While embracing change, the Town of Ajax will meet the challenges of the future and be seen as an innovative public sector leader. As a team of valued employees, taking pride and ownership in all that we do, we will exceed our customers expectations. Ajax will be known as the Town that thinks like a business and acts with a strong sense of community.

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

portrait of Shane Baker

Shane Baker - Chief Administrative Officer

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports directly to Town Council and is responsible for providing leadership and direction to all departments of the Administration. The CAO is responsible for the organizational structure of the corporation and ensuring that Council directives are coordinated between Town departments and relevant agencies. The CAO is supported by the following sections: Office of the Mayor/Council, Corporate Communications, Government Relations and HR Services.

Office of the Mayor/Council, Corporate Communications and Government Relations responsibilities include:

  • Providing administrative, guidance, research and policy support to the Mayor and Members of Council
  • Implementing the Town's Community Action Plan
  • Managing various corporate projects, including project management and policy development
  • Leading internal and external strategic communications initiatives
  • Managing and coordinating political initiatives to advance the interests of the Town's residents and businesses

HR Services is responsible for the following:

  • Recruitment of full and part-time employees
  • Labour and Employee Relations
  • Health & Safety
  • Training & Development
  • Compensation & Benefits design and administration
  • Employee Wellness
  • Employee Records Management
  • Policy Development

**Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), which is a Federal Government Department, oversee the following:

  • Unemployment
  • Maternity / Parental Leave Benefits
  • Social Insurance Numbers
  • Job Searches

For more information regarding HRDC matters, visit http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-dsp.cgi?rc=3570&ln=eng.

Finance

The Finance Department provides accounting services, financial analysis and advice to Town Council and Town Departments.

This includes guiding the short and long term financial strategies of the Corporation, coordinating budgets and forecasts for presentation to Council, levying and collecting taxes, purchasing, insurance/risk management, accounting and managing the financial assets of the Corporation.

The Finance Department is comprised of the following sections:

Administration
  • Insurance claims and risk management
  • Coordinate insurance coverage
  • Maintain department personnel records
  • Manage department filing system
Fire and Emergency Services

Ajax Fire and Emergency Services logo

Ajax Fire and Emergency Services is a full-time department that is committed to providing the highest possible level of customer service to our residents, visitors and guests. Through our various programs for adults and children, we strive to educate all our residents on the importance of fire safety.

We operate the following three fire stations:

  • Fire Headquarters: 900 Salem Road North
  • Station #1: 40 Westney Road North
  • Station #2: 435 Monarch Avenue
Legislative & Information Services

portrait of Nicole Cooper

Nicole Cooper - Director of Legislative & Information Services

The Legislative and Information Services Department serves our customers in a friendly and professional manner.  We are committed to the continual enhancement of services in order to provide the best experience and value to our residents, taxpayers and customers.  LIS staff embrace the role of technology as a critical tool in improving the convenient delivery of services.

The Legislative and Information Services Department consists of these four distinct sections:

Customer Services

Customer Services provides coordination and oversight of the Town's Quality System and corporate customer service standards and initiatives.  In addition, the section provides primary telephone reception, handles Town Hall information inquiries, issues marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies, provides Commissioner of Oaths services, receives parking ticket and other payments, and many other direct services.

Legislative Services
Legislative Services coordinates the Town's governance structure, such as Town Council and its Standing Committees, and various Citizen Advisory Committees, including the preparation of meeting agendas, minutes and correspondence.  This section administers municipal elections, oversees the Town's records and archives, including responses to Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act inquiries, and coordinates the Town's commitment to fully accessible services.
 By-law Services
Bylaw Services identifies issues, recommends appropriate regulatory solutions, and follows-up with positive enforcement techniques in order to protect and benefit individuals and the community.  Examples include comprehensive parking and traffic regulations, property standards, noise and other nuisances, trade licensing, animal services (primarily dog and cat), and many other matters.
Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services provides and supports business applications, technology infrastructure, network communications, telephone services, and various other technology assistance.  This support enables all Town staff to provide effective public services and maintain efficient government operations through the appropriate and innovative application of information technologies. 
Operations & Environmental Services

Dave Meredith - Director of Operations

The Operations and Environmental Services team is driven to ensure the timely and efficient provision of municipal services.  Our team endeavours to proactively respond to the expectations of our customers while fostering a relationship that values trust and respect.  We are committed to evaluating our practices in an effort to achieve continuous improvement, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Operations and Environmental Services consists of six distinct areas of customer service, they are as follows:

Environmental Services

The Ajax Parks System is open year-round for your enjoyment.  To provide this service, parks maintenance includes litter control, repair of park infrastructure and sports field maintenance, forestry services and horticulture.

