The Energy of a New Downtown Ajax

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1 WINTER 2013 News from Ajax Library page 2 Accessibility Advisory Committee page 3 Duffin Creek Sewage Plant page 6 GO Station Update page 7 The Energy of a New Downtown Ajax DURHAM REGION S LARGEST URBAN, MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN HISTORY. Project Information Location: South-west corner of Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue Key Project Dates: Phase I , Phase II , Phase III Site Features: Largest urban, mixed-use development to be built in Region of Durham Will act as a gateway site into Downtown Ajax and allows a full range of uses, including commercial, office and residential 6 buildings ranging from 9 to 25 storeys - totaling 143,700 square metres 1,743 residential units Phase 1: Buildings A and B and Pat Bayly Square 562 residential units 2 storey office component consisting of 2,840 square meters Reflective pool / skating rink Ground floor retail along Bayly Street, Harwood Avenue and the south perimeter of the square Underground parking Economic Benefits Message from Council Continuing with our commitment to revitalize the downtown area, we are proud to unveil Vision - a new urban, mixed use development. Ajax Council and Medallion Corporation officially broke ground on the $300-million landmark development at the south-west corner of Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue in late November. The first of its kind in Durham Region, the development is essential to creating a thriving, prosperous and livable downtown. The collective investment in this new development by the Town, Region of Durham and Medallion Corporation will create jobs, attract capital investment and improve the Town s overall economic health. The total Town, Region and Community financial benefit combined is approximately $2.6 billion by This long-term project will result in real, progressive change in the area, and will act as a gateway to Downtown Ajax, providing a meaningful urban centre for activity and community interaction in the heart of Ajax. The site will feature a prominent civic square, a mix of uses, including high quality residential, commercial and retail space, and public transit, cycling, and pedestrian amenities. Residents can log onto the interactive project site, to view renderings and site features, key project dates, learn about the history behind the civic square, review the economic benefits of this new urban development, and subscribe to the mailing list for the latest news and updates. The Town is expected to net approximately $36.5 million in tax revenue over the next 40 years as a result of the development. From 2013 to 2026, total Ajax property taxes net of CIP incentives are estimated at $9.5 million (20% of the total property taxes payable). From 2026 onward, Ajax property taxes from the site are estimated to be $1.4 million per year. In addition to the property taxes, other benefits total $2.3 million worth of parkland for Pat Bayly Square as well as public parking spaces, indoor public space and the extension of Kitney Drive. The total financial benefit to the Region of Durham over the next 40 years is approximately $135 million. The Region of Durham will receive $17 million in development charges for construction of infrastructure, and approximately $120 million in property taxes. The development will create over 200 jobs, approximately 107 spinoff jobs in the Downtown core, and approximately 20 jobs will be generated to service the residential component. Total population at build out is estimated at 3,200 persons. It is projected that residents of the development will spend about $71.6 million on goods and services each year in Ajax, totaling $2 billion by Direct and indirect construction-related employment will earn almost $126 million in wages and salaries. Estimated cost of construction is $280-$300 million. The total Town, Region and Community financial benefit combined is approximately $2.6 billion by ajax.ca

2 News from Ajax Library Celebrating 60 years of service The Library has changed over the past 60 years! We ve added new collections, services and facilities. Here is a brief look back: March Break Camps for Kids and Teens March 11-15, 2013 As a leader in Municipal Day Camps, the Town is committed to offering engaging, diverse and fun programming for children and youth. Our Camps are built on the foundation that campers will make new friends, build self-esteem, enjoy physical activity, and gain skill development in a safe and secure environment. Our March Break Camps include: The Drama Club The Hard Sell, Day Breaks, Day Trippers, Director s Cut Toying Around & Feature Film Making, Dish Up Dinner, Drop-In Centres, Kinder Camp, Leadership Camp, Mad Science Camp Secret Agent Lab, Teen Fitness Camp, We Got Game, and Youth On the Move. For a full list of March Break Camps and registration information please visit Storytime: 1953 Using the Card Catalog: 1985 Poppy Room dedication: 2010 For more Local History, visit Main Branch s Poppy Room and Plus, check out the D.I.L. Online Exhibit. Thank you to our customers for helping us celebrate this milestone during October 2012! Parents: Your card is the key