COUNT ON
CRAWFORD
Experienced Leadership.
Real Results for Ajax.
Election date: october, 26, 2026
Marilyn Crawford is committed to responsible growth,
vibrant communities, and a future where Ajax continues to thrive for families,
businesses, and generations to come.
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About Marilyn
Candidate for Mayor of Ajax | Election Day: October 26, 2026
Executive Summary & Service Profile
Experience at a glance
A Proven Record of Leadership
Decades of public service, community engagement, and results for Ajax.
As an Ajax Resident
Raised her family in Ajax alongside her husband, two children, and granddaughter.
Dedicated Elected Service
Unbroken track record across school board, local municipal, and regional governance.
Community Meetings Hosted
Demonstrated commitment to continuous resident engagement, hosting over 200 community ward meetings over the past 16 years.
Community Mandate
Re-elected as Ward 1 Regional Councillor in 2022.
Proven Executive Leadership
Multiple terms served as Deputy Mayor of the Town of Ajax (2018–2020, 2022–2024).
Leadership & Community Experience
01 Provincial & Inter-Municipal Governance
- Board Director, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) – Regional & Single Tier Caucus (2023–2026).
- Municipal Representative, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) Board Meetings — Representing the Town of Ajax on provincial municipal policy priorities.
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Provincial Delegations & Budget Advocacy:
- Direct delegations to MPPs on behalf of both the Town of Ajax and the Region of Durham.
- Direct delegations to MPPs during provincial budget roundtables to advocate for local infrastructure, transit, and housing investments.
- Executive Representative (10 Years), Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) — Representing trustees and school boards at the provincial level.
02 Regional Governance (Region of Durham)
- Chair, Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (DRT) (2022–2026).
- Member, Durham Region Finance Committee (2024–2026).
- Member, Durham Region Works Committee (2018–2024).
- Member, Durham Region Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Steering Committee.
- Member, Durham Region Vision Zero Committee.
- Board Member, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA).
- Member, Durham Region Climate Change Roundtable.
03 Local Municipal Leadership (Town of Ajax)
- Deputy Mayor, Town of Ajax (served 2018–2020, 2022–2024).
- Regional Councillor, Ward 1, Town of Ajax (2018–Present; re-elected in 2022 with 80.7% of the vote).
- Local Councillor, Ward 1, Town of Ajax (2010–2018, served two terms).
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Local Municipal Boards & Advisory Committees:
- Board Member, Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation (2010–2014, 2022–2023).
- Board Member, Pickering Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) (2010–2019).
- Board Member, Ajax Public Library Board (2010–2018).
- Committee Member, Recreation and Cultural Advisory Committee (2010–2014).
- Council Representative, Transportation Advisory Committee.
04 School Board Leadership (Durham District School Board)
- Chair of the Board, Durham District School Board (DDSB) — Elected Chair for her final two years as Trustee.
- School Board Trustee, Durham District School Board (10 years of service, 2000–2010).
05 Keynote Speeches, Panels & Industry Leadership
- Keynote Speaker, Clean Buses in Canada Conference — Presenting on municipal transit electrification and zero-emission fleet transition.
- Panelist, Women in Cyber Security Panel, siberX Conference — Highlighting tech literacy, public safety, and gender representation in tech fields.
- Panelist, Public Awareness and Education Panel, Cybersecurity Conference — Focusing on digital safety, municipal data protection, and community awareness.
06 Groundbreaking Community Advocacy & Initiatives
- Woman of Impact Award Recipient (2024) — Honoured by Durham Region on International Women’s Day 2024 as the 1st and only woman in regional council to receive this recognition.
- Intimate Partner Violence Champion — Championed the historic first roundtable discussion bringing together regional non-profit organizations and the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) to address Intimate Partner Violence.
- Missing Black Boys Advocacy Champion — Championed the first joint roundtable discussion with DRPS and Durham Region Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) addressing the Missing Black Boys issue in Ajax and across Durham Region.
- Grassroots Community Advocacy — Personal advocate for parents of children with special needs, active school travel safety initiatives, and healthy community living across Durham Region.
Marilyn Crawford for Mayor — Ajax 2026
Marilyn’s Platform
Practical priorities for a safer, more affordable and stronger Ajax.
Platform #1
Tax Affordability
A practical plan focused on responsible spending, predictable taxes and long-term value for Ajax residents.
Read the text version Accessible text for all five tax affordability commitments
01
Every Tax Dollar Must Deliver Value
Taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned money is being used wisely.
If elected, I will initiate a comprehensive Value for Money Audit across Town operations. We will scrutinize municipal spending, eliminate operational waste, and ensure every service delivers maximum value for your tax dollars.
Respecting your wallet starts with auditing where it goes.
02
Multi Year Planning & Cost Controls
Short term budget fixes lead to sudden tax hikes down the road. I am proposing multi year financial forecasting to keep property tax rates predictable and stable.
To carefully manage immediate operational costs, we will:
- Pause adding new permanent staff positions in 2027 to fully optimize our current municipal resources.
- Pause filling non essential vacant roles while conducting a thorough operational review.
