In 1804, a merchant named Richard Machell established a general store in an area north of Toronto. The community—which became known as Machell’s Corners before adopting the name Aurora—quickly grew into an economic hub, with several factories and mills, a thriving business community and a railway station. One location, in particular, tells the story of downtown Aurora’s evolving streetscape. A blacksmith shop opened on the site in the 1870s, before being converted multiple times into a garage, a hardware store, a plumbing and electrical business, and a second-hand furniture store. The building was finally torn down in 1991, leaving a vacant gap in the main street for 30 years.

2021 marked the start of a new chapter for the empty lot, thanks to a $92,000-contribution from the My Main Street Community Activator program, which is being led by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI). My Main Street is supported by a $23.5-million Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The Town of Aurora—in collaboration with the Downtown Aurora BIA, Chamber of Commerce, Central Counties Tourism and the landowner—transformed the overgrown site into a lively open-air space that revitalized Aurora’s historic Yonge Street district. In honour of Richard Machell’s entrepreneurial spirit, the new public gathering space was named Machell’s Alley.

Staff from six different departments worked together clearing the lot and setting up Machell’s Alley. The finished product features picnic tables, colourful umbrellas, hanging lights, decorative signage and vibrant planters. The space opened in June 2021, in sync with public health guidelines that authorized outdoor gatherings and events.

Machell’s Alley was the central element of Downtown Act I, a multifaceted project designed to boost pedestrian activity, attract entrepreneurial investment and develop strategic plans for urban renewal. In addition to its physical makeover, the space re-energized the ambience of the downtown core. A series of 15 pop-up events—including musical performances, holiday activities and community gatherings—animated the gathering place during July, August and September.

“Transforming Machell’s Alley into a welcoming public space brought a sense of fun, engagement and excitement to the downtown area,” says Lisa Hausz, Manager, Economic Development & Policy for the Town of Aurora. “Funding from My Main Street helped broaden our programming to include artists, musicians, holiday activities and a street party. In support of the businesses in the area, we’re already working to expand the program in the future.”

Downtown Aurora Act I wrapped up the outdoor season with an all-day festival, Saturday Night Fever on Yonge Street. Organizers turned a stretch of Aurora’s historic main street into a pedestrianized space, with food vendors, family activities and 1970s disco music. More than 25 businesses set up temporary booths to sell their products in a socially distanced way.

Preliminary data indicates that Downtown Aurora Act I succeeded in drawing people to the main street commercial district; downtown visitations in 2021 increased 12 percent from the previous year. Although COVID-19 protocols limited the capacity for public events, organizers used a variety of strategies—including the Canatrace QR tool—to efficiently manage numbers. The musical performances in Machell’s Alley attracted crowds of 200 people, and about 1,800 shoppers and partiers attended Saturday Night Fever on Yonge Street.

For the business community, Downtown Aurora Act I sparked a renewed sense of optimism for post-pandemic recovery. During the first half of 2021, four new businesses opened in the downtown core. The owner of a local store provided a personal perspective on the project’s impact: “I would like to thank everyone involved with Machell’s Alley and the street events. Machell’s Alley is getting popular even with people from other areas. Many first-time visitors admired the downtown. I believe the more we have events there, the better results can be achieved in the support of the downtown businesses.”

Based on enthusiasm for Downtown Aurora Act I, the Town has continued the program for 2022. Machell’s Alley will return, along with an expanded slate of special events and activities. By converting the site of a former blacksmith shop into a dynamic public space, Downtown Aurora Act I has not only revitalized a historic district, but also supported its prosperous future.