An Ajax Library card unlocks access to parenting information, programs for your child at any age and helpful staff to find resources for that baffling school project. Drop by any branch with I.D. containing your name and address and have a card made today. Take the opportunity to register your child at the same time; it s quick and easy. Obtaining the first library card is a meaningful event for your son or daughter. eresources: How-to tips Do you have jobs to do around your home? Are you looking for tips and resources to get you started? Here are four great sites that can help: *Chilton Online Auto Repair Manuals *Culinary Arts Collection *Gardening, Landscape and Horticulture Collection *Home Improvement Collection Visit view eresources under eservices tab and click on A-Z Listing. Stay up-to-date on new materials, events and programs: Visit our website: Follow us on Read Learn Discover Connect Enjoy Ajax outdoors this winter! As Canadians, we are proud of our ability to accommodate hot, humid summers to frigid wind chills and plenty of snow! However, a recent study found the following 64% of Canadians are inactive in the winter Total average daily energy expenditure is 31% higher in the summer than the winter Canadians are more likely to participate in physical activity for at least 15 minutes in the summer compared to the winter Don t let winter get in your or your family s way of keeping physically active. Winter provides many opportunities to try new activities and sports. Did you know that an hour of one of the following activities, at a moderate intensity, will expend approximately 500 calories? Cross-country skiing Nordic Walking Snowshoeing (check out the loan program at the McLean Community Centre) Ice skating Walking / Hiking Snow-shovelling For ice skating times, visit ajax.ca and for a real winter escape or adventure check out Greenwood Conservation Area you will not be disappointed with this outdoor gem in the north. 3 WINTER BYLAW reminders from the Town of Ajax Theatre Camp at the St. Francis Centre Youth Art Expression Camp at Carruthers Marsh Pavilion Kinder Camp at the Ajax Community Centre Parking is prohibited on all Town of Ajax streets between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., seven days a week. This bylaw is proactively enforced from November 1 to March 31. On-street parking during a snow event is not permitted at any time of the day or night. If you park on the street during a snow event, your vehicle may be towed. On-street parking during a snow event can severely slow down route clearing, and in some cases, impedes providing any service at all. Residents are responsible for removing ice and snow from sidewalks fronting or adjacent to their homes within a 24 hour period after a snowfall. By keeping the sidewalks clear, it helps to ensure that all pedestrians, especially those using walkers, scooters and strollers, will be safe. Residents should place excess snow from their driveways and sidewalks onto their front yard. Residents should also shovel the snow left by the plow at the end of their driveway onto their boulevards. For more information on these, or other Town bylaws, please call , bylawservices@townofajax.com, or visit 2 Ajax Today Winter 2013 Mayor Steve Parish steve.parish@ajax.ca

3 Ajax s sustainability journey continues Council to consider long-term plan for vibrant future In early 2013, Ajax Council is expected to consider approving the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP). Developed in consultation with the community, the plan provides direction to achieve environmental, cultural/social, and economic sustainability goals from now until the Town s centennial anniversary in The ICSP will facilitate the transition of the Town toward a more sustainable future by improving the quality of life, including ecological, cultural, political, institutional, social, and economic components without leaving a burden on future generations. The plan covers 15 themes and provides direction for the community to achieve environmental, cultural/social, and economic sustainability goals. To learn more about the community-based plan, visit View Ajax s Sustainability Journey on YouTube Residents are invited to view Ajax s Sustainability Journey, a compelling video narrated by former Ajax mayor Bill Parish. The video details the Town s sustainability history and future goals. Visit, ICSP Themes Air Arts and Culture Economic Prosperity Education Energy Food Health and Wellness History and Heritage Land Use Natural Assets and Habitat Social Well - being Strong Community Transportation Waste Water Citizen Advisory Committee in the Spotlight: Accessibility Advisory Committee Ajax strengthens commitment to building dynamic communities Neighbourhood consultation to kick-off in early 2013 One of the Town s focuses is to create a welcoming and inclusive community where residents connect and build strong relationships with one another AAC (Left to Right) Back: Kathreen Smith, Marcia Bowen, Camille Gooden, Dawn Gabriel, Vincent Plouffe, Sepelene Deonarine, Barb Dowds. Front: Michel St-Arneault, Julia Stevenson. Absent: Lorraine Battaglia, Councillor Pat Brown. The Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is