Due to misinformation in recent media, residents have expressed confusion with respect to the Regions search for suitable locations for transitional housing across York region.
I provide the following for clarification.
Tomorrow at the Council meeting, Council will receive a update report from our CAO (that was provided to Councillors in September) in regards to the work Town staff have done with Regional staff with respect to supporting the region’s work in identifying suitable sites for alternative housing, in line with the motion Council passed last year:
“That staff be asked to proactively work with York Region staff to identify three potential viable sites for alternative housing in Aurora, and report back to Council before the end of 2024.”
You can view the full report below. As outlined in the report, Town staff have been engaged in ongoing discussions with Regional staff. However, it is crucial to understand that supportive/alternative housing falls under the Region’s jurisdiction, not the Town’s.
The Region is currently conducting a comprehensive review of all regional properties for the purposes of identifying suitable sites for supportive/alternative housing. They have stated that no sites — including potential sites in Aurora — will be identified until this review is complete. Furthermore, the Region has made it clear that 14452 Yonge Street will NOT be part of this review and will NOT be considered for transitional or supportive housing. Rather, the Region has completed all site work, per the 2021 approved site plan for 14452 Yonge; work completed includes the planting of 276 tree plantings and 49 shrubs that cover the entire site and the creation of a new public parking lot for access to the planned trail head.
I look forward to the results of this review as we work to identify suitable locations for much-needed supportive/alternative housing across the Region — a comprehensive site identification process that should have been undertaken years ago.
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2 Responses
Great job the Aurora Council, under the leadership of our Honorable Mayor have achieved regarding transitional housing plan, in coordination with and under the jurisdiction of The York Region.
Your plan is comprehensive, deliberate and have always been reflective of all Aurora residents!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much for sharing!
Dear Mayor Mrakas,
Thank you for your thoughtful and informative email from this afternoon February 22nd, 2025.
It’s reassuring to see clarification on this issue, as it helps put an end to the unproductive volleyball political back-and-forth that often distracts from addressing the real social challenges at hand. This ongoing debate seems to serve only a few personal agendas, without advancing the broader cause as you have mentioned.
We greatly appreciate the work you’re doing for our community, and we remain committed to supporting your efforts as Mayor.
Please keep us updated on any further developments.
Please advices us regarding the upcoming council meeting is still on the agenda.
Lou Nanos, Ki Li, Yennie Luong.
Woodhaven Communities