TOA Talks

In the first episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Administrative Officer, Shane Baker. The episode includes details on Shane’s history and work as a firefighter and how he advanced his career, transferrable skills and knowledge in various leadership roles and how that helps his role in Ajax, what the typical day looks like as CAO of the Town, pandemic and post-pandemic challenges for staff, adapting to changes and more! 

Recording date: November 28, 2023

In this episode of TOA Talks, recorded in the Ajax Public Library, McLean Community Centre Branch, Makerspace, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Librarian and Executive Officer, Sarah Vaisler. In this second episode, listen to why Sarah loves working with the Ajax Library team and the Ajax community, the Makerspace at the McLean Community Centre and all it has to offer and some exciting, upcoming initiatives for the Ajax Public Library. 

Recording date: November 27, 2023

In the third episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Director of Finance/Treasurer, Dianne Valentim. Listen to Dianne talk about how she started in finance and her learning path, as well as the challenges and opportunities she has had working with the Finance department in the Town. Dianne also provides some important points to remember about the budget process, where to learn about the budget and property taxes. 

Recording date: November 16, 2023

In episode four of TOA Talks, listen to host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talk with Director of Operations & Environmental Services, Dave Meredith. Listen to learn more about the day-to-day of Operations and Environmental Services, along with the department’s clean up procedures throughout the year, ways to report illegal dumping, projects that residents should be aware of, important updates, some information on the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and more! 

Recording date: November 29, 2023

Episode Five – Let’s Talk with Director of Recreation & Culture, Chris Vida 

In the fifth episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Director of Recreation & Culture, Chris Vida. Listen to this episode to hear Chris talk about his work with the Town for over 20 years, the importance of targeted programming, such as newly introduced Elevate Girls sport programming and his passion for the arts and how that plays into his work with the Town.

Recording date: November 16, 2023

In this episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, sits down and for a talk with Fire Chief, Aaron Burridge. Learn about Chief Burridge’s career at Ajax Fire and accomplishments that led him to where he is today, common misconceptions about Ajax Fire, challenges faced during the pandemic and events that happen with the department throughout the year like Fire Chief for the day, as well as some important information to know about fire detectors and other safety reminders! 

Recording date: November 16, 2023

In this episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Director of Planning & Development Services, Geoff Romanowski. Listen to this episode to learn more about the Planning & Development department and its layers of decision making, the day-to-day as a Planner, positives of intensification and its challenges for Planners, Geoff’s career path to Planning and what’s coming for 2024 and beyond and more! 

November 27, 2023

In the last episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Town's Deputy CAO, Nicole Cooper (please note, Nicole's title changed December 2023, after the recording date in November). Since recording in November 2023, the Town of Ajax Plow Map has launched and used by residents this past winter. In this last episode, Nicole talks about details on creative solutions to common issues that municipalities are facing, legislative changes and challenges – changes to planning regimes, the Town's customer service strategy (December 11, 2023), strong mayor powers, and her love for working with the Town, while focusing on innovation. 

Recording date: November 29, 2023

In the third episode of this season’s TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Councillor for Ward 2, Nancy Henry, for a fun and insightful conversation.

Nancy shares her journey into politics, revealing the pivotal moments that led her to join Ajax Council. She reflects on her experience during her first term, offering a behind-the-scenes look working for a local government. Plus, she counts down her top 3 standout moments.

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Rob Tyler-Morin, Councillor for Ward 1, for an engaging and lively conversation.

Rob dives into his passion for music, sharing stories about his band Two for the Show and reflecting on what he believes is the greatest band of all time. He also discusses his professional journey, offering insights into discovering the joy of learning throughout your career.

Rob sheds light on important local topics like traffic calming and what makes Ajax—especially Pickering Village—such a special place to live. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a local councillor.

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Marilyn Crawford for an engaging and lively conversation.

Marilyn shares her perspective on the differences between the public and private sectors, offering insights into their unique challenges and opportunities. She also discusses the common negative perceptions of politicians and how they impact public trust.

Beyond her professional experiences, Marilyn opens up about a personal milestone—training for and running her first half marathon in her 40s.

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis sits down with Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee for a lively and insightful discussion about Ajax’s authentic multiculturalism, the lessons he’s learned from MP Mark Holland, and the exciting future developments at Audley Recreation Centre.

Sterling, self-proclaimed as "Trivia Thanos", shares his love for trivia nights in Ajax and how they bring the community together. They also dive into a fun yet meaningful conversation about staying true to yourself—whether that means rocking Jordans or dress shoes.