Aurora's Heritage Building, Victoria Hall, should remain a community space, say residents

March 5, 2026

The future use of Victoria Hall in the face of significant renovations has not yet been determined, but the venerable heritage building in Aurora’s downtown core should remain as it has been for nearly 150 years: a place where residents can come together for a variety of reasons.

This was the message driven home to Council by residents last week as lawmakers debated the merits of the renovation plan.

John Hartman, a member of Aurora’s Committee of Adjustment, also looked closer at the figures. “Council gave approval to the Mayor’s Budget on December 7, 2025. $500,000 might have been approved at that time, but now jumped to a $2.2 million factor. $2 million for what? You cannot convince me that when the final budget was approved last December, no one knew about what was coming down the pipeline for potential escalation and costs for renovations. We waited 10 years to take action on potential Victoria Hall renovations. It’s not going to fall down this year. Why put the rush? Why not put it to election time this fall? Please don’t tell me this has no impact on taxes. The [tax] levy, maybe. But who built that pool of funds? We did, the taxpayers. If it’s truly called the ‘People’s Budget’, why not ask people during the fall election period what people might think or want? Why not have staff complete an engagement process like we did on the official plan for the Town Park refurbishment?”

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