March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Karim Abed grew up in North Africa, an area with strong Amazigh (Berber) culture.
These traditions were an integral part of his everyday life, but when his mother died, he saw just how fragile this culture was.
“I wanted to do something about this,” says Abed, an artist now based in Newmarket. “It was hard because there is a lot of pressure on artists and intellectuals and a lot of people during that time probably got arrested – it’s not easy to do some avant garde work.”
Despite the difficulty, he persevered and some of the results of this effort are now on display in “Survival,” a curated exhibition of Abed’s work, now on in the Colleen Abbott Gallery at the Aurora Public Library through April 8.
“Karim Abed uses the camera lens to examine the impact of modernity on ancient cultures that are fighting for survival,” says the Aurora Public Library (APL). “The idea of power and how it is used in our day and age is at the centre of his work, building on the constructs of discrimination, colonialism, and the vulnerability of individuals.”
His work was first displayed in Lithuania at the Prospekto Gallery and subsequently at Scotland’s Glasgow Gallery of Photography.
“After [Lithuania] I wanted to do more,” he says. “I wanted to explore my potential and lately I was part of a different project I call ‘Escaping Civilization.’ Both [Escaping Civilization and the APL show] are both about survival. Initially, I started [my mixed media style] with just real photos capturing reality. I noticed that transforming and putting into an image a concept really requires some manipulation of the image: adding stuff, subtracting stuff from the image. I learned a lot from other surreal photographers and artists like Dali and photographers and noticed how we can put into images a concept [like] colonization and injustice.
“Engaging the viewer is the purpose of the exhibition. When they see a piece of art, it has to raise questions and those questions are very important. Every viewer should have some sort of theory behind the meaning of those images. That’s the beauty of art: it’s not direct. It invites the viewer to use his or her imagination. I think the hidden aspect is very fascinating and I think that’s what the viewers like about it.”
Due to the small size of the Colleen Abbott Gallery, which is on the second floor of APL, Abed had to be very selective in curating the show – and adding importance to the show is the hometown element. With a limited artists’ budget, he says he couldn’t afford professional framing for the photos, so it was off to Home Depot for lumber and other materials (“I am sure there are a lot of good artists who can’t afford showing their art to the public, but they should be encouraged. There is a lot of potential out there.”)
“I wanted to give the best to my community,” he says. “I want people to relate to the topics that are there. Nowadays everyone is struggling with their bills, we’re going through an economic crisis and there is one image that reflects that. We all talk about decolonization and there is an image that reflects that. We talk about returning to simplicity and there is an image [showing] we live in a complex world. With technology, maybe we’re forgetting to connect with nature and there is an image that speaks to that. I think viewers, especially if they give themselves time to thing and cogitate on the elements that are [there], they will identify with them.
“When you engage the public [on those topics], as artists we are building ties together, we’re questioning things, we’re inviting people to question or learn…and that’s the dialogue that is missing these days. Everything is compartmentalized or polarized and if we want to get rid of that polarity, we have to engage in talk: a constructive talk through art, through literature, through different activities we do in the community. That dialogue is very important.
“There is a lot that fits into [the theme of] survival. We all fight for survival, and it could be cultural, it could be physical, it could be economical. In an upcoming exhibition in Scugog and it will be the Survival of Modern Man and other topics, all encapsulated in the modern meaning of survival.”
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Co-Captain Rehan Qureshi and the Dr. G.W. Williams Wildcats had much to celebrate over the March Break after their memorable Senior Boys Basketball season ended with a AAA consolation championship at OFSAA.
Aurora’s oldest high school—ranked #4 in Ontario as the squad rolled down the QEW to Stoney Creek –captured the title on March 6 by edging the fifth-ranked St. Michael’s CS Blue Raiders of Toronto 63-59.
Qureshi fired 14 points to lead the Wildcats in scoring—as he did in four of the team’s five contests at the provincial championships.
