Aurora in York Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Town Park
Photographed by Tim Boyd, March 9, 2026
1. The Town Park Marker
Inscription.
The Town Park. . Purchased from John Mosley in 1867 the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his "Aurora Speech" there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the park on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show.
Purchased from John Mosley in 1867 the Town Park has been a focus of community activity for many years. At the northeast corner is the drill shed built in 1874 for the 12th Battalion, York Rangers. That same year, the Hon. Edward Blake delivered his
"Aurora Speech" there to launch the Canada First movement, an early example of Canadian nationalism. Facing the park on the west side is Wells Street School which was used as the Aurora High School from 1923 to 1952, replacing an earlier building on the site. The park itself has served as a parade ground and sports field as well as the location for important community events such as Victoria Day celebrations, fairs, markets, and the Aurora Horse Show.
Erected 1997 by Town of Aurora Heritage Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 43° 59.923′ N, 79° 27.787′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Ontario, in York Region. It is at the intersection of Mosley Street and Wells Street, on the right when traveling east on Mosley Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 60-64 Wells Street, Aurora ON L4G 1H1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto, specifically on the Golden Horseshoe, in the York, Durham and Headwaters Area, and in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Aurora Armoury / Manθge Militaire dAurora (about 120 meters away, measured in
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
