Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier yesterday claimed a significant victory for the town and the residents of Pickering Village.
On March 26, the Ontario Divisional Court upheld the demolition order for the property at 599 Kingston Road West, dismissing the appeal brought forward by owner First Avenue.
“This decision reinforces what our community has been saying for years: the rules that protect our neighbourhoods, our safety and our environment must be respected,” said the mayor.
The Divisional Court’s ruling upholds the September 18, 2025 decision by Justice A. Casullo of the Superior Court of Justice, which granted the town’s application for a demolition order regarding the above-ground structures that were built without the benefit of a building permit at the southeast corner of Kingston Road West and Church Street South.
“For years, our town has stood firm. Since 2021, we have worked through every necessary process with First Avenue, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and the courts to hold this project accountable. This has not been a quick or easy fight, but we remained committed to defending the interests of our residents and protecting the integrity of our planning and development rules,” Collier said.
Move To Implement Demolition Order
He said the court decision sends a clear message: our community will not be ignored, and developments that bypass the law will not be tolerated in Ajax.
With Justice A. Casullo’s decision now confirmed, the town, working closely with legal counsel, will take appropriate steps to see that the demolition order is implemented.
“Thank you to the residents of Pickering Village and across Ajax who stood with us throughout this process. Your voices mattered, and today’s outcome reflects the strength and determination of this community,” said Mayor Collier.
For updates on this evolving situation and to read the Divisional Court’s decision, which is scheduled to be posted today (March 27), visit imo.ajax.ca/599kingston.