Confusion results in reboot of Aurora's Cultural Precinct project

Yorkregion.com
May 16, 2016
By Teresa Latchford

A poor choice of words may have caused council to hold back on approving the Cultural Precinct concept plan, according to Aurora CAO Doug Nadorozny.

The proposed project involves a three-block area bordered by Yonge, Mosley, Larmont and Metcalfe streets. Included in the precinct is the Aurora Public Library, Aurora Cultural Centre housed in the former Church Street School, Trinity Church, the former Wells Street School, the Armoury and Town Park.

The vision is to transform the area and create a niche area that would make Aurora’s downtown a coveted destination.

But when it came down to approving the concept design presented by Fotenn Consultants Inc., council was hesitant.

“There were these visions of backhoes digging into Town Park as soon as the seal of approval was given, but that simply wouldn’t have been the case,” Nadorozny said, blaming a poor choice of wording in the report for the confusion.

The concept is meant to be a working document, just a starting place that will evolve. But that wasn’t clearly conveyed in the report, so town staff and council will take a step back and reconsider the plan, including two other elements: the 2010 Aurora Promenade Plan and the Aurora Repurposing Study involving the use of the former town library, former seniors’ centre, Victoria Hall, The Petch House and the Armoury.

“We want to allow all these independent pieces to come together to get an idea of the big picture,” Nadorozny added. “We want to set the stage for an open discussion that will take us down a path to major direction or a decision by the fall.”

At its most recent meeting, council approved a multi-stage planning approach recommended by town staff outlining milestones to keep the project on track.

“Council is committed to moving the Cultural Precinct project forward,” Mayor Geoff Dawe said. “This development has been an ongoing discussion for many years and I welcome the opportunity to bring this project to completion.”

He added that the new approach is heavily focused on the needs and wants of the community and their vision for the renewal of the downtown core.

The next step in the cycle will be the presentation of the repurposing study set to be discussed at the May 3 general committee meeting. The discussion will not only include possible uses for the existing buildings but a commitment of a $5- million budget funded from the hydro sale fund.

Following that milestone, town staff will recommend endorsement of concept plans and to hold public consultation sessions in June or July at the June 7 meeting and council direction for the Cultural Precinct should come in the fall.