Quereshi’s Wildcats cobbled together a 28-4 record in 2023-24 and quite a “hardware haul”: the school’s first York Region Senior Boys Basketball pennant; two tournament gold medals; two tournament bronze medals, and a consolation plaque earned by winning four of five games during the school’s first trip to OFSAA.
The Wildcats’ performance under the bright lights of the OFSAA “big top” was impressive.
In Game 1, Captain Qureshi would not be denied as he scored 28 points in the Wildcats’ 67-55 victory over the Cameron Heights CI Gaels of Kitchener—ranked 15th in the province.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats were upset 66-61 in Game 2 by the 13th-ranked Glebe CI Gryphons of Ottawa.
Qureshi once again led his team in scoring with 17 points, but could not save Dr. GW Williams Secondary School from being relegated to the consolation side of the tournament draw.
In Game 3, the Wildcats bounced back from the tough loss to Glebe with a 75-69 win over 11th-seeded St. Jean de Brebeuf CSS Braves of Hamilton.
Qureshi led the Williams’ attack with a timely 29-point performance to silence the home crowd assembled in Stoney Creek.
Razak Sudani scored 23 points to pace the Wildcats to a 65-48 win over the ninth-ranked Frontenac SS Falcons of Kingston to improve their OFSAA record to 3-1 and stamp their tickets to the consolation final showdown with St. Mike’s of Toronto.
Congratulations are extended to Coaches Kent Ravelle and Mark Fuller as well as their twelve outstanding Wildcats—Tim Antonios, Yonathan Abramov, Samuel Armagon, Kiefer Forrest, Judah James, Kevin Hum, Julien Binzangi, Rehan Qureshi, Adam Sheikhdon, Matt Wu, Razak Sudani, and Patrick Gidden—on a magical high school basketball season.
OFSAA Notes
The top-seeded Oakwood CI Barons of Toronto captured their second consecutive OFSAA “AAA” championship by defeating third-ranked Saltfleet DHS 53-38 in Stoney Creek on March 6. It was Oakwood’s third provincial title since 1993.
By Jim Stewart
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Graduating high school students in York Region’s “Northern Six” communities have until this Friday, March 22 to apply for the 2024 Give Back Awards.
An initiative of Magna International’s Neighbourhood Network, the Give Back Awards are an annual $1,000 cash prize awarded to 20 graduating students each year. Eligible students must be graduating from high schools in Aurora, Georgina, King Township, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Rather than a scholarship with an emphasis on academic achievement, the Give Back Awards recognize students who have “demonstrated an outstanding dedication to community involvement.”
“The Give Back Awards are all about celebrating the unique and positive volunteer contributions of students in our communities,” said Erin Cerenzia, Manager of Community Relations. “We encourage all eligible students who have made positive changes through their volunteer efforts to apply for the Give Back Awards and we look forward to highlighting the inspirational ways these students help us build better communities together!”
For application information, visit nnetwork.org/GBA or email info@neighbourhoodnetwork.org.
Applications must be received by 4 p.m.
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Petch House, the oldest house in Aurora still standing, could see a new lease on life as a wedding chapel.
The historic log house, which was moved from its original site near Leslie Street and Wellington Street East and, ten years ago, restored and rebuilt just behind the Aurora Seniors’ Centre on John West Way, has been in search of a permanent use since it was re-dedicated.
In the years since, the Town has employed it for a range of uses. Occasionally used as a space for storage, it is also deployed as a resource at municipal events, such as a place for the Easter Bunny to meet kids during the annual Hello Spring affair.
Its use as a venue for municipal wedding ceremonies was first floated at Council in 2018 and lawmakers recently reviewed a feasibility report on how to make it happen.
“Current demand and expanding Civil Ceremony services demonstrates an opportunity for Petch House,” said Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services, in her report to Council. “Since 2018, and even with a pandemic impacting possible interest, the Town’s provision of civil ceremonies continues to rise. During the pandemic, the Town of Aurora was one of few municipalities that continued to offer and perform civil ceremonies in a small and safe intimate style to meet current trends for basic ceremonies, interfaith ceremonies and legal ceremonies for larger destination weddings.