responsible for providing advice to Council and town staff on accessibility-related Town initiatives, such as review of site plan applications, consultation on compliance with provincial accessibility standards requirements, public education and awareness, as well as the development of the Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan. The committee s passionate members represent the accessibility community in a variety of ways. This composition allows for true representation of perspectives within the Ajax community and contributes to meaningful input towards accessibility planning. Through approval of the first multi-year Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan ( ), the Town of Ajax has developed a strong foundation of documented accessibility planning and is eager to carry this commitment forward through its implementation. Have an interest in Ajax accessibility issues? Read more about the Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan online at or attend a meeting of the AAC. The AAC meets during the evening of every third Wednesday of the month at Town Hall. Meetings are open to the public. Full schedule and agenda details are available on the Town s website or by contacting Sarah Moore, Committee Coordinator by phone at ext or by at accessibility@ajax.ca. Through a localized public awareness campaign and interactive community consultation, the Town is developing a Strong Neighbourhood Strategy (SNS). The strategy will ultimately identify strengths, challenges and opportunities within Ajax s 24 defined neighbourhoods. Once complete, the strategy will provide direction on unique programming, infrastructure and partnership needs of our diverse community. The Town is seeking resident participation through eight interactive community meetings from January to March 2013, specialty surveys and face-to face interactions. For community meeting dates, to take the survey and to learn how you can get involved, visit Shaun Collier, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & shaun.collier@ajax.ca ajax.ca 3

4 Vision for Lower Harwood Avenue being developed Tree lined median is considered a significant and defining feature of the road The Town is undertaking a study of Lower Harwood Avenue from Highway 401 to Lake Driveway to establish a long-term vision for this ceremonial route. The study will evaluate intersection treatments, pedestrian infrastructure, street furniture, cycling facilities, lighting Pickering Village is steeped in history and is an integral part of Ajax. The area has grown and changed over time. From its pioneer roots, to its distinctive collection of historic homes and designated properties, to today s vibrant businesses and cultural community, the village is a unique community hub. The Town is proud of the village character and wants to ensure that the area continues to be recognized and celebrated. Over the last several months, the Town has been undertaking a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study in Pickering Village to identify significant characteristics and determine whether the area warrants a HCD designation. In addition to public outreach initiatives, the Town also established a volunteer Community Advisory Committee of representatives from groups within the Study area to provide input and comments on the Study. The draft HCD Study and Individual Property Inventory is now available for public viewing on the project website and landscaping opportunities. A public open house was held on July 4, 2012 which outlined existing conditions and asked for input on the public s vision for Lower Harwood Avenue. Online surveys and stakeholder interviews were conducted over the summer months. People would like to see off-road bike lanes, enhanced pedestrian crossings, wider sidewalks, more planting areas, and public art at key locations. The tree lined median is considered a significant and defining feature of the road. These ideas were incorporated into the design options and presented at a second public open house on October 4, Streetscapes, intersections and opportunity locations for public art, events and festivals were also discussed. The proposed vision will be presented at an upcoming Community Affairs and Planning Committee meeting in winter Visit under Doing Business in Ajax / Downtown Ajax / Lower Harwood Study for reports and presentations or contact Christy COMMUNITY MEETING #2 A second public meeting to discuss the findings and draft HCD Study will be held on January 30, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Banquet Hall, McLean Community Centre (95 Magill Dr.). Project Background In 2008, Ajax Town Council adopted a Pickering Village Land Use and Urban Design Study. The study recommended that consideration be given to establish a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) for Pickering Village. In October 2011, Council endorsed a staff report recommending that a HCD study be initiated. Comments Please forward any comments on the draft HCD Study to Christy Chrus, Senior Planner, no later than Friday February 15, 2013 for review and consideration. Chrus, Senior Planner at , ext or christy.chrus@ajax.ca. Steam Plant Redevelopment Underway The redevelopment