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Homelessness is a growing challenge for municipalities across Durham Region, Ontario, and Canada. It’s going to take time and a coordinated effort from all levels of government to address homelessness, housing, mental health, and addiction challenges. The Town of Ajax is committed to continuing our work with the local service manager, Durham Region and local community partners towards finding long-term solutions to the homelessness issue here in Ajax.

We work closely with the integral community entities that aid vulnerable populations in our Town and Region. Funding for these organizations is largely by provincial and regional governments, grant programs, donations and more. The Town of Ajax is an ally in ensuring these supports and resources are accessible by our community members.

Crisis Care Facility (CCF) By-law

Ajax Council will be considering a By-law to licence Crisis Care Facilities in Ajax on Monday, December 8.

Draft By-law

Staff Report

CCF By-Law FAQ

What is the purpose of the Crisis Care Facility By-law?
The purpose of the Crisis Care Facility (C.C.F.) by-law is to regulate the day-to-day operation of crisis care facilities in the Town of Ajax.
What is a Crisis Care Facility?
A C.C.F. is a building or part thereof operated, that provides temporary accommodation and associated support services to persons requiring immediate emergency shelter and/or related care.
Who does this by-law effect?

This by-law affects service providers or agencies of temporary emergency accommodation and support services to those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or other crises. Operators include public authorities, non-profit organizations, charitable agencies and other entities.
Who will benefit from the C.C.F. by-law?
The licensing for C.C.F.s will create a system that protects facility users and residents, as well as the residents and businesses in the surrounding community.
What does this by-law entail for the operators of C.C.F.s?
The by-law outlines that a valid C.C.F licence is required to operate, advertise, broker, and permit a C.C.F. in the Town of Ajax. It requires the licencee to comply with the regulations set out in the By-law, obtaining a separate licence for each property from which the C.C.F. is operated, regardless of licensing for another C.C.F. under the same service provider.
How to receive licensing for a C.C.F. under the new by-law?

Applications for licensing and renewals of licences shall be made through the Manager of By-law Services. The Town will be working closely with operators for the first few months after enactment of the by-law to accommodate for the application period and ensure compliance with the requirements. 
What are the requirements of the licence application?
The application requires the operators of the C.C.F. to ensure their facility has or will have minimal to no impact on the surrounding area. This requires compliance with associated by-laws regarding zoning, smoking and vaping, public nuisance and safety, and fire safety. It also requires evidence of insurance, adequate parking, appropriate numbers of staff, 24-hour security, as well as a plan for maintenance of the lot and its impact on the surrounding area.
Are there any exceptions to the by-law?
All facilities must obtain a licence. However, exceptions to some of the requirements to obtain a licence may be made at the discretion of Town senior staff as outlined in the by-law.
I am an operator of C.C.F. What happens now?
The Town will be in contact with all operators of a C.C.F. following the enactment of the by-law by Council to provide forms and next steps. Council has permitted a grace period to ensure all operators have the appropriate time to prepare the required documentation to apply for a licence.
Is there a limit to how many licences/establishments one provider may hold? 

There is no limit to the number of licences a provider may hold. One licence is required per each physical location of a C.C.F. 
What happens if a facility obtains a licence, but does not comply with the terms of the by-law?

Failure to comply to the requirements of the licence according to the by-law may result in formal enforcement action from By-law Services, including but not limited to formal notices, fines or the revocation of a licence. 
 When will the C.C.F. By-law be put into place?
If Council approves the by-law on December 8, it will come into effect immediately. However, the Town will work with operators over the coming months with an estimated time for compliance in Spring 2026.
Community & Homelessness Supports in Ajax
Who to Call
Ajax Shelters
 Winter Warming Centres
  • Christian Faith Outreach Centre: Ajax Hub
    24 hours, 7 days a week (drop-in)
    125 Commercial Ave., Ajax
    (905) 619-1918
    Criteria: 18 plus, all genders, pet-friendly
    Capacity: 25 plus spaces

Warming Centre FAQ & Community Guide
What We're Doing
Ajax Temporary Emergency Shelter

On November 8, 2022, Ajax Council approved the use of Town-owned space to temporarily shelter individuals experiencing homelessness in response to an urgent call from the Region of Durham. The shelter is fully funded by the Region and daily operations are managed by the Christian Faith Outreach Centre. Concerns regarding the shelter should be directed to Durham Region’s Social Services department. You can connect with them via the following form by clicking here.

Learn more about Council’s decision on temporary space for unsheltered.

Each month, the Town of Ajax will share information about the number of people receiving services at the emergency shelter. We hope that sharing this information will promote transparency.

 

Monthly Reports - 2025
Monthly Reports - 2024
Monthly Reports - 2023
 Monthly Reports - 2022
Ajax Locker Program
The Ajax Locker Program was launched in 2020 with funds from the Ajax Mayor’s Gala. Located on the south side of the Ajax Town Hall property on King’s Cres. at Exeter Rd. (facing what will be the new home of The Salvation Army Hope Ajax/Pickering/Uxbridge), they will be administered by The Salvation Army Hope Church and Community Services (“TSA Hope”) and maintained in partnership between the Town and TSA Hope. To learn more about the Ajax Locker Program call TSA Hope at (905) 427-7123, or visit locker project in support of TOA's unsheltered and vulnerable.
Town of Ajax Shower Program

We are dedicated to the well-being of all Ajax residents and providing a safe environment for those in need.
Ajax Homelessness Task Force
In 2019, the Town of Ajax launched the Ajax Homelessness Task Force. The mission of the task force is to identify issues pertaining to homelessness in the Ajax area and advocate for solutions. In addition to Town staff and members of Council, the task force membership is made of representatives from local Non-Profits, service agencies, places of worship, and community members. To date, the Task Force has contributed to projects such as storage lockers for homeless individuals, out of the cold programs, and supporting local groups access funding. To find out more about the Ajax Homelessness Task Force, contact CDCD at 905-686-2661 or info@cdcd.org.
Ajax Mayor's Gala

Since it was launched by Mayor Shaun Collier in 2019, the Ajax Mayors Gala has raised more than $1 million for local charities and organizations. Of that, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated to resources for the unsheltered individuals in our community. Learn more about the Ajax Mayor's Gala at ajaxmayorsgala.com.
Safe Sharps Disposal
In Spring 2023, as a result of feedback from local businesses, the Town worked with the Region of Durham to support the installation of two sharps disposal bins in the Ajax Plaza. If you see sharps that have not been disposed of correctly, contact Ajax Operations and Environmental Services at 905-683-4550 or operations@ajax.ca.
Security and Debris Management
Security is a key priority. Ajax has Town-contracted secuirty patrols daily in the downtown core, including the Ajax Plaza, Pat Bayly Square, and downtown parks and green spaces, as well as increased securtiy presence at the Library Main Branch. 

Town staff also patrol the municipal property in the downtown and at the Ajax Plaza daily to clean up litter and debris.
Community Support Organizations
Regional
Local
Harm Reduction Resources

Community Support Events in Durham Region

  • Upcoming events will be updated on an on-going basis
Community Resources for Women Experiencing Violence or Abuse
Stop Intimate Partner Violence Truck Launch 

 IPV Truck Launch 2025IPV Truck Launch 2025

Ajax Council and Big Rig Wraps were joined by service providers and community members for the launch of a 53-ft Stop Intimate Partner Violence transport truck | October 6, 2025

Stop Intimate Partner Violence Truck Launch Flyer
Town of Ajax and Partners' Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) 2024 Report

The IPV Discussion & Workshop Report below provides details on key findings from the Workshop, including defining IPV, some strengths and successes, challenges and barriers to advocacy, intervention and prevention supports and opportunities for collaboration and potential prevention strategies. The report details a total of 13 action items for the Town, upper levels of government, service providers and community members - it is through these action items that continued advocacy, education and open dialogue are essential for creating meaningful change.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) 2024 Report
 Community Services
  • Durham DRIVEN
    • Supports women experiencing gender-based violence by providing many specialized services at one location.
    • Open every Monday with many different agencies on- and off-site.
    • 905-432-7233 or 1-877-723-3905
  • Women’s Multicultural Resource/Counselling Centre of Durham
    • Provides a variety of services for women of colour and immigrant/refugee women who have experienced abuse.
    • Offers crisis intervention, telephone support, one-on-one and group counselling, referrals, information, advocacy, and interpretation services.
    • 905-427-7849 or 1-877-454-4035
  • Canadian Mental Health Association
    • 905-436-8760 ext. 103 or 104
  • Catholic Family Services
    • Provides individual, group and family counselling for adults and children. All faiths are welcome.
    • Ajax: 905-428-1984
    • Port Perry: 905-985-4221
    • Oshawa: 905-725-3513
  • Family Services Durham
    • Provides individual, couple and family counselling as well as adult community support services.
    • Provides the Partner Assault Response program and the Partner Assault Response Partner Contact program.
    • Offices in Ajax, Beaverton, Bowmanville, Cannington, Port Perry, Sunderland, Uxbridge and Whitby
    • 1-866-840-6697 or 905-666-6240
  • Social Services – Income Support Intake Line
    • 1-877-678-6333 or 905-428-8982
    • Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Youthline
    • Open Sunday to Friday from 4-9:30 p.m.
    • 1-800-268-9688
  • 519 Anti-Violence Program
    • Counselling services and support groups for the LGBTQ community.
    • 416-392-6874
  • Carea Community Health Centre
    • Medical services, counselling services and group programs.
    • 905-723-0036
  • Children’s Aid Society of Durham (CAS)
    • Offers guidance, counselling and referral services to families whose children are at risk.
    • Investigates allegations that children are being abused or neglected.
    • 905-433-1551
  • Frontenac Youth Services
    • Supports adolescents and their families.
    • 1-877-455-5527 or 905-579-1551
  • Kinark Child and Family Services
    • Services and supports for children and youth with complex needs in the areas of child and youth mental health, autism and forensic mental health/youth justice.
    • 1-888-454-6275
  • Rose of Durham Young Parent Support Services:
    • Cost-free support groups and individual counselling for young parents.
    • 905-432-3622
  • Rituals for Recovery & Help Her Recover
    • Provides telehealth (virtual) trauma relief services for GBV survivors
    • Help Her Recover Project offers survivor and community programming, tools and resources
    • Provides trauma responsive workplace and school training/capacity-building facilitation
    • info@ritualsforrecovery.com / info@helpherrecover.org
    • 289-210-1258 / 1-844-760-0762
 Help Lines/Crisis Lines
  •  Assaulted Women’s Helpline
    • Provides 24-hour anonymous telephone counselling, support, and referrals to abused women throughout Ontario.
    • 1-866-863-0511
  • Durham Mental Health Services – Crisis Services
    • Provides phone support.
    • Has crisis beds and a mobile crisis team
    • 1-800-742-1890 or 905-666-0483
  • Crisis Intervention Team Lakeridge Health Oshawa
    • 905-576-8711 ext. 4384
  • Distress Centre Durham: Helpline
    • Offers 24-hour telephone support by trained volunteers to provide emotional support, crisis management and community referral information.
    • 1-800-452-0688 or 905-430-2522
  • Durham Region Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Care Centre
    • 24-hour emergency medical services and counselling support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
    • Provides medical care, forensic kits and documentation of injuries for victims. If you are 16 or older you can choose to have your injuries documented, but not reported to the police.
    • 905-576-8711
  • Durham Rape Crisis Centre
    • 24-hour crisis line provides support and programs for individuals of all ages who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and/or recent sexual violence.
    • Services include individual counselling, support groups, advocacy, and accompaniment to the hospital, police, and court proceedings.
    • 905-668-9200       
 Legal & Police Services
  • Victim Services of Durham Region
    • Offers short-term, immediate emotional and practical support to victims, their families, and witnesses of crime or tragic circumstances.

    • Services include - Free and confidential support, needs assessment and safety planning, referrals to community services, client follow-up to ensure ongoing support. Police involvement is not required to access support 

    • Provides information and support regarding the involvement of the police in domestic violence situations.

    • 1-888-579-1520 ext 3400

    • victimservices@drps.ca 
  • Victim/Witness Assistance Program
    • Provides services to victims of domestic violence or abuse who are involved in the criminal court process because of charges being laid against their abuser.
    • 905-743-2790
  • Family Law Information Centre
    • Provides information, referrals, and support about family court issues such as separation, divorce, child custody/access, child/spousal support, and restraining orders.
    • Provides assistance with applications for interim (emergency) court orders
    • 905-579-1988 or 1-877-294-6524
    • Walk in service: 150 Bond St. E, Oshawa, ON, on the first floor
  • Durham Community Legal Clinic
    • Provides legal representation to low-income Durham Region residents in some areas of law.
    • 905-728-7321 or 1-888-297-2202
  • Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre
    • Luke's Place offers summary legal advice, family court support, and referrals to women after fleeing intimate partner violence. Their free legal clinic connects women across Ontario with lawyers for summary legal advice on family law issues. 
    • 905-728-0978 ext. 235, or toll free at 1-866-516-3116, ext. 235
  • Legal Aid Ontario Oshawa Office
    • 905-576-2334 or 1-866-595-0563
  • The Law Society Referral Service
    • Provides the name of a lawyer who will provide up to 30 minutes of free consultation to help you learn your rights and options. This services does not give legal advice. If you are in a crisis, in a shelter, in custody, or under 18 you may call toll free.
    • 1-855-947-5255 or 416-947-5255
  • Legal Line
    • Legal Line provides free, pre-recorded legal information through telephone and internet systems. Legal Line does not provide legal advice.
    • 416-929-8400
 Shelters
  • 24-hour access to safe and secure emergency housing for single women and women with children
  • 24-hour telephone counselling for support, information, advice, and referrals
  • Provide individual and group counselling for women and children who are residing at the shelter
  • Outreach services (for women not living at shelter) include individual and group counselling, information, and referrals
  • Provide support, information, and assistance with transitional issues including safety planning, housing, family court and/or criminal court processes, obtaining income and/or employment
  • Bethesda House
    • Located: Bowmanville
    • Crisis line: 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397
  • Denise House
    • Located: Oshawa
    • Crisis line: 905-728-7311 or 1-800-263-3725
    • TTY: 905-728-4394
  • Herizon House
    • Located: Ajax
    • Crisis line: 1-866-437-4966
  • Y’s WISH
    • Located: Oshawa
    • Crisis line: 905-576-2997 or 1-888-576-2997
    • Transitional support: 905-576-0182
Community Support Feedback
The Town of Ajax welcomes your thoughts and feedback regarding homelessness and community safety. The Town has channels for you to report issues relating to streetlights, vandalism, and garbage.

Submit Community Support Feedback