At this week’s meeting of Town Council, members discussed my motion to create a new special event – the “Aurora Christmas Market”. I believe, with all the discussions that have occurred over the past two decades about the need for the revitalization of the downtown core, and with the excitement of all that is happening within the Cultural Precinct and Library Square, the time is now to create something unique to Aurora. In creating the Christmas Market and locating it in Library Square, we will be able to showcase what Library Square could be and WILL be as we move forward with the redevelopment and detailed designs. This is an opportunity to bring a Christmas Market similar to the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District that will be a gathering place for Aurorans during the holiday season. This type of market could have economic development opportunities as well as encourage tourism as this market would be one of the only outdoor Christmas markets north of Toronto… The Town could work with all our community partners (The Cultural Centre, The Library, The Farmers Market, and local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce) to develop a Market that would be truly unique to Aurora!! The idea is to start with a one night event that will grow to an event that would last over a couple of weeks leading up to Christmas…. I will be eagerly waiting for the report from staff with costs associated with the event and possible dates (my preferred date is the same day as the “Santa Under The Stars” parade) and Councils ultimate approval… While the idea for the Market was well received by Council (with the motion passing unanimously), some comments around the table were a bit puzzling such as those of Mayor Dawe. While he supported the idea of the Christmas Market, he did not support the name Aurora “Christmas” Market…. Here is the clip of what Mayor Dawe said…
Council Update – September 26, 2017
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by Tom Mrakas - 6 Comments
- by Tom Mrakas
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6 Responses
I love the idea of having a Christmas Market! Let’s call it A Christmas Market and all are invited to attend and enjoy. I am a little concerned of having it on the same day as the parade. Those preparing for the parade will have a difficult time taking part in the Market. Although, it does make it easy for those that come for the market to say and enjoy the parade.
I too love the idea of having a Christmas Market and I do support the idea of calling it a Christmas market. After all , isn’t that what it is? There are ways that Aurora as a community demonstrates inclusivity and quite frankly, I think that this is made to be a bigger deal than it needs to be.
I too love the idea of having a Christmas Market and I do support the idea of calling it a Christmas market. After all , isn’t that what it is? There are ways that Aurora as a community demonstrates inclusivity and quite frankly, I think that this is made to be a bigger deal than it needs to be.
Here are a few thoughts that have come to mind. I also like the idea of A Christmas Market but think it might be better to hold it at the beginning of Advent, which would fall on the first Saturday of December. I think it is imperative that it be a market where handmade items ONLY are sold, like jams, baked goods, clothing, woollens, weavings, jewellery, pottery etc- and not allow it to deteriorate to mass marketed goods, the way things got pushed out by big business at the June Street Festival. It could be an opportunity for the townspeople to get to know each other better and appreciate the diverse talents that many have learned while living in Aurora!
I,for one, think that A Christmas Market, as it is called in many countries around the world, is just fine, no matter what a person’s religious beliefs are. For those opposed to naming it A Christmas Market, and insist on being politically correct, how about calling it a Winter Solstice Market instead, making it a unique annual event held in Aurora each December?
Love the idea of a Christmas Market, what a way to get people out and about. Handmade items only, keeps a nice local touch.
Great idea! “Christmas Market” is the right name. There is no excuse to call it otherwise. As a person who celebrates Christmas in Canada I see no reason to call it anything else. People in Canada who celebrate different holidays call those holidays what they are! We, as a country do not ask others to rename their celebrations. So…a Christmas Market sounds like a great idea.