Due to poor air quality conditions, Recreation & Culture programming has been modified for July 15, 2026.
For more information about Air Quality Warnings and ways to mitigate health risks from poor air quality, please visit durham.ca/airquality
While embracing change, the Town of Ajax will meet the challenges of the future and be seen as an innovative public sector leader.
As a team of valued employees, taking pride and ownership in all that we do, we will exceed our customers expectations. Ajax will be known as the Town that thinks like a business and acts with a strong sense of community.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by and reports directly to Town Council.
Based on delegated authority of Council, the CAO directs and co-ordinates the general management of business affairs of the corporation, in accordance with the by-laws, policies and plans approved by Council, to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and facilities which preserve or enhance the social, economic and physical well-being of the community. The CAO is responsible to ensure that innovative programs and services are developed and implemented to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The CAO ensures that Council directives are coordinated between Town departments and relevant agencies while ensuring that the operations within the organization are conducted within the framework of the values and goals of the organization. Located at Town Hall, the Office of the CAO.
The Public and Strategic Affairs (PSA) department provides administrative services, guidance, research and policy support to the Mayor and Members of Council, manages and coordinates political initiatives to advance the interests of the Town’s residents and businesses, implements the Town’s Strategic Plan, manages various corporate projects and leads internal and external strategic communications initiatives.
The PSA department is comprised of the following distinct sections:
At the Town, diversity is our strength. We have the fastest-growing diverse population and value our community’s many contributions. We are committed to respect, inclusion, diversity, and equity and have zero tolerance for all acts of discrimination and hate. We strive to continually lead with these values and beliefs that enable our community to develop their potential, bring their full selves to work, and engage in a place of understanding, learning, and inclusivity. Learn more about the Town’s Indigenous Community and Healing Garden, Ajax Shining Star Bursary Program, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force and other DEI initiatives on the Diversity & Community page.
The Town engages and supports our business community. Our Business Development Team encourages business success by working with our local businesses through Business Retention & Expansion opportunities, while also assisting external businesses through the site selection process to help them establish their operations here in Ajax. Our Team provides market information on Ajax and access to government programs and resources available to businesses, crucial to helping business owners and entrepreneurs make informed decisions. They also engage our local businesses by hosting events such as our popular Ajax Business Network (ABNs) sessions, to celebrating business milestones, such as grand openings, ground breakings, and business anniversaries. In addition, our staff promotes tourism opportunities and experiences in Ajax and manages the film permits process at the Town of Ajax.
The Town supports our community through the Ajax Partnership Fund, an annual $250,000 stream of funding for initiatives and projects of shared strategic importance. Grants and Partnerships also engages with organizations and groups to enable unique partnerships with the Town. In addition, the Grants and Partnerships team applies on behalf of the Town for grants and other funding opportunities to extend the capacity of the Town and strengthen Ajax’s long term financial stability.
The Town’s Community Support area coordinates access to programs and services that address complex social issues such as crime, homelessness, mental health, addictions, and community wellbeing. While many of these issues fall under other levels of governments’ jurisdictions, the Town seeks to be a leader in finding local, municipal solutions to support the community. The team also also works to build capacity in Town staff to better serve our residents, as well as amplifies the work being done by community organizations, including the Durham Regional Police Service.
The Quality Management Program (QMP) is composed of a number of sub-categories that support the day-to-day functions at the Town:
The Communications and Engagement Team supports the Town and community through external and internal communications planning and support. Staff provide public engagement opportunities, digital and web services, manage the Town’s social media and creative services (brand and identity management). Additionally we coordinate media relations with our local media outlets/organizations.
Corporate Security in the Town of Ajax plays a vital role in protecting municipal facilities, staff, residents, and information. It ensures the safety of Town buildings and public spaces through surveillance, access controls, and contracted security services. The team also supports emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and incident response while safeguarding sensitive data in partnership with IT. By maintaining a proactive and integrated approach, Corporate Security helps ensure safe, resilient operations and public trust across all Town services.
The Finance Department provides accounting services, financial analysis and advice to Town Council and Town Departments.
This includes guiding the short and long term financial strategies of the Corporation, coordinating budgets and forecasts for presentation to Council, levying and collecting taxes, purchasing, insurance/risk management, accounting and managing the financial assets of the Corporation.
The Finance Department is comprised of the following sections:
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services is a full-time department that is committed to providing the highest possible level of customer service to our residents, visitors and guests.
Through our various programs for adults and children, we strive to educate all our residents on the importance of fire safety.
We operate the following three fire stations:
The Corporate Services Department serves our customers in a friendly and professional manner. We are committed to the continual enhancement of services in order to provide the best experience and value to our residents, taxpayers and customers. Corporate Services staff embrace the role of technology as a critical tool in improving the convenient delivery of services.
