History of Aurora Village
Many of the settlers, in Aurora consisted of Quaker families who migrated from Pennsylvania around 1800. These pioneers established a settlement at the intersection of Yonge Street and Wellington Street by 1804.
This agricultural community was initially known as Machells Corners, named after Richard Machell, a merchant who ran a store on the southeast corner of Yonge and Wellington Streets. In 1854, when a new post office opened on Yonge Street the community adopted the name Aurora.
The name was chosen by local leader Charles Doan to symbolize the beginning of an era for Aurora with the arrival of the Ontario Huron and Simcoe railway. In 1863 Aurora officially gained village status. Then became a town in 1888. By the 1930s Aurora Village closely resembled its present day neighbourhood.
The preservation of heritage homes and buildings, in this area stands as a testament to past and present residents who take pride in their beautiful community.
Lifestyle
Downtown Aurora, which is focused around Yonge Street and Wellington Street exudes the charm and cozy atmosphere of a town. The historic commercial buildings lining Yonge Street possess an allure now bustling with activity, as a shopping district that offers a delightful blend of independent stores, eateries and professional offices.
Aurora Village
Aurora Village is an thriving community that offers a living environment, shopping opportunities, work prospects and recreational activities. Yonge Street serves as both the thoroughfare and the actual heart of the Town of Aurora. It’s where people, from over Aurora come together to interact have fun, celebrate, shop and enjoy entertainment.
The historic buildings along Yonge Street and the charming homes on the streets give this neighbourhood an appeal that sets it apart from others. Families will find Aurora Village particularly appealing due to its selection of schools and nearby recreational amenities. Landmarks, in Aurora Village include the known Aurora Public Library, Aurora Public School, Town Park, Aurora Historical Society, Fleury Park and The Aurora Go Station.
Transit
In Aurora Village there are a total of 132 transit stops with Aurora GO being one of the rail stations. It’s worth noting that the majority of commuters, in Aurora Village rely on vehicles, for their commute and a significant number of them travel to neighboring cities.
Destination of Residents Commute
- Commute within the city – 28%
- Commute to another city – 71%
Various Modes of Commuting
- Vehicle – 80%
- Transit – 12%
- Walk/bike – 6%
Duration of Residents Commutes
- 15 to 29 minutes – 25%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 18%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 13%
- 60 minutes and over – 18%
- Less than 15 minutes – 24%
Aurora Village Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Aurora Village boasts elementary and secondary schools, as well, as specialized programs for both levels. The neighbourhood is served by a total of 9 schools, 9 Catholic schools, 2 private schools and 1 alternative/special school.
The local educational institutions offer a variety of programs such, as French Immersion, Montessori education, International Baccalaureate curriculum, Gifted/Talented Program, Special Education School and Advanced Placement courses.
- Public Schools: 9
- Catholic Schools: 9
- Private Schools: 2
Public
- Aurora Grove PS
- Aurora HS
- Northern Lights PS
- Wellington PS
- Aurora Heights PS
- ÉS Norval-Morrisseau
- Dr. G.W. Williams SS
- Académie de la Moraine
- Lester B. Pearson PS
Catholic
- Cardinal Carter Catholic SS
- St. Jerome Catholic ES
- Our Lady of Grace Catholic ES
- St. Joseph Catholic ES
- ÉSC Renaissance
- Light of Christ Catholic ES
- ÉÉC Saint-Jean
- Holy Spirit Catholic ES
- St. Maximilian Kolbe HS
Private
- Aurora Montessori School
- The Lighthouse Learning and Development
Alternative/Special
- The Lighthouse Learning and Development
Aurora Village Parks & Facilities
McMahon Park, situated on Fleury Street is a green space that features a pavilion and a playground, for children. It serves as the home of both the Aurora Community Tennis Club and the Aurora Lawn Bowling Club. Another park worth mentioning is Craddock Park, located on Batson Drive, which boasts a sports field. If you’re interested in exploring Auroras scene be sure to visit the Aurora Cultural Centre at 22 Church Street.
Housed in a heritage building from 1886 that was once the Aurora Public School this community arts hub offers four exhibition galleries, a range of classes, for all ages an exciting live music series, delightful family events and engaging summer arts camps.
Finding fun is a breeze, at the parks and recreational facilities in this area. Aurora Village boasts playgrounds, for children sports parks and even places to skate. With a total of 11 parks and 31 recreational facilities there is no shortage of options. On average each park offers 2 facilities for everyone to enjoy.
- Number of Parks: 11
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 31
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 8
- Rinks – 2
- Tennis Courts – 3
- Basketball Court – 1
- Ball Diamonds – 2
- Sports Fields – 8
- Community Centre – 1
- Splash Pad – 1
- Sports Courts – 2
- Outdoor Games Facility – 1
- Trail – 1
- Arts/Performance Facility – 1
Aurora Village Homes
The northeast quadrant of Yonge Street and Wellington Avenue is home, to the Heritage Conservation District, which showcases a range of styles. These include Victorian Gothic Revival, Edwardian/Foursquare, Second Empire, Italianate, Georgian, Colonial and Arts and Crafts.
Moving south from Wellington you’ll come across a variety of housing options such as frame and brick bungalows, ranch style houses, split level houses well as frame Victorian style houses, from the 1920s and 30s. Additionally newer Victoria revival townhouses can also be found in this area.
On the hand moving north beyond the heritage district reveals houses predominantly built in the 1970s and 80s. These homes follow a revival style with a mix of brick and frame siding exteriors. The garages are attached to the front of these houses. Furthermore there are some townhome communities situated off Old Yonge Street in this part of the neighbourhood.