Total Ajax construction value in 2024 topped over a quarter of a billion dollars, according to Town of Ajax Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee.
Ajax received 240 development planning applications in 2024, executed 17 subdivision and site plan agreements, and collected more than $1.3 million in application fees and $1.5 million in building permit fees, Lee said in an APBOT Mayors’ Address delivered on behalf of Mayor Collier.
On the U.S. tariffs front, he said council recently directed staff to amend by-laws to give staff more flexibility in choosing Canadian suppliers. The town has launched ajax.ca/tariffs to keep the community updated.
“While we recognize and celebrate our past, we also acknowledge that we are heading into a period of uncertainty. The tariffs placed on Canadian products will hurt our economy, but also our community. Ajax is home to more than 75 businesses with 4,000 employees that primarily export to the United States, and countless others who work in affected industries,” Lee said.
A landmark project highlighted in the address was the completion of the new Grandview Kids headquarters at 1461 Harwood Avenue North. This four-storey treatment centre, which supports family-centered care for children and youth with physical, communication, and developmental needs, benefited from the town donating more than five acres of land and coordinating closely with Grandview to realize cost savings. Additionally, a generous donation of $300,000 was provided at the Mayor’s Gala.
Industrial Front
On the industrial front, Ajax is set to see further development as Pure Industrial nears completion of its Lakeridge Logistics Centre at 537 Kingston Road East, directly across from Ajax Downs. The facility, which has achieved zero-carbon building certification and features sustainable design elements, with occupancy targeted for early Q2 this year and will offer up to 1,200,000 square feet of leasable space.
In a related project, Picov Holdings has submitted a site plan application for an employment building at the northeast corner of Alexander’s Crossing and Kingston Road East. The proposed building is said to offer nearly 300,000 square feet of industrial space with timber construction and sustainable design features; construction is expected to begin early this summer, with occupancy anticipated within 12 months.
The address also addressed the ongoing homelessness crisis affecting the province. Citing the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, he noted that more than 80,000 Ontarians were known to be homeless in 2024—a rise of over 25 percent since 2022. In response, he stated that Ajax council has worked with the region to improve access to services for the unsheltered population.
These initiatives are said to position Ajax as a leader in economic development and social support, setting a foundation for continued growth and community well-being in the coming years.
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