Vote conveniently by internet or telephone from October 19 at 10 a.m. to October 26 at 8 p.m.
Learn more on the Town’s dedicated election website:
Welcome to TOA Talks!
Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.
Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact corporate@ajax.ca.
Season Four
Hosted by Devon Jarvis, Manager of Communications & Engagement, the new season features conversations with members of the Town’s election team and other Town staff, and explores key topics, including how to vote, the measures in place to ensure a safe and accessible voting experience, why municipal elections matter, and what happens once the votes are counted.
Season Four episodes and guests:
- Episode One – 2026 Ajax Municipal and School Board Elections 101
- We start with the basics. In this episode, you’ll learn when and how to vote, who’s on your ballot, how your vote is kept secure, how to check that you’re on the voters list, and where to get in-person help.
- Episode Two – Coffee with the Election team
- In this episode of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, Manager of Communications and Engagement, sits down with Jaclyn, Municipal Clerk and Returning Officer, and Thomas, Deputy Clerk and Deputy Returning Officer, for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Ajax Municipal Election.
- Episode Three – Close to Home: Why Municipal Elections Matter
- In episode three, we’re talking about why municipal elections matter. From roads and parks to recreation, many of the decisions that impact our daily lives are made at the local level. We’ll explore the roles of Mayor, Councillors, and School Board Trustees, what municipal governments are responsible for, and how your vote helps shape the future of our community.
- Episode Four – Keeping Every Vote Safe: Election Security in Ajax
- In this episode of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, Manager of Communications and Engagement, is joined by Yasmyn, the Town’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, to explain how online and telephone voting is kept secure and what you can do to make sure your vote counts.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where you’ll:
- Learn why municipal elections matter
- Discover how the Town is ensuring a safe and secure voting experience
- Find out what happens after the results are in
Episode one: Ajax’s Past - From Wartime Origins to Incorporation | TOA Talks
In Episode 1, we journey back to where it all began, exploring Ajax’s wartime origins, proud military legacy, and what everyday life looked like in the early 1950s, around the time the Town was incorporated.
Guests featured in this episode:
- Michael Sawchuck, Senior Planner with the Town of Ajax; and
- Maria-Lise Dobri, Archives Services Librarian with the Ajax Public Library
Episode two: Ajax’s Present - Inclusion, Equity & Community in Ajax | TOA Talks
In Episode 2 of Season 3 of TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax, we explore the make-up of Ajax today and what continues to attract residents to our growing community.
This conversation highlights how multiculturalism enriches daily life in Ajax, while also addressing the real challenges related to racism and bias. Our guests share insights into the ongoing work being done to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and connected community for everyone who calls Ajax home.
Guests featured in this episode:
- Marycarmen Lara Villanueva, PhD, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Town of Ajax
- Malcolm Barrington, Co-Chair, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force
- Parastou Saberi, PhD, Social Researcher, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD)
Episode three: Ajax’s Future - Youth & 55+ Voices Shaping Ajax’s Future | TOA Talks
In this episode of TOA Talks 70 years of Ajax, we take a glimpse at Ajax’s future in conservations with Abigail Chiu, Youth Engagement Advisory Committee (YEAC) member and Patricia Bolger, an active participant in the Town’s 55+ Community.
Guests featured in this episode:
- Abigail Chiu, Youth Engagement Advisory Committee (YEAC) member; and
- Patricia Bolger, an active participant in the Town’s 55+ Community
Lisa Bower talks Journey on Ajax Council, Overcoming Cancer, & Unique Approach to Politics
In the latest season of TOA Talks, our host Sterling Lee sits down with Lisa Bower a Councillor for Ward 3 to discuss topics such as her unique approach to politics, journey on Ajax Council, overcoming cancer, childhood stardom, and inspiring change through service.
Joanne Dies talks Importance of Public Art, Arts to Advocacy, and Passion for Green Spaces
In the second episode of this seasons TOA Talks, our host Sterling Lee sits down with Regional Councillor for Ward 3, Joanne Dies. Joanne dives into the importance of public art, her 21 year political journey from arts to advocacy, and her passion for green spaces and the environment.
Nancy Henry talks First Term on Ajax Council, Road to Politics, and Top 3 Moments
In the third episode of this season’s TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Councillor for Ward 2, Nancy Henry, for a fun and insightful conversation. Nancy shares her journey into politics, revealing the pivotal moments that led her to join Ajax Council. She reflects on her experience during her first term, offering a behind-the-scenes look working for a local government. Plus, she counts down her top 3 standout moments.
Rob Tyler-Morin talks his Band Two for the Show, Learning in your Career, & Traffic Calming
In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Rob Tyler-Morin, Councillor for Ward 1, for an engaging and lively conversation.