The Corporate Services Department consists of these six distinct sections:
Bylaw Services identifies issues, recommends appropriate regulatory solutions, and follows-up with positive enforcement techniques in order to protect and benefit individuals and the community. Examples include comprehensive parking and traffic regulations, property standards, noise and other nuisances, trade licensing, animal services (primarily dog and cat), and many other matters.
Customer Experience provides coordination and oversight of the Town’s Quality System and corporate customer service standards and initiatives. In addition, the section provides primary telephone reception, handles Town Hall information inquiries, issues marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies, provides Commissioner of Oaths services, receives parking ticket and other payments, and many other direct services.
HR Services is responsible for the following:
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which is a Federal Government agency, which oversees the following:
For more information regarding ESDC programs and services, click here.
Legislative Services coordinates the Town’s governance structure, such as Town Council and its Standing Committees, and various Citizen Advisory Committees, including the preparation of meeting agendas, minutes and correspondence.
This section administers municipal elections, oversees the Town’s records and information, including responses to Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act inquiries, and coordinates the Town’s commitment to fully accessible services
Technology and Innovation Services provides and supports business applications, technology infrastructure, network communications, telephone services, and various other technology assistance.
This support enables all Town staff to provide effective public services and maintain efficient government operations through the appropriate and innovative application of information technologies.
The Legal, Real Estate and Adjudication Services Section provide support to the Town by delivering legal, property, and adjudicative services. The Section is responsible for coordinating, reviewing, and administering agreements and contracts with external service providers, government agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders.
The Section also oversees real estate transactions involving municipal lands and property interests including acquisition, disposition, and leasing.
In addition, the Section maintains a fair, transparent, and legislatively compliant dispute resolution process for the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), including the coordination of screening reviews and hearings.
Through these responsibilities, the Section helps mitigate legal risk, protect municipal interests, ensure regulatory compliance, and support effective municipal governance and service delivery.
The Operations and Environmental Services team is committed to delivering timely and efficient municipal services. We strive to respond proactively to the needs of our community, building relationships based on trust and respect. Our team continuously evaluates its practices to support improvement, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
Operations and Environmental Services includes six key service areas:
The Ajax Parks System is open year-round for your enjoyment. To support this service, park maintenance includes:
The Parks Section manages approximately 800 hectares of land and maintains all pedestrian and cycling pathways. We care for all local parks and parkland within the Town of Ajax, with a focus on improving streetscapes and outdoor spaces to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residents.
Responsibilities include maintaining:
We have recently expanded our naturalization program to help create self-sustaining, ecologically diverse park and open spaces. Allowing areas to regenerate naturally offers many benefits, including:
Our Forestry Section cares for all Town-owned trees located along streets, in parks, green spaces, natural areas, and woodlands. We aim to preserve, conserve, and manage the urban forest to enhance the quality of life for Ajax residents. The team also supports other departments and the public with streetscape design, tree preservation, and community planting projects.
The Town also leads several programs that support parks and green spaces, including:
Our Operations team coordinates and provides routine maintenance services on Town-owned roads, bridges, sidewalks, walkways, and storm sewers within the Town of Ajax. This includes, but is not limited to, the following programs:
Capital Projects team is responsible for the planning, budgeting, environmental assessment, approvals, coordination and implementation of infrastructure projects in the Town of Ajax. Specific responsibilities include:
The Infrastructure section provides project management services for infrastructure projects, including the design and construction of new assets and the repair and rehabilitation of the Town’s existing assets.
The design phase of a project involves preparing construction contract drawings and tender documents required for its execution. This stage typically includes engineering design, along with stakeholders and public consultation to finalize and support project objectives.
The construction phase is the implementation stage of a project, where physical assembly begins. It involves ensuring compliance with design specifications, adhering to safety standards, site inspections, quality control, coordination among stakeholders and timelines. This phase is essential for translating plans into functional infrastructure.
The Asset Management section helps protect and enhance the quality of life in Ajax by making the best possible decisions regarding our assets.
As seen below, the Corporate Asset Management Plan (CAMP) divides Ajax’s municipal assets into 8 distinct service areas (bolded service areas are fully or partially the responsibility of Operations and Environmental Services):
Asset Management intends to meet the needs of the community in the most economical way.
The Town of Ajax ensures that asset management is done responsibly, making decisions based on the lowest cost over the life of an asset.
Asset Management is the roadmap to ensure our assets are maintained to maximize their life and drives the needs and priorities for replacement.
Asset Management ensures asset investment decisions are made using the most accurate information and helps residents of Ajax enjoy their community.
Both the Federal and Provincial government grant programs, such as the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), require that municipalities have asset management plans to be eligible for funding. Under Ontario Regulation 588/17, the Ontario government has made it law that all municipalities must have an asset management policy and plan in place and must be updated at least every five (5) years.
