Marilyn’s Record in Action
25 years of service. Here’s what that looks like.
Marilyn Crawford doesn’t just talk about Ajax - she has spent 25 years delivering for it. Below is a selection of the motions she moved and championed on Ajax Council and Durham Regional Council during the 2022–2026 term, reflecting her priorities for a safer, stronger, and more inclusive community.
A Safer Ajax
CCTV & Public Safety Review
Marilyn pushed for a full public review of Ajax’s security camera network and Code Blue Emergency Phone system - making sure residents know how and where they’re protected.
Ajax has CCTV cameras and emergency phone units in public spaces to keep residents safe - but residents deserve to know how they work and where they are. Marilyn moved this motion to ensure full transparency on the Town’s public safety technology, including camera policies, access to footage, and signage so every resident knows they’re protected.
Protecting Youth from Criminal Exploitation
Marilyn supported action to protect Ajax youth from being recruited into organized crime - calling on Ottawa and Queen’s Park to strengthen the law and fund prevention programs.
Across Ontario, vulnerable youth - including Black youth - are being targeted and exploited by adults for organized theft and criminal activity. Marilyn supported this motion calling on the federal and provincial governments to create specific criminal offences for adults who recruit minors, expand youth prevention programs, and strengthen privacy protections for young witnesses. Protecting Ajax’s youth means addressing the root causes.
Body-Worn Cameras for Durham Regional Police
Marilyn moved this motion at Durham Regional Council demanding the DRPS restart its Body-Worn Camera program — bringing police accountability and transparency to the forefront at a critical moment for community trust.
After Durham Regional Police’s Body-Worn Camera pilot was suspended during the pandemic, Marilyn moved to bring it back — immediately. She called on the Durham Regional Police Services Board to reconvene the BWC team, begin phasing in cameras for front-line officers, and present a full implementation timeline and budget to Regional Council. Accountability isn’t just a word. It’s a camera on every officer who interacts with our community.
Economic Development
Property Tax Relief for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
Marilyn moved to bring Ajax in line with neighbouring municipalities by creating a $535 annual tax grant for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities who are struggling to stay in their homes.
Pickering, Oshawa, and Whitby all offer low-income seniors and persons with disabilities an annual property tax grant to help them stay in their homes. Ajax didn’t. Marilyn moved to change that - directing staff to report on implementing a $535 annual tax relief program so Ajax’s most vulnerable residents aren’t forced to leave the community they’ve called home for decades. Council did not support this motion.
Protecting Funding for Ajax’s Black Community
Marilyn fought to protect the Durham Family and Cultural Centre from provincial funding cuts - preserving vital programs for over 500 Black youth and families across Ajax and Durham.
Ajax is a diverse community - approximately 65% of residents identify as part of a racialized or diverse group. When the Province threatened to cut funding for the Durham Family and Cultural Centre, putting 80% of their staff and programs serving 500+ community members at risk, Marilyn moved this motion. She called on the Province to immediately commit to ongoing funding - because every family in Ajax deserves culturally responsive support and services.
Operation White Heart - Mental Health Awareness
Marilyn brought Operation White Heart to Ajax - a public art installation at Rotary Park to open conversations about mental health and show the community it’s not alone.
1 in 5 Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem. Marilyn moved to bring Operation White Heart to Ajax - a 12-foot white heart installation at Rotary Park that creates a visible, welcoming space for conversations about mental health and suicide awareness. Because a strong community takes care of its people, and no one should feel like they’re facing this alone.
Responsible Development
Protecting the Lower Duffins Creek Wetland
Marilyn stood with First Nations and environmental groups to oppose the destruction of the Lower Duffins Creek Wetland - defending one of Ajax’s most important natural spaces.
In November 2022, approximately 90% of the Lower Duffins Creek Wetland was cleared and tilled - in violation of conservation regulations. Marilyn seconded this motion joining the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in condemning the destruction, opposing any weakening of Ontario’s wetland protections, and standing firm for the natural heritage Ajax’s residents and future generations deserve to inherit.
Durham Meadoway - Green Corridor Through Ajax
Marilyn supported a new regional trail and linear park running through Ajax - connecting residents to active transportation, green spaces, and parks from Oshawa to Rouge National Urban Park.
The Durham Meadoway will be a regional multi-use trail and linear park running through Ajax along the hydro corridor through Paulynn Park - connecting communities from Oshawa to Rouge National Urban Park. Marilyn seconded this motion committing Ajax’s $119,292 contribution to move the project forward. More green space. More active transportation. More of what makes Ajax worth living in.
Clean Electricity - Protecting Ajax’s Environment
Marilyn moved Ajax Council to oppose new gas-fired power plants and advocate for clean electricity - protecting Durham’s reputation as Canada’s clean energy capital and Ajax’s environmental future.
Ontario’s electricity grid emissions have nearly quadrupled since 2017 - threatening both our environment and Durham Region’s identity as Canada’s clean energy capital. Marilyn moved this motion opposing any new fossil fuel power generation and calling on Ottawa to enact the strongest possible Clean Electricity Regulations. Responsible growth means building an Ajax that’s clean, sustainable, and ready for the future.
THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT
Over the 2022–2026 council term, Marilyn was involved in 39 notices of motion - 22 of which were carried. The motions above represent a selection of the issues she championed that matter most to Ajax families: community safety, inclusion, affordability, and protecting the environment we all share.
Marilyn Crawford. A proven record. A clear vision. Count on Crawford.