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[0:22]
From the beginning this council set out
to be bold and forward-thinking. Focus
[0:26]
on championing local economic growth,
creating jobs, building a community
[0:30]
where people can live, work, and thrive.
In just a few years Ajax has experienced
[0:35]
one of its most significant periods of
growth in its 70-year history. If we
[0:39]
take a step back, construction value
since Mayor Collier's time as head head
[0:43]
of council in 2018 has reached an
incredible $2.5 billion.
[0:49]
million expansion, adding new production
lines and strengthening Ajax's advanced
[0:54]
manufacturing base with plans to grow
more than 80 full-time jobs. Allow me to
[0:59]
recognize Vivian Shana who are a guest
at this event. Thank you so much.
[1:04]
Bird Construction opened a new Ajax
facility supporting the Pickering
[1:07]
Pickering nuclear refurbishment,
contributing to over $150 million in
[1:11]
contracts, and reflecting our commitment
to partnerships that include indigenous
[1:15]
owned businesses like Makosi
Incorporated. This is what a strong
[1:19]
local economy looks like, one that opens
doors for everyone. Looking ahead,
[1:23]
Ontario Power Generation's new re-tube
feeder and boiler replacement training
[1:26]
facility coming in 2027 will bring a
200,000 square foot training hub to
[1:31]
Ajax, supporting more than 2,800 skilled
trade workers, and cementing Ajax's role
[1:36]
in energy innovation. To strengthen our
business ecosystem, the town introduced
[1:41]
the 2025-2027
business engagement and support
[1:44]
strategy. A three-year roadmap designed
to strengthen relationships, build
[1:48]
economic capacity, and position Ajax for
the long-term sustainable growth.
[1:53]
This strategy reflects our commitment to
being proactive, responsive, and
[1:57]
data-driven in how we support local
businesses.
[2:00]
I focus on three key priorities.
Deepening direct business engagement and
[2:04]
relationship management, strengthening
key sectors including manufacturer,
[2:09]
manufacturing, tourism, retail, and food
services, and positioning Ajax as a
[2:13]
competitive destination for investment,
innovation, and entrepreneurship. Over
[2:18]
300 business visits,
38 grand openings, 11 business
[2:23]
anniversaries,
10 engagement events, and the quarterly
[2:27]
Ajax Business Network events.
We've seen over 277
[2:33]
Sorry, excuse me. 277 hundred digital
impressions promoting Ajax businesses.
[2:38]
Building on this work, we're proud to
launch the Powered by Ajax, the town's
[2:42]
official business registration designed
to increase your visibility, connect you
[2:46]
to opportunities, and support long-term
economic growth.
[2:50]
This project is This project is
launching very soon, and for a one-time
[2:54]
$25 registration fee. Like many
communities across Ontario, Ajax is
[2:57]
facing the facing the impacts of
homelessness, mental health, and
[3:01]
addiction. The financial implications
are substantial.
[3:05]
We've invested over $500,000 in
encampment response and enhanced
[3:09]
security.
The Main Branch Library has witnessed a
[3:12]
staggering 1,000%
rise in incidents since 2019, and it's
[3:17]
prompted us to double our library
security in costs totaling over
[3:20]
$200,000.
We're doing what we can
[3:25]
while taking a compassionate approach.
That includes
[3:28]
a permanent emergency shelter at 27
Station Street,
[3:31]
a winter warming center at Town Hall,
and targeted business safety supports.
[3:36]
From the daunting task of taking care of
our unhoused, the town also continues to
[3:39]
fight for key principles that define
Ajax.
[3:43]
Equity, diversity, inclusion.
Let me be direct. Across North America,
[3:49]
we are witnessing a troubling retreat
from the values of DEI.
[3:54]
Commitments are defunded, programs have
been dismantled, and the voices of those
[3:58]
who are finally beginning to be heard
are being silenced again.
[4:02]
This has contributed to greater division
in our communities across the country.
[4:06]
And Ajax will not be one of them.
In Ajax, diversity is not just our
[4:10]
strength. It is a fundamental tenant of
who we are.
[4:15]
We will continue moving forward, guided
by our values and committed to building
[4:18]
an Ajax where everyone belongs. For
example, since 2023, the town has
[4:24]
collected 7.24 million under the
infrastructure levy and 9.1 million
[4:28]
under the stormwater management fee,
ensuring that when repairs and upgrades
[4:32]
are needed, we are prepared. Our major
projects include the Rossland Road
[4:36]
widening,
advocacy for the Highway 12 interchange,
[4:41]
EV infrastructure including the 44-stall
Tesla Supercharger,
[4:45]
and planning around the Ajax GO
Secondary Plan.
[4:48]
I'd like to highlight that on June 6th,
Mayor Collier will be hosting the eighth
[4:51]
and final Ajax Mayor's Gala at the newly
opened Durham Convention Centre.
[4:56]
In just 3 years, the gala has raised
over 1.7 million with a goal of
[4:59]
surpassing 2 million this year, all in
support of vulnerable residents
[5:03]
and the Ajax-Pickering Hospital
Foundation. Thank you to our community
[5:06]
partners, businesses, and residents who
make this progress possible.
[5:10]
It's been an absolute honor speaking to
you today. Thank you.