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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding the Reality and Core Commitments

Homelessness is a complex community challenge. Behind every situation of housing instability is a human story involving affordability, health, or hardship.

I will lead with both deep compassion and clear responsibility, ensuring vulnerable residents are treated with dignity and connected to essential supports.

I will balance care with community safety, protecting our parks, local businesses, and public spaces so they remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Dignity for vulnerable residents, safe public spaces for all.

Pathways to Housing and Community Supports

Shelters are an emergency step, not a permanent home. I will establish municipal roundtables to build clear pathways from crisis to supportive and stable living.

I will actively engage Federal and Provincial partners to secure dedicated intergovernmental funding and upper tier grants for local mental health and social services.

I will collaborate with regional agencies and service providers to streamline support networks that help residents achieve long term independence.

Unlocking senior level funding and collaborative pathways to permanent housing.

Proactive Prevention and Community Engagement

I will prioritize early outreach, using direct feedback from residents, experts, and people with lived experience to address housing instability before crisis hits.

I will stay actively engaged with local businesses and community groups to understand how homelessness impacts them and partner on practical solutions.

I will be a present Mayor, making decisions informed by local evidence, community input, and hands on collaboration.

A present Mayor, listening and acting early to prevent community crisis.

Meaningful Long Term Solutions

Homelessness is not simply a housing issue; it is a community issue that requires compassionate leadership and decisive action.

I will champion sustainable solutions that help vulnerable residents regain stability while maintaining safe, healthy, and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Together, we can build a collaborative approach that addresses both the root causes and daily impacts of homelessness in Ajax.

Compassionate leadership for safe, healthy, and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Senior Tax Relief and Affordability

To help address financial pressures on seniors aging in place, Marilyn Crawford brought forward Motion to explore the idea of an annual property tax grant for low income seniors on GIS.

Building on this council initiative, we will explore the idea further that aligns Ajax with neighbouring Durham municipalities to offer targeted financial relief.

Exploring the idea of targeted property tax relief to support low income seniors aging in place.

Community Mobility Initiative

We can address local transit gaps by exploring the Ajax Care Shuttle Network, seeking to connect senior residences to healthcare facilities, libraries, shopping hubs, and community centres.

My goal is to support accessible community bus options designed in consultation with seniors organizations, working toward a low fare model through strategic revenue partnerships.

We will work to ensure our seniors stay connected and mobile, fostering safe, reliable, and sustainable transit options across Ajax.

Working together so no senior in Ajax feels stranded or isolated.

Seniors Watch and Public Safety

We can explore a Seniors Watch program, drawing from local safety models to enhance neighborhood awareness and help protect older residents from fraud, isolation, and safety risks.

My goal is to foster partnerships with local law enforcement and community groups to offer educational workshops on fraud prevention, digital security, and home safety.

We can support proactive check in networks that bring volunteers together with vulnerable or isolated seniors, helping keep peace of mind and assistance within reach.

Working together for community led awareness, peace of mind, and senior safety.

Seniors Newsletter and Communication

We can explore creating a dedicated print and digital Seniors Newsletter to help keep older residents informed about local news, community events, municipal services, and health resources.

My goal is to support accessible communication channels designed in consultation with seniors groups, ensuring key updates reach residents regardless of digital access.

We will work to foster clear, inclusive, and reliable information sharing so every senior in Ajax feels connected to our community.

Exploring accessible communication so every senior in Ajax stays informed and connected.

Champion Small Business and Buy Ajax First

We can explore creating a local business support network that promotes mentorship, skills training, and entrepreneurship in consultation with community partners.

My goal is to support a Buy Ajax awareness campaign that encourages residents and institutions to choose local products and services.

We will strengthen partnerships with business organizations to keep spending and investment within our town.

Championing small business entrepreneurship and keeping investment within Ajax.

Cut Red Tape and Streamline Services

We can explore establishing a Business Concierge Service to provide local entrepreneurs with a single, dedicated point of contact at Town Hall.

Our goal is to streamline municipal permits and approvals while setting clear service standards and transparent accountability measures.

We will work to simplify municipal processes so local businesses can open, adapt, and expand with confidence.

Working toward efficient municipal services and clear support for local business.

Keep and Grow Local Jobs

We can explore launching a Mayor Business Retention Program, creating regular opportunities to connect directly with employers and small businesses across Ajax.

Our goal is to support local business expansion, helping growing companies thrive and remain in our community.

We will work alongside business leaders to foster a stable economic environment that protects local jobs and encourages long term investment.

Supporting local employers and growing sustainable job opportunities across Ajax.

Protect Employment Lands and Attract Investment

We can work to preserve key employment areas across Ajax, safeguarding dedicated lands for future job creation and industrial investment.

Our goal is to position Ajax to attract growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics, and clean energy enterprises.

We will advocate for essential infrastructure investments that support economic expansion and strengthen our local tax base.

Preserving employment lands to attract future innovation, growth, and investment.

Build a Skilled Local Workforce

We can support local workforce development initiatives, including apprenticeships, skilled trades training, co-op placements, and youth employment opportunities. Our goal is to foster collaborative pathways connecting Ajax residents directly with local career opportunities across expanding business sectors.

We will work alongside regional partners and employers to ensure our community possesses the skills needed for future economic success.

Connecting Ajax residents with local skilled career opportunities.

Support Main Streets and Vibrant Districts

We can work to expand support for areas like Downtown Ajax and Pickering Village, exploring opportunities for storefront enhancements, more outdoor patios, and general beautification. Our focus includes fostering community gatherings and cultural events, while identifying ways to improve waterfront visitor experiences.

We will partner with BIA groups, local associations, and regional tourism networks to ensure all commercial areas remain vibrant, welcoming, and economically active.

Fostering vibrant commercial districts in Downtown Ajax and Pickering Village.