Report Card - Aurora · · Annual report to Council on collaborative initiatives with neighbouring...

Report CardMay 2015

T H I S P L A N I S A V A I L A B L E I N A L T E R N A T E F O R M A T B Y R E Q U E S T

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Aurora Strategic Plan Overview

Vision: An innovative and sustainable community where neighbours care and businesses thrive.

Goal: Community: Supporting an Exceptional Quality of Life for AllObjective 1: Improve Transportation, Mobility and ConnectivityObjective 2: Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure Objective 3: Celebrating and Promoting our CultureObjective 4: Encouraging an Active and Healthy LifestyleObjective 5: Strengthening the Fabric of our Community

Goal: Economy: Enabling a Diverse, Creative and Resilient EconomyObjective 1: Promoting economic opportunities that facilitate the growth of Aurora as a

desirable place to do businessObjective 2: Supporting small business and encouraging a more sustainable business environment

Goal: Natural Environment: Supporting Environmental Stewardship and SustainabilityObjective 1: Encouraging the stewardship of Aurora’s natural resourcesObjective 2: Promoting and Advancing Green Initiatives


Annual Aurora Strategic Plan Report Card - 2014

Just over two years into the Aurora Strategic Plan, we havemade significant advancementstoward all actions identified withinall three Pillars of the Plan. Drivenby and in alignment with thestrategic priorities of Council, thisreport provides an overview of theprogress achieved in all areas ofthe Plan.

The Strategic Plan includes Outcomes/Measures of Success for each actionitem identified within the Plan. This measurement framework provides thecontext to ensure that the Town makes the needed progress within thethree Pillars of the Plan to bring the Town closer to its 2031 vision.

Through annual reports and regular updates, we aim to keep stakeholders,internal and external, informed of our progress. This report summarizes the2014 achievements, including the supporting data and analysis associatedwith each of the plan’s strategic actions.


Timeframe: Short Term & Ongoing (1-2 years to initiate, and ongoing)

Action(s)Status/

CommentsStrategic PlanReference

Outcome(s) / Measure(s) of Success

Measure of Success Responsefor Report Card

Advocate for improved accessible transit service.

Community GoalObjective 1

· Dissemination of a report to the transitauthority, endorsed by AccessibilityAdvisory Committee, outliningopportunities to enhance transit servicein Aurora.

Accessibility Advisory Committee reportcompleted related to a 360-degree analysisof the taxi industry. Committee has alsoinitiated discussions with York RegionTransit on the accessibility of bus shelters.

Complete.Incorporated intoongoingoperations.

Establish east-west linkages to facilitatemovement across the community for allmodes of transportation.


· Percentage of planned east-westcollectors/connectors established since 2012.

100% of planned east-west collectors in 2C Subdivision implemented.

Complete.Incorporated intoongoing operations.

Examine merits of developing TransportationMaster Plan that considers competitive andsustainable alternatives to driving.


· Preparation of a Transportation MasterPlan for Council consideration.

Transportation Master Plan approved byCouncil.

Complete

Monitor and update the Accessibility Plan toensure compliance with AODA.


· Percentage of action items withinAccessibility Plan completed within theprescribed timelines.

· Review and update the Accessibility Plancompleted at least every five years.

75% of action items within theAccessibility Plan completed within theprescribed timelines.

Multi-year plancompleted. Annualreview of Plan toensure targets arebeing met andPlan is relevant.

The following tables provide an update on the status of activities completed in support of the Strategic Plan:



Action(s)Status/




Maintain and expand infrastructure tosupport forecasted population growththrough technology.


· Complete a review of availablebroadband service levels for residentsand businesses.

Broadband Study completed in partnershipwith York Region. York Region leadingBroadband Strategy with Aurora staffinvolvement.

Complete

Establish policies and programs thatenhance the accessibility and safety of newand existing facilities and infrastructure.


· Preparation of corporate accessibility andsafety policies and programs for Councilconsideration.

Policies approved by Council as part of theAccessibility Plan.

