In my opinion, renovating Victoria Hall is the responsible decision if we are serious about preserving an important piece of Aurora’s built Heritage.
There are only three options with an historic building like this: renovate it, sell it, or demolish it. If we truly believe in heritage preservation — in restoring a proud, storied building so it can once again serve our community — then renovation is the right choice.
Back in 2016, an independent study estimated the cost at over $600,000 — before nearly a decade of rising construction and material prices. Costs won’t go down by waiting. Doing nothing isn’t neutral; it’s demolition by decay. I won’t let that happen to one of Aurora’s heritage assets.
Yes, the price tag raises questions. I understand that. But once detailed structural, electrical, and mechanical reviews were completed, it became clear that significant work is required to meet modern safety, accessibility, and building code standards. These are not cosmetic upgrades — they are foundational repairs that protect this building for the long term.
Victoria Hall is an asset. Once brought into a proper state of repair, it can attract market-value lease opportunities, generating long-term value for residents while preserving an irreplaceable piece of our history. Council has made no decisions on future use — but regardless of use, this work must be done to stabilize and protect the building.
By renovating it now, we preserve our heritage, strengthen our downtown, and ensure this building can serve our community for another 100 years.
This project is funded through our Facility Asset Management and Growth & New reserves — exactly what those reserves are for: investing in infrastructure and protecting our capital assets.
It does not impact the tax rate.
This report was received at Committee of the Whole. My hope — and my expectation — is that when it comes before Council for decision, we move forward.
Because this is bigger than one building. It’s about whether we preserve what matters, invest in our future, and show responsible leadership.
That’s Leadership That Gets Things Done.
2 Responses
I get that we want to preserve some historical buildings but the end use has to make some fiscal sense.
Can the renovation costs be recovered with long term rentals.? Can there be some discussion regarding other projects that could use these infrastructure funds?
Victoria Hall is part of Aurora’s heritage and history, it would be irresponsible to let it decay or worse, knock it down.
It takes the leadership from the top to keep Aurora one of the best places to live in this great country.
I support our Mayor with this decision!