Downtown Aurora
Location
Downtown Vision
For many years, numerous councils have discussed the revitalization of our downtown core. While there have been varying ideas of what was needed to get there, everyone could agree that change was necessary to bring economic growth and vibrancy back into our downtown core. Vibrant revitalization is on the horizon!
Downtown Projects
The Aurora Town Square Project is the largest capital infrastructure project the Town has ever embarked on and will serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. It is the culmination of years of planning that demonstrates that strategic municipal investment in the downtown will leverage further investment, foster employment opportunities and support downtown resilience.
‘Machell’s Alley’ is a temporary donated space, in the heart of Downtown Aurora’s historic district. It is being used as an open-air seating space for Downtown patrons to enjoy local food and entertainment. The location at 15217 Yonge Street was originally the home of the Town’s Blacksmith and Ironworks shop, and named “Machell’s Alley” as a nod to all of the early trailblazing entrepreneurs in the area, and a symbol of support for current business owners during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The history of 15217 Yonge Street
The location has a fascinating history being the site of a blacksmith shop in the 1870s. This early shop was torn down and a new building erected in 1908 which housed Phillip De La Haye’s Blacksmith Shop, John Morning’s Garage, Wilson’s Hardware, North York Heating, Plumbing and Electrical, and finally a second-hand furniture store before being torn down in 1991.
The Aurora Armoury (89 Mosley St) is unique in that it is located adjacent to a public park and was designed and operated as an Armoury under the Department of National Defense. The Armoury itself is a heritage structure that represents a significant piece of Canadian and Auroran heritage. The property was restored into a creative, state-of-the-art culinary space being led by Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute. If you haven’t been by to see this amazing space, and experience their food, you are in for a treat!
Interested in becoming part of Downtown Aurora’s future?
Contact us – ecdev@aurora.ca
Related Links
The Aurora Business Improvement Association (BIA) is a volunteer run organization committed to improving and promoting the Aurora Historical Business District.
Through investment and advocacy the goal is to build and maintain its position as Aurora’s premier shopping, business and entertainment destinations.