of the Steam Plant as a district energy facility has started, and demolition at the old plant is currently underway. Once operational, it will produce 18 megawatts with the potential for 25 megawatts of clean electricity, advancing the Town s standing as a leader in environmental sustainability. The Index Energy Steam Plant, located on Mills Road, is one of the key projects in the development of the New Downtown Ajax. The modernized facility will generate enough renewable energy to power 6,000 households annually, and will reduce energy costs for local industries and facilities choosing to use steam generated from the plant. When complete, the new facility will feature state-of-the-art combustion equipment, an HCD STUDY AREA For more information on the study, and upcoming public consultation opportunities, visit or call Christy Chrus at , ext enclosed fuel storage area, and a new building. Further construction activity will commence in spring of The plant will be shut down until the first phase is operational in mid The redevelopment is scheduled to be completed by the end of For more information, visit 4 Ajax Today Winter 2013 Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & colleen.jordan@ajax.ca

5 SPOTLIGHT Finance Department For this edition of Ajax Today, we interviewed Rob Ford, the Town s Director of Finance and Treasurer, regarding two key finance initiatives: The Town s new Financial Sustainability Plan and the Town s budget process. Financial Sustainability Plan Update Why is the Town developing a Financial Sustainability Plan? What areas are being reviewed? The Town s current strategic financial plan consists of both formal policies and informal practices. While the existing approach has served the Town and its residents very well over the years, there are four key reasons to formalize the existing strategic financial plan: 1) Align with two key Community Action Plan strategies to: Ensure tax rates remain reasonable and competitive Rebuild and further strengthen financial reserves 2) Build upon current long range financial planning Develop solutions for known gaps and challenges Introduce new policies based on municipal best practices 3) Create a formal decision making guide for current and future Councils 4) Ensure the Town s long term financial strength and sustainability There are three main areas that are included in the project scope approved by Council: 1) Discretionary Financial Reserves Money that is set aside by Council for specific purposes. The two main reserve categories are Capital and Tax Rate Stability/Financial Management 2) Capital Project Funding The revenue sources (e.g. property taxes, slots revenue, developer payments, etc.) used to fund the Town s capital program. The majority of capital spending is for the development of new, and the maintenance of existing infrastructure (e.g. roads, bridges, trails, parks, sportsfields, buildings, etc.) 3) Long Term Debt While not used frequently, the Town does take out long term loans to partially pay for the cost of new facilities (e.g. Audley Recreation Centre) How can I learn more about, and provide input, into the Plan? The July 5, 2012 General Government Committee report and presentation on the project scope are available on the Town s website. Under Inside Town Hall, click on Budgets and Forecasts, then on Financial Sustainability Plan on the left hand side. Comments and input from the public are always welcome and can be sent to finance@ajax.ca. Understanding the Town s budget process Has the Town started work on the 2013 budget? The budget is a year round process, with work on-going during all 12 months. For more details on the Town s process, please read our unique information package Understanding the Budget Process, that is available on the Town s website. Has the Town set the 2013 tax rate increase? In October 2011, Council set the tax rate increase targets for the Town s portion of the tax bill for the remainder of the Council term. The 2013 increase target is 3.75%, which consists of 2.75% for the core budget plus 1% for the new Audley Recreation Centre. The tax rate increase target returns to 2.75% in When will Council discuss the budget? Council will discuss the proposed budget at a special General Government Committee meeting on February 4, 2013, starting at 7 p.m. This is an open public meeting where residents can ask questions and make comments at the meeting. There is no requirement to pre-register to speak at the meeting. However, you do not need to wait until February to have your say. Comments on the Town s budget and the services you receive are welcome at any time and can be made in a variety of ways, including: Mayor and Council in person, phone or via Town staff at contactus@ajax.ca Director of Finance/Treasurer at finance@ajax.ca MPAC Property Assessment Notices In early October, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) mailed out Property Assessment Notices to all property owners in Ontario. This reassessment is effective for the property tax years and is based on the value of your property as of January 1, If you did not receive a notice, or have any questions or concerns about your property assessment or classification, please contact MPAC directly: Website: Call: MPAC (6722) Monday Friday 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Fax: Quick Fact: In 2008, the Provincial Government introduced a new program where all properties are reassessed every four years. What budget information does the Town make available on the website? Under Budgets and Forecasts, the information for the two prior years, 2012 and 2011, are currently posted. Information on the 2013 budget that is already online includes: 2013 Budget & Forecast Timetable General Levy Forecast 2012 Operating Budget Forecast The proposed 2013 Budget and Long Range Capital Forecast will be posted on January 28, Marilyn Crawford, Councillor, Ward marilyn.crawford@ajax.ca ajax.ca 5

