I always look forward to engaging with the Aurora community and having meaningful discussions that help shape and make Aurora the great Town it is. Please read the Social Media Policy for all my social media sites including my Website. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ mrakas.ca/social-media-polic…

Today marks an exciting milestone for Aurora, Stouffville, and Canada’s innovation economy as I was joined by Mayor Iain Lovatt and Ward 6 Councillor Harold Kim for the launch of Audacity North, Canada’s largest MedTech innovation hub. I couldn’t be more excited that two of Aurora’s most successful entrepreneurs, Keith Loo and Garry Lee, have come together to bring this vision to life. By providing the next generation of entrepreneurs with the tools, expertise, mentorship, and support they need to take their ideas from concept to commercialization, Audacity North has the potential to create tremendous opportunities for Aurora, Ontario, and Canada as a whole. This initiative will help attract new investment, create high-quality jobs, support local businesses, and strengthen the economic vitality of both Aurora and Whitchurch-Stouffville. It is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership that drives growth, attracts talent, and reinforces our communities as great places to live, work, and build a thriving business. Through strong partnerships with York University, the Schulich School of Business, YSpace, and the Logan Institute for Rare Disease Research, Audacity North is creating a collaborative environment where innovators can develop groundbreaking medical technologies and bring them to market. Beyond the economic benefits, this work has the potential to improve lives and position Aurora as a leader in healthcare innovation. Today’s launch is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships come together around a shared goal. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing Audacity North to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our communities, our economy, and Canada’s innovation landscape. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone mrakas.ca/audacity-north-can…

The Week Ahead - October 19 to 25

It was great to join the U16 York Simcoe Express for their annual “Pink in the Rink” fundraiser at St. Andrew’s College today! Honoured to be asked to drop the puck in support of the Breast Cancer Program at Southlake’s Regional Cancer Centre. Thank you to the players, families and volunteers for raising funds and awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supporting patients and families in our community.

It was great to join everyone this beautiful morning to help kick off CHATS’ Amazing Adventure! Great to see all the creative costumes, excitement and community spirit. Lots of fun while supporting the incredible work CHATS does for older adults and their caregivers. Thank you to all the teams, volunteers and sponsors!

It was great to join Minister Michael Parsa at the Aurora Public Library today for the Financial Literacy for Youths 101 workshop! Wonderful to see so many young people engaged and eager to learn about managing money, saving and planning for their future. These are skills that will serve them throughout their lives. A big thank you to Jayden, Armin and Amirali for organizing this workshop and helping empower other youth in our community!

Congratulations to Nicholas and Tyler, owners of Rise City Baseball Facility at 230 Industrial Parkway S.! What a great addition to sports and recreation in Aurora, giving youth in our community a place to improve their baseball skills, learn and have fun, all year round. Welcome to Aurora!!

It was a pleasure to attend and bring remarks at today’s Safe Sport Workshop at Aurora Town Square. Thank you to our Recreation staff, the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, two-time Olympian Allison Forsyth and investigative sports reporter Rick Westhead for bringing this important conversation to our community. Every athlete deserves to feel safe, supported, included and respected. Together, we all have a role in making that happen.

Another trip around the sun! Thank you to my family, friends and everyone across our Town for all the birthday wishes! Hearing from so many of you truly makes me feel grateful for all the wonderful people in my life. A special thank you to Annie for this beautiful birthday card. Such a great way to start my birthday weekend! 😊

A chilly morning at the farmers market!! Needed a hot coffee from Lief to warm up!! Have a great weekend Aurora!

I am pleased to be exploring an opportunity with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) to expand access to recreation space for our residents. I recently met with Board staff and discussed the future use of the outdoor fields at the former Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, now known as the Continuing Education Centre on Dunning Avenue and there was mutual interest in establishing a short-term agreement with the Town. We are enthusiastic about any opportunity to make better use of existing community spaces and provide residents with greater access to sports fields and recreational facilities. As our community continues to grow, finding creative ways to expand recreational opportunities remains a priority. Town staff will bring a report to Council for consideration and further direction, with the goal of reaching an agreement that would allow use of the fields beginning in spring 2027. #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone mrakas.ca/former-dr-g-w-will…

There’s something special about sitting at home on your birthday and voting.. ☺️ Online voting starts today! Have you voted yet? #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone

It was an honour to attend and bring remarks at Welcoming Arms’ 20th anniversary celebration! For two decades, this wonderful organization has provided warm meals, a listening ear and support to those who need it most. Thank you to Doug Steele, the executive council and all the incredible volunteers for your dedication and compassion. A special congratulations to Susan Lanthier Doyle, who was part of the founding team and has volunteered her time throughout all 20 years of Welcoming Arms! You represent the very best of Aurora, neighbours helping neighbours.

Congratulations to Katerina Angellotti, owner of SKIN MED Spa Aurora at 15565 Yonge St.! A wonderful, welcoming space offering skin care services for both men and women in our community. It’s always great to see entrepreneurs bringing their passion and expertise to our town. Welcome to Aurora, Katerina! Wishing you and your team every success!

🚨 ENDORSEMENT ALERT 🚨 I'm incredibly grateful to have the support of a proud Aurora resident Vince Sposito and former owner of Casa Carbone, a local business that was part of our community. Supporting our small businesses, revitalizing our downtown, and ensuring Aurora continues to grow responsibly have always been priorities of mine. Here's what they had to say: "Mayor Mrakas has also been a dedicated champion of Aurora's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. His vision, leadership, and commitment to responsible growth have helped move our community forward while preserving the character that makes Aurora such a desirable place to live, work, and visit." Thank you for your support and confidence in my leadership. Together, we'll continue strengthening our local economy, supporting our businesses, and building a vibrant future for Aurora!

🚨 ENDORSEMENT ALERT 🚨 I'm incredibly honoured to have the support of Claude Nembhard, CEO of the Ontario Basketball Association, proud Aurora resident of over 26 years, and father of two NBA players! Claude understands firsthand the importance of strong leadership, investing in our youth, and creating opportunities for the next generation to succeed. Here's what Claude had to say: "Tom has shown a genuine commitment to building a community where families can thrive. His support for recreation, parks, and sports infrastructure has strengthened Aurora and created real opportunities for youth to grow, compete, and pursue their dreams." Thank you, Claude, for your support and confidence in my leadership. Together, we'll continue investing in our young people, strengthening our community, and building an Aurora where everyone has the opportunity to succeed! #LeadershipThatGetsThingsDone

Together, we've built a stronger community. That's a record we can all be proud of, and one I’m proud to stand behind.

The Week Ahead - October 13 to 18

Happy Thanksgiving, Aurora! Today is a chance to pause, give thanks and appreciate the people who make our lives and our community so special. I’m thankful for my family, friends and the privilege of serving this incredible Town. Most of all, I’m grateful for the kindness and generosity of Aurora residents, neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers giving their time and people looking out for one another. As we gather around our tables, let’s also remember those facing difficult times, those missing someone they love and those spending the holiday alone. A small act of kindness can make a big difference. From Alison and me, wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter and gratitude.

It was great to see so many families at Town Square for “Fall Faves”! From pumpkin carving and story time to lots of fun activities, it was a wonderful way to spend part of the Thanksgiving long weekend together as a community.

Sunny and cool at the Farmers’ Market this morning! It’s definitely a “grab a pumpkin pie” kind of weekend, and this one from Catharina’s Kitchen looks delicious! Have a great Thanksgiving long weekend, Aurora!