Town of Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier yesterday said he was using the Strong Mayor tool to help advance a supportive housing development.
“This is not a homeless shelter or transitional housing,” he clarified.
The Town of Ajax – as several other municipalities in Durham – has a home insecurity issue (see below).
The mayor said this proposed development, at the northeast corner of Harwood Avenue South and Achilles Road in downtown Ajax, will feature a three‑storey building with some 50 supportive housing units, the mayor said.
“It’s important to be clear about what we mean by supportive housing. The program proposed by the region is long‑term, permanent housing paired with wraparound supports, like healthcare connections, life skills training, counselling and case management, tailored to residents’ needs,” said Collier
“Supportive housing provides a safe place for independent living for a wide variety of people – yes, some may have previously been unsheltered; but some may also be seniors or adults with physical or cognitive disabilities. This community support project is designed to help people stabilize, navigate systems, and build better outcomes,” he pointed out.
Regional Council Has Final Say
Mayor Collier said this work is being led by the Region of Durham, and it is subject to regional council approval and federal capital funding under Build Canada Homes. Regional Council’s support is expected to be ratified on March 25, while in Ajax, council will be asked to vote on the zoning by‑law amendment on March 23.
Mayor Collier referred to the housing and affordability crisis – as urgent as that is. “Supportive housing is there for the people in our community who are most vulnerable, and who benefit from the stability of a permanent home paired with the right supports.“
Beyond advancing zoning, the mayor has also directed staff to review what financial support Ajax, as a town, can offer the region to improve the feasibility of this project. “It is my hope that we will commit $500,000 from the Housing Accelerator Fund to this project and I look forward to hearing from staff on the feasibility of this.”
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