6 Public encouraged to speak out on expansion of Duffin Creek sewage plant Plant outfall proposed to release 630 million litres per day of effluent into Lake Ontario just 1 km from the Ajax-Pickering shoreline In anticipation of significant population growth, York Region is expanding the York Durham Sewage System (YDSS), which conveys sewage from both York and Durham. Recent YDSS projects include twinning of the existing Big Pipe trunk sewer underway in Pickering and upgrades to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) located in Pickering, just west of Ajax and Rotary Park Beach. The WPCP has the capacity to treat, on average, 630 million litres of mixed residential, commercial and industrial sewage per day, now the second largest plant in Canada. 80% of the sewage to be treated is from York Region Currently, an environmental assessment of the plant s outfall in Lake Ontario is underway by York and Durham to release greater volumes of effluent into Lake water, raising serious concerns about increased threats to the Town of Ajax s shoreline and, importantly, the future of Lake Ontario for drinking and recreational purposes. The Regions want to modify the WPCP s existing outfall slightly to permit the release of 630 million litres per day of effluent just 1 km from the Ajax-Pickering shoreline for dilution. The plant currently releases approximately 340 million litres of effluent per day. The Town and experts believe that the phosphorus in the effluent is the major local cause of many of Ajax s water quality issues. A recent study showed that more than 97% of the phosphorus along the Ajax shoreline is from the WPCP. Phosphorus is the key cause of excessive nuisance algal growth (Cladophora) that grows on the lakebed and rots onshore in summer. Algae in Lake water is a known cause of taste and odour problems in drinking water, which may become an even greater issue as the WPCP s ever-moving mixing zone around the outfall could encompass the Ajax Water Supply Plant s intake pipe. Ajax is calling on the Regions to select the best possible preferred alternative that includes: the installation of advanced technology to improve removal of nutrients like phosphorus, as well as chemicals from pharmaceuticals and personal care products from the sewage before effluent enters the outfall and is dispersed into the Lake, and the construction of a new outfall that discharges at least 3 kms offshore. Taking both actions is the best way the Regions can ensure that better mixing within Lake water occurs farther from shore, and reduces potential negative environmental impacts on nearshore water quality and shoreline conditions. The Regions are considering minimal alterations to the existing Outfall without evaluating existing in-lake environmental conditions and future accumulating environmental impacts. If allowed to proceed, the outcome could have a negative impact on present and future generations in Ajax and Pickering and, due to the enormous size of its mixing zone, potentially other lakefront communities in Durham Region. Residents of Ajax, Pickering and elsewhere in Durham are urged to become directly involved in this environmental assessment by submitting written comments to the Regions through the project website at ing info@outfallea.com and attending upcoming public information meetings to be held in Ajax and Pickering in January The Regions expect to complete the EA process in Fall As the Regions are required to address any issues and concerns raised by the community in a manner that is satisfactory to the Ministry of the Environment, it s very important that individuals review the Regions reports and express their views to the Regions and the Ministry over the next year. For more information on the Town s findings and reports on the matter, visit The expansion is required to accommodate approximately 400,000 new York Region residents or 150,000 housing units expected by Quick Facts The York Durham Sewage System (often referred to as the Big Pipe ) consists of more than 150 kms of trunk sanitary sewers, hundreds of kilometres of sewer lines, pumping stations and pipes that collect wastewater and sewage from homes, businesses and industries primarily located in York Region and convey it to the Duffin Creek WPCP for treatment. Also, sewage and wastewater from a host of sources not physically attached to the Big Pipe is hauled and input into the Big Pipe at certain locations along its route and at the existing WPCP itself. What s an outfall? (The Outfall is a