The Ajax Park Daycare Dispute is drawing concern from residents who say part of a neighbourhood green space is being transferred for use by a private childcare facility near the former Sundial Pavilion.
The Town of Ajax sold the pavilion to School House Playcare Centre of Durham after council declared the property surplus. The transaction closed in October, and subsequent adjustments expanded the property connected to the daycare by approximately 546.95 square metres, or 0.13 acres.
Residents living near the park say they are not opposed to the daycare itself. Their concern is that the expanded private property boundary reduces public space used by families, children and older adults.
Residents object to loss of green space
A sign painted by neighbourhood children now stands near the affected area with the message, “Our park was not for sale.”
Some nearby homes do not have large yards, making the park an important outdoor gathering and recreation space for local families.
Resident Lisa-Marie Wishropp said the dispute is about the municipality’s decision to extend the area available to the daycare rather than opposition to childcare services.
Neighbours are concerned that a parking area, sports court and waste containers associated with the daycare will be visible from homes facing the park. Some also fear the development could affect property values and require the removal of mature trees.
Walking loop has been interrupted
Residents have also raised concerns about an asphalt loop that previously extended around the park.
The property changes have severed part of the route, forcing children riding bicycles and older adults using the loop for exercise to take alternate paths.
The town says the route remains connected through existing sidewalks. However, municipal staff are examining whether an additional pedestrian crossing could improve safety and accessibility in response to residents’ concerns.
The Town of Ajax has published a formal notice concerning the former Sundial Sales Pavilion at 99 Barnham Street, confirming that the property remains part of an active municipal planning and construction process.
Pavilion originally served nearby development
The Sundial Pavilion was constructed approximately 15 years ago as a sales centre for the surrounding residential development.
After the homes were sold, the building became a neighbourhood pavilion, while the surrounding land was used as a park. The nearby playground also supports a municipal drop-in program and is expected to remain in place.
Residents describe the park as the centre of the neighbourhood and say they were unaware of the final boundary adjustment until fencing began appearing.
They are asking Ajax council to hold a special meeting to hear their concerns before the project advances further.
Town says required process was followed
Ajax officials say the sale complied with municipal requirements, including public notices and information published through town reports and online updates.
The municipality also says the issue appeared in several public reports over approximately four years. According to the town, the local councillor conducted a door-to-door information campaign in April 2025.
Municipal planning staff review development applications for compliance with zoning, official-plan policies, urban-design objectives and site-planning requirements.
The property is now privately owned, and the town is working with the owner through the site-plan approval process.
Changes proposed in response to feedback
Ajax says it is using the planning review to request improvements addressing community concerns.
Potential measures include additional plantings, enhanced safety features and an upgraded underground Molok waste system.
The town has not indicated that it intends to reverse the sale or return the additional land to the public park.
Residents argue that the issue demonstrates a need for clearer consultation when municipal property adjoining established green space is declared surplus or sold.
Community seeks further council action
Neighbourhood members have launched a website and are encouraging residents to contact council.
They want the municipality to reconsider the boundary adjustment and examine whether the walking loop and mature landscaping can be preserved.
The Ajax Park Daycare Dispute remains unresolved while the town reviews the site-plan application and residents continue pressing for a public meeting.
No final construction timeline was provided in the source article. Further information may become available through Ajax’s public notices, development records or future council reports.
