPC
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I am truly excited to officially open Aurora’s new hotel - Holiday Inn Express!!! This is the first hotel in Aurora in over 10 years and a much needed piece of the overall economic development strategy. #GettingThingsDone
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Awesome job by all residents in York region as we continue to have the highest percentage of fully vaccinated residents of all regions in the Province - 62% of our adult population fully vaccinated!!! Let’s keep it going and be the first Region to hit 70%!!
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The Province setting a threshold at 80% of the avg purchase price for a home to be exempt from DC’s can in no way be considered affordable… and now the burden of costs for growth - new infrastructure, services and amenities will fall to our residents with property tax increases.
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Congratulations and best wishes to long time Auroran Bill Kudelski!! Today Bill is 100 years young!!
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Welcomed Lib leader @StevenDelDuca to Aurora. It was great to have the opportunity to discuss housing & the plans his party has in assisting small urban Towns. I am looking forward to the opportunity to welcome the leaders of all parties & discussing whats important to our Town.
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Happy Pride Month!!
I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the flag raising ceremony as well as the York Pride Parade…
Pride Flag Raising Ceremony - Mon, June 5, 1pm at Town Hall
York Pride Parade - on June 17 in Newmarket…. Parade begins at 3pm….
#AuroraPride
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Outdoor activities while following the social distancing guidelines have never been the problem. We need to take an approach that is driven by the data & science and that means outdoor activities should be open during the “stay at home” order.
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