pipe extending from the onshore WPCP under the bed of Lake Ontario, with a series of diffuser pipes near the end that protrude upward through the lakebed and force effluent into Lake waters for dilution.) The existing Duffin Creek WPCP Outfall extends a kilometre underneath Lake Ontario and is 3 metres (10 feet) in diameter. It has 69 diffuser portals, but not all are open at this time. Why is the Town of Ajax concerned? continued, frequent beach postings since 1999; excessive nuisance algal growth across nearshore areas in the Lake and odours; lost recreation and tourism opportunities; increased maintenance costs for beach grooming (equipment and staff time); threatened local municipal drinking water; clogged municipal water supply plant intakes; and, costly clogging of cooling water intake at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. 6 Ajax Today Winter 2013 Renrick Ashby, Councillor, Ward renrick.ashby@ajax.ca

7 Ajax is on track with high quality job creation In July, Council launched OnTrack, a public awareness campaign designed to keep residents and businesses informed of Council s commitment to creating new high quality jobs in Ajax. The campaign, a component of the Town s 10 year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy, strives to support the creation of 2,015 jobs by the year 2015 in four key sectors: manufacturing, business services, health & human services and tourism. Since the strategy was initiated in 2010, 890 new key sector jobs have been created. In 2012, the Town exceeded expectations with over 700 key sector jobs added, totaling approximately 1,600 jobs created to date OnTrack update: Intact Insurance: 200 New (and 200 retained jobs) Safran-Messier-Dowty: 80 New jobs Homewood Suites: 60 New jobs IL Fornello: 70 New jobs Ontario Ministry of Finance: 8 New Jobs 2,015 Jobs ONE Medical Centre: 200 New jobs NovaFlex Plastics: 40 New jobs Residents can log onto the specialty site to learn more about key sectors, local businesses, scroll the interactive timeline, sign-up for updates, and share videos and updates on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Ajax proves it s ready for investment! After completing a rigorous evaluation of the Town s capacity to attract and sustain business development, Ajax is the first community in Canada to earn the prestigious CompetitiveReady Seal. The expert validation sets the Town apart from other communities and further proves our readiness to compete for business investment in the North American market. Through a true collaborative effort, the extensive process included, 115 documents reviewed, 54 interviews, 40 websites researched, 31 organizations and businesses engaged, 28 individual and group discussions, five presentations, and four days of touring Ajax. The evaluation is based on strict criteria site selectors use when choosing the right community to develop a business. Over 175 factors were considered in 10 categories global positioning, real estate, physical infrastructure, human capital, organizational effectiveness, business climate, business resources, living environment, mitigated risks, and sustainable practices. Go Station Update The construction of the new six-storey parking garage at the Ajax GO Station has been continuing for a little over a year. The underground services for the site have been laid, the foundations have been poured and the crane continues to meticulously place the precast puzzle pieces that form the structure. The parking garage is expected to be completed by May 2013 and full completion of the grounds including curbs, pavement and shelters by the end of the summer. In the coming weeks the exterior finishes will have commenced. The elevator installation will begin in January The west Go Train platform improvements are scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2013 allowing for the east platform improvements to commence. What makes Ajax stand out as an ideal location for businesses? c3 c3 c3 c3 PriorityPath: A collaborative and streamlined approach to fast-tracking permitting. Sites: Our shovel ready sites are zoned and fully serviced. Community Planning: Residences and businesses are clearly delineated, with companies clustered in designated employment areas. Sustainability: Supporting and encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable business practices, through waste diversion, energy and water conservation, and transportation initiatives. CompetitiveReady is a collaborative effort of The Austin Company, Chabin Concepts, Applied Economics, and EDsuite U.S. based economic development and site location professionals with international expertise ranging from economics to marketing and website development. For more information, visit When completed the new Ajax GO parking garage will hold approximately 1,300 parking spaces. Joanne Dies, Councillor, Ward joanne.dies@ajax.ca ajax.ca 7

