The Town of Aurora

Many people feel that their home town has

character, but the Town of Aurora has passed a

resolution to that effect. Since 2002, Aurora has

been a "Character Community" within York Region where,

according to the Town of Aurora website, "everyone

works together to ensure that families are strong, homes and

streets are safe, education is effective, business is productive,

neighbours care about one another, and citizens are free to

make wise choices for their lives and families."

The Town of Aurora is situated in the centre of York

Region, surrounded by King to the west, Newmarket to the

north, Whitchurch-Stouffville to the east, and Richmond

Hill to the south. With a population of approximately

48,000, Aurora is a relatively small town.

Jerry Rizzo, builder for Chiavatti Homes, says people

like living in Aurora because "there's less hustle and bustle.

There's a different demographic here. People are a little older.

They're more well-to-do and it's a smaller population."

Rizzo says Aurora is now going through a calm spell

when it comes to house sales. "It comes and goes in stages,"

he explains. "It was busy a couple of years ago, but now

it's quiet."

Chiavatti Homes has been in the area for the past three years. "The value of homes is steadily increasing," Rizzo

says. "We sell custom-built homes in the $700,000 to $2

million dollar range."

A look back at Aurora's history reveals that it was the

childhood home of Lester B. Pearson, Canada's prime

minister in the 1960s. It is also the current riding of MP

Belinda Stronach.

Carving a line through the centre of Aurora is Yonge

Street, said to be the longest street in the world. Aurora is

home to the World's Longest Annual Street Festival in

June. Rizzo says that shopping is often what draws a lot of

people to the area. "I think there are more stores than

people here," he says. "If you walk down Yonge Street, there

are a lot of retail businesses and they seem to be doing well."

While Aurora's recreational offerings tends to be on the

the quieter side, there is no shortage of sporting facilities

and cultural events. Aurora boasts more than 500 acres of

parkland, pedestrian trail systems, golf courses, fine dining,

theatres, and a museum. The town is busy with street

festivals, golf tournaments, horse shows and other events all

year long.