Ajax’s Corporate Asset Management Policy outlines the governance of responsibly managing Town owned infrastructure, incorporating levels of service, risk, climate change, economic growth, and financial capacity. It provides a framework to Town staff on how to efficiently manage municipal assets.
Ajax’s 2025 Corporate Asset Management Plan gives an overview of the Town’s municipal asset health and its financial preparedness in order to meet the levels of service expectations of the community. The Corporate Asset Management Plan will be updated at least every 5 years and will align with the goals of Council.
In accordance with O. Reg. 588/17, this plan outlines the proposed levels of service for the Town’s tangible capital infrastructure assets, the condition of all Town assets, and growth forecasts for the Town of Ajax. This plan forecasts the 10-year financial capital and operational needs of the Town of Ajax.
Asset Management documents and reports prior to 2024 are available upon request. Please email infrastructure@ajax.ca for additional information.
The Building Maintenance Section provides internal services that support the Corporation by maintaining all Town facilities. These include:
The team also manages facility assets and delivers project management services for Town facility projects. This includes support for new construction, as well as repair and rehabilitation of Town buildings and assets.
The team is committed to exploring new technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Fleet Services is an internal service that manages the Town’s vehicles and equipment. The primary functions of the section include acquiring, maintaining, regulating, allotting, and retiring fleet assets to support the internal transportation needs required for meeting service delivery. Vehicles and equipment include, but are not limited to, licensed small/medium/heavy duty cars and trucks, construction equipment, off-road agricultural equipment, grounds maintenance equipment, ice conditioners, Fire apparatus, and a wide variety of specialty hand tools.
Additionally, Fleet services also oversees the vehicle and equipment asset database, including annual condition assessments, as well as maintaining a corporate fuel inventory and department parts inventory, and providing corporate vehicle and equipment training programs where needed. Fleet Services actively explores new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact where feasible.
The Planning and Development Services Team of proactive and responsive professionals will be leaders in the provision of excellence in customer service.
We embrace the opportunity to build a model community for the future, one which includes thriving businesses and desirable neighbourhoods, an efficient infrastructure, safe buildings, and a distinct rural area, all complemented by a commitment to preserve our natural environment.
Planning and Development Services is responsible for the urban planning, development, building and engineering of Ajax. The Department is made up of the following sections:
Recreation & Culture is committed to providing quality programs and services, festivals & events and facilities that create opportunities to strengthen individuals, families and the community. Embracing a customer driven focus, our services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of a diverse and changing population. We work collaboratively with our community partners to develop creative approaches that maximize recreational leisure, and arts and cultural opportunities. With integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing for all residents in the Town of Ajax.
Discover a world of fun, fitness and creativity with our wide range of programs designed for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn a new skill or make new friends, we have something perfect for kids, teens and adults looking to stay active and engaged.
Explore your passions and try something new with our diverse selection of programs:
Visit our Activities and Recreation Programs page for more information.
Ajax is a vibrant, creative, and culturally diverse community, with a rich history and heritage. Our goal is to create innovative, exciting and accessible arts and cultural experiences for our residents and visitors. From a variety of small to large family-friendly events, to an incredible array of concerts and theatre shows, there’s something for everyone. Whether on your own or with family, friends and neighbours, have fun, make memories and explore all that Ajax has to offer! Ajax—where Culture happens!
Festivals and Events in Ajax include: Ajax Winterfest, Ajax Canada Day Celebrations, Trailfest, Summer in the Square, Movies in the Park, Ajax Spirit Walk, Pumpkinville, Ajax Santa Claus Parade, Christmas in the Village and the Ajax Family New Year’s Eve Party.
Visit our Festivals & Events page for more information.
Located in the heart of Pickering Village, the St. Francis Centre is Ajax’s premier destination for arts, culture and heritage. Originally constructed in 1871, and retrofitted in 2011, this designated heritage building marries historic architecture with modern design to create a state-of-the-art performance venue that features a full season of performances and events, including incredible variety shows, amazing concerts, family shows for the young and young at heart, thought-provoking film screenings and fun social events.
For more information, show dates, times and ticket information, please visit our St. Francis Centre page.
The heart of Ajax is its people! Volunteer today and make a difference in our community! Volunteering is a great way to:
Our recreation facilities are some of Durham’s best and busiest recreation complexes! We pride ourselves on offering friendly, courteous and professional staff. We work extremely hard at meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Whether we are preparing one of our banquet halls for a wedding, maintaining exceptional ice in our arenas, sparkling water in our pools or supporting the many groups that use our facilities for their special events, tournaments or celebrations, we strive to ensure a positive and welcoming experience.
The Customer Service & Administration section manages a variety of business functions within Recreation & Culture including: