Nicole Cooper

Key discussion topics for the meeting included research related to street names, planning for the Jane's Walk Event and the War of 1812 Veteran's Markers event, project updates, a research update concerning 209 Squire Drive, and a discussion on heritage video theming. The agenda also included an update from the Ajax Archives, a Councillor Update, correspondence review, and other business.

The General Government Committee meeting agenda included the adoption of minutes from the February 9, 2026, Regular Meeting. The Consent Agenda covered numerous reports for information and action, including the Year 1 Biannual Update for the Business Engagement and Support Strategy (PSA-2026-02) and the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan Update (PSA-2026-03). Finance items included the 2025 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Council and a Tax Section Status Report. Planning and Development Services items addressed the 2025 Year End Building Permit Activity and Projection Report, an update on Provincial Road Safety Initiatives Fund, the Church Street North Road Closure, Contract Award for Wetland Tree Planting Projects, and updates regarding the Committee of Adjustment. Other consent items involved the 2026 Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference, Customer Service Strategy Update, and a follow-up on Liquor Service Policies. The meeting also included provisions for a Closed Session to discuss security strategy, a lease agreement update, and the Ajax Plaza update, citing relevant sections of the Municipal Act, 2001.

The Special Council Meeting convened in a hybrid format. Key discussions during the public meeting centered on Regional Official Plan Amendment Application ROPA 26A1 and Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application Z2/26135 concerning 7 Rossland Road East and 901 Harwood Avenue North. A proponent presented a proposal to introduce residential units on a vacant parcel within the Longos Plaza site, reinforcing a mixed-use character with a 10-story residential rental building planned for approximately 165 units, primarily aimed at downsizers and empty nesters. Discussions included traffic impact, specifically regarding the Starbucks drive-thru queuing, and the commitment to maintain existing retail square footage. Council members also questioned the implications of converting employment lands to residential areas on the tax levy distribution and inquired about the height parameters specified in the amendment documents versus the presentation.

This session served as a community town hall concerning the homelessness crisis in Ajax, organized by the Town Council and involving regional partners. Discussions covered the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Government, Government of Ontario, the Region of Durham, Durham Regional Police Services, and the Town of Ajax regarding homelessness support. Key town initiatives highlighted included providing a permanent emergency shelter space (30-bed co-ed, pet-friendly), appointing a community supports coordinator, launching the Ajax locker program, running a daily shower program, funding community support organizations, and providing EDI training to shelter staff. The town's approach to encampment and debris management was detailed, noting an estimated annual cost of $250,000, with 50% recovery from the Region. Past efforts included installing CCTV cameras along Commercial Avenue and establishing a temporary winter warming center at Town Hall. Furthermore, the town passed a Crisis Care Facility Licensing Bylaw in November 2025 to regulate shelters for safety and accountability. Durham Regional Police provided statistics showing a 15% decrease in reported unsheltered-related incidents in 2025 compared to 2024 within a 500-meter radius of the Ajax hub, and detailed proactive initiatives like Project Asset (Ajax Safe Streets Enforcement Team), Breakfast at the Hub, and Project Bear (Bail Enforcement and Response). The Region of Durham presented statistics related to the homelessness system.

The meeting, titled 'Live with Mayor Collier,' focused extensively on reviewing the financial health and capital planning for the municipality, with a significant discussion on budget pressures and strategic responses. Key topics included addressing decades of low investment in infrastructure, the impact of provincial legislation (such as Bill 23 and Bill 17) on development charge revenues, and subsequent necessary adjustments to the capital forecast. Discussions covered the reduction in projected Development Charges (DCs) from $24 million in 2023 to an expected $2.4 million in 2026, the decrease in casino revenues, and the reinvestment in the Alexicon Corporation following a 10-year rate freeze. Strategies implemented to hedge against lost revenue included developing an investment policy that yielded high rates of return (e.g., 19.3% in 2024) and creating new user fees, such as a stormwater management fee. The Mayor detailed reductions in the 2026 capital program from $68 million to $45.1 million by deferring or deleting 44 projects to maintain essential services and avoid significant increases to the general levy and infrastructure levy.