BYLAW - Heritage Designation 77 Wellington St E (James Todd House) - 20230523 - 6519-23The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
By-law Number 6519-23
Being a By-law to designate a property to be of cultural heritage value or
interest (77 Wellington Street East "The James Todd House").
Whereas under subsection 29(1 ) of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.0. 1 9C)0, c. 0.18, as
amended, the council of a municipality may, by by-law, designate a property within the
municipality to be of cultural heritage value or interest;
And whereas on June 28, 2022, the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
(the l'Town") approved the recommendations contained in Report No. PDS22-042, to
designate the property municipally known as 77 Wellington Street East, as described on
the attached Schedule I€A" (the "Property") to be of cultural heritage value or interest;
And whereas the Town Clerk caused notice of the intention to designate the Property to
be served on the owner of the Property and the Ontario Heritage Trust and published in
a newspaper having general circulation in the municipality;
And whereas there were no objections to the proposed designation of the Property
served on the Town, or a person who has served a notice of objection has withdrawn
the objection;
And whereas the Council of the Town deems it necessary and expedient to enact a by-
law to designate the Property to be of cultural heritage value or interest;
Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora hereby enacts
as follows:
1.The Property, as described on the attached Schedule "Al', be and is hereby
designated to be of cultural heritage value or interest.
2.A statement explaining the cultural heritage value or interest of the Property and
a description of the heritage attributes of the Property are set out on the attached
Schedule "Bl'.
3.The Town Clerk shall serve a copy of this by-law on the owner of the Property and
the Ontario Heritage Trust and publish notice of this by-law in a newspaper
having general circulation in the municipality.
4.A copy of this by-law shall be registered against the Property in the appropriate
land registry office.
Enacted by Town of Aurora Council this 23rd day of May, 2023.
ofn Mrakas, Mayor
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
By-law Number 6519-23 Page 2 of 4
Schedule “A”
Description of Property
All and singular those certain parcels or tracts of land and premises situate, lying and
being in the Town of Aurora, in the Regional Municipality of York, municipally known as
77 Wellington Street East, and being composed of LT 9 S/S Wellington St PL 68 Aurora,
being all of PIN 03650-0008 (LT), including the primary building thereon.
By-law Number 6519-23 Page 3 of 4
Schedule “B”
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
77 Wellington Street East is of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest based on its design
and physical value, historical and associative value, and contextual value.
Design and Physical Value:
The property is a representative example of a 1.5 storey Gothic Revival architectural
house constructed circa 1877. The dwelling itself includes features indicative of its
period of construction and high craftmanship and detail, including the high pitched
centre gable, the lancet shaped window/door opening within the centre gable, the front
porch with wood support columns and decorative trim, and the large parlour style
window at the front elevation complete with trim and shutters. The building is a rare and
well-preserved example of a late Victorian style dwelling with exceptional design detail
and character.
Historical and Associative Value:
The building was constructed circa 1877 by James Todd Sr. James Todd Sr. was born
in Ireland in 1806 and immigrated to Canada and worked as a blacksmith in Aurora. The
property was first part of the original historic development of the 1854 plan of
subdivision by John Mosely which was instrumental in the growth and development of
the Aurora core. The subject property has strong association with the original
development of the Town and evolution from agricultural area to a growing village. The
property helps contribute to our understanding of the development of the Town post
Confederation, over approximately 145 years ago.
Contextual Value:
The property defines, maintains and supports the historic character of the Aurora core
and Wellington Street East. The building provides a significant link to the early growth
and development of the village area and its early history, specifically in relation to
growth that occurred in and around the early Yonge and Wellington Street intersection
(Machell’s Corners; original name for Aurora). The building and its Gothic Revival style
and detailed craftmanship alongside its proximity to other designated and listed
heritage resources is important in supporting the streetscape and linking the unique
character of the area.
Description of Heritage Attributes
The following provides a description of heritage attributes for the property which
contribute to the reasons for which the property is of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
Important to the preservation of the property are the original key attributes of the
building that express its value, which include:
Exterior Elements
• Overall 1.5 storey massing composed of wood frame
• High pitched centre gable
• Lancet opening window/door on second storey
• Front porch with support columns and trim
By-law Number 6519-23 Page 4 of 4
• Front door with sidelight
• All original window openings including trim and shutters