Official plan will determine where population growth occurs
Nov 21, 2009 - 04:30 AM
By Reka Szekely
AJAX -- Ajax's population is set to grow to 137,000 by 2031 and Town officials are now working to accommodate those extra residents.
Ajax is currently mulling over its official plan, partially to conform with the provincially mandated Growth Plan which aims to curb sprawl in the GTA.
"An official plan is a statement of municipal policy that directs where the town will grow and not grow over the duration of the plan, which in this case is 2031," said Gary Muller, the Town's manager of planning.
According to the Growth Plan approved by the Region, 54 per cent of growth in Ajax between 2015 and 2031 has to occur in the already built-up areas. This number represents about 4,400 homes.
One example of that type of intensification necessary to meet those goals is the recently constructed Sundial subdivision on the old Verona mall site at Bayly Street and Monarch Avenue, where the site was rehabilitated to accommodate townhouses. Townhouses, apartment buildings and condos are all options to increase population densities.
"For example, we're looking at the (area around the) GO station, are we keeping things as they are or are there opportunities for intensification?" said Ajax planner Edward Terry.
Another opportunity may be around Hwy. 2 where a bus rapid transit route is planned. Durham Region Transit's ultimate goal is to convert that bus route to light rail, but for that to be feasible, there would have to be a larger and more denser population along the route, said Mr. Terry.
Despite the plans to intensify, there will still be development on rural lands, including in northwest Ajax, and most residents will not see significant changes