8 Then and Now Corner of Kings Crescent and Harwood Avenue The original wood building which once housed the administrative offices of the Defence Industries Limited (DIL), then the headquarters for the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation, would become the first Town Hall. Photo 1 shows Kings Crescent and Harwood Avenue as it looked in Photo 2 was taken just after the completion of the new Municipal Complex (seen just to the left), just before the old Town Hall and Library were torn down. 1. DIL Administration Buildings ca Ajax Town Hall ca New Town Hall ca Kings Crescent and Harwood Avenue ca News In Brief Town introduces new customer feedback boxes at facilities The Town has introduced new customer feedback boxes at all of our facilities. Our ability to effectively collect and act upon our customers feedback is an essential component of the continuous improvement process. In addition, feedback is also welcomed through Audley Recreation Centre (ARC) set to open spring 2013 The Town s newest recreation centre on Audley Road North is taking shape and is scheduled to open in spring The facility will offer something for everyone, including group fitness classes, learn to swim lessons, cooking programs in a teaching kitchen and sport opportunities for all ages. Outdoor amenities include a skateboard park, splash pad, accessible playground and tennis and basketball courts. Stay tuned for details on grand opening celebrations. Visit or for up-to-date information. Protection of northeast Pickering huge victory for Ajax In December 2012, the Ontario Municipal Board approved a settlement regarding the Region s Official Plan that will protect northeast Pickering from extensive urbanization for the foreseeable future. Since the updated plan was released in 2009, the Town has vigorously advocated for modifications to ensure growth happens in a controlled way to minimize impacts. Ajax Council s primary concern was the development of 1,200 hectares of farmland in northeast Pickering on the headwaters of Carruthers Creek. This unnecessary urban expansion of approximately 30,000 people could have had devastating downstream impacts on Ajax, including increased flooding, erosion, and significant infrastructure, environmental and financial constraints. OLG continues to move forward with modernization plans Ontario Lottery Gaming has initiated the next phase of their modernization plans by issuing Requests for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) for gaming zones. The RFPQ for Zone C3 which includes Pickering, Ajax and Whitby is expected to be issued in the coming months. Ajax Council and staff continue to work very closely with OLG and the current Slots at Ajax Downs property owner to ensure that the many benefits from the Ajax slots facility continue well into the future in Ajax. Visit for the most up-to-date information about the RFPQ process and the Modernization Plan Upcoming Events Silver Screen Sundays January 20, 3 p.m. - To Catch A Thief Feb 17, 3 p.m. - Sabrina March 17, 3 p.m. - The Wizard of Oz Tickets are only $5 (incl. HST) and are available at the door. Ajax Community Theatre Presents: The Foursome A Comedy by Norm Foster January 31 February 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 Twenty five years after graduation, four university friends reunite for a round of golf to share their lives, stories, secrets, and a few surprises. This comical look at old friendships and rivalries, successes and failures and the reminiscing of the old school days, is 18 holes of pure entertainment. Tickets are $18 per show. For show times or to purchase tickets, visit com, info@ajaxcommunitytheatre.com, or call Winterfest February 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. McLean Community Centre, 95 Magill Dr. Activities include horse drawn wagon rides, outdoor ice skating with live DJ, inflatable rides, face painting, crafts, live entertainment, children s activities, ice carving demonstrations and community displays. Admission is free however nominal fees apply for some attractions, food and beverages. The Best of The Second City February 23, 7 p.m. The Second City troupe presents their favourite and most hilarious sketches from recent critically-acclaimed productions, along with timeless comedy classics. Cash bar available. Tickets are $39 (incl. HST) per person at the St. Francis Centre Box Office, the Ajax and McLean Community Centres, or by calling , ext (ARTS). Durham Chamber Orchestra March 2, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating their 17th season, the Durham Chamber Orchestra is a collective of talented musicians from the Durham region who live to celebrate the timeless contributions of classical music. Tickets are $12 or $8 for Students/Seniors - available at the door, by phone at or by at tickets@durhamchamberorchestra.com. Zoo to You Live Animal Show by the Bowmanville Zoo March 23, 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Meet an amazing cast of animal friends in this up-close and interactive live animal experience. Featured animals could include a kangaroo, tortoise, mouflon, large snakes and several others. Tickets are $15 (incl. HST) per person, available February 1, at the St. Francis Centre Box Office, the Ajax and McLean Community Centres, or by calling , ext (ARTS). Stay Connected Like us on Facebook - facebook.com/myajax Watch us on You Tube - youtube.com/thetownofajax Follow us on Twitter - twitter.com/townofajax us - contactus@ajax.ca 8 Ajax Today Winter 2013 Pat Brown, Councillor, Ward pat.brown@ajax.ca