Should Aurora Slow Development?

I do not believe Aurora needs to slow development, so much as we need to ensure that what we do develop is done with purpose, gives respect to our history, and thinks about the future.

Attempting to slow development, especially when the proposals fit our official plan puts us at risk of losing our voice and doesn’t instill trust from higher levels of government.

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I have read Aurora’s Official Plan and believe that has been updated with such purpose and allows for important improvements where required. For example – the environmental protection plan could be considered a living document in that it allows for changes where immediately required.

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In this last term of council, Council voted against the Canadian Tire plaza development proposal (4-3) despite the fact that the proposal was in-line with our Official Plan. Council, and residents had advocated for a few amendments to the original proposal, and Smart Centers delivered. However, when Council voted against the proposal, they took us to the OLT (Ontario Land Tribunal).

This put us at risk of losing those valuable changes and having to accept the original plan.

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Thankfully, when Smart Centers was granted the development, they opted to stick with the amended plan.

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Design matters, walkability matters, access to public transit matters, our tree canopy matters and developing what is already developed is a positive way to protect our greenspaces and improve area's that are currently very underutilized.

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If elected, I promise to advocate for purpose-built development, that adds and improves upon a strong sense of community, considers the environment and it’s importance to all residents, acknowledges and enhances our major corridors, and respects Aurora its past and its future.

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Let me know what you think by using the form below.

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If you want to read more about my thoughts on the housing crisis click here. (Coming soon)