“Stats have shown that the demand for this type of basic wedding service are on a favourable incline; notably the Town conducted 45 civil ceremonies.”
Municipal services currently take place in Council Chambers and the report notes that this room has limited availability of one day per week – Fridays – where the equipment that gives it the feel of a chapel has to be put up and taken down accordingly. Petch House could expand availability while also giving the Town the ability to keep the set-up in place. Increased availability, notes McDougall, could also result in increased revenue to the Town.
“Petch House is a desirable location for small weddings due to its central location to Town Hall, local restaurants, highway access points and natural green space for wedding photos. Guests would check in at Town Hall with Access Aurora and the delegated wedding officiant would accompany the wedding party to the Petch House to conduct the service. Petch House would also be well-used for pictures along [the Aurora Community Arboretum].
“Based on the short duration of each civil ceremony (less than 30 minutes per service) it would be staff’s recommendation to proceed with minimal improvements to the Petch House. Further additional enhancements could be considered if demand for civil ceremonies continues to rise; however, for the current expected use, a minimal level of work is needed to make this space a functioning wedding chapel that is marketable for the current trends in the wedding service industry – rustic, private/intimate, wedding-ready with no additional cost of rentals for couples looking for a small space.”
Should the recommendations proceed, $50,000 would be needed to make basic improvements to the structure to suit the purpose, such as additional lighting, an accessibility ramp, a security system and an upgraded floor. All of this would be funded from money already in reserves.
At the most recent Council meeting, lawmakers were generally positive about the suggestion but wanted to make sure there was a community buy-in, particularly from members of Aurora’s Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC).
“Members of HAC from a few years ago got in touch with me and said they felt that the commercial use of Petch House was not to be done,” said Ward 1 Councillor Ron Weese. “I understand that people change, things change, the HAC changed and I didn’t see (in the report) that HAC was consulted prior to this.”
McDougall said three of six members of the current HAC were at the table last term as well and provided their input.
“They had their caution and concerns, for sure, but to proceed with it being hosted or used as a wedding chapel, they were fine with,” she said. “But they definitely would like to see it again. That was something we committed to do – based on any design elements, we would be taking it back to this term’s HAC for their comments.”
Council agreed to send it back to HAC particularly, as Ward 4 Councillor Michael Thompson noted, the report leaves the door open to further options for Petch House down the road.
“This would also give them the opportunity to talk about not just what’s currently being proposed, but whether or not more considerations should be going on to future use or expansion of Petch House as well.”
Councillor Weese agreed, adding that he believed that once a use is established it’s not likely to go back.
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Report
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Aurora will soon explore the feasibility of developing a Digital Data charter that would protect residents’ privacy in an increasingly digital world.
Sitting at Council’s inaugural Committee of the Whole meeting, Council approved a motion from Ward 2 Councillor Rachel Gilliland tasking staff to come back with a report on just such a framework “centred on human rights and privacy-enhancing technologies…to ensure the ethical and responsible collection, management and use of data focusing on privacy rights, transparency and consent.”
A motion that has been long in the works, Councillor Gilliland said the motion was inspired by the Federal Government’s Smart Cities Challenge in 2017 and the rapidly changing world of technology.
“Obviously we are being introduced to a lot of different technologies and, with that, there is also a lot of concerns [about] data, data privacy, and the consent around that,” said Councillor Gilliland at the table. “It’s one thing to have a data privacy policy, but it is another when you’re talking about the usage of that data and how third parties may use that data.”
A charter, she added, would give municipalities like Aurora a “guide” on how civic bodies use the information collected and how the public can be protected.
“Essentially, it is to ensure the ethical and responsible collection, management and use of data in the urban space,” she continued. “As we ebb, flow and change, we have Town Square and there is going to be some new technologies that are going to be introduced [and] some other infrastructure, it is very mindful to us to ensure that we have some sort of governance around that.