Rob dives into his passion for music, sharing stories about his band Two for the Show and reflecting on what he believes is the greatest band of all time. He also discusses his professional journey, offering insights into discovering the joy of learning throughout your career.
Rob sheds light on important local topics like traffic calming and what makes Ajax—especially Pickering Village—such a special place to live. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a local councillor.
Marilyn Crawford talks Running a Half Marathon, Public vs Private Sector, and being in Politics
In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Marilyn Crawford for an engaging and lively conversation.
Marilyn shares her perspective on the differences between the public and private sectors, offering insights into their unique challenges and opportunities. She also discusses the common negative perceptions of politicians and how they impact public trust.
Beyond her professional experiences, Marilyn opens up about a personal milestone—training for and running her first half marathon in her 40s.
Sterling Lee Talks Ajax’s Multiculturalism, Future Developments & Being ‘Trivia Thanos’
In this episode of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis sits down with Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee for a lively and insightful discussion about Ajax’s authentic multiculturalism, the lessons he’s learned from MP Mark Holland, and the exciting future developments at Audley Recreation Centre.
Sterling, self-proclaimed as “Trivia Thanos”, shares his love for trivia nights in Ajax and how they bring the community together. They also dive into a fun yet meaningful conversation about staying true to yourself—whether that means rocking Jordans or dress shoes.
Episode One – Let’s Talk with CAO, Shane Baker
In the first episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Administrative Officer, Shane Baker. The episode includes details on Shane’s history and work as a firefighter and how he advanced his career, transferrable skills and knowledge in various leadership roles and how that helps his role in Ajax, what the typical day looks like as CAO of the Town, pandemic and post-pandemic challenges for staff, adapting to changes and more!
Recording date: November 28, 2023
Episode Two – Let’s Talk with Chief Librarian and Executive Officer, Sarah Vaisler
In this episode of TOA Talks, recorded in the Ajax Public Library, McLean Community Centre Branch, Makerspace, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Librarian and Executive Officer, Sarah Vaisler. In this second episode, listen to why Sarah loves working with the Ajax Library team and the Ajax community, the Makerspace at the McLean Community Centre and all it has to offer and some exciting, upcoming initiatives for the Ajax Public Library.
Recording date: November 27, 2023
Episode Three – Let’s Talk with Director of Finance/Treasurer, Dianne Valentim
In the third episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Director of Finance/Treasurer, Dianne Valentim. Listen to Dianne talk about how she started in finance and her learning path, as well as the challenges and opportunities she has had working with the Finance department in the Town. Dianne also provides some important points to remember about the budget process, where to learn about the budget and property taxes.
Recording date: November 16, 2023
Episode Four – Let’s Talk with Director of Operations & Environmental Services, Dave Meredith
In episode four of TOA Talks, listen to host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talk with Director of Operations & Environmental Services, Dave Meredith. Listen to learn more about the day-to-day of Operations and Environmental Services, along with the department’s clean up procedures throughout the year, ways to report illegal dumping, projects that residents should be aware of, important updates, some information on the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and more!
Recording date: November 29, 2023
Episode Five – Let’s Talk with Director of Recreation & Culture, Chris Vida
In the fifth episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Director of Recreation & Culture, Chris Vida. Listen to this episode to hear Chris talk about his work with the Town for over 20 years, the importance of targeted programming, such as newly introduced Elevate Girls sport programming and his passion for the arts and how that plays into his work with the Town.
Recording date: November 16, 2023
Episode Six – Let’s Talk with Fire Chief, Aaron Burridge
In this episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, sits down and for a talk with Fire Chief, Aaron Burridge. Learn about Chief Burridge’s career at Ajax Fire and accomplishments that led him to where he is today, common misconceptions about Ajax Fire, challenges faced during the pandemic and events that happen with the department throughout the year like Fire Chief for the day, as well as some important information to know about fire detectors and other safety reminders!
Recording date: November 16, 2023
Episode Seven – Let’s Talk with Director of Planning & Development Services, Geoff Romanowski
In this episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Director of Planning & Development Services, Geoff Romanowski. Listen to this episode to learn more about the Planning & Development department and its layers of decision making, the day-to-day as a Planner, positives of intensification and its challenges for Planners, Geoff’s career path to Planning and what’s coming for 2024 and beyond and more!
November 27, 2023
Episode Eight – Let’s Talk with Director of Corporate Services, Nicole Cooper
In the last episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Town’s Deputy CAO, Nicole Cooper (please note, Nicole’s title changed December 2023, after the recording date in November). Since recording in November 2023, the Town of Ajax Plow Map has launched and used by residents this past winter. In this last episode, Nicole talks about details on creative solutions to common issues that municipalities are facing, legislative changes and challenges – changes to planning regimes, the Town’s customer service strategy (December 11, 2023), strong mayor powers, and her love for working with the Town, while focusing on innovation.
Recording date: November 29, 2023