Town of Aurora takes further steps to address parkland deficit

The Town of Aurora has taken another important step to address its parkland deficit, acquiring eight acres of land in south Aurora that will provide community members with even greater access to green spaces, parkland and recreational activities.

The land, situated at 672 and 684 Henderson Drive and acquired by the Town for $2.5 million through its Parkland Reserve Fund, contains key natural heritage features, including sensitive woodland and a watercourse as part of the of the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan. The Town’s vision is to preserve the natural woodlot with a future potential trail connecting Henderson Drive and Willis Drive as outlined in the Trails Master Plan. The future trail would aim to enhance the natural heritage features of the property and could include a boardwalk, invasive species management and interpretive signage, highlighting the woodlot within the community. The properties are also entirely within the Oak Ridges Moraine Endangered, Rare and Threatened Species area designation, with snapping turtles and endangered bat species known to nest and exist in the vicinity.

“I’m absolutely thrilled we were able to acquire this land, as we’ve heard time and again from community members that a priority for them is having greater access to parkland and green spaces, something critical to their physical and mental health,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “Acquiring these properties also means that the Town can take a leadership role in to protecting woodlands and endangered species, while also increasing our tree canopy in Aurora.”

With a commitment to reach 40 per cent total canopy cover by 2034, the expansion of Aurora's parkland protects mature trees and also allows for new young tree growth in natural heritage systems and greenspaces.

In addition to the newly acquired eight acres on Henderson Drive, the Town announced in April that it purchased two other properties to help address the parkland deficit: a 16-acre property on the west side of Yonge Street, just north of Woodhaven, and an approximately four-acre property on George Street from the York Region District School Board.

Residents will soon have the opportunity to provide input into the development of park spaces at all three locations, ensuring that it aligns with the needs and preferences of the community.