Read how Voting in the Town of Aurora’s 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will be easy and convenient for Aurora residents and property owners. By Internet - October 16 -25 Using the Voter ID contained in your Voter Information Letter, you can cast your ballot online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Once your opt-in request has been approved, your will receive a Voter PIN unique to you. You would use the Voter ID and Voter PIN and important details such as you

Matt Zare seeks $20,000 in damages, alleging free-speech violation; Tom Mrakas calls it a dispute over access to his ‘personal campaign account’ Matt Zare, a longtime resident, filed an 11-page statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Oct. 13, seeking $20,000 in damages and an order restoring his access to the mayor’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. “I never imagined I'd find myself pursuing legal action against the mayor of the town I grew up in,” said Zar

The future of Aurora was in focus on Sunday October 4th, as all four of the Town’s mayoral contenders participated in an all-candidates meeting hosted by the Aurora Public Library. Listen to the full meeting on the Aurora Public Library YouTube Channel here The event, which was held in the Aurora Town Square Performance Hall and moderated by Deanne Kukulewich, Executive Director of Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers, was preceded by an opportunity for residents to meet

This week, Aurora’s Mayoral candidates were asked to identify the one thing they are most thankful for about Aurora. Here’s how they answered: SHAWN DEANE – “As we enter Thanksgiving weekend with appreciation for the fall harvest, I am also grateful for the democracy we have enjoyed since Confederation. Today, that democracy is at risk. I, along with three other candidates, are campaigning to alert our community that we are on the verge of losing meaningful control over local

Deane said "...the potential loss of democratic governance in our Town—for the first time in our history—is the central concern in this election.... I am campaigning, along with three other candidates, to alert our community that we are on the verge of losing control of both our voice and our money. I’m running for mayor to ensure that democracy remains intact in our Town and across York Region. It is not a coincidence that, after 440 municipal elections, the Court is set to

Finances, growth and leadership emerge as the key dividing lines among 3 candidates Money, growth and municipal power dominated Aurora’s mayoral debate Thursday night, as three candidates offered sharply different prescriptions for a town grappling with rising infrastructure costs and rapid development. Note: Incumbent Mayor Tom Mrakas, who is seeking re-election, declined the invitation to attend the debate. View the entire unedited debate by clicking here.

While the Ontario government says it has made "record" investments in the region, the report says York's funding shortfall is is around $450 million annually, or $369 per resident. The region and regional non-profits commissioned research firm Blueprint ADE to conduct the report. Decreased funding put pressure on "already stretched municipal finances," the report said. Local residents are paying $125 million more in property taxes to help municipalities offset the gap in serv

The Province of Ontario has set ambitious growth targets for many municipalities across Ontario, including Aurora. Aurora’s four Mayoral candidates were asked for their views on the best way to accommodate this growth. Here is their repsonse. SHAWN DEANE – “York Region plans to build 150,000 homes by 2031, with Aurora assigned 8,000 under Strong Mayor powers. These targets are highly ambitious in today’s economic climate and should be re‑evaluated to avoid diverting funds fro

The adjustment means that trains on the line will not begin on weekends until 2 p.m., as opposed to hourly service with morning options. Service will run bi-hourly from 2 to 11 p.m. Metrolinx said it will be increasing the weekend frequency of corresponding bus routes to compensate. Barrie line Starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, weekday service will be adjusted. The 21:10 train departing Allandale Waterfront GO to Union Station will not run. The 20:54 train departing Union Station to

More than half of Canadian parents provided financial support to their adult children over the past year, giving an average of $6,151, according to a Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) report this week. Younger generations once built financial independence without relying heavily on their parents. Today, wages have fallen far behind inflation, leaving many families struggling to keep up. The real question is why parents are now forced to use their retirement savings to compensate for

Shawn Deane “First, my new leadership will immediately end the proliferation of any past resentment and patterns of minority voting blocks. Next, I have already promised to delegate my Strong Mayor Powers back to council, thereby returning their equal voice and voting power. This will also reassure ward councillors and their constituents that majority decisions will never get vetoed. Cohesion is better paired with democracy." Read the full article here

There are about 13 data centres in various stages around the region, none of which are currently planned for Aurora and Newmarket. However, Richmond Hill Councillor Carol Davidson, said “These facilities will place substantial demands on electric infrastructure, and depending on the design, potentially on water and wastewater systems as well. Those impacts do not stop at municipal boundaries,”. Read the full article here

The York Region District School Board drastically increased gymnasium permit fees, on August 1st, affecting local sports groups who warn that the new rates could push programs and families out of organized activities. Additionally, volleyball leagues have now been asked to bring their own balls and nets, since the schools will no longer share this equipment. One report, states that the increase is a result of a reduction in provincial funding previously given to the School Bo

Resident Nathalie Schacher-Deviller asked why some of the units at 15157, 15165 and 15171 Yonge St. appear to be empty, including spaces previously occupied by a cybersecurity escape room and Dr. Wiseman’s optometrist office. “Is the town looking for new tenants? Or are they being kept empty intentionally?” she asked. The town purchased the three properties, located near the corner of Yonge Street and Mosley Street, for $7,682,900 in 2020. Read the full article from AuroraTo

Aurora voters will have two opportunities to hear from mayoral candidates in early October, but incumbent Mayor Tom Mrakas says he plans to participate in only one. Read the full article from AuroraToday here

From record municipal spending to rising food prices and property taxes, candidates are putting fiscal responsibility and affordability at the heart of their campaigns. Read the full article from AuroraToday news here

Internet voting - Friday October 16 – Sunday, October 25, 2026 Advanced in-person voting -Saturday October 17- Wednesday October 21, 2026 Last voting day, in-person only - Monday October 26, 2026 Read more details from the AuroraToday news here

1. Provincial Funding for Community Sport & Recreation Infrastructure will continue. This program offers qualified applicants up to $10M or 50% of project cost. Examples include, AstroTurf fields and gyms. 2. Delegates call for the reversal of Strong Regional Chair Powers in Bill 100 and discussed local democracy and governance, including how municipalities can navigate changes while maintaining transparent, accountable decision-making and strong local voices. 3. AMO Presiden

July 2, 2026 Investigators are now looking into the circumstances that led to the death of Heiniu, a dog, during an Animal Control Services call, involving Aurora officers. “I called Aurora Animal Services, fully believing in my heart that I was doing the right thing. I am now trying to forgive myself for making this tragic decision. I trusted that those responding would be professional, fully trained, and knowledgeable in how to use any equipment, including catch poles. I fu

March 5, 2026 The future use of Victoria Hall in the face of significant renovations has not yet been determined, but the venerable heritage building in Aurora’s downtown core should remain as it has been for nearly 150 years: a place where residents can come together for a variety of reasons. This was the message driven home to Council by residents last week as lawmakers debated the merits of the renovation plan. John Hartman, a member of Aurora’s Committee of Adjustment, al