Complete.Annual review of Plan.

Investigate the merits of a program thatpromotes and actively supports innovativegreen building and infrastructure in Aurora.


· Preparation of a feasibility study thatexamines various methods to activelysupport green buildings andinfrastructure for Council consideration.

Green Development Standards have beenendorsed by Council for the 2C Area.Municipal Green Development Standardsto be prepared and presented to Councilin 2015.

On Target

Develop and implement a Technology Plan toimprove the Town’s efficiency in providingservices.


· Development of a corporate TechnologyPlan for Council consideration.

IT Strategic Plan approved in 2014 CapitalBudget, to collaborate with Newmarket forshared opportunities between the twomunicipalities. Project underway.

On Target

Develop a Cultural Master Plan that includesheritage, music and art to promote morecohesive and co-ordinated cultural services.


· Development of a Cultural Master Planfor Council consideration.

Cultural Master Plan approved by Council in 2014.

Complete



Action(s)Status/




Actively promote and support a plan torevitalize the downtown.



Economy GoalObjective 1

· Percentage of action items within AuroraPromenade Plan completed within theprescribed timelines.

· Review and update the AuroraPromenade Plan at least every five years.

· Implement a Community ImprovementPlan for the Aurora Promenade.

· 74% of actions (Implementation Strategies)identified within the Aurora PromenadeConcept Plan have been initiated.

· Official Plan review planned for 2016.

· Aurora Promenade CommunityImprovement Plan approved by Councilin February 2014.

On Target

Continue to encourage and support theefforts of businesses and volunteers byrecognizing outstanding communitycontributions.


· Percentage of planned award recipientsattending awards ceremony.

The Town has historically partnered withthe Aurora Chamber of Commerce torecognize business longevity.


Continue to develop awareness programsthat promote the benefits of recreation insupporting a healthy lifestyle.


· Development of healthy living awarenessprogram for Council consideration.

· Number of stakeholders engaged throughhealthy living awareness campaign.

Promotion of physical literacy for youthand establishment of a play day for 2015.

On Target



Action(s)Status/




Develop programs and policies that nurture and contribute to the development of our youth.


· Number of youth program attendees per year.

1942 attendees in 2013 (867 registered,1075 drop-in). 2014 update in progress.

Dedicated space for youth now open.


Continue to support and enhancecommunity planting programs inappropriate locations.


EnvironmentalGoal Objective 2

· Number of participants in communityplanting programs per year.

· Number of plantings per year and/or landarea re-naturalized.

295 participants in community plantingprograms in 2013. 2014 update in progress.

Thousands of trees/shrubs planted on a yearly basis.

Complete.Incorporatedinto ongoingoperations.

Collaborate with the developmentcommunity to ensure future growth includeshousing opportunities for everyone.


· Preparation of report examining theestablishment of various housingopportunity targets.

Official Plan Performance Measures Reportpresented to Council in Q2 2014.

Housing and Economy Report presented inMay 2015.


Work with the development community tomeet intensification targets to 2031 asidentified in Town’s Official Plan (OP).


· Availability of sufficient OP-designatedand zoned lands to accommodate theresidential intensification target.

Aurora Promenade has sufficient capacity tomore than double the current 2031intensification target.




Action(s)Status/




Identify new formats, methods andtechnologies to effectively and regularlyengage the community.


· Percentage of residents who are satisfiedwith the Town's consultation andcommunication activities.

The Town launched its new website in May2014. Launched Pingstreet suite of Apps.Launched Citizen Budget online App.Launched new Winter Maintenance webpage featuring ‘Where’s My Snow Plow’ webApp. Created and launched an innovative‘white board’ style budget video.Creatednew live stream for Joint Operations Centresite. Created a new power outage web pagewhich dynamically incorporates PowerStream updates. Town formed a partnershipwith York University Schulich School ofBusiness to conduct a communicationssurvey with residents following cancellationof 2014 Resident Survey.


Investigate opportunities to support a yearround farmer’s market/artisan fair.


