Design concept for Aurora's cultural precinct expected soon

yorkregion.com
Nov. 26, 2015
By Teresa Latchford

A design concept for Aurora’s proposed cultural precinct could be ready as early as next week.

Michael Scott and Sarah Miller, consultants who have been working with the town to create a vision for the project, explained that town staff, the public and other stakeholders in the community have been vital in deciding what to include in the design.

“We want to see the cultural precinct to become not only an attractive, vibrant and people-focused district, which is strongly connected to the town centre and adjacent neighbourhoods, but also connected to other community destinations, so we start to build on this as a piece of a larger puzzle,” Scott told town council.

The precinct should be a celebrated local hub that has year-round activities and serves as a both a civic and culture focal point in the community, particularly for the arts and cultural tourism industries, he added.

So far, four consultations have been completed, including asking town staff what it  thinks should be included in the concept design, collecting feedback from 42 members of the public who attended a culture walk through the designated area being considered and an online survey, Miller said.

Town staff expressed an interest in a concept that is more pedestrian friendly, includes information signs and hosts programming throughout the entire year.

Those who participated in the walk regarding the proposed district that stretches west from Town Park to Yonge Street, expressed a liking of town park events, a need for a larger space to house the museum and a desire to maintain heritage landmarks. They also suggested setting guidelines for infill development, improving connections, trees and green space in the area, while preserving that small town feel.

While the full results from the online survey have yet to be tallied, some of the emerging statistics are intriguing, according to Miller.

Of those who responded, 64 per cent said preserving facades of buildings was important, 49 per cent wanted an improvement of walkability, 62 per cent highlighted streetscape features, such as benches and lamp posts, 47 per cent are in support of a variety of architectural styles and 72 per cent like the idea of using Aurora’s cultural heart for economic growth.

“We need to think big and think local,” Scott said. “It needs to be the true heart of Aurora with integrated land use, engaging programming in the hub of a creative economy that will really set it apart from your neighbours,” Scott continued.

What’s next for the cultural precinct?

Community Culture Quest Aurora is scheduled for Nov. 28 at Victoria Hall, 27 Mosley St. Participants can help build their plan and mingle with Santa and his elves.

An urban adventure race will have participants receiving clues to explore the precinct and a passport can be filled out to win prizes.

To pre-register for the event, call FOTENN Consultants at 416-789-4530 or email millar@fotenn.com or button@fotenn.com.