This week at General Committee, council had before us the recommendation by the Heritage Advisory Committee to move forward with part IV designation of 15 properties on Yonge St between Wellington St to Mosley St.
Some at the table wanted to refer the motion back to staff – that is make NO decision; however, the motion by Geoff Dawe to refer was defeated – with the majority of Council against referring and Councillor Abel and Mayor Dawe in favour of the referral and making no decision.
I believe we need to not only make a decision, but we need to protect and preserve one of the most historically important heritage streetscapes in our Town. Yes this area – the downtown core – has been identified for intensification and revitalization and to do that we need to bring people to the area. However, while there will be development, that development should be on our terms; development that respects our past while building our future… As we re-develop the downtown core we need to ensure that we have the proper measures, the proper mechanisms in place that will help protect our heritage and will allow us to keep what’s unique about Aurora alive for generations to come… Designating these properties is one such measure that will allow the Town to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the heritage of our Yonge St buildings… Bottom line, as Councillor Thom said at the table, if we as a Council and Town cannot or choose not to protect these properties then why protect any properties in Town at all!! .. While the recommendation to designate the property did ultimately pass with a majority, discussions on this matter will continue this week at our Council meeting. It should be interesting to see how the ultimate vote rolls out…
