Sheppard’s Bush Now Managed by Town

 Town Now Manages Sheppard’s Bush

As of January, 2022, the Town of Aurora has taken over the management of Sheppard’s Bush, a town jewel that was gifted to the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1971 and features 65 acres of natural parkland after having been previously managed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

Sugar Shack and Log Cabin at Sheppard’s Bush

The area was donated to the foundation by Reg Sheppard whose father C.H. Sheppard was a former Mayor of Aurora and had driven a stagecoach between Aurora and Sutton. He had wanted Aurorans to enjoy the sugarbush in its natural state - partly why the area wasn’t directly gifted directly to the town as they wouldn’t guarantee him no gift taxes and succession duties, as well as the maximum income tax deduction. Reg also was weary of town councils that he thought may decide to try and develop parts over time.

It was also thought that the Aurora Horse Show would relocate on 20 acres there but that never materialized, and in 1975 the Conservation Authority announced a master plan which would include partially opening to the public in spring of 1976 with a sugar bush demonstration area, and construction of a sugar shack which hoped to produce 4,800 gallons of sap from 750 - 1000 maple trees, that would all translate into about 160 gallons of syrup to be sold from a historic log cabin that was relocated to the site. 

The sugar bush dream was finally fully realized in 1977 when it was completely opened to the public, as the donating Sheppard family moved out of their on site home.

If you grew up in the area, you will recall your schools visiting, which was also part of the plan, attracting 15 - 20,000 visitors a year where you could sample the goodies and see the process involved in making maple syrup.

Lions Club donated the money to build pavilion

For many years after, the Aurora Lions Club would host an annual pancake breakfast there, and in fact, donated the funds to build an outdoor pavilion that is still at the park today, which can be booked out for events.

In 1997 the conservation authority proposed constructing soccer fields and baseball diamonds and an additional parking area that the town enjoys use of to this day as well. They have since added connecting walking trails that also allow access to the Nokida trail system which run all the way north to Holland Landing.

The town of Aurora owes a debt of gratitude to Reg Sheppard for this wondrous donation and one can only hope they consider bringing back the operation of the sugar shack and once again offering Aurora’s own maple syrup!