Enhancing Healthcare Services
Since 2022, the Ontario government has committed over $300 million to enhance healthcare facilities across the Durham Region. This includes investments in key institutions such as Lakeridge Health, Ontario Shores, the Durham Community Health Centre, the Durham Region Public Health Unit, and the Alzheimer Society. These critical investments are set to improve healthcare services, support the well-being of residents in Ajax and ensure that our community continues to receive the best possible care for years to come.
With the help of the provincial government, Lakeridge Health introduced a new PET-CT scanner last. This cutting-edge technology will eliminate the need for Ajax and Durham residents to travel to Toronto or Ottawa for essential diagnostic tests. With only 16 PET-CT scanners in Ontario, this investment is a vital step in enhancing healthcare access in Durham Region and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care right here at home.
Opening of Grandview Kids
The Ontario government proudly supported the opening of Grandview Kids’ new headquarters, the Jerry Coughlan Building in Ajax this past November. This state-of-the-art, fully accessible children’s treatment centre now serves over 6,000 children and youth with physical, communication, and developmental needs across Durham Region. With a wide range of rehabilitation services offered, this investment will improve access to essential care and ensure a brighter future for our youngest residents.
Launch of Youth Wellness Hub
A Youth Wellness Hub will soon be coming to Ajax, helpingl enhance access to essential services for youth in Durham Region. Once operational, the hub will provide young people aged 12 to 25 with convenient access to mental health, primary care, and social support services. This new space will ensure that youth in the region have the resources they need to overcome challenges and build brighter futures, all within a safe and welcoming environment.
Improving Long-term Care
In May 2022, Lakeridge Gardens opened its doors, adding 320 much-needed long-term care beds to the Ajax community. This state-of-the-art facility includes a hemodialysis unit and has received an additional $1.12 million investment to create a 16-bed Behavioural Specialized Unit, providing tailored care for residents with complex needs. Schlegel Villages, another long-term care home, will also be opening up, providing 192 beds. As well, Ajax has witnessed the revitalization of 100 beds at Chartwell Ballycliffe, and the addition of 124 more.
Additionally, through the Seniors Community Grant Program, more than $200,000 was awarded to organizations across Ajax, including the Town of Ajax, to support local seniors. This funding enables non-profits to deliver projects and resources that empower older adults to live independently, stay safe, stay connected to their community, and avoid isolation.
Unlocking Housing
The Town of Ajax received $4 million through the Building Faster Fund to accelerate the development of new housing projects. Additionally, the Region of Durham received over $34 million, with Ajax receiving an extra $278,312 specifically for water infrastructure improvements. These investments not only support the creation of more housing units but also lay the foundation for sustainable growth and development across the region, helping to meet the increasing demand for housing.
Addressing Homelessness and Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Our community has witnessed a troubling rise in homelessness, with many individuals and families facing unimaginable challenges. These are our neighbours and our friends, and they deserve compassion, care, and meaningful support. That’s why decisive action has been taken, with an investment of more than $18.7 million in the Region of Durham since 2023 to address homelessness, provide critical resources, and uplift those in need.
To further strengthen these efforts, $9.2 million has been allocated to develop housing units across the Durham Region, providing safe and supportive spaces for individuals at risk of homelessness. This initiative also prioritizes support for vulnerable groups, including seniors, adults with disabilities, those facing addictions or mental health challenges, and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
In addition, the Region of Durham will receive more than $4.7M to support two vital projects aimed at providing much-needed assistance to our vulnerable populations.
Groundbreaking of the HART Hub
To support those facing addiction and mental health challenges across Durham Region, a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub will be coming to Durham Region. This hub will offer vital services, including primary care, mental health and addiction treatment, supportive housing, and employment support. This new hub will provide essential resources to those in need, helping to build a stronger, healthier community.
Expanding Education
This September, a new school is set to open in Ajax, with another French elementary school planned for the 2026-2027 school year. In addition, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Pickering High School, and Elementary School Catholic Notre-Dame-De-La-Jeunesse are undergoing revitalization as part of a $16 billion investment in education. These initiatives aim to expand educational opportunities and provide schools with the resources needed to foster growth and success for future generations.
Investing in Better Transit
Since 2022, over $18 million has been allocated to Durham Region Transit to expand service hours, increase routes, purchase new vehicles, and improve accessibility, making it easier for residents to rely on public transit.
In addition, significant steps have been taken to enhance regional transit by awarding a contract to advance planning for extending GO train service to Bowmanville. With a historic $730 million investment, the Lakeshore East GO line will be extended further into Durham Region, bringing two-way, all-day GO train service to Bowmanville and ensuring more seamless connections for commuters across the region.
Approximately $138 million has been invested into highway projects across Durham Region since 2022. These investments include the rehabilitation and replacement of bridges, overpasses, and underpasses across the 401, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for residents and businesses in our community.
Enhancing Community Safety and Security
To enhance community safety and security, a new Air 1 helicopter has been provided to the Durham Regional Police Service, replacing the 25-year-old model. This state-of-the-art helicopter will equip DRPS with advanced tools to effectively combat crime, respond to emergencies, and ensure the safety of Durham Region from above.
In response to the rising auto-theft rates across the province, DRPS also received $900,000 last November to strengthen efforts in preventing and addressing auto theft. This investment ensures that local law enforcement has the necessary resources to fight crime and protect the community.
Strengthening Local Organizations
To support the growth and well-being of the Ajax and Durham community, more than $4.5 million has been allocated to local not-for-profit organizations across Durham Region since 2022. This funding helps improve community facilities, enhance resilience, and build capacity, enabling organizations to deliver essential programs and services, ensuring a positive impact on communities now and in the future.
Over $1.2 million has been invested into 26 social-service agencies across Durham Region in 2024. In addition, a $450,000 investment is being directed towards upgrading and repairing facilities for children and social services agencies. These improvements will ensure that these essential organizations can continue to provide high-quality services to those who need them most, all while maintaining safe and accessible spaces for the community.
Additionally, more than $650,000 since 2023 has been invested into the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs (DRABPE). This funding supports the delivery of impactful programs that provide mentorship and career guidance, giving the tools and opportunities entrepreneurs need to succeed, especially those from marginalized communities.