Media Highlights

A motion from Ward 2 Councillor Rachel Gilliland tasks staff to come back with a report  “centred on human rights and privacy-enhancing technologies…to ensure the ethical and responsible collection, management and use of data focusing on privacy rights, transparency and consent.”

“It’s one thing to have a data privacy policy, but it is another when you’re talking about the usage of that data and how third parties may use that data.”

https://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/council-explores-feasibility-of-digital-data-charter/

 The homelessness crisis is taking a devastating toll on families and communities, undermining a healthy and prosperous Ontario and that Council accepts that the responsibility to address these challenges rests with community stakeholders, partners and residents as well as regional, federal and provincial governments and agencies. According to Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle. “The 2023 Federal Budget investments fell drastically short of what is required to stem the tide of housing loss and homelessness that is sweeping across the country. What is needed are tangible financial resources to make sure this human right is upheld for everyone.”

“Inciteful speech is knowingly being utilized to create division, manipulation and spread misinformation, which could be defined as violent extremist propaganda and encouraging violent crimes,” 

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/current-01-11-2024.pdf

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/council-calls-for-action-amid-global-escalation-of-terrorism-and-unrest/

Social Media has become a large part of our lives whether we want it, love it, despise it or need it. The positive is its a way to connect quickly and share with the people, the negative is the censorship, controlled narratives, misinformation, bullying and political intermeddling that has become a growing concern worldwide. 

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/new-social-media-usage-policy-could-be-coming-for-councillors/

“I think this is a very slippery slope,” she continued. “I stand by my comments that I do believe democracy is at risk utilizing this as a tool in more ways than is necessary. I really urge the public to voice their opinion and read this report for information to fully understand what’s at stake.”http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/strong-mayor-powers-come-into-sharp-focus-at-committee-level/

Dr. Blair Felmate, chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Project, says communities need to adapt or risk billions of dollars in damage. He points out that flooding is a major contributor to this risk and expressed that the most important focus on climate mitigation is to protect your wetlands and encourages restoration of urban wetlands and water channels, where possible.

Having, gone through this process with them, its clear there are some bylaws that currently hinder the positive progression, flexibility and growth they need to get to the next level. There is opportunity for collaboration, partnerships and reducing duplication of resources, funds and volunteer efforts that should be explored through this review..

The great thing about Canada is we continue to stand united in honouring our veterans for the sacrifices they made for the freedoms to speak, freedom to worship, freedoms to stand for rights, freedoms to oppose what one believes wrong, and the freedom to choose those who shall govern our country in the name of democracy.

"This is just one next step closer to help increase our economic development or sports tourism strategy.”.http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/aurora-looks-at-installing-air-supported-dome-to-boost-sports-tourism/

To meet the demand, council will look for opportunities with existing tennis courts, under-utilized parking lots, or corporate and community partnerships that could be explored.http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/council-looks-to-increase-sport-opportunities-for-town/

“While York Region is rated one of the safest communities, residents want to be well-informed, feel safe and react intelligently in situations,” said Gilliland. “We prepare ourselves in event of a home fire, we should do the same when faced with potential criminal activity.”

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10850831-york-regional-police-to-hold-crime-prevention-talk-at-aurora-community-centre/

The Strategy aims to enhance the visitor experience, bring new events into the community, highlight hometown athletes, and incorporate cultural experiences for the community and visitors.

“Many seniors and people with disabilities need your help. Please don’t ignore us."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/residents-request-snow-windrow-removal-assistance-program/

“I believe it’s extremely important to ensure fire safety code should be kept up to date, and that property standards are followed."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/property-standard-complaints-in-rental-units-increase/

“Land values have changed significantly in the last 10 years and natural capital assets are becoming more at risk of endangerment and identified as important key recommended assets in mitigating climate change and adaptation plans."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/economic-value-of-trees-parks-and-nature-to-be-calculated/

“This model does make sense,” said Councillor Rachel Gilliland, who said her only suggestion was to have a bit more equity when it came to slower months like August and December which have fewer Council meetings, or, in the case of August, rarely. “We normally don’t have meetings in August and I feel that if that were to happen on occasion you would end up just pushing that rotation another month.

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/auroras-deputy-mayor-position-will-be-taken-in-turns-council-agrees/

“Phragmites has been recognized as one of Canada’s worst invasive plants that threaten the existence of meaningful wetlands and ecosystems,” said Councillor Gilliland in her motion. “Wetlands are vital ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, purifying water, reducing flooding and are an identified asset to help fight against climate change.

