Aurora's new public gathering space is right up your alley

Residents can shop, dine and support local businesses at Machell’s Alley in downtown Aurora

Yorkregion.com
June 17, 2021
Sara Alves Fernandes

Since the COVID 19 pandemic started, businesses in downtown Aurora have been severely impacted.

So, Aurora residents, you can now shop and enjoy local food and entertainment, while also supporting more than 150 struggling businesses in Machell’s Alley, an outdoor area in the heart of the historic district of downtown Aurora.

Aurora, in a multiorganizational collaboration, has been revitalizing the green space, which has been temporarily donated to the town to be used as an open-air seating area, the town said in a statement.

The space opened June 11. The official opening is June 17.

The intent behind this new area is to help spread awareness and consumer confidence, the town said.

“The Machell’s Alley revitalization is an excellent example of collaborative efforts to support local businesses,” Mayor Tom Mrakas said.

“By working together we can continue to build awareness of downtown Aurora while providing a vibrant and inviting space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The location has been home to many businesses over the years, the first a blacksmith's shop in the 1870s, the town said.

This public space is a symbol of support for current business owners during the pandemic and is an acknowledgement to all the early entrepreneurs who worked in the area, the statement said.

The partners collaborating in this initiative include the Aurora Economic Development Corporation, Yonge Developments Inc., the Downtown Aurora BIA, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Explore Aurora and Central Counties Tourism.

Funding was provided by the provincial government through the Safe Restart program to assist local economies.