Red Bricks Redevelopment

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A map indicating a property at the north east corner of Harwood Ave S and Kings Crescent

The Town invites tenants of the Red Bricks (145/147 149 Kings Crescent) to join us for a conversation with Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) regarding tenant rights and available support programs.

October 8, 2025 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Town Hall, Council Chambers, 65 Harwood Ave. S

What to expect:

  • CDCD will provide information about the following:
    • Support and referrals to access community resources
    • The Housing Stability Program
    • The Ontario Electricity Support Program
    • Housing search assistance

Tenants who are unable to participate in the event, but require housing support are encouraged to contact CDCD, by visiting cdcd.org, calling (905) 686-2661, or emailing Sayed Saeed, Team Lead, Case Management and Housing First, ssaeed@cdcd.org.

Anyone with an accessibility accommodation request can contact Nimrah Khan at Nimrah.Khan@ajax.ca by October 1, 2025.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions to support the tenants of the affected buildings.

FAQ:

Q: What has been submitted to the Town regarding 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent?

A: A Site Plan Application has been submitted to the Town for the redevelopment of 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent. The proposal includes a high-density development with a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom rental apartment units and 214m2 of ground-floor retail, at the northeast corner of Harwood Avenue South and Kings Crescent. The proposal is for one 25-storey tower consisting of 335 rental units. This includes a higher than typical proportion of multi-bedroom units; 21% 2-bedroom units, and 15% three-bedroom units. The owners are also anticipating 10% affordable units under CMHC guidelines.

Q: What is the history of the property?

A: While the property sign bears the name Sherwood Gardens Apartments, the three buildings are known locally as the Red Bricks. Developed by Dell Construction in 1953, the property was one of the earliest purpose-built rental development projects in the Town of Ajax. The building contains 34 residential units. They do not offer modern comforts such as air conditioning or accessible units.

Kingscourt Holdings (Ajax) Ltd. / Brosko Property Management Limited have owned the property since the late 1960s.

The property is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) . The applicant’s submitted Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) concludes that the property does not satisfy the minimum criteria under Ontario Regulation (O.Reg) 9/06 to be designated under the OHA.

Q: What is the Site Plan Application process, and how does it work?

A: The Site Plan Application process is similar to the Building Permit process. It involves a detailed review of the proposed building and site design to ensure they meet the Ontario Building Code, engineering standards, zoning requirements, and other relevant regulations.

Under current legislation, there is no requirement for public consultation or Council approval. The application, as proposed, conforms with the Official Plan and is generally in compliance with the Zoning By-law. It may require a minor variance to be considered by the Committee of Adjustment (not Council).

Ajax staff have delegated Site Plan Approval authority. Bill 109 required municipalities to delegate Site Plan Approval authority, however, Ajax’s use of this tool long pre-dates Bill 109.

Q: What is permissible for development on the lands based on the current Official Plan (OP) and Zoning in Ajax?

A: Based on the current Official Plan (OP) and Zoning, which came into effect in 2005:

The lands allow for residential mixed-use buildings up to 25 storeys in height, provided certain Tall Building policies are met. These policies include podium/base buildings up to 8 storeys, a 25m tower separation, and a maximum tower floor plate of 800m².

The minimum density is 1.75 FSI (Floor Space Index), with no maximum density limit. The proposed development has a density of 7.28 FSI and complies with the Tall Building policies.

In addition, the Town’s Official Plan contemplates the redevelopment of the Sherwood Gardens Apartments (Red Brick Apartments) when the existing 1950s low-rise buildings reach the end of their economic life.

Q: How long will the Site Plan review process take?

A: Staff have informed the property owners that they can expect “initial” feedback by the end of June. However, this type of review may require several rounds of revisions before a Site Plan Agreement is finalized. The owners have indicated that they will allow tenants to remain in their homes during this planning period.

The owners have indicated that the earliest that notices to vacate may be issued is mid-2026.

Q: Can the public or council appeal this project?

A: No, legislation delegates the Site Plan Application process to staff; municipal Councils cannot approve or deny Site Plan Applications, and there is no public appeal process.

Q: What are the property owners' plans regarding tenant displacement?

A: The property owners have committed to offering units within one of the other Sherwood Gardens buildings. Prior to issuing a notice to vacate, if a unit becomes available in one of the other Sherwood Gardens buildings, existing tenants will have the option to move into the available unit. The available units will be offered based on seniority, meaning that those who have lived the longest in 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent will be given first choice.

Under applicable legislation, they are required to provide displaced tenants with 4 months' notice and provide either 3 months' rent OR provide another rental unit acceptable to the tenant.