· Preparation of a report evaluating thefeasibility of a year round farmer'smarket/artisan fair.

Indoor Farmers market operating at theAurora Cultural Centre/Aurora Armouryover winter months.

Complete

Undertake a review of surplus lands andstructures to facilitate growth andrevitalization in the community.


· Preparation of a report that reviewssurplus municipal lands and relatedopportunities to facilitate growth in Aurora.

Surplus land report to be presented toCouncil in 2015.

On Target



Action(s)Status/




Investigate opportunities to enhance theTown’s representation at York RegionalCouncil.


· Council resolution and report requestingenhanced representation at York RegionCouncil.

Council resolution forwarded to RegionalCouncil for consideration.

Regional Council did not increaserepresentation for Aurora.

Complete

Explore opportunities to further strengthenpartnerships with neighbouringmunicipalities.


· Annual report to Council on collaborativeinitiatives with neighbouringmunicipalities.

N6 Shared Services Study presented toCouncil in March 2015. Now in theimplementation phase.


Work with development community partnersto establish a hotel and/or convention centrethat meets the growing needs of ourbusinesses and residents.



· Establishment of a new hotel/conventioncentre in Aurora.

New hotel site approved on Don HillockDrive.

Complete

Assess opportunities to partner with acollege or university to establish satellitefacility in Aurora.



· Preparation of a feasibility study andbenefit/cost assessment for post-secondary facilities in Aurora.

The town, in partnership with the Town ofNewmarket, prepared a submission topartner with York University on theirproposed York Region Campus. Campus wasawarded to the City of Markham.

Complete

Develop Customer Service Strategy andImplementation Plan.


· Percentage of action items withinCustomer Service Strategy completedwithin the prescribed timelines.

86% of action items within the CustomerService Strategy completed within theprescribed timelines.

Complete. Continuing todevelop feedback tools,performance measures and services offered.



Action(s)Status/




Develop a 10-year Capital Investment Planto assess and balance infrastructureaffordability and renewal with anticipatedrevenues.


· Preparation of a 10-year Capital Plan forCouncil consideration.

The 10-year capital plan is a livingdocument, with formal annual updates toCouncil. Now coupled with the Town’sAsset Management Plan.


Undertake a 25-year fiscal analysis andfive-year rolling plan that reviews revenueoptions within the context of plannedgrowth patterns.


· Preparation of a 25-year fiscal analysisfor Council consideration.

· Preparation of an annual five-yearbudget forecast for Council consideration.

Implementation of multi-year budgeting for2015 and 2016 budgets. Annual budgetreviews all revenue options.

On Target

Leverage partnerships with local boards,chambers and business organizations topromote Aurora as a preferred location forbusinesses.


· Average business satisfaction rating ofbusiness climate in Aurora.

84% of businesses rated the businessclimate as "good" or "excellent".

On Target

Develop plans to attract businesses thatprovide employment opportunities for ourresidents.


· Preparation of annual report outliningnumber of new businesses and jobscreated.

Employment Area Analysis report presentedto Council in February 2014. Reportingplanned annually.


Assess the feasibility of a research andinnovation centre to promote thecommercialization of technology andbusiness and employment growth.


· Preparation of a feasibility study andbenefit/cost assessment for a researchand innovation centre in Aurora.

Aurora Innovation Centre Business Plan tobe presented to Council in 2015.

On Target



Action(s)Status/




Create, implement and regularly update an Economic Development Strategy for Aurora.


· Percentage of action items within theEconomic Development Strategycompleted within the prescribed timelines.

· Review and update the EconomicDevelopment Strategy completed at leastevery five years.

100% of the actions items within theEconomic Development Action Plan havebeen initiated within the prescribedtimelines.

CompleteIncorporated intoongoingoperations.

Work with regional, provincial and nationalpartners to promote Aurora as a preferredlocation for international investment.


· Participation in relevant investmentattraction initiatives.

The Town of Aurora works with the GreaterToronto Marketing Alliance and "Invest inYork" on investment attraction activities.


