2026 The Year Ahead

As we head into 2026, my focus is on building on the momentum we’ve created and continuing to deliver real, tangible results for residents. That means protecting taxpayers through responsible, people-first leadership while continuing to move Aurora forward—by increasing housing supply on Aurora’s terms, strengthening our downtown, and ensuring Council works effectively together to make real progress on the issues that matter most.

Fiscal responsibility and affordability remain foundational. Aurora continues to have one of the lowest tax rates in the GTHA, and in 2026 we will stay focused on sustainable budgeting, protecting reserves, and managing growth in a way that remains affordable for residents while maintaining the services they rely on.

Getting more homes built in Aurora—on Aurora’s terms is a top priority. The Town has committed to delivering 8,000 new homes by 2031, and in 2026 we will continue removing barriers so more shovels can get in the ground, while ensuring development conforms with our Official Plan and respects Aurora’s built-form, neighbourhood character, and heritage.

Here in Aurora, we approved over 1,700 housing units in 2024 and more than 1,700 units so far in 2025—more than double the Province’s annual target of 800 units. That is a clear demonstration of our commitment to addressing the housing supply challenge.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that municipalities cannot force developers to build. Market conditions, financing, labour availability, and broader economic factors all influence construction timelines. Any meaningful conversation about housing needs to reflect the full picture—not just one piece of it.

Aurora remains fully committed to doing our part, and the approvals we’ve brought forward speak for themselves.

Two major initiatives will continue to advance this work: the Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) and the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review.

The CPPS will streamline approvals by combining zoning by-law amendments, minor variances, and site plan approvals into a single process. This approach provides clarity and predictability for builders while allowing the Town to clearly define standards for building height, setbacks, landscaping, and design that reflect Aurora’s unique character. Public feedback gathered during the fall engagement process will directly inform the CPPS by-law as it advances in 2026.

The Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review will further support housing delivery by pre-zoning key corridors, modernizing the additional residential unit framework, reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements where appropriate, and encouraging more attainable and affordable housing options—all aligned with the Town’s new Official Plan. Together, these initiatives ensure growth happens in a thoughtful, responsible, and Aurora-led way.

Building on momentum in our downtown and core is another major focus for 2026. Our first full year of operations at Town Square in 2025 was a tremendous success, with post-event surveys showing an average enjoyment rating of 4.64 out of 5 and 95 per cent of attendees saying they would recommend the events. The addition of My Indie Coffee has further animated the space, making it a true everyday gathering place.

In 2026, we’ll continue to build on this momentum by bringing back popular programming, introducing new and diverse performances, and partnering with Slabtown Armoury on exciting community events in the core.

We will also be moving forward with a unique and new use for Victoria Hall, representing another important step in revitalizing our downtown core. This project will help activate a historic community asset, increase foot traffic, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant downtown.

At the same time, we’ll make significant progress on the Yonge Street Promenade Streetscape redesign, improving sidewalks and crosswalks, enhancing parking and traffic flow, adding trees and streetscape features, and replacing aging infrastructure, including a clay sewer dating back to 1932. In 2026, the focus will be on finalizing a detailed, community-informed design, with the goal of getting shovels in the ground in 2027.

Community safety and quality of life remain front and centre, including continued support for first responders, by-law services, and investments in parks, recreation, and shared community spaces that keep neighbourhoods safe, active, and connected.

Creating more opportunities to bring people together is also a key priority. Aurora already offers some of the best special events of any municipality—from Concerts in the Park and Haunted Forest to the Christmas Market. In 2025, we also introduced new ideas, such as watch parties at Town Square for the NBA Finals, the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, and the Blue Jays’ playoff run. In 2026, we’ll build on this approach, including events tied to the FIFA World Cup, because shared experiences are a powerful part of building community pride.

2026 will also be filled with many exciting new and recurring cultural programs and special events – including Black History Month in February. This year, The Town is partnering with ABC, Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association, and the Town of Newmarket to organize 2026 BHM events and programs. We will have new programs and events, including the first First-ever Flamenco Festival in collaboration with Toronto-based Fab Collab and the First-ever Jamaican Yard Vibes Party in July in partnership with ABC.

Later in the year, on May 31, we will host the 2nd Annual Aurora Pride Festival – in partnership with Aurora Community Band and York Pride – where we will celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community and promote love, acceptance and solidarity in Aurora.

Throughout the year, we will also be hosting a number of hands-on and interactive heritage programs and events, including Museum Mondays, Ontario Heritage Week in February, and Doors Open Aurora in September. And, we’ll be having even more exciting concerts including a Yacht Rock Show, Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, Jeremie Albino, and more. You can also expect expanded cultural programming, including Holi Festival and Diwali, which were hugely popular in 2025, and expanded Indigenous programming that includes Red Dress Day in May.

Finally, good governance will tie all of this together. We’ve laid important groundwork over the past few years, and 2026 is about turning that work into real outcomes—particularly on housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, and policies that make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives. That includes advancing housing initiatives already underway and ensuring programs like the First-Time Leak Forgiveness Program are implemented quickly and provide real relief.

As we enter the final year of this Council term and look ahead to the next municipal election, my focus is clear: steady leadership, real results, and a strong plan for Aurora’s future. The decisions we make in 2026 will help shape our town for years to come—on housing, affordability, infrastructure, and community building. I remain committed to leading with accountability, collaboration, and a long-term vision that puts residents first and protects what makes Aurora such a special place to call home. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone