The Town of Ajax continues to be leaders in environmental sustainability. The Town of Ajax declared a climate emergency to acknowledge the impacts of climate change and reaffirm our commitment to mitigate and adapt to those impacts wherever possible.

Want to learn what you can do at home and in your day-to-day life to help you better respond to, and prepare, for the impacts of climate change? You can download the Resident’s Guide to Climate Resiliency developed by the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee.

Climate Adaptation

Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan

The Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan (DCCAP) is Durham's plan to prepare our community for climate change and extreme weather. Over 60 industry experts took part in identifying the local risks and consequences of our changing climate and developing solutions that will make our community resilient.

To learn more about climate change and mitigation plans, visit the Region's 'Adapting to Climate Change in Durham Region' web page. 

Ajax Climate Risk & Resiliency Plan

The Town of Ajax is committed to taking action on climate change and has developed the Ajax Climate Risk & Resiliency Plan and accompanying Implementation Strategy to ensure that the impacts of climate change on our community are addressed proactively and that resiliency is a top priority across the municipality. The Ajax Climate Risk & Resiliency Plan and accompanying Implementation Strategy lay out a 10-year vision to enable coordinated action and real progress in response to multiple climate related threats across a variety of sectors.
Climate Mitigation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Ajax Green Standard
Approved in April 2022, the Ajax Green Standard is a tiered municipal green standard that establishes sustainability-related performance measures and design guidelines for new development and redevelopment in the Town of Ajax.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets
In April 2021, Ajax Council unanimously passed a motion to establish new corporate GHG emission reduction targets that include:
  • 20% GHG emission reduction by 2025, below 2019 levels;
  • 40% GHG emission reductions by 2030, below 2019 levels;
  • 100% GHG emission reductions by 2050, below 2019 levels.
The motion also endorsed the Region of Durham’s community GHG emission reduction targets that include:
  • 10% GHG emission reduction by 2025, below 2019 levels;
  • 30% GHG emission reductions by 2030, below 2019 levels;
  • 100% GHG emission reductions by 2050, below 2019 levels.
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

In 2011, the Town of Ajax, along with 1,100 communities worldwide, joined the network of Partners for Climate Protection led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

As a member, Ajax committed to reducing GHG emissions by 20% corporately and 6% within the community by 2020. To achieve these reduction targets, Ajax Council approved the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan in 2013. The GHG reduction targets were achieved early.

Associated reports:

Joint Zero Emission Vehicle Program

The Town of Ajax is collaborating with Durham Region, other local area municipalities, and utilities to create a community-wide network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.

E-Mission Durham – Helping residents make the transition to zero emission electric vehicles (EV)
 Energy Conservation

Corporate Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan

The Corporate Energy Conservation & Demand Management Plan has been formed to help Ajax have a better understanding and be able to manage our consumption of energy. It also ensures that the Town meets the requirements under Ontario Regulation 397/111 (Green Energy Act, 2009).

View Corporate Energy Conservation & Demand Management Plan.

Durham Community Energy Plan

The Durham Community Energy Plan (DCEP) is focused on transitioning Durham Region to a clean energy economy that has both economic and social benefits.

View the Durham Community Energy Plan.
Flooding and Extreme Weather

Most flooding occurs when the volume of water in a river or stream exceeds the capacity of that waterway. Learn more about flooding from rivers. Flooding also takes place along lake and coastal shorelines when higher than normal water levels occur. Due to the urban nature of the Greater Toronto Area, most rainfall becomes “stormwater runoff”, causing water levels in streams and rivers to rise quickly.

Climate change has increased the likelihood of more severe and frequent storm events, raising the risk of flooding. To learn more climate trends for Durham Region please visit Durham’s Future Climate page.

What Can You Do?

  • Be Prepared! You can prepare your home and family to respond to flooding and other types of extreme weather. Visit the Town of Ajax’s Emergency Preparation page to learn how you can prepare and respond to all types of emergency situations.
  • Understand the Risk! You can find out if you live in a flood prone area by searching on TRCA’s Flood Plain Map Viewer.
  • Stay Informed! Sign up to receive flood messages from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
  • Do Your Part! You can help to reduce the impact of flooding by incorporating natural infrastructure on your own property. Natural infrastructure solutions include planting trees, installing rain gardens, utilizing rain barrels, and integrating permeable paving can all help to reduce stormwater runoff and the impacts of flooding. To learn more about natural infrastructure solutions, visit Unflood Ontario