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/more-needs-to-be-done-to-fight-invasive-species-in-local-green-spaces-councillor/

Families need options to care for their loved ones and by adding enabling policies for accessory dwellings, it can offset this demand where deemed appropriate. After much discussion with planning staff, it was recommended to bring this forward to ensure this is considered. Now is the perfect time to be adding this to our official plan while it's still in draft review.

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/councillor-urges-re-think-on-garages-outbuildings-to-help-families-provide-for-seniors-young-adults/

"Bringing the limit down to two minutes was music to the ears of Councillor Rachel Gilliland when the changes were recently presented to the Town’s Environmental Advisory Committee for their feedback."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/anti-idling-window-could-be-narrowed-in-further-environmental-action/

“We need a single gym, but essentially we need five,” she said. “I am happy to support the single gym [as] it seems the double gym would be extremely complicated…because of parking, the wetlands and land acquisition and it doesn’t seem like it will be in our favour.

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/council-leans-towards-single-gymnasium-for-the-sarc/

“We just didn’t have as much preparation and resources to really do the education in advance,” said Councillor Rachel Gilliland. “I did notice the burlap was… a hot commodity, although there were still a lot of people who were using it incorrectly. They thought because they wrapped it around the tree…the caterpillars would not travel up it...."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/aurora-takes-burning-approach-to-tackling-ldd-caterpillars/

Council picked up the challenge, with Councillor Rachel Gilliland making a successful motion calling on staff to consider the comments made by the delegates while drafting a new report looking at the options.

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/residents-renew-calls-to-make-aurora-a-whistle-free-community/

“My big thing was about lifecycle and although the lowest price might seem great and everything might tick a box, the lifecycle of a product just based on how it is designed might be a better investment,” http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/climate-and-environment-factors-in-towns-new-procurement-policy/

“We’re leaving the door open as to whether we want it to be a philanthropic or reoccurring revenue. We really haven’t stipulated what those rules of engagement are. I just feel like we never really had that conversation."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/capital-campaign-for-aurora-town-square-hits-snag-after-councillors-question-naming-rights/

"That staff refer to the Toronto Green Development Standard policy and report back to Council with an implementation plan, a timeline for Aurora, presented with financial implications." This was my draft motion, until staff recognized it was identified as an action item from the 2018 Corporate Environmental Action Plan (CEAP), and most recently from the 2020 Community Energy Plan (CEP), which I sat on the working group. Within this review, I was specifically able to ask staff to model after the modernized Toronto Green Development Standards without a  Council motion.

"It's time to update our mapping, in which 23% has not been reassessed since 2010, That's 129 acres of land. I think it's important to make sure we have the right corridors and features protected that form our Natural heritage system."

“I have to admit I have probably become a victim of the quarantine 15 or 20,” said Councillor Gilliland with a laugh at last week’s Council meeting. “I have been lacking motivation to go outside and find ways to exercise..."

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/10/08/outdoor-fitness-parks-to-be-explored-by-town.html

"I have discovered is it is really evident how crucial mental health and emotional health needs attention and I really want to help make it easy for me to be able to help and others."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/mental-health-resources-hub-coming-to-municipal-website/

“After discussions with staff, they agreed [that] with the emergence of brighter LED lights and other growth in technologies that we could really benefit from a review… and I discovered this hasn’t been dusted off since 1999."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/modern-property-standards-should-account-for-light-pollution-council/

"Invasive species are becoming more and more rampant and what the general public probably doesn’t realise is our parks, trails and natural areas are facing ecological collapse if we don’t do something more proactively."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/know-what-to-look-for-education-campaign-could-tackle-invasive-species/

"A climate lens will help raise awareness amongst proponents of infrastructure systems to integrate climate change considerations into the core of project planning and design phases, as well as a project’s long-term climate risk.”

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/future-town-decisions-should-be-viewed-through-climate-lens-says-councillor/

"I think what people will realize that a local coffee shop or business is so close to home, so convenient and using a different mode of transportation will make us all feel good about getting exercise, saving greenhouse gas emissions, and it is good for our mental health,” 

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/hit-the-trails-with-cycle-aurora-and-connect-with-your-community/

“We don’t have any policies in place to ensure vibration studies are requested…which essentially means in order to submit an application package, the vibration study will also need to be submitted..”

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/vibration-from-infill-developments-could-have-impact-on-heritage-homes/

“It has been proven to work in other municipalities such as Toronto, Newmarket and Georgina,” said Councillor Gilliland, kicking off the debate. “Let’s find out why this worked."

