[getsmart-l] Sprawling business and retail corridor moving ahead in Aurora

[Janet May]

From:  http://www.yorkregion.com/article/59295

 

Aurora's gateway taking shape 

 

Aurora 

Nov 07, 2007 08:26 PM 


By: Patrick Mangion 

Drivers exiting from Hwy. 404 onto Wellington Street for first time would
endure some anxious moments waiting for Aurora to reveal itself along the
sparse stretch.

But that is quickly changing.

Aurora's future gateway has swung open for development, as State Farm and
Wal-Mart have laid the ground work for a sprawling business and retail
corridor.

Development east of Leslie Street, off Wellington, will create local jobs,
prevent residents from shopping in neighbouring towns and provide a shot in
the arm for Aurora's tax base, Mayor Phyllis Morris predicts. 

 "It will be an appropriate gateway to town. It's important for our tax
base," Ms Morris said.

"We're in the driver's seat."

The town is working with Colliers International to develop 75 acres of
town-owned land.

"Ideally, we'd like it developed at one lot. We're keeping our options
open," Ms Morris said. 

She envisions a prestigious business park anchored by a manufacturer or
office space. 

The mayor wants a meeting with Canadian Autoworkers union president Buzz
Hargrove to convince Magna International to build its first full-scale auto
assembly plant next door to its headquarters, rather than in the United
States.

With zoning and infrastructure in place, the proximity to Hwy. 404 makes it
a prime piece of real estate.

The town-owned land is expected to be sold by next summer and building could
begin by spring 2009, said Paul Findlayson, associate vice-president of
Colliers.

The Aurora market is getting its legs and residents can expect to see more
big companies move to the area, he said.

"The business activity, with retail and commercial, bodes well for Aurora.
It will help ensure Aurora residents don't have to drive to Toronto."

While the town hopes to land a big business on its 75 acres, the north side
is expected to house more of the large-scale retail and restaurants found in
other York Region municipalities.

Vic Paraninso, owner of Vic's Shoe Repair on Yonge Street, said the town's
new business hub may cause a temporary slowdown in Aurora's downtown.

"It's like a new toy. But if you provide good service, there could be 100
new stores and you will still get customers," he said.

Mixed residential housing has been steadily moving east of Bayview Avenue
and Aurora's new recreation centre opened at the corner of Wellington and
Leslie earlier this year.

York Regional Police are expected to move a forensics division of 400 to 500
staff to the area. 

 

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