Aurora’s director of operational services, Al Downey, retiring after career spanning more than 40 years

Downey was also employed at the municipalities of Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch-Stouffville

Yorkregion.com
April 3, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Al Downey, the Town of Aurora’s director of operational services, is retiring after almost 41 years of service to municipalities across York Region.

He started his career on April 5, 1982, with (what was then) the Town of Vaughan as a full-time landscape technician. “Vaughan was growing like a weed,” he said. “They had so many things happening and people moving into the community and we were all eager to do good.”

One of his accomplishments includes setting up new technology for sports fields, as it was always difficult to grow grass, particularly on soccer fields. He and his team looked into and constructed sand-based athletic fields and they continued to grow in popularity.

Downey also oversaw the design and construction of many parks and community centres such as Garnet A. Williams and the Al Palladini Community Centre.

In 1990, he became the director of parks in Richmond Hill and created the first development charges bylaw. Other projects include the Lois Hancey Wave Pool, several parks, and the development of Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park.

“I have great memories of swinging on the swings at the park in the neighbourhood where I grew up or walking through the trails,” said Downey. “I had the ability to build that foundation so people can build their own memories, whether it's the first time they learned how to swim or stood up on skates or went to an art class.”

Downey also worked as the director of parks and recreation in Whitchurch-Stouffville, where he assisted in the development of the Joe Lebovic Centre (now Whitchurch-Stouffville Leisure Centre).

In December 1999, Downey began his career in the Town of Aurora as the director of leisure services. He spent the rest of his career with Aurora and retired on March 31, 2023.

Projects he has overseen include the Aurora Public Library, the Armoury, the Aurora Seniors Centre, the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, the Central York Fire Services headquarters, and neighbourhood parks such as Stewart Burnett.

“I’ve been lucky to be able to touch almost every single corner of Aurora over my 23 plus years,” said Downey. “It’s been a great career and I just couldn't imagine doing anything else but this.”

As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, he already has a plan that includes spending time at a cottage, pursuing hobbies, volunteer work, serving on a board, and perhaps working part-time at a place where he can use his handyman skills.

“Turning 65 was a trigger for me to make sure that when I retired, I could still go off and do things that I’ve been wanting not do,” said Downey. “I’ve always been a bit of a planner, but I’ll relax first so I can soak it in.”