Ajax Council Approves $9 Million Habitat for Humanity Partnership and Debates Development Applications

Ajax council approved up to $9 million for a Habitat for Humanity affordable housing partnership, adopted in principle a draft Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategic framework, and approved the Ajax GO Station Secondary Plan. Council also heard a presentation from the Durham Regional Police Service Board, debated development applications including 120 Robertson Drive and 255 Lake Driveway West, and asked staff to report on lowering residential speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.

Topics Discussed

1. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Council unanimously approved a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Ajax with funding of up to $9 million. The package includes up to $7 million for land acquisition from the Building Faster Fund and Housing Accelerator Fund, and up to $2 million for project advancement costs such as design, planning, engineering, environmental work, financing and approvals. Council also approved a $2 million transfer payment agreement with milestone payments between October 2026 and April 2027.

Staff were directed to advance the funding by July 31, 2026, with project closing targeted for Sept. 1, 2026. The CAO was authorized to determine which of two proposed properties will receive conditional support, subject to due diligence and public interest considerations. Councillor Marilyn Crawford said, "I just want to say I think this is an amazing project. I am fully supportive of this and uh I love the fact that we're using uh half funding uh to help with this project. This is exactly what funding should be used for."

2. DURHAM REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE BOARD PRESENTATION

Council received a presentation on the Durham Regional Police Service Board's 2024-2027 strategic plan. The presentation highlighted priorities including modern and innovative policing, enhanced partnerships, and building trust and confidence in DRPS.

Board representatives said violent incidents rose 1.5%, though the rate per 100,000 residents declined with population growth. Property crime was down 1%, road collisions were down 0.7%, and auto theft fell 11% in 2025, continuing a decline of nearly 25% since 2023. The board also said nearly 300 officers have been added over two years.

Councillor Sterling Lee questioned how residents can contact unelected board members directly, saying criticism often falls on elected officials while civilian appointees remain less visible.

3. EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FRAMEWORK

Council discussed a draft Equity, Diversity and Inclusion framework presented by EDI advisor Mary Carmen Lara Velo. She said the work began after staff reviewed equity-related initiatives already underway and concluded the town needed "a framework to bring more coherence, consistency and accountability to the work."

Staff said consultation showed residents described equity in practical terms. Nancy Henry said "one of the most important findings from the consultation process was that residents rarely spoke about equity as an abstract concept," but instead focused on "their ability to access services, to navigate municipal systems, to participate in programs, to move safely through public spaces, and to obtain information when they needed it."

The framework includes an equity impact assessment tool intended to guide decisions more consistently. Council approved the framework in principle and directed staff to complete consultation on the town's land acknowledgement and return with a final version.

4. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS

Council approved the Ajax GO Station Secondary Plan, including official plan and zoning changes tied to the major transit station area. During discussion, staff noted that "there's two sets of bylaws that have been included in the agenda package," with the zoning bylaw changes taking effect only after provincial approval of the official plan amendment.

A representative for 425 Bailey Street West asked council to confirm a future lane connection and amend schedules in the draft secondary plan so they align with previously approved permissions for the site.

Council also considered several other planning files:

• 688 Taunton Road West: Council approved zoning and official plan changes to recognize an outdoor event venue, subject to conservation authority requirements.
• 120 Robertson Drive: Council debated a proposal for 11 single-detached homes on surplus town land. Public speakers raised concerns about heritage, demolition and tree loss. One resident said, "Right now, we're sitting in a sea of non-information. And we'd like to have some information."
• 255 Lake Driveway West: Council approved an increase from 8 to 9 storeys, allowing a previously approved condominium project to proceed as rental housing. Mayor Shaun Collier said, "I've hated seeing this site that we approved sitting for 5 years," adding that the town had seen the effects of a changed condo market.

5. RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMIT REVIEW

Councillors debated whether Ajax should reduce the default speed limit on interior residential roads from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. Councillor Sterling Lee said the change would create a clearer standard: "If there's nothing posted, we know right now it's 50 kilometers on residential streets. This would make it so that if there's nothing, it's 40 km on residential streets."

Lee said speeding complaints have been a recurring issue during his time on council and argued a lower limit would make enforcement easier. Councillor Nancy Henry supported the review, saying, "That extra 10 kilometer change could save a life."

Council did not change the speed limit at this meeting, but approved a motion asking staff to report back on options, costs and implementation.

Motions

Passed: - Adoption of minutes from the May 19, 2026 regular meeting, May 21, 2026 special meeting, and May 21, 2026 closed meeting - Resolution 18 to move into closed session under sections 239(2)(i) and 239(2)(j) of the Municipal Act - Habitat for Humanity affordable housing partnership, including up to $9 million in support and a $2 million transfer payment agreement - Item 8.1: Approval in principle of the draft Town of Ajax Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Framework - Ajax GO Station Secondary Plan, including OPA 26A6, Z111/26, and Mayor's Direction 01/2026 - Motion requesting a staff report on reducing residential speed limits from 50 km/h to 40 km/h - Peacock Property housekeeping zoning amendment - Rotary Park Bridge commemorative naming - Hearing aid access advocacy motion - Bylaw 82-2026 confirming the proceedings of the June 22, 2026 regular council meeting

Attendees

• Mayor Shaun Collier
• Councillor Sterling Lee
• Councillor Lisa Bower
• Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford
• Councillor Nancy Henry
• Regional Councillor Rob Tyler-Morin
• Councillor Joanne Dies