FAQs

Heritage designation is a tool used by municipalities to legally protect properties of heritage value. The overall intent of designation is to preserve the heritage value of the property for the long-term. The Hillary House benefits from being designated under the Ontario Heritage Act both individually (Part IV designation) as well as part of a District (Part V designation). The property was designated individually in 1982, with defining heritage features of the Gothic Revival architectural style being recognized, which includes but is not limited to the central gable peak, decorative trim and lancet window. Further, the property was designated as part of the Town’s Northeast Heritage Conservation District in 2006. District designation ensures the protection of the property as part of the broader heritage neighbourhood area.

No alteration or demolition to heritage properties can occur without the review and approval of Town Council. More information on designations and the District Plan is also available here: https://www.aurora.ca/en/business-and-development/part-iv-and-part-v-heritage-designation.aspx

A Conservation Easement is a legal agreement between a property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust to ensure the protection of significant heritage features of a property. The terms of the easement are registered on the title of the property and would apply in perpetuity. The Hillary House Conservation Easement specifically speaks to the obligations of the owner of the property to maintain the Hillary House and avoid deterioration. Any alterations to the property that may impact the appearance or construction of any heritage elements would require the approval of the Ontario Heritage Trust. Heritage elements of the Hillary House include, but are not limited to, exterior architectural elements, massing, as well as interior features like staircases. More information on Conservation Easements and the Ontario Heritage Trust is available here: https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/pages/tools/conservation-easements

A National Historic Site is a place that has a direct association with nationally significant aspects of the history of Canada. Hillary House was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1973 due to it being one of the best and most complete examples of the Gothic Revival style. The property is distinctive in defining the evolution of the Gothic Revival style in Canada and Ontario. National Historic Site designation is granted by Parks Canada and is honourary, which means that it does not legally protect the site the same way a heritage designation by-law or Conservation Easement does, but nonetheless affords the property special recognition at a federal level. More information on Parks Canada and National Historic Sites is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/culture/designation/lieu-site

The Hillary House is currently owned by the Aurora Historical Society. The property also operates as the Koffler Museum of Medicine, displaying medical collections and offering a unique perspective to medical heritage. The Aurora Historical Society further hosts events and fundraisers at the property. More information about the Aurora Historical Society is available here: https://aurorahs.com/

Hillary House  is a house built in the Gothic Revival style, now in use as a museum. Built in 1862, Hillary House in Aurora, Ontario,^[1] is recognized by the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board as one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada. The building contains a collection of medical instruments, books, papers, household furnishings, and equipment dating from the early nineteenth to the late twentieth century. It is open to the public as Hillary House, the Koffler Museum of Medicine.