The parks department manages approximately 800 hectares and maintains all pedestrian and bike pathways.  We maintain all local parks and park land within the Ajax municipality, aiming to constantly improve the streetscape and outdoor facilities to provide a safe, pleasant environment for our residents.  Responsibilities include maintaining the walkways, sports fields, playgrounds, splash pads and skate parks.  In addition we maintain shrub beds and grass cutting of all park areas. 

We have recently expanded our naturalization program, to help create park and open spaces that are self sustaining and ecologically diverse.  Allowing areas to regenerate naturally has many benefits, including improved water quality, increased flora and fauna, reduced emissions and better air quality.  It also lessens the need for pesticides.

Our Forestry Division cares for all Town-owned trees along the streets, parks, green spaces, natural areas, woodlands and beautification programs.  Our goal is to effectively preserve, conserve and manage the urban forest, thus providing a better quality of life for the residents of Ajax.  We also serve as a resource for other departments and the public in streetscape design, tree preservation and community planting projects.

The Town actively leads other programs related to our parks and green space which also include the following: 

  • Adopt a Park
  • Ajax in Bloom
  • Anti-Litter Campaigns
  • Leash Free Dog Area
  • Special Services & Events
Operations

Public Works maintains Town roads, bridges, sidewalks, walkways, storm sewers, street lights and arterial road boulevards within the Town of Ajax. This includes but is not limited to the following programs:

  • Road Maintenance
  • Construction
  • Winter Control
  • Utilities
  • Road Occupancy
Engineering Capital Projects

The Engineering Capital Projects team is responsible for the planning, budgeting, environmental assessment, approvals, coordination and implementation of road, bridge, trail, sidewalk and park related Capital infrastructure projects in the Town of Ajax.  Specific responsibilities include:

  • Growth management infrastructure planning
  • Project management for Municipal Class Environmental Assessments related to roads and bridges
  • Participating in the Development Charge Background Review
  • Capital Budget and Long Range Capital Forecasting for road, bridge, trail, sidewalk and park projects
  • Preparation of Request for Tenders, Requests for Proposals and Terms of Reference for new roads, bridges, trails and parks
  • Design of engineering capital projects
  • Contract administration and inspection of projects
  • Coordination of traffic signalization with the Region of Durham
  • External liaison on capital projects
Infrastructure and Asset Management

The Infrastructure and Asset Management section provides asset management for town assets and provides project management services to infrastructure projects supporting new builds as well as repair and rehabilitation projects of town building and assets.

 Infrastructure
The Infrastructure team provides project management services to infrastructure projects supporting new builds as well as repair and rehabilitation projects of town building and assets.
 Asset Management 

Asset Management helps protect and enhance the quality of life in Ajax by making the best possible decisions about our assets. Assets such as:

  • Storm sewers
  • Buildings
  • Roads
  • Parks

We do this in a way that meets the needs of the community in the most economical way.

The Town of Ajax ensures that asset management is done responsibly, meaning that we make decisions based on the lowest long-term cost over the life of an asset, rather than just the lowest purchase price.

Asset Management in Ajax is the roadmap to making sure our assets are maintained to reach their maximum life and drives our needs and priorities for replacement.

Why is Asset Management important?

Asset Management ensures that asset investment decisions are made using the most accurate information and helps residents of Ajax enjoy the community to its fullest.

Both the Federal and Provincial government grant programs, such as the Canada Community-Building Fund, require that towns and cities have asset management plans in order to be eligible for funding. The Ontario government has made it law that all towns and cities must have an asset management policy and plan in place and kept up to date.

Documents

Ajax’s Corporate Asset Management Policy sets out our responsibilities, commitments and expectations for decisions, activities and behaviour concerning asset management.

Ajax’s 2017 Corporate Asset Management Plan is the first asset management plan developed and published by the Town. This asset management plan and future plans are living documents which provide an overview of the Town's asset health and financial preparedness in order to meet the service expectations of the community. This plan outlines the inventory of the Town’s main assets, their condition, as well as speaks about practices that are in place and future practices to ensure the delivery of the Town’s services into the future.

