Learn more about the past, present and future of Ajax in this new season!

The Town of Ajax is proud to announce the launch of season three of its acclaimed podcast, TOA Talks, with a special mini-series commemorating the Town’s 70th anniversary. This season promises to take listeners on a journey through Ajax’s rich history, vibrant present and exciting future.

Hosted by Kassandra Brownridge, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax will feature engaging episodes that educate, inspire and connect the community. Through historical insights, personal stories and future visions, the podcast aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Ajax’s unique heritage and ongoing growth.

Episode one is available now and features a look at the Town’s wartime past and proud military history and explores what life was like in the early 1950’s in Ajax, around the time of incorporation. The episode features special guests, Michael Sawchuck, Senior Planner with the Town of Ajax, and Maria-Lise Dobri, Archives Services Librarian with the Ajax Public Library.

Episodes two and three will be available to watch online or for download in early 2026. 

Quotes

“Our history belongs to everyone, and this season helps bring those stories to life. I encourage you to tune in to our tribute of our shared past and a look at the vision for our future that we’re building together.” – Shaun Collier, Mayor and CEO, Town of Ajax

“With this season of TOA Talks, we are celebrating our community’s journey; where we’ve been, who we are today and where we see ourselves in another 70 years. We hope these episodes inspire pride and connection among all who call Ajax home.” - Kassandra Brownridge, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Town of Ajax

Quick Facts

  • The Town of Ajax was incorporated in 1955 and celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025.
  • TOA Talks is a podcast that provides an online space where listeners and viewers can get to know Ajax Council, staff, community partners and stay up to date on what’s happening in the Town, while learning more about a topic that listeners may not know yet. 
  • The podcast is being produced in house by the TOA Communications & Engagement Team, and season three is hosted by Kassandra Brownridge, Manager of Strategic Initiatives with the Town of Ajax. Season three is recorded in an audio and video approach. 
  • Episode Two of TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax looks at Ajax today, with guests:
    • Marycarmen Lara Villanueva, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Town of Ajax;
    • Malcolm Barrington, Co-Chair, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force; and 
    • Parastou Saberi, Social Researcher, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD).
  • Episode Three of TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax looks at what Ajax may be like in the future and features guests: 
    • Abigail Chiu, Youth Engagement Advisory Committee (YEAC) member; and 
    • Patricia Bolger, an active participant in the Town’s 55+ Community. 
  • The first season of TOA Talks featured conversations with the Town’s department heads, while season two featured conversations with members of Council. Episodes are still available on ajax.ca/TOATalks and SpotifyApple Podcasts and YouTube
  • All episodes will be released on ajax.ca/TOATalks and posted on all of the Town’s social media platforms. Full episodes will also be released on SpotifyApple Podcasts and YouTube
  • Residents are encouraged to celebrate the Town’s 70th anniversary by exploring ajax.ca/ajax70. There you’ll find an interactive timeline, professional drone show video and ways to participate in local events, library programs, and heritage initiatives.

Learn More