Description of Historic Place

The Armoury is located adjacent to a municipal park and the central heritage district of Aurora. It is a gable-roofed, wood frame building whose large volume reflects its principal function. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Armoury in Aurora is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value
The Armoury in Aurora is associated with the post-Confederation (1867) expansion of the militia. Locally known as the drill shed, the Aurora Armoury is one of the oldest functioning armouries in Canada. For many years the drill shed played an important role in the life of the community. The M.P. Edward Blake, delivered his famous “Aurora Speech” at the armoury on October 3rd, 1874.

Architectural Value
The Armoury is a good surviving example of early armoury design. The reinforced truss system and large drill space were standard features of these early wooden drill halls. The armoury is characterized by its wood frame design and large trussed volume which reflects its original militia function.

Environmental Value
The Armoury reinforces the present character of its town’s park setting adjacent to the central heritage district and is a familiar landmark in the community.

Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Armoury, Aurora, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 90-151;Aurora Armoury, Aurora, Ontario Heritage Character Statement, 90-151.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Armoury should be respected.

Its standard plan and functional design, for example:
-its simple massing consisting of a rectangular, one-storey, gable roofed structure;
-its large trussed volume which reflects its original militia function;
-its wood frame construction and its horizontal siding;
-its wood windows including the vertical six-over-six wood sash windows and the glazed openings;
-its well-lit interior open space with exposed wood and steel truss framing.

The manner in which the Armoury reinforces the present character of the town’s park setting adjacent to the heritage district and is a familiar landmark within the community, as evidenced by:
-its overall appearance, scale and materials which are prominent in its setting and maintain a visual and physical relationship to the municipal park adjacent to the central heritage district;
-its use by the community as a public hall and for outdoor events;
-its recognition as one of the oldest buildings in the community