On June 20, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas was joined by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at Aurora Town Hall. The MOU is a five-year agreement setting out a wide range of agreed-upon initiatives and priorities.
The agreement specifies key areas in which the town and University have shared goals, including: community development, research, scholarship, learning and employment, economic growth and sustainability.
The event was a celebration of a long history of partnership between the University and Aurora as well as a cementing of common goals and a shared vision for a forward-looking collaboration that will bring tangible benefits to the Aurora community.
“The Town of Aurora has a long-standing relationship with York University having worked together on important efforts in various fields with the shared intent of improving and enhancing our community. Today’s signing of the memorandum of understanding formalizes this relationship as we agree to work together to support each other’s strategic priorities and bring more educational and learning opportunities to our community,” said Mrakas. “We are excited for the future possibilities of this partnership especially as we continue to develop our downtown core and build a strong community.”
Specifically, the MOU contains shared pledges to pursue smart community technology; professional development opportunities for town council and staff; and learning and employment programs, including experiential education and work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities in key areas such as urban planning and municipal law.
“We are pleased to partner with the Town of Aurora to contribute to the sustainable and economic prosperity of our communities,” said Lenton. “The MOU pledges to pursue new professional development and learning opportunities and to participate in the development of leading-edge technologies that drive positive change while advancing key University priorities such as our commitment to sustainable development.”
The MOU designates liaisons at the University and Town of Aurora who will oversee joint efforts that fall within the agreement’s scope, organize periodic reviews, and track progress.