Explore opportunities to enhance the Town’sbusiness support services such as a businessconcierge service for non-residentialdevelopment approvals.


· Establishment of a Business Retentionand Expansion program.

· Number of businesses engaged per year.


Business Retention and Expansion Programestablished in 2012.

153 Businesses engaged. 84% of businesses rated the business climate as“good” or “excellent”.

Business Concierge Service launched in 2014.


Work with community partners to promotelocal employment practices/opportunities forlocal businesses and residents.


· Number of local employment eventssupported per year.

Town promotes monthly RNC EmploymentServices events.

Town partnered with RNC EmploymentServices to deliver a local job fair in fall 2014.




Action(s)Status/




Continue to liaise with municipal,provincial and senior levels of governmentto investigate potential opportunities toattract economic investment.


· Participation in relevant investmentattraction initiatives.

Town participated in various realtor eventsin partnership with the N6 municipalities, isa member of the Greater TorontoMarketing Alliance (GTMA) and respondedto investment inquiries from York Region,GTMA and the province.


Establish regular communication with theAurora Chamber of Commerce and thebusiness community to better understandand address local business needs andpromote business retention/expansion.


· Establishment of a Business Retentionand Expansion program.

· Number of businesses engaged per year.


Business Retention and Expansion Programinitiated in 2012.

153 Businesses engaged. 84% of businessesrated the business climate as “good” or“excellent”.


Attract new business that are green, cleanand knowledge-based.


· Preparation of report outlining actionsand incentives to attract green, clean andknowledge based industries.

Report planned for 2015. On Target

Investigate opportunities to encourage thecreation and mobilization of knowledge inthe local economy.


· Preparation of a feasibility study andbenefit/cost assessment for a researchand innovation centre in Aurora.

Aurora Innovation Centre concept to bepresented to Council in 2015.

On Target



Action(s)Status/




Implement and regularly update the Town’sCorporate Environmental Action Plan.


· Percentage of action items within theCorporate Environmental Action Plancompleted within the prescribedtimelines.

· Review and update the CorporateEnvironmental Action Plan completed atleast every five years.

All short term items initiated within theprescribed timelines. More than 50% ofaction items within the CorporateEnvironmental Action Plan completed.

Corporate Environmental Action PlanUpdate planned for 2016.


Continue to create and promote wastediversion education programs in partnershipwith York Region.


· Percentage increase in waste diverted.

· Reduction in average kilogram of wasteper household.

67 percent of waste diverted at the curbfrom 2008-2014.

Complete.Incorporated intoongoing operations.Implement backyard compostingpilot project.

Assess the merits of measuring the Town’snatural capital assets.


· Preparation of feasibility assessmentcompleted for Council consideration.

Natural Capital Assets report presented toCouncil in June 2013.

Complete

Continue to encourage and support theefforts of businesses and volunteers byrecognizing outstanding environmentalcontributions.


· Preparation of report analyzing thefeasibility of incorporating anoutstanding Green Business award.

Memorandum seeking feedback and Councildirection on the reinstatement of theEnvironmental Business Award presented tothe Environmental Advisory Committee in fall2013. Green Business Award not included in2014 Community Recognition Awards.

Complete


Timeframe: Medium Term (2-5 years to initiate)

Action(s)Status/




Examine traffic flow patterns and identifypotential solutions to improve movementand safety at key intersections in thecommunity.


· Report prepared for Councilconsideration that recommends optionsto improve movement and safety at keyintersections.

Recommendations made through theTransportation Master Plan have beenimplemented along Yonge Street.

Complete.Incorporated intoongoing operations.Council request toinvestigate installationof speed cushions atStrategic locations.

Explore partnership options to support thetransportation needs of the Town’schanging demographics.


· Report prepared that outlines and evaluatespotential partnership options to supportthe transportation needs of the Town.

Not Started

Implement actions that ensure the long-term safety of the community such asCPTED (Crime Prevention ThroughEnvironmental Design) and other urbandesign principles.


