Consideration of a Heritage Conservation District in Neighbourhood One
Neighbourhood One was the first neighbourhood in Ajax to be designed and constructed by the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation during their efforts in the 1940s to convert the Defence Industries Limited lands (a World War II era munitions plant) into a self-sustaining industrial community. The neighbourhood is characterized by winding streets wrapped around internal parks and modest 1½-storey homes situated on large, spacious lots.
Several residents in Neighbourhood One have recently expressed concern about the nature of redevelopment happening in the area. As properties are listed for sale, there is a growing trend for buyers to demolish the original homes and replace them with larger homes that may not match the prevailing character of the area. In response, Town Council has requested that staff consult with residents of Neighbourhood One to consider the implementation of a Heritage Conservation District (HCD).
An HCD is a planning tool that can be used to help manage change in an area that possesses heritage value. It involves the adoption of an HCD Plan, which sets the policy framework for development in the area, and a Heritage Permit system, which ensures the Town has oversight of all major developments happening in the area.
Town of Ajax Planning staff are hoping to hear from Neighbourhood One residents to help determine if the implementation of an HCD is something that would support. Information received during consultation will be presented to Council and used to determine whether to pursue an HCD designation for the area.
How to Participate
Planning staff from the Town of Ajax will be hosting a Public Open House on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the River Plate Room at Ajax Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South) to discuss consideration of an HCD with local residents. Staff will deliver a presentation and then open the floor to questions and comments.
In addition to the Public Open House, staff will also be offering an online survey to solicit the opinions of residents on the matter. On May 15, 2025, following completion of the Public Open House, the survey will be posted below. [Note: The survey was closed and the link was removed from this page on June 2, 2025. If you have further comments on this matter, please contact michael.sawchuck@ajax.ca.
Results of Public Consultation
Planning staff from the Town of Ajax will be consolidating all feedback from the resident survey, as well as all other correspondence received, into a report for consideration by Council. This report is scheduled to be considered by Council at the September 8, 2025 General Government Committee meeting.
Update - September 15, 2025
Following consideration of the matter, Council did not take steps to further advance the consideration of a Heritage Conservation District (HCD). As a result, there will be no designation of an HCD in Neighbourhood One. If you have questions or comments, please contact michael.sawchuck@ajax.ca. This page will be archived on November 30, 2025.
