New Chapter Begins for Historic Victoria Hall

Aurora, ON – The Town of Aurora has reached an agreement with a well-known local restaurateur to help usher in a new chapter for historic Victoria Hall, creating an exciting new destination for residents and visitors in the heart of downtown Aurora.

Stephen Ho, the former owner of the beloved Aqua Grill in Aurora, will operate a new restaurant out of the heritage building, just steps away from Town Park and Aurora Town Square.

The agreement, which was endorsed by Aurora Town Council, is part of the Town’s broader effort to revitalize the downtown core, which includes finding new community uses for historic Town-owned buildings.
 
“Victoria Hall has been part of our community for more than 140 years, and so many residents have told me how important it is for them to access and enjoy the building,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas. “That’s why I’m thrilled that Stephen and his team have come on board to open up a new space where families and friends can come together to enjoy a meal and celebrate milestones in a special setting in our downtown.”

Ho says his vision is an intimate, casual restaurant with about 30 seats, an open kitchen and a small bar. The focus will be on honest, unpretentious food made from scratch, with an emphasis on sourcing from local producers and creating a relaxed atmosphere where people can share a meal and spend time together.

“I’ve been part of this community for the last 20 years and I love what I do, so I’m excited to continue that here,” said Ho. “I fell in love with the location and with what’s happening in the neighbourhood. For me, food is about connection and relationships. I want this to be a comfortable, relaxed place where you can come in for a plate of pasta, share some food with friends, and stay for a couple of hours. Nothing pretentious – just really good food, good value and a place people enjoy being.”

Preserving a landmark

Victoria Hall was built in 1883 and was first home to a local congregation. Over its long history, it has served the community in numerous ways, including as a public health facility and library. The property was transferred to the Town in 1951, and for decades was a hub of community life – used as a space for Town recreational and cultural programming, as well as for community meetings, events and performances.

Victoria Hall was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 2008 and is an example of Gothic Revival architecture, with notable features including its steeply pitched gabled roof, Gothic windows and brick exterior.

Starting in 2027, the Town will make significant upgrades to the building to ensure it meets modern safety, accessibility and building-code requirements, while preserving its heritage character. The work includes a new glass-panelled addition to replace the existing one, as well as restoration of the building’s historic windows, interior wood elements and main entrance. Repairs and restoration will be made to the roof and brick exterior, and new accessible ramps and stairs will be added at the south end of the building, along with two new barrier-free washrooms at the north end. Once complete, the approximately 1,650-square-foot space will provide a unique setting for the new restaurant in the heart of downtown Aurora.

Finding a new use for Victoria Hall

The Town invited proposals for an economically sustainable use of Victoria Hall that would provide community benefit, bring more activity downtown and support Aurora’s growing tourism appeal. Finding a new use for the building also supports the Town’s broader vision for a mixed-use downtown where people can live, shop, dine and spend time.

Under the lease arrangement, the tenant will be responsible for its own operations, interior maintenance, utilities, cleaning and other ongoing operating costs, as well as leasehold improvements associated with the restaurant.

“Preserving a heritage building isn’t just about keeping it standing – it’s about reimagining how that space can play a new role for our community,” said Mayor Mrakas. “Victoria Hall has served many purposes throughout its history, and this is an opportunity to give it a new chapter while continuing the work we’ve been doing to
create an active and vibrant downtown.”

Further details about the restaurant, including its name and anticipated opening date, will be announced as plans are finalized.

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Media contact:

Corporate Communications | 365-500-3083 | communications@aurora.ca