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The Auroran https://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/fab-lab-key-to-downtown-revitalization-and-business-growth-region/ Export date: Wed Oct 1 10:29:02 2025 / +0000 GMT |
“Fab Lab” key to downtown revitalization and business growth: RegionBy Brock Weir Aurora could be in the game for stimulating a growing sector of the York Region economy, while helping innovate in the decades to come, according to proponents of a “fab lab” proposed for the Town. Councillors are expected to consider further information on November 5 brought forward to them last Tuesday on a proposed new “innovation incubator” or “fabrication laboratory” (“Fab Lab”) in Town, preferably in the former home of the Aurora Public Library. The presentation, made by Anthony Ierullo of the Town of Aurora, along with Chris Rickett of the Region of York's Economic Strategy branch, was requested as Council considers future uses for Library Square, the stretch of Victoria Street that includes the former home of both the Library and the Aurora Seniors' Centre. “We see the development of innovation hubs and incubators as a key tool in helping support our major economic clusters and manufacturing is one of the largest employers in York Region, with over 70,000 people employed in that sector throughout York Region,” said Mr. Rickett. “We see the creation of a fabrication lab as a great tool to help grow that sector, but also to help that sector transition to new models of manufacturing…and also help a new generation of manufacturers – the kids who are at home designing things on their desktop computers to be able to take these ideas and turn them into new business ideas.” The Region of York and the Town of Aurora have been collaborating on the Fab Lab concept with interest expressed by Seneca College. An innovation centre such as this is part of Aurora's Economic Development Action Plan, and has been fostered by the Town's Economic Development Advisory Committee. “The vision is to work with community partners to create a facility that allows local residents, businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into products,” said Mr. Ieurullo. “The vision is supported by seven objectives, including enhancing the commercialization of products locally; enhancing the mobilization of local knowledge; supporting local business developments; contributing to the local workforce developments; increasing opportunities for residents to live, work, study and play in Aurora; and acting as a catalyst for Downtown Revitalization and to provide residents access to a facility to incubate new ideas and end products.” Discussions have been taking place with possible stakeholders, he added, looking at aligning their interests as well as those already expressed by the Region of York, which has been looking for further “hub” opportunities in the nine municipalities. “This left the Town and the Region to collaborate on a best practice review for the creation of a Fab Lab in Aurora as a potential anchor for a broader vision of an innovation centre,” added Mr. Ieurullo. “The Town and the Region also engaged Seneca College to consider the opportunity and also engage a small number of interested parties to engage them in investing in complementary uses that could become part of the long-term vision.” Pitching the concept as a “small scale workshop” offering digital support, 3D printers, laser cutters, and a variety of other tools, they said they see a Fab Lab as being a benefit both to existing manufacturers looking to speed up the “innovation process” as well as providing new businesses, students, and the community at large a place – and a space – to work together to hone new ideas. Seneca, added Mr. Rickett, is “very interested” in the concept and they have focused their discussions with the college on the manufacturing side, rather than the broader community appeal. They have developed a detailed business plan and have been working with Seneca on funding applications for the project. Details on whether those applications were successful are expected to come next year. “We see an opportunity here with or without Seneca, so we're going to refine that business plan and see what other partners we can bring to the table,” said Mr. Rickett. “Fab Labs have been started in libraries, in the private sector, and even brought about by community groups. There are different models out there and we want to explore all of those.” Although he said a location was undecided, previous staff reports have indicated the old Library building is the preferred location due to its reinforced structure, proximity to Yonge Street and transit, as well as opportunities to work with groups such as the Aurora Cultural Centre and Aurora Public Library in which it would be in the centre. If that location is selected, it could pose problems for people who live and work in the area, who have said improving the local parking situation was one of their key concerns in the future of Library Square. “We will take all of that into account when evaluating the best location and making recommendations to Council in that regard,” said Mr. Ieurullo. “We don't anticipate this site would be a huge, significant traffic generator.” Following the formal presentation, Councillors such as Evelyn Buck and Wendy Gaertner said they wanted to make sure concerns from the community were taken to heart in the development of a further proposal to come back to Council, regardless of the location. While Councillor Buck underscored the parking concerns, Councillor Gaertner said there needed to be a community buy-in. “[Seneca understands] the bigger vision and they also understand the importance of getting the community engaged in manufacturing,” said Mr. Ierullo. “What is interesting is they have a manufacturing program with 100 spaces. They have a challenge attracting young people into manufacturing, but the program has a 100 per cent hiring rate. They are definitely interested in getting the community engaged in the changing nature of manufacturing and that it is a creative industry and a good place to make a living for young people.” |
| Excerpt: Aurora could be in the game for stimulating a growing sector of the York Region economy, while helping innovate in the decades to come, according to... |
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Post date: 2013-10-30 17:04:51 Post date GMT: 2013-10-30 21:04:51 Post modified date: 2013-11-13 16:55:35 Post modified date GMT: 2013-11-13 21:55:35 |
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