Property owners have indicated that they are willing to offer first right of refusal to existing tenants, if this will be permitted through the CMHC requirements. However, there will likely be upwards of two (or more) years between when residents are displaced and when the new units will be available for occupancy.

Q: Is the Town taking any steps to ensure affordable housing options are maintained?

A: The owners have proposed 10% of the units in the new building (34 units total) will be affordable for a 10-year period, in accordance with the CMHC “MLI Select” Program.

Q: How many “affordable” units are available in the Red Bricks?

A: Existing rents seem to be lower than those established by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), see Table 1. The current units do not have an ‘affordable’ designation.

Table 1: A comparison between the existing rents being charged at 145,147, & 149 Kings Cres. and those established by MMAH’s Affordable Residential Units Bulletin

Unit type

145,147,149 Kings Cres.

MMAH’s Affordable Residential Units Bulletin (June 2024 rate)

One bedroom

~ $1,020 / month

$1,456 / month

Two bedroom

~ $1,038 / month

$1,809 / month

Q: Is redevelopment planned for the other Sherwood Gardens building (301-335 Harwood Avenue South)?

A: At present, there are no planning applications for the buildings at 301-335 Harwood Avenue South.

Q: How is the Town addressing the potential uncertainty for residents?

A: The Town is committed to ensuring transparency and fostering open communication to address any issues and provide clarity to residents. A webpage has been created to centralize resources for tenants in the effected buildings: Red Bricks Redevelopment

Local councillors are also organizing a meeting for tenants in late April or early May. This meeting aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their questions and receive detailed information about the site plan.

Q: What relocation supports are available for tenants?

A: A list of helpful resources for tenants can be found at the bottom of this page, or on the Region of Durham's Housing Supports page. One such helpful program is the Housing Stability Program (HSP) which helps eligible low-income households in Durham Region with financial assistance to obtain housing or prevent homelessness. Financial assistance includes financial support for a Last Month’s Rent Deposit and up to two months of Rental or Utility Arrears

Q: How can tenants connect with the Property management team?

A: Tenants are invited to get in touch directly with members of the Brosko Property Management Team through the project email, info@sherwoodgardensajax.ca, and phone number, 647-601-3507.

Resources for Tenants:

The Town invites tenants of the Red Bricks (145/147 149 Kings Crescent) to join us for a conversation with Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) regarding tenant rights and available support programs.

October 8, 2025 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Town Hall, Council Chambers, 65 Harwood Ave. S

What to expect:

  • CDCD will provide information about the following:
    • Support and referrals to access community resources
    • The Housing Stability Program
    • The Ontario Electricity Support Program
    • Housing search assistance

Tenants who are unable to participate in the event, but require housing support are encouraged to contact CDCD, by visiting cdcd.org, calling (905) 686-2661, or emailing Sayed Saeed, Team Lead, Case Management and Housing First, ssaeed@cdcd.org.

Anyone with an accessibility accommodation request can contact Nimrah Khan at Nimrah.Khan@ajax.ca by October 1, 2025.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions to support the tenants of the affected buildings.

FAQ:

Q: What has been submitted to the Town regarding 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent?

A: A Site Plan Application has been submitted to the Town for the redevelopment of 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent. The proposal includes a high-density development with a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom rental apartment units and 214m2 of ground-floor retail, at the northeast corner of Harwood Avenue South and Kings Crescent. The proposal is for one 25-storey tower consisting of 335 rental units. This includes a higher than typical proportion of multi-bedroom units; 21% 2-bedroom units, and 15% three-bedroom units. The owners are also anticipating 10% affordable units under CMHC guidelines.

Q: What is the history of the property?

A: While the property sign bears the name Sherwood Gardens Apartments, the three buildings are known locally as the Red Bricks. Developed by Dell Construction in 1953, the property was one of the earliest purpose-built rental development projects in the Town of Ajax. The building contains 34 residential units. They do not offer modern comforts such as air conditioning or accessible units.

Kingscourt Holdings (Ajax) Ltd. / Brosko Property Management Limited have owned the property since the late 1960s.

The property is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) . The applicant’s submitted Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) concludes that the property does not satisfy the minimum criteria under Ontario Regulation (O.Reg) 9/06 to be designated under the OHA.

Q: What is the Site Plan Application process, and how does it work?

A: The Site Plan Application process is similar to the Building Permit process. It involves a detailed review of the proposed building and site design to ensure they meet the Ontario Building Code, engineering standards, zoning requirements, and other relevant regulations.

