[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.