The Town of Ajax has rejoined the Durham Meadoway Preliminary Design Study after previously withdrawing from the Shared Services Memorandum of Understanding, clearing the way for the ambitious active transportation corridor to move forward with full regional participation.
Ajax council passed a resolution directing staff to participate in the study in accordance with the MoU, reversing an earlier decision that had prompted concerns from neighbouring municipalities. The City of Pickering’s May 4 Executive Committee report on the MoU had been prepared when Ajax was not planning to enter the agreement.
“Since the May 4 Pickering report was prepared, the Town of Ajax passed a council resolution which entered them into the MoU,” the town said in a statement.
The Durham Meadoway Project proposes a regional active transportation corridor and linear park extending from the City of Oshawa through to Rouge National Urban Park at the Pickering-Toronto boundary. The project envisions a connected network of multi-use paths, green spaces, and community amenities stretching across the region.
In Ajax, the Meadoway would run adjacent to Taunton Road from the eastern border with Whitby to Westney Road, then follow the hydro corridor southwest through Paulynn Park, including a portion along the Trans Canada Trail, to the Pickering border.
The town had signalled strong support for the project in an early February report, noting it aligns with Ajax’s sustainability goals.
“This project supports the town’s broad sustainability goals, including increasing pollinator habitats, wetland restoration, and tree canopy expansion,” the February report stated. “It complements existing trail infrastructure and would align with the existing cycling network.”
The report also highlighted plans for public art, trailhead access, and wayfinding signage throughout the project, including connections to the Trans Canada Trail.
Ajax’s financial contribution to the Durham Meadoway study has been set at $119,292, which will be funded from Development Charges and the Development Reserve. Costs will be allocated to relevant capital projects. The contribution is based on the proportional length of the Meadoway within Ajax’s boundaries, recognizing that much of the road infrastructure is already in place along Taunton Road.
The Regional Council endorsed the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study in June 2024. Region of Durham staff are now proceeding with preliminary design work to advance the multi-use path and identify locations for gateways, amenities, and other features along the route.
The Meadoway concept draws inspiration from the successful Toronto Meadoway, a 16-kilometre linear park and urban green space built along a hydro corridor in Scarborough. The Durham version would extend the concept across multiple municipalities, creating one of the region’s most significant active transportation networks.
The project also aligns with Durham Region’s broader climate action goals, encouraging residents to choose sustainable transportation options while enjoying access to green spaces and natural areas. Once completed, the corridor would provide a safe and scenic route for cyclists, pedestrians, and joggers travelling between communities across the region.
With Ajax back on board, the project now has participation from all key municipalities along the proposed route. The preliminary design phase will determine the specific routing, amenities, and features that will shape the corridor for years to come.
