Aurora

Aurora, Ont, incorporated as a town in 1888, population 53 203 (2011c), 47 629 (2006c). The Town of Aurora is located in York County, 30 km north of Toronto. Incorporated as a village in 1863 and 25 years later as a town, Aurora became part of the Regional Municipality of York in Oct 1970 and the next year annexed portions of King and Whitchurch Twps.

Originally called Machell's Corners after a local merchant, the name was changed by postmaster Charles Doan in 1854 for Aurora, the Greek goddess of dawn. The same year, the Toronto, the first locomotive to run in Ontario, arrived in Aurora, thus heralding an era of prosperity connected with the railway and agriculturally based industry.

In the 19th century, the Aurora area was a strong centre of Quakerism. Aurora now functions as an educational centre, being the home of the private college of Saint Andrew as well as other educational institutions. These educational institutions are complemented by industrial parks. It is also a bedroom community for Metropolitan Toronto.