Aurora Growth targets and how to accommodate them discussed by Mayoral candidates
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 from essential priorities like asset management and repairs. A major concern for taxpayers is the Town’s own admission that ‘growth no longer pays for growth’ — meaning existing residents subsidize new development. My goal is to end this practice by tightening financial governance so that only Development Charges (DCs) fund growth‑related projects. I will recommend separating DCs from the current Growth & New Budget and prohibiting the use of any other tax sources for DC‑related spending. This will require the Town to clearly prioritize which amenities are necessary and which are not.”