Under current legislation, there is no requirement for public consultation or Council approval. The application, as proposed, conforms with the Official Plan and is generally in compliance with the Zoning By-law. It may require a minor variance to be considered by the Committee of Adjustment (not Council).

Ajax staff have delegated Site Plan Approval authority. Bill 109 required municipalities to delegate Site Plan Approval authority, however, Ajax’s use of this tool long pre-dates Bill 109.

Q: What is permissible for development on the lands based on the current Official Plan (OP) and Zoning in Ajax?

A: Based on the current Official Plan (OP) and Zoning, which came into effect in 2005:

The lands allow for residential mixed-use buildings up to 25 storeys in height, provided certain Tall Building policies are met. These policies include podium/base buildings up to 8 storeys, a 25m tower separation, and a maximum tower floor plate of 800m².

The minimum density is 1.75 FSI (Floor Space Index), with no maximum density limit. The proposed development has a density of 7.28 FSI and complies with the Tall Building policies.

In addition, the Town’s Official Plan contemplates the redevelopment of the Sherwood Gardens Apartments (Red Brick Apartments) when the existing 1950s low-rise buildings reach the end of their economic life.

Q: How long will the Site Plan review process take?

A: Staff have informed the property owners that they can expect “initial” feedback by the end of June. However, this type of review may require several rounds of revisions before a Site Plan Agreement is finalized. The owners have indicated that they will allow tenants to remain in their homes during this planning period.

The owners have indicated that the earliest that notices to vacate may be issued is mid-2026.

Q: Can the public or council appeal this project?

A: No, legislation delegates the Site Plan Application process to staff; municipal Councils cannot approve or deny Site Plan Applications, and there is no public appeal process.

Q: What are the property owners' plans regarding tenant displacement?

A: The property owners have committed to offering units within one of the other Sherwood Gardens buildings. Prior to issuing a notice to vacate, if a unit becomes available in one of the other Sherwood Gardens buildings, existing tenants will have the option to move into the available unit. The available units will be offered based on seniority, meaning that those who have lived the longest in 145, 147, and 149 Kings Crescent will be given first choice.

Under applicable legislation, they are required to provide displaced tenants with 4 months' notice and provide either 3 months' rent OR provide another rental unit acceptable to the tenant.

Property owners have indicated that they are willing to offer first right of refusal to existing tenants, if this will be permitted through the CMHC requirements. However, there will likely be upwards of two (or more) years between when residents are displaced and when the new units will be available for occupancy.

Q: Is the Town taking any steps to ensure affordable housing options are maintained?

A: The owners have proposed 10% of the units in the new building (34 units total) will be affordable for a 10-year period, in accordance with the CMHC “MLI Select” Program.

Q: How many “affordable” units are available in the Red Bricks?

A: Existing rents seem to be lower than those established by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), see Table 1. The current units do not have an ‘affordable’ designation.

Table 1: A comparison between the existing rents being charged at 145,147, & 149 Kings Cres. and those established by MMAH’s Affordable Residential Units Bulletin

Unit type

145,147,149 Kings Cres.

MMAH’s Affordable Residential Units Bulletin (June 2024 rate)

One bedroom

~ $1,020 / month

$1,456 / month

Two bedroom

~ $1,038 / month

$1,809 / month

Q: Is redevelopment planned for the other Sherwood Gardens building (301-335 Harwood Avenue South)?

A: At present, there are no planning applications for the buildings at 301-335 Harwood Avenue South.

Q: How is the Town addressing the potential uncertainty for residents?

A: The Town is committed to ensuring transparency and fostering open communication to address any issues and provide clarity to residents. A webpage has been created to centralize resources for tenants in the effected buildings: Red Bricks Redevelopment

Local councillors are also organizing a meeting for tenants in late April or early May. This meeting aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their questions and receive detailed information about the site plan.

Q: What relocation supports are available for tenants?

A: A list of helpful resources for tenants can be found at the bottom of this page, or on the Region of Durham's Housing Supports page. One such helpful program is the Housing Stability Program (HSP) which helps eligible low-income households in Durham Region with financial assistance to obtain housing or prevent homelessness. Financial assistance includes financial support for a Last Month’s Rent Deposit and up to two months of Rental or Utility Arrears

Q: How can tenants connect with the Property management team?

A: Tenants are invited to get in touch directly with members of the Brosko Property Management Team through the project email, info@sherwoodgardensajax.ca, and phone number, 647-601-3507.

Resources for Tenants:

Page last updated: 07 Oct 2025, 11:30 AM