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/backyard-hen-program-not-coming-home-to-roost/

"Patrick Casey, the region’s director of corporate communications, said the region is considering Gilliland’s request amid an “immensely busy time” for public health as it operates mass vaccinations for residents in an environment of constantly changing information and resources."

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/10359087-give-aurora-pop-up-covid-19-vaccination-clinic-councillor-tells-region-of-york/

“I don’t want to see this project balloon to an astronomical level we couldn’t predict, so if we do find some changes that need to be made, we make smart decisions to scale back financially where it is needed in order to stay within the budget." - Councillor Gilliland

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27632&fbclid=IwAR1yQSVQtDGFblWqVnLQQKibwRww9OrWFi1ACdtgAMVYib1Lyw3BbYmLsXY

“While I do like to believe we will have a vaccine in 2022 and hopefully we’re all back to normal, I would just hope that any kind of numbers projecting for 2022, we don’t just assume it is all back to normal because I would certainly want to know what position we would be in if it wasn’t and what that would mean, and we should prepare for that.” - Councillor Gilliland

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27909 

“If we are going to be investing in some of these bigger capital projects and [not have those Hydro Funds], I know it is used for community benefit, but it is important to understand we could be looking at impacting our tax levy, our service levels, [or something] down the road, and that is something we need to be mindful of.” - Councillor Gilliland

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27479&fbclid=IwAR2_CGL95ilmYF_OtESlQaKFxx7KyDD0531u9VYqzJlIR_zRguMJs9ChLyo 

“It is prudent to consider what any financial situation might look like as a result of COVID-19 and [in] these uncertain times I am concerned not only personally but professionally and, most importantly, as an elected official." - Councillor Gilliland

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27365

"They contribute to the development of the community’s creative learning, create healthy communities capable of action, they help people express values and build bridges between cultures, and to be a part of that, I think, is so very rewarding." Councillor Gilliland

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27180 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_LdUufQOfA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR29dzzF9Ukvy8hTcFAWJ2lbq_mvRIDI3YlwegldZHFaQdvwd_EizYfj0qc

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27642

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27987

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27734

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27732

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=27636

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=26898 

“I really hope we can speed things up as much as possible,” said Councillor Rachel Gilliland, before making a motion to move the Wellington Street West project up to the 2 – 10-year horizon."

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=25817 

“This is a victory in the right direction,” she said. “In no way am I suggesting our staff is not taking initiatives; rather, this motion is designed to keep the impact of climate change at the top of our inbox. The purpose of this declaration is to allow informed decision-making at the Council table that includes weighing in the carbon impact, among other considerations, in its decisions.”  http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=25120 

“I am standing here and saying with a strong voice that we need to pay attention, we need to wake up". Climate adaptation and mitigation should be top of mind.

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=24856 

The results were inaugurated by a host of dignitaries including MPP Michael Parsa, Councillors Wendy Gaertner and Rachel Gilliland, and Yellow Brick House Executive Director Lorris Herenda, keeping speeches to a minimum so as to not prolong the excitement for the kids inside.

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=24744 

“Local residents and visitors have shared their concerns with sight line issues around the bend, not only by driving north and south but also exiting Town Hall, Amber Hill Way and the Tim Hortons plaza. It simply is an accident waiting to happen."

 http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=24040 

 https://soundcloud.com/user-338287287/inside-the-region-with-nirmala-armstrong-2019-05-12?in=user-338287287/sets/inside-the-region-with-nirmala 

 Over 100 people eager to be among the first to walk through the doors of Aurora’s newest supermarket were on the outside looking in ... http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=22164

 It was a walk through time at the Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday night as the local veterans association kicked off Remembrance Week 

http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=22127

 Rachel Gilliland has seen the community grow rapidly over the last 22 years as an Aurora resident, and now she’d like to help continue to shape the community in the years ahead as a member of Council.... http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=21122

 The Town of Aurora held its annual Canada Day celebrations in Lambert Willson Park. The day featured games, crafts, live music, food and numerous vendors.....

https://aurora.snapd.com/events/view/1157735

Jamming out with the U2 Desire Band.

https://www.facebook.com/snapdAurora/photos/a.1730368077039228.1073742455.126714750737910/1730370290372340/?type=3&theater

Fantastic evening dancing to live music, meeting people in our community and enjoying the great food. Hosted by the Optimist Club.

https://www.facebook.com/snapdAurora/photos/a.1700877256654977.1073742422.126714750737910/1700878603321509/?type=3&theater