Ajax’s 2021 Corporate Asset Management Plan for Core Assets is the second asset management plan developed and published by the Town. This asset management plan has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Asset Management Regulation and is a living documents which provide an overview of the Town's asset health and financial preparedness in order to meet the service expectations of the community. This plan outlines the inventory of the Town’s core assets, their condition, as well as speaks about practices that are in place and future practices to ensure the delivery of the Town’s services into the future.

Council Reports and Presentations

Building Maintenance

The Building Maintenance Section is an internal services provider that supports the Corporation by maintaining all Town facilities.  This includes the maintenance of building space such as recreation centres, fire halls, Town Hall, Operations Centre and park facilities and pavilions.

The Building Maintenance Section prides itself on investigating new technologies that will improve efficiency and lessen the impact of the operation on the environment.

Fleet Services

Fleet Services is an internal service that provides asset management for the entire Town's fleet.  Fleet Services core activities include the acquisition, maintenance, regulation and disposition of Town's vehicles and equipment.

As an internal support service, Fleet services performs maintenance on many types of equipment ranging from string trimmers to snowplows, ice re-surfacers to Firefighting apparatus.  Fleet Services also prides itself on investigating new leading edge technologies that will improve efficiency and lessen the impact of the operation on the environment.

Planning and Development

Geoff Romanowski - Director of Planning & Development Services

The Planning and Development Services Team of proactive and responsive professionals will be leaders in the provision of excellence in customer service.  We embrace the opportunity to build a model community for the future, one which includes thriving businesses and desirable neighbourhoods, an efficient infrastructure, safe buildings, and a distinct rural area, all complemented by a commitment to preserve our natural environment.

Planning and Development Services is responsible for the urban planning, development, building and engineering of Ajax.  It also has the responsibility of assisting business and industry in entering new markets and remaining competitive.  The Department is made up of the following sections: 

Quick links 

Recreation & Culture

Chris Vida - Director of Recreation & Culture

Recreation & Culture is committed to providing quality programs and services, festivals & events, and facilities that create opportunities to strengthen individuals, families and the community. Embracing a customer driven focus, our services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of a diverse and changing population. We work collaboratively with our community partners to develop creative approaches that maximize recreational leisure, and arts and cultural opportunities. With integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing for all residents in the Town of Ajax.

Recreation Programs (Recreation Programs & Active Living)

The Town of Ajax offers a variety of inclusive recreational programs for participants of all ages, abilities, and interests. Our program range includes: Arts & Culture, Technology, Sports, Fitness, and Aquatics.  Recreation programs provide the opportunity to be active within the community, meet new people, and develop skills and interests.

Visit our Activities and Recreation Programs page for more information.

Community & Cultural Events

The heart of the Town of Ajax is its people. Our shared cultural experiences shape our identity and enhance our experiences. The unique qualities of Ajax include its diverse and distinct neighbourhoods, natural and urban landscapes, rich culture and heritage. The Town is committed to the continued nurturing and development of an engaged, inclusive, accessible and safe community. Our staff work together with residents and community groups, clubs and organizations to build a strong sense of community in Ajax.  This is done through community festivals & events, arts & cultural initiatives, community group support, volunteer development, and support for our seniors.

Visit our Festivals & Events page for more information.

Facilities

Our recreation facilities are some of Durham's best and busiest recreation complexes!  We pride ourselves in offering friendly, courteous and professional staff.  We work extremely hard at meeting and exceeding our customers' expectations. Whether we are preparing one of our banquet halls for a wedding, maintaining exceptional ice in our arenas, sparkling water in our pools or supporting the many groups that use our facilities for their special events, tournaments or celebrations, we strive to ensure a positive and welcoming experience.

Visit our Rent a Facility page for more information.

Customer & Business Services

The Customer & Business Services section manages a variety of business functions within Recreation & Culture including:

Community Centre Customer Service Desk:
Staff provide welcoming and courteous service to our community centre patrons, taking care of all program registrations and daily entrance fees, fitness memberships, account management services, answering resident inquiries etc.

Marketing & Promotions: 
Develop our and generate campaigns, promotions and promotional pieces to ensure the community is fully informed and can engage in the many programs, services, activities, festivals & events, sports etc. offered in the Town.

Facility Booking Services: 
Through our Facility Booking office, we focus on community sport development through the creation of permits and engagement with all new, emerging and established sport/activity groups to ensure opportunity, access and sustainability. We also offer facility rental opportunities for private bookings (i.e. meetings, weddings, picnics, birthdays, celebrations, etc.).