· Percentage of residents satisfied withsafety in Aurora.

CPTED design used in 2C Subdivision.

Satisfaction measure not available due tocancellation of 2014 Resident Survey.


Implement and regularly update the TrailsMaster Plan to improve connectivity.




· Percentage of actions items within TrailsMaster Plan completed within theprescribed timelines.

· Review and update the Trails Master Planat least every five years.

91% of action items within the TrailsMaster Plan initiated or completed withinthe prescribed timelines.




Action(s)Status/




Promote the adaptability and flexibility ofservices to respond to demographic shifts.


· Average resident satisfaction rating ofservices and programs offered.

Not Started

Expand opportunities and partnerships thatcontribute to the celebration of culture inthe community.


· Report prepared that outlines andevaluates potential partnershipopportunities to contribute to thecelebration of culture in the community.

Not Started

Develop a long-term needs assessment forrecreation programs, services and operationsto match the evolving needs of the growingand changing population.


· Preparation of a Long-Term NeedsAssessment for recreation services forCouncil consideration.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan Reviewscheduled for 2015.

On Target

Support multi-generational programming incultural and recreation activities toencourage every age cohort to interact andshare experiences.


· Number of multi-generational programsoffered per year.

Programs are presently being offered, but no strategy developed to expandopportunities.

On Target



Action(s)Status/




Assess the feasibility of establishing anentertainment district in the downtownarea, a community square/gatheringarea/piazza and a permanent or scheduledoutdoor pedestrian mall on Yonge Street inthe Aurora Promenade.



· Preparation of a report evaluating thefeasibility of the establishment of anentertainment-related district in Aurora.

Project Deferred by Council as part of theYonge Street North Tertiary Plan.

Not Started

Identify the roles that the Town can play tosupport small and home based business inAurora.


· Establishment of a targeted BusinessRetention and Expansion program.

Not Started

Recognize corporate social responsibility inthe Aurora business community.


· Preparation of report analyzing thefeasibility of incorporating a CorporateSocial Responsibility award.

Not Started

Investigate a program that promotes andactively supports innovative green buildingsand infrastructure.


· Preparation of report for Councilconsideration examining theopportunities and costs related topromoting green building andinfrastructure in Aurora.

Corporate Energy Management Planapproved by Council in 2014. Plan outlinesmeasures to promote municipal greenbuildings and infrastructure.


Promote community involvement inenvironmental initiatives.


· Number of participants per yearattending environmental events.

Not Started


Timeframe: Long Term (5+ years to initiate)

Action(s)Status/




Maintain and expand infrastructure tosupport forecasted population growththrough waste management, roads,emergency services and accessibility.


· Preparation of a service review ofplanned infrastructure levels to 2031 forCouncil consideration.

· Average resident satisfaction rating ofTown-owned infrastructure.

Revised winter service levels adopted byCouncil in 2014.

Satisfaction measure not available due tocancellation of 2014 Resident Survey.

On Target.Initiateddevelopment ofwaste collectiontender documentswith N6. Tenderto be issued inearly 2016.

Prepare and regularly update the Town’sOfficial Plan and Zoning By-law.


· Review and update the Official Plan atleast every five years.

· Review and update the Zoning By-law atleast every 10 years.

Official Plan review planned for 2016-2017.

Zoning By-law Update planned for 2015.

On Target

Investigate opportunities to establish anenvironmental interpretive centre.


· Preparation of feasibility assessmentrelated to the establishment of anenvironmental interpretive centre forCouncil consideration.

ORM Interpretive Centre proposed atBayview Ave and Wellington St. Projectproposed by the Stronach Family.

On Target

Address100 John West Way, Box 1000Aurora, OntarioL4G 6J1

Hours of operationMonday to Friday8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PhoneLocal: 905-726-4742

Toll-free: 1-800-269-3753 ext. 4742

Fax905-726-4738

[email protected]

Websitewww.aurorastrategicplan.ca


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