Ajax focused on community engagement

Mayor Shaun Collier says communication, economic development among council priorities

Durhamregion.com
May 2, 2019
Shaun Collier

The Town of Ajax and Ajax council are working hard for you. We are focused on increased community engagement and economic development. Here’s a quick status update.

Engagement

The first “Live with the Mayor” series shook up the standard town hall format on March 27. I took questions in person and online, added trivia, a video and other touches to create an inviting and engaging event. I’ve received incredible feedback and plan to do more of these.

My colleagues have also been busy hosting public open houses of their own.

We want to bring council to you! Please contact our office at 905-619-2529 if you’d like to host a coffee party featuring myself and/or members of council.

Economic Development

At our April council meeting, we received an overview of the town’s 2019 focus and next steps to set up the 2020-2025 action plan. Stakeholder engagement starts in June and I encourage all businesses to participate.

Further, I have hosted more than 30 meetings with local businesses since inauguration. My goal is to meet with all 1,800+ businesses this term to understand their needs and build the relationships we need to move forward. Support for existing business is just as important to council as bringing new businesses in.

We have launched our planning and development Monthly Activity Summary newsletter, available on our website at ajax.ca/planningnews, featuring new development applications, building permits, upcoming economic development events and public meetings.

Ajax council voted in favour of support for building an airport in Pickering, based on a business case being presented by the federal government. A development of this scale will bring significant, well-paying job opportunities close to home for Ajax residents, and allow businesses to more easily access transportation options.
Council was excited to see Grandview Children’s Centre in the 2019 provincial budget. We can’t wait for the ground breaking on the land we donated for this facility.

Community Beautification and Environment

Durham Region has partnered with the town on a pilot program to install blue box lids as part of their anti-litter program until June. This impacts 500 homes in Ward 1, and will be expanded if successful.

Speaking of anti-litter, the annual Mayor’s 20-Minute Makeover has been expanded to cleanups in all wards! Please check ajax.ca/gld for more details.

We work for you. We invite your feedback, and encourage you to let us know how we can improve services for your family, business or organization.

-- Shaun Collier is the mayor of Ajax.