“The principal focus is protecting human rights in a digital era and also promoting the general interest of the common good in the community and building a brighter future together through data. I do believe there are a lot of pros to this and it really does outline some accountability to how data is used.”
While there was broad support around the Council table to get the ball rolling on this, lawmakers had a number of technical questions as to how this might be born to fruition.
A second clause within the motion, one which was ultimately tabled until next week’s Council meeting, included direction to staff to report back to Council “prior to investing, installing, or integrating technology that collects or retains personal data including images, recordings and third-party stakeholders.”
The inclusion of “third-party stakeholders” was a point of clarification for Ward 4 Councillor Michael Thompson and Ward 5 Councillor John Gallo, and Councillor Thompson also said he would like more information on the Federal Government’s move towards a Digital Charter Implementation Act.
“There might be some value in exploring what they are doing as well [as what’s going on in other municipalities] for when the staff report comes back,” he said, before moving on to the third-party clause. “The way this reads to me is that before staff can implement a change in process, that maybe they go to an online billing system, they have to report back to Council for direction on whether or not to move forward with that technology to install it, to utilize it. If that’s the intent, I am not comfortable at this point in time. I would rather get staff to weigh in on how they perceived this second clause and whether or not it could be construed as limiting or curtailing their ability to implement some of the initiatives they have identified through their own business process.”
Councillor Gilliland gave an example of what she said she meant: the installation of new lights that “have the ability to sense human activity that could go far beyond” the Town’s use.
“I want to know about this new technology if this is something we want to do,” she said. “I am not trying to put a hold on a billing system or anything…we already have in place. I am really looking at something brand-new people might be concerned about, say facial recognition. People want to ensure that they have consent and there is privacy around that.”
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
The sight of the Zamboni coming onto the ice is a familiar spectacle at hockey games and public skates – but while the process of the ice-cleaning might look similar to how it’s always been done in Aurora, it will now be anything but traditional.
Last week, Aurora introduced two new electric ice resurfacers, the next step on the Town’s road towards an electrified fleet.
Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the new vehicles replace propane-powered machines that are reaching the end of their useful life. The switch will result in “zero emissions, cost savings and improved air quality,” according to the Town.
“This is a win-win for the Town and our residents,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas in a statement. “These state-of-the-art vehicles mark a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting an eco-friendly atmosphere at the bustling Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex (SARC) where the larger Ice Wolf will call home, and the Aurora Town Square outdoor ice pad, the new home of the smaller Bumblebee machine.”
The Ice Wolf’s battery will allow it to complete four to six rink floods before it needs to recharge, whereas the smaller Bumblebee will need to recharge between floods.
The new machines have a lifespan of eight to 10 years.
“The new electric ice resurfacers are part of the Town of Aurora’s ongoing work in greening operations and fighting climate change,” noted the Town. “It is one of the many initiatives that prioritizes low or zero-emissions technologies as part of the Green Fleet Strategy and Corporate Energy Plan, helping us to reach our goal of reducing our overall community greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
“The units are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around ten tonnes of CO2 emissions over their lifetime, providing cleaner air for athletes on the ice, spectators in the stands, and employees operating the unit.”
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
A signalled pedestrian crosswalk is coming to Aurora Heights Drive near the end of Machell Park and Fleury Park Trails.
Council approved a Level 2 Type B pedestrian crossing at its most recent meeting. This type of pedestrian crossing will include rapid flashing “beacons”, new pavement markings, and signage both overhead and at street level.
The new crossing retrofits will cost approximately $110,000, including design, construction and contingency, covered by development charges (DCs).
Implementation could take up to six months.
Going into the last Council meeting, staff recommended a simpler configuration of pedestrian crossing but Ward 2 Councillor Rachel Gilliland said further enhancements were needed.
