Almost 2 years have passed since the by-election in 2008 when I was first elected as your Ward 2 Councillor!!   It has been my pleasure to serve you in this capacity.

Ward 2 has a bright future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.  The Town of Ajax has been experiencing tremendous population and development growth over the last ten years and the largest portion of that growth has been in Ward 2. 

My vision for Ajax and Ward 2 continues to be for a stronger, more vibrant community that provides greater opportunities for its residents and businesses alike.   This vision aims at balancing the need for growth, with the desire for a high quality of life for residents. I believe that Ward 2 and Ajax should not only maintain its current level of prosperity and family focus, but should strive to exceed it.  

I have lived in Ward 2 with my family for over 13 years so I share your concerns as a fellow resident.  We all want to live in a community:

  • That is clean and safe.  
  • That preserves our open space.
  • Where all families can prosper and grow.
  • Where there are opportunities and access to meaningful employment.
  • Where there is a healthy mix of residential, commercial and recreational opportunities.

With more than two decades of experience as a community volunteer in the non-profit sector, I have developed a strong reputation for identifying problems and implementing practical solutions.  I am currently a Senior Planner with the City of Toronto, Scarborough District specializing in land development and community building.  I hold a Degree in Urban Planning from Ryerson University as well as a Diploma in Civil Engineering from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Over the past 2 years on Council, I have been involved with the following initiatives:

Youth

  • Collaboration with various faith based and community groups in addressing issues facing our young people
  • Collaboration with elected members from other levels of government including MPP Joe Dickson and MP Mark Holland
  • My Annual Ajax charity motorcycle Ride 4 Youth -  proceeds will be used to establish Scholarships for students pursuing post secondary education  at UOIT or Durham College.  The first scholarships will be handed out this year!!
  • Working closely with our Recreation and Culture Staff to ensure that our programs continue to be responsive to, and reflect the needs of our ever changing community.

Employment

  • Residents have told me that they want meaningful employment opportunities right here in Ajax. I have not only been very supportive of new businesses that have chosen to locate in Town, but continue to meet with new investors .
  • Worked with the development industry on the Higgens Development (located on Harwood Avenue south of Rossland Road) to encourage businesses to bring employment opportunities to Ajax.
  • Working with the Diversity and Community Engagement Committee on policy that will ensure that all residents have access and equal opportunities to meaningful employment with the Town.

Community Safety and Engagement

  • Instrumental in the establishment of new Neighbourhood Watches in North Ajax through the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and active residents
  • Regular meetings with DRPS addressing community safety issues
  • Successful  in gaining the support of my colleagues on Council to purchase 2 speed boards, the first of which will be installed on Williamson Drive where residents have expressed concern to me about speeding through their neighbourhood.  The second installation will be on Middlecote Drive
  • Neighbourhood BBQ’s  -  a great way to meet your neighbours, enjoy some food and be entertained
  • Ensuring that refuse and recycling operations are maintained in an appropriate manner

Snow clearing
Every year we have seen the effects uncleared roads can have on our community.  I am confident that the snow removal program we have in place is both efficient and responsive to the needs of our residents.  With the addition of extra staff and equipment, when it does snow, our crews will be mobilized to engage in efficient and effective snow clearance.

Recreation and Culture
New Trails have opened as part of the Town’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.  In 2008, we saw the opening of the Millers North trail that continues north of Rossland to Taunton Road.

Out in the Community
I am currently a Member of the following Committees: 

  • Diversity and Community Engagement Committee
  • Trails Committee
  • Economic and Tourism Committee
  • Epilepsy Durham (Board Member)
  • Children’s Wish Foundation
  • Home Week 
  • Ajax-Pickering Youth Partnership Initiative. 

I have been successful in gaining the support of my Colleagues on Council to fast track the building of a new Community Centre to be located on the east side of Audley Road, south of Taunton Road (Sportsplex).  The addition of this new complex will provide additional and much needed programmed recreational space in north Ajax.  In keeping with the priorities YOU identified in our Strategic Plan, this new facility will feature a swimming pool, gymnasium, skate board park, teen area, meeting rooms and running track.  Future phases will add a library, fitness centre, outdoor skate rink, bike trails and other facilities as needed.

As a strong proponent of education, I have participated in Literacy Night at Nottingham Public School and Eagle Ridge Public School in addition to regular speaking engagements at Notre Dame and J. Clarke Richardson High School.

The journey has just begun.   There are so many more things to accomplish, and I would like the opportunity to continue to represent you on our journey.   For this reason, I am asking for your vote so that I can continue to be your Ward 2 Councillor.  I have the passion, the vision and the commitment needed to meet the challenges before us.  I remain dedicated to ensuring that your opinions and concerns are heard and reflected at Town Hall.

 

Contacts:

Facebook, Twitter, www.renrickashby.ca,
Phone #905-424-5296