Aurora is gearing up for its 150th anniversary in 2013, and there’s a lot to look forward to as we celebrate the town’s rich history while also embracing the exciting changes ahead.
One major change that has caught everyone’s attention is the transition from Zellers to Target. The Zellers store on Bayview Avenue will soon be replaced by a Target store. It’s interesting to think about how long Zellers managed to stay in business, considering it’s not a place I typically shopped. Still, I can’t deny that some people appreciated the sales. In a way, it’s funny how I ended up shopping there too! Now, we’ll have Target to look forward to instead.
The Zellers store is currently having a big sale as they work on clearing everything out. I stopped by a few weeks ago to check out the deals, but honestly, I thought the prices were still a bit high for a store that’s supposed to be liquidating. I’m guessing the prices will drop as they get closer to closing, but there’s a catch — by then, there might not be much left to choose from.
As of now, the store is still operating under Zellers’ purchasing system and reward points until they close. However, since it’s being managed by liquidators, it technically isn’t Zellers anymore. The liquidators purchased all of the store’s inventory.
At the start of a liquidation sale, liquidators try to maximize their profits, but as they make their money, the prices usually start to drop, even on the more expensive items. So, if you’re after a real bargain, you might want to swing by soon, or wait a little longer for even better deals as the store closes down.
The building will remain standing, but plans are already in place to give it a makeover for the new Target store, set to open in 2013. If you’re a fan of Target, it’s definitely something to look forward to!
Exciting changes are underway here in Aurora, particularly with the new Ridgewood II Resort-Style condominium complex being built behind the Cineplex Aurora. It’s going to change the landscape completely, and I’m eager to see how it all turns out. While I’m not sure how tall the buildings will be, one thing’s certain—the view behind the movie theatre will never be the same again. The construction seems built to last, and with modern methods, these condos may stand the test of time.
Speaking of changes, in the photo below, you can spot the Hollandview Trail Retirement Residence, the red building behind the new development on John West Way. This is where an interesting opportunity recently came my way—no, I’m not retiring anytime soon!
A lifestyle coordinator from the retirement residence stumbled upon my photo journal blog (which you’re reading right now) and invited me to share my photos and stories with the seniors there. At first, I wasn’t sure what to present, but then I realized that each blog post I share tells its own story. My presentation is scheduled for mid-September, so stay tuned for more updates on that!
Before I go, let me share a little about my visit to the retirement residence for a quick meeting. I was truly impressed by how welcoming and friendly everyone was. The seniors gathered in the lobby, their eyes all on Matthew, who was a little overwhelmed by the attention. Poor guy was shy, just nodding and smiling while trying to hide behind me!
It seems like a lot of roadwork and updates are happening right before school starts! Fixing sidewalks and painting crossing lines definitely help with safety, especially as more foot traffic increases around this time of year. The changes at the St. John’s Sideroad and Yonge Street intersection also make sense. Moving traffic signal posts back should help with visibility and improve traffic flow. It’s good to see the town investing in these improvements, even if they can be a bit inconvenient in the short term!
When it comes to safety, I decided to follow up on the sidewalk that was supposed to be installed at the corner of St. John’s Sideroad and Earl Stewart Drive, right by the Superstore.
A whole year passed with no progress. After reaching out for an update, it seemed like nothing was going to happen. So, I made some noise about it, and they assured me the sidewalk design would be ready by September. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it since safety is a big priority.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the exciting changes coming to Aurora next year. More updates are on the way, including downtown improvements, the Petch log house, and the transformation of Wells Street School into lofts. Stay tuned for more on the evolving town of Aurora!
Did you know? “Zellers was a Canadian discount store chain founded by Walter P. Zeller in 1931. It was acquired by the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 1978, and after a series of acquisitions and expansions, peaked with 350 locations in 1999. However, fierce competition and an inability to adapt during the early stages of the retail apocalypse resulted in Zellers losing significant ground in the 2000s.” Source: Wiki