“I prefer a Level 2 Type B,” she said, noting the lighting and signage options, “just to make it a little more safe because we are going in and around the corner. I believe what staff recommended was the most minimal approach and I feel it needs a little bit more indication to make it a little bit more safe.”
Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning for the Town of Aurora, cautioned the higher-level features would result in a higher price tag, but Council opted on a 6 – 0 vote to press ahead, funding it from Aurora’s Roads and Related Development Charges. Ward 6 Councillor Harold Kim was absent from the meeting.
At the same session, Council received information on a simpler pedestrian crossing on Hollandview Trail, at Bridgenorth Drive, one that will come with a physical barrier to direct pedestrians to the new crossing.
“Staff reviewed the feasibility of implementing a physical barrier and signage at the end of the walkway to direct pedestrians to cross at the Hollandview Trail/Bridgenorth Drive intersection where a school crossing guard can assist with crossing onto the other side of Hollandview Trail,” said Michael Ha, Transportation and Traffic Analyst for the Town of Aurora, in a report to Council.
“The role of school crossing guards is to direct and supervise the movement of pedestrians across a road by creating necessary gaps in vehicular traffic to provide safe passage at a designated school crossing location. Sometimes, it is beneficial to guide pedestrians to nearby intersections that have a school crossing guard so that they may cross under supervision.”
Examples of similar configurations cited in the report were on Murray Drive near Regency Acres Public School and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School.
“Approximately 50m of sidewalk would be required on the south side of Hollandview Trail in order to connect the existing walkway to Bridgenorth Drive. The design and construction…would cost approximately $58,500. The area where the sidewalk would be placed includes five mature trees and utilities that may potentially need to be removed to accommodate the addition of a sidewalk in this area.
“Consideration could be given to adding an additional school crossing guard at the identified location at an annually recurring operating cost. A pedestrian crossing pavement marking would be of benefit at a cost of $1,500 should this option be considered. The existing school crossing guard at the Hollandview Trail/Bridgenorth Drive intersection costs approximately $17,000 per year based on the current contract with the school crossing guard contractor, which expires at the end of 2024. The cost to employ a new crossing guard may increase when a new contract is put in place.”
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
170 people braved the cold this month to take part in the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser hosted by York Regional Police to benefit local Special Olympics programs.
Held at the YRP’s Aurora headquarters on March 7, this year’s event brought out 170 people, many dressed in an array of colourful, fun costumes, raising $42,000 in the process.
“This is our biggest year so far – it’s amazing and we’re really happy about that,” says Megan Stoddard, Coordinator of Special Events for the York Regional Police. “It’s a feel-good type of event. It’s always fun. I don’t know if it was just word-of-mouth or what made it extra-special this year; we have noticed an uptick in a lot of our events, which is amazing, but is particularly so for this one.”
The York Regional Police have been long-time supporters of local Special Olympics programs and this is just one annual event hosted by the Force that benefits the organization.
In June, for instance, the YRP will host the annual Race for Plunkett, formerly known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Race is named for YRP Officer Rob Plunkett, himself a big supporter of the Special Olympics, who was killed in the line of duty in 2007.
This annual event is both a fundraiser and an awareness-building event for Special Olympics and its athletes.
“[The Special Olympics] use these funds to help pay for uniforms, their training space, any equipment they might need,” says Stoddard, “then we do assist the local York Region athletes and they will be travelling to the Spring Games in the Waterloo area this year.
“When you get to see some of the athletes and spend some time with them, there is a realization of just why it is important to support them in their goals and their training. Any time we have anything to do with the Special Olympics, whether it be the Polar Plunge or the Race for Plunkett, we appreciate the support and assistance.”
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
Truly living in an inclusive society means fostering an environment where everyone feels they belong – and providing supports that enable people to “live their best life” regardless of their situation.
This is a guiding principle for Rebecca Shields, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) and the organization she leads – and it’s also a cornerstone of their Gender Affirming Care Clinic.
