My History in Aurora...
"A lifelong Aurora resident, former small-business owner and one-time municipal candidate is once again seeking a seat on town council.
Alexandra Bonham has announced she will run for the Ward 3 council position in the Oct. 26 municipal election, pledging to focus on transparency, environmental stewardship and expanding recreational opportunities in south Aurora.
“I am community driven, and I want what is best for Aurora,” Bonham said. “I grew up here, my husband grew up here, the last three generations of my husband’s family grew up here, and my future is here.”
Born in Richmond Hill, Bonham moved to Aurora with her family before her first birthday and has lived in the community for 35 years. She and her husband, Randal Bonham, met at Aurora High School and have been together for 19 years. The couple, who have a young son, Jasper, say their roots in Aurora stretch back generations."
- Yoyo Yan (Aurora Today)
Questions by Brock Weir
Editor, The Auroran
1. Given Canada's trade dispute with the United States, what's the single biggest thing/way a Council can do at the municipal level, in your view, to protect the interests of local businesses that rely on cross-border trade and the locally-based employees who rely on the jobs they provide?
A municipal Councillor has very few direct means by which they can affect the trade dispute between the United States and Canada. However, the ongoing dispute is putting pressure on Canada as a whole to diversify cross provincial trade and create new partnerships. At a municipal level, I believe our best course of action is to help strengthen and highlight our local businesses and offer support and resources to those businesses most affected by the dispute. We can support and or propose any motions that direct the Town of Aurora to work closely with the Provincial and Federal Governments to prioritize strengthening our independence from the United States, and continue to build on our economic business plan to ensure investment in our community which in turn promotes resilience during these uncertain times.
2. Concerns continue to mount regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in the community. How do you think the Town should address the safe use of this ever-popular way of getting around?
The best course of action the town has is to continue to educate the general public on the safe use and current rules and regulations surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters. Current local law enforcement, and Town Staff already have limited resources when it comes to traffic enforcement. Taking stricter penalties into consideration, such as confiscation/ticketing may help deter those already breaking the law. I do believe York Regional Police should work with municipalities on a more unified approach, when you drive across a municipal border – driving laws don’t change.
3. How would you assess Aurora’s experience as an opt-in community on cannabis retail, and what would you do as a Councillor to address any concerns you and your constituents might have?
The most important thing a councillor can do is listen to resident’s concerns and take action where it is appropriate. I respect the concerns some residents have with regards to the number of legal cannabis shops in Aurora, but it is important to remember that cannabis retail is legal and they deserve the same respect we would give to any other local business. Like all new things, there is always going to be a burst of people upfront that will try to take advantage of an opportunity for success, and like all things that success is based on supply and demand. Of course, it will always be important to ensure that cannabis retail is operating under the appropriate rules and regulations in order to protect Aurora’s youth and even those that partake.
4. A number of steps have been taken over the last four years to bring more parkland and recreational opportunities into the municipal portfolio. What, in your view, are areas of/opportunities for improvement in your respective Wards and Aurora as a whole?
I believe there is a general consensus by Ward 3 residents that southwest Aurora has been, for lack of a better term, neglected in comparison to other wards. Ward 3 lacks access to a splash pad, public tennis court(s), and is away from any recreational facilities. I am always wondering if there is an opportunity for the YRDSB to partner with the Town of Aurora in order to build a multi use recreational facility on the old Dr. G.W. Williams property. Given the upcoming intensification in the area of 900 residential units the need for more recreational facilities will continue to increase, but space is at a premium and I believe the most ideal location is the old high school property. It is already home to a racetrack, baseball diamond, and soccer fields and I believe it could support a facility with a pool, rinks, squash courts and more.
5. Aurora is a growing community. What would you identify as the single most important/prevalent growth-related issue or challenge in your respective Ward and what would you do to address it?
To state that there is only one prevalent growth-related issue or challenge facing a community is disingenuous in my opinion. Growth requires increased infrastructure, puts pressure on services, and requires access to strong public transportation while also maintaining greenspaces and character. However, let’s talk about transportation. Growth on our major corridors is necessary, but increased populations bring increased vehicular congestion. I believe it is crucial that the town works with YRT and Metrolinx to ensure access to public transportation is ubiquitous and that a range of new routes are added before development on our main corridors gets underway. New residents and buyers need to know they can rely on smooth and quick public transportation before they move, otherwise we continue to force car dependency and therefore increase congestion.
6. Do you support the use of Strong Mayor powers? Why or why not?
I support the use of Strong Mayor Powers in certain scenarios. Simply put, Strong Mayor Powers do not give a mayor the ability to do whatever they want. There are mechanisms in place to ensure their proper use, and there are limits to what they can be used for. I see the SMPs as more of a referendum that the mayor can impose upon council if the mayor feels that the vote was contentious or very close to the opposite result. It gives an opportunity back to the council to further discuss the issue and if a stronger consensus cannot be reached, perhaps the motion should not have gone through in the first place. I can respect the value of an accountable voice who wants to invite further conversation and resident engagement. Furthermore, we have to remember that this is an ability granted by provincial mandate.
7. Would you like to see the Town’s windrow removal pilot continue on a permanent basis? If so, why? If not, or not in its current form, why?
I support the current windrow clearing pilot program, but I want to note that I also believe services like this should be adaptable to the needs of Aurora residents. The need is undeniable, but the current demand is low. In order to offer a town wide program you have a few options. Increase staff and your fleet ensuring the same 24-hour service window (to follow behind a plow, or to add additional plows with attachments). Or contract the windrow clearing out. If we increase staff to operate the fleet, they must be on call regardless of whether we see two snow events or fifteen. If we contract the service out, we are paying for their fleet, for the staff to be on call, and to guarantee the same 24-hour service window. I do not believe the need for townwide service has been met yet and therefore support the current program.
8. Do you think Aurora’s Councillors are fairly compensated? Why or why not? (If not, where would you like to see adjustments made?)
Being a councillor is a part-time job. For 2026 it was nearly $41,000 but let us remember this includes yearly COLA, a vehicle allowance, benefits, and expenses. When I first ran, I thought it was a volunteer position and still believe(d) a councillor should be available to residents within a reasonable timeframe. In the service industry, especially where lives are in danger the rule of thumb is immediate - 24-hours - a couple of business days. If the salary isn’t enough, nobody is forcing anyone to run. Or you can run, prove you (and your fellow council) are worth more, support COLA for the first 4 years and then put your name forward in 2030. Residents are the employers; this is public service. Let the residents decide. Do not force a raise upon them. In almost every other industry, you know what your salary is before you sign on. It isn’t forced. It is the responsibility of the employee to prove they are worth more.
Regency Acres
Ratepayers Assoc.
2026 Candidate
Questionnaire
The Regency Acres Ratepayers Association sent a very thorough and well thought out questionnaires to candidates in Ward 3 - please feel free to read my response to every question. You can download the file, as well as increase the font if required.