- Review town wide consultant contracts to bring suitable work in house to talented existing Town staff.
Disciplined spending. Sustainable results for Ajax.
03
No Budget Surprises
Residents should never be caught off guard by property tax hikes.
I will host public town hall meetings ideally six weeks prior to budget approval to present proposed tax figures and gather community feedback.
True transparency means giving you the time and data needed to hold Town Hall accountable.
Clear numbers. Community input. Full transparency.
04
No More Hidden Tax Costs
Every decision made at Town Hall comes with a price tag.
I will require that every single Council motion include an explicit property tax impact assessment looking at both immediate and future costs.
Respecting residents with every decision.
Responsible governance means putting tax affordability first.
05
Smart Asset Management
I will push to reopen the Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP) and Asset Management Plan (AMP), with the objective of reducing the burden on property taxpayers, while still maintaining critical capital infrastructure in a reasonable state of repair.
Protecting critical infrastructure while prioritizing affordability.
Platform #2
Community Safety
A community-led approach to safer neighbourhoods, stronger partnerships and welcoming public spaces throughout Ajax.
Read the text version Accessible text for all seven community safety commitments
01
Ajax Safe City Model
Championing the creation of the Ajax Safe City model, adapted from Ontario’s most successful safety frameworks.
Evidence based, resident led, and built specifically for our Town to help prevent crime and protect our neighborhoods.
Building stronger, safer neighborhoods together.
02
Collaborative Safety Action
Safety is a team effort. We are building a safer Ajax by actively partnering with Durham Regional Police, local community leaders, residents, and businesses.
We will create new dedicated community safety working groups. These groups will bring together all stakeholders to systematically investigate specific safety issues on our streets, such as required road calming measures.
Supported by professional Town staff, municipal council, and programs like Road Watch, these teams will directly address the localized concerns that have been reported to us by the community.
A direct community and council response for local safety concerns.
03
Neighbourhood Watch
Establishing active, connected Neighbourhood Watch networks across every ward in Ajax.
Empowering residents with local communication tools, crime prevention resources, and direct communication to ward and regional councillors, and the Mayor.
Working with police to coordinate local liaison groups for greater interface between Durham Regional Police and our neighbourhoods.
Providing streamlined channels for regular access and direct feedback from residents to their specific Ward Councillors and the Mayor’s office.
Strong neighborhoods start with connected residents.
04
Business Watch Program
A thriving local economy depends on safe commercial spaces.
I plan to launch dedicated Business Watch networks for business owners along commercial corridors and business parks.
Fostering real time communication between local shopkeepers, commercial property managers, and safety partners to prevent retail theft and vandalism.
Providing direct, streamlined access for business owners to their ward councillors and the mayor to ensure security concerns are heard and addressed.
Direct community and political partnership for localized safety.
05
E-Scooter Safety & Bylaws
I will seek expert guidance from Durham Regional Police Services and medical specialists regarding municipal bylaws governing electric scooters.
Our priority is establishing sensible safety rules that protect pedestrians, prevent injuries, and keep our children safe.
Evidence based safety regulations to protect our youth.
06
Inclusion & Public Space Care
All public spaces in Ajax must remain safe, welcoming havens for everyone. Diverse local organizations and community leaders will help provide proactive anti-hate education, bias prevention, and reporting awareness, standing firm against hate in all its forms.
We are dedicated to building a community where belonging is a shared experience. Our focus is on proactive outreach and creating opportunities for all residents to engage, ensuring that our safe public spaces serve as the foundation for a truly inclusive Ajax.
Belonging Begins Here: A Safe Ajax for All.
07
Regional Roadwork Coordination
Repeated construction delays and uncoordinated roadwork cause frustration and push heavy traffic onto quiet residential streets.
I will work closely with Durham Region and Ajax staff to try and align project schedules better in order to protect local neighbourhood roads and minimize disruption for residents.
Smarter coordination to protect traffic flow and neighborhood safety.
Marilyn’s commitment to our community began with our most important asset: our children. Serving as the Chair of the Durham District School Board, she learned early on that leadership requires balancing diverse needs with fiscal responsibility. This foundation led her to the Ajax Local Council and eventually to her current roles as Regional Councillor for Ward 1. Marilyn doesn’t just talk about change; she has spent over 25 years delivering it.
Council Motions Supported by Marilyn Crawford
This report highlights council motions from the 2022–2026 term involving Marilyn Crawford, reflecting her continued work on issues that matter to Ajax residents. The motions include action and advocacy related to public safety, housing affordability, child care, responsible municipal spending, community inclusion, support for vulnerable residents, environmental protection, and stronger local services.
Together, these motions provide a snapshot of Marilyn’s priorities on Council and her commitment to building a safer, more inclusive, more affordable, and more responsive Ajax.
Be Part of the Future of Ajax
This campaign is about people.
Your voice, your priorities, and your vision for our town.
Get involved. Stay informed. Make an impact.
I care deeply about this community and the people who call Ajax home.
Together, we can build a future that reflects our shared values and ambitions.
-Marilyn Crawford –