Now in its fifth year, the Gender Affirming Care Clinic recently received funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and its Resilient Communities Fund to further its reach into our communities.
The $200,000 grant will go towards supporting additional staffing and administration costs, the purchase of new equipment and training for staff related to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this generous investment that will empower CMHA to expand our Gender Affirming Health Clinic to provide care for more trans and gender diverse individuals in our community,” said Shields. “This funding will enable us to open up the long wait list for this much-needed, innovative program and adding CBT-Affirm to our list of Clinic services will be life-changing for our clients.”
Speaking to The Auroran last week, Shields says the program has indeed saved lives since it was first established by CMHA-YRSS’s Michelle Hermans back in 2019.
“We heard of a woman who came into our service who had been struggling because she had been kicked out of her family for transitioning and wanting to live a different life,” she said. “She had been couch-surfing and homeless, and it’s very hard to have a job when you’re doing this. We were able to support the person certainly with primary care needs and hormones, but also supportive counselling [so that] the individual ended up going back to school, and they are now doing a Masters program and thriving. Many people feel very isolated and alone.
“We also have a binder program where people who may not be undergoing surgery – think of it as a bra or tensor bandage to compress you so you can look more like the body you want to be seen in. For a lot of people, maybe they are too expensive, but you need to know how to wear them properly. We provide these for people so they have access to this stuff and they can feel more confident in who they are and how they present to the world. We have had so many people just be so grateful to feel confident walking down the street in a way that makes it authentic to them.”
The aim of the Clinic, at the outset, was to provide primary care and specialized care around hormone replacement therapy, along with counselling services and services to connect patients to community resources.
The Gender Affirming Care Clinic was propelled with two primary objectives: to create a program that supports people, but also work within the community. That can be a tall order for an organization that covers such a broad geographical area, but with the Clinic primarily based in Aurora and Vaughan, they continue to aim to provide services out of all of their CMHA-YRSS locations.
The program currently operates four full days a month, a limitation that has forced the CMHA-YRSS to often close their expansive waiting list. The recent Provincial boost will allow them to re-open that list, a particularly pressing need because they see an average of 11 referrals a month.
And it’s not just about working with individuals. As the program has gained traction, they’re now working with families, particularly if the person interested in receiving care is younger, and working to answer their questions and provide support.
“We have had grateful families just say, ‘We had nowhere to go, nobody to help us understand and connect us with other people.’ Those things are really important on this journey as well,” says Shields. “Identity is protected under the Human Rights Code and I feel very blessed to be in Canada where we have the freedom to express and live as who we want to be as long as it doesn’t hurt other people…. For me, living in an inclusive society where we all belong is really important. We need to support people in their mental health and mental health is health. If somebody is contemplating or has suicidal ideation, we need to be there because nobody should die – and nobody should be suffering because they don’t feel like their identity matches the inside and the outside, whatever that looks like. In a compassionate society, we want to make room for that; having the supports that people need to live their best life is really what we all want, regardless of our situation.”
The overall goal of the CMHA is to help someone become well, she adds, and in this case “becoming well is about [helping] individuals who choose to be on hormone replacement therapy to begin and maintain that journey.”
With further resources for their CBT Program, the CMHA-YRSS will now be able to offer “more robust” clinical services, expand hours and develop more group programming, allowing them to create an environment that fosters the development of that all-important “network of support.”
“I think for people who are questioning, know that it is okay to be questioning and if you have questions, come and connect with us,” says Shields. “We have a lot of people who just need to explore what it means and find out who they are because CMHA is about meeting people where they are at and helping them live their best lives. That doesn’t mean it is one way or the other, and there are stories of people who explore things and make choices about what’s right and what’s wrong. That doesn’t mean that sometimes we go down a path and then realize that we need to go down a slightly different path. Know that you don’t have to come with an answer, but we’re here for people who are questioning, want to get in touch, and feel they need support. Whatever it is, the CMHA is here to support people in the community live their best lives.
