The mayor says downtown Aurora is improving and gaining “momentum,” pointing to projects like the $60 million-plus Aurora Town Square and the Armoury as key to revitalization. Many of us don’t see it that way. Instead, homelessness is more visible, more cannabis stores are raising concerns, and some businesses are struggling. Foot traffic doesn’t seem to be increasing, and downtown feels less safe and less welcoming than it did in the past. Current investments in the Armoury and Aurora Town Square have made little noticeable difference in revitalization. What do you think?
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Overall, it’s hard to trust Mayor Mrakas’ messaging. The promotional renderings and promises feel disconnected from what many of us actually see. Downtown revitalization still feels like talk—not results.
Unless the eastside rear parking lots are unified to incorporate a “Wellington to Church Patio Walk-way”, there will be no north/south pedestrian focus. And the north end of the old westside Fleury Factory site could be converted to an active artisan studio complex, with its south end holding a multi-level parking garage .. together providing a west/east pedestrian axis across Yonge to join up with the east side patio walk-way. Such a “Studio, Art, Restaurant, Performance, Museum pedestrian interconnected zone is the only viable way to “revitalize” our downtown area into a desirable destination.
Right now, some of the east side business owners can only afford to focus on their Yonge Street store fronts. And some of the east side property owners tend to look at their individual properties as high density redevelopment investments. As long as these divergent visions run contrary to a comprehensive plan, no meaningful “desirable destination” revitalization will evolve.
The Downtown Aurora CPPS Framework and Concepts document recognizes the importance of a N/S walk-way and a W/E pedestrian axis with its green coloured “Potential Midblock Connections” on its Page 5 – Framework For Change.
Barry, thank you for sharing these thoughtful and well-articulated insights.