The Ajax Official Plan review will return to the public spotlight on Thursday, August 20, when residents can provide feedback on how the town should address climate resilience and protect its Greenlands System as Ajax grows.
The public open house runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Hall C at Audley Recreation Centre.
The event is part of Ajax’s ongoing comprehensive review of its Official Plan, the long-range planning document that guides decisions about how land should be used and how the community should develop.
Ajax Official Plan Review Looks Toward 2051
The updated Official Plan will establish policies addressing Ajax’s growth over the coming decades, with planning extending to 2051.
Official Plans influence decisions involving housing, employment areas, strategic growth areas, environmental protection, transportation, cultural heritage and climate resilience.
Ajax says the current review is intended both to respond to changes in provincial planning legislation and to reflect how the community has changed since its previous Official Plan review concluded in 2014.
The Town is currently completing the first phase of the process, involving background research and an assessment of legislation and existing planning policies.
Climate Resilience and Greenlands in Focus
The August 20 open house will focus specifically on climate resilience and Ajax’s Greenlands System.
The Town’s review is examining policies dealing with climate adaptation, natural heritage, water resources and agricultural systems.
The discussion could ultimately influence how Ajax protects environmentally significant lands while accommodating future population and employment growth.
Ajax is encouraging residents, businesses and community organizations to participate and provide feedback during the planning process.
Regional and Ajax Plans Being Combined
The Official Plan review is also taking place following significant changes to municipal planning responsibilities in Durham Region.
Since January 1, 2025, the Region of Durham has operated as an upper-tier municipality without planning authority, with many planning responsibilities transferred to local municipalities such as Ajax.
As part of the review, the recently approved Durham Regional Official Plan, known as Envision Durham, will be integrated with Ajax’s existing Official Plan.
The result is expected to be a single planning document governing land-use policy within the town.
More Public Meetings Planned
The August 20 session is one of several public consultations scheduled during the Ajax Official Plan review.
Another in-person meeting is planned for September 14 at the Ajax Community Centre, followed by a virtual meeting on September 22.
Residents can also review the Town’s published background reports and submit comments. The deadline for comments on the currently available Phase 1 reports is September 30.
Ajax says public feedback gathered throughout the process will help determine the policies and priorities included in the updated Official Plan.