“We are so grateful to the donors. We would love this to be a fully-funded program. We continue to advocate for ongoing funding from Ontario Health. Because this is about healthcare and this is about specialized healthcare within the continuum, it is essential and… we’re going to continue to advocate for that so we don’t have to worry every year whether or not this program is going to be there for people. Always our goal remains to be there when people need us and to continue to build up the capacity across York Region.
“In this case, it takes a village and we’re so grateful for this, but that is just a drop in the bucket of the need. We can open our wait list [but there] is so much more that we can do with people’s support.”
For more information, visit cmha-yr.on.ca.
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
March 21, 2024 · 0 Comments
The Easter Bunny is set for an egg-citing return to Aurora on Saturday, March 30, as the Town hosts its annual Hello Spring event at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre.
Wristbands for the festivities, formerly Aurora’s Easter Egg Hunt, are on sale now for $5 per person at Town Hall, the Aurora Family Leisure Complex, Joint Operations Centre, and the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex.
This year’s egg-stravaganza will feature indoor and outdoor activities, including flower planting, face-painting, a hop-stacle course, story walk and, of course, a visit from the Rabbit of the hour.
“This is always an egg-citing time of year,” says Shelley Ware, Special Events Coordinator for the Town of Aurora. “It’s really the beginning of a robust event season for us. For Hello Spring, with it being an early spring with the weather we’ve had so far, we’re going to welcome and embrace the season. It’s almost like a homecoming reunion as we go to start our year, since many people would have been staying at home most of the wintertime. I say ‘let the sunshine in’ and let’s welcome Spring to Aurora.”
Ahead of the event, which runs between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Easter Bunny came out of his burrow to let The Auroran in on some of the details.
The Auroran: Why is this event so popular each year?
Easter Bunny: I just love hopping into Aurora, especially when children are awake! As you can appreciate, I don’t get to see them awake as they’re often sleeping when I am doing all my hard work. It is nice to hop in, get to see their faces – I’m actually going to be posing for photos with them, so that is really egg-citing for me. Now, with Easter being early, the whole spring season being early this year, I get to get out there earlier and the weather lately has been so welcoming I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be like next week.
TA: How do you think the day will unfold?
EB: I am lucky to get to see all the children, but I am actually going to be really cozy in the Petch House. I am going to be in one station so everyone’s not searching for me, but there will be lots of activities for families to hop to one after the other after the other until they reach Petch House. After that, they get to meet me and get some chocolate eggs, they will then hop into the Aurora Seniors’ Centre for some more activities. It’s nice how energetic the activities are outside; by the time the kids get to me they will want to have a seat, which is nice. Some of the activities they will be able to jump over to will be Farm Hoppers so kids can bounce on inflatable animals. There will also be a hop-stacle course, hopscotch, and even an outdoor education display, which is very exciting. Unfortunately, I don’t get to be out there because I’ll be posing for photos, but I hope everyone enjoys the egg roll race, puzzle making, and all the fun along the trail.
TA: How can families nab a spot this year?
EB: Each year it is my understanding that the wrist bands have always sold out. I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to meet all the nice children in Aurora, so I hope parents will be able to get the wristbands while there is still a good supply so there is no disappointment.
TA: There’s always a team behind getting you camera ready. Do you want to give a shout-out to any of the people who make this event happen seamlessly each year?
EB: It’s hard to believe but there are over 51 volunteer helpers to pull this together. Now, I am busy with the kids but we’re really thankful the Optimist Club of Aurora will be inside the Seniors’ Centre and they will be serving up a fantastic pancake breakfast. With this event, you can even come with an empty stomach and purchase pancakes as you make your way through the activities. As well, we have always had really good support with the Girl Guides. With some of them coming out to supervise the activities as well, we can’t have Hello Spring without Girl Guide cookies for sale, too!
For more, visit: www.aurora.ca/en/recreation-arts-and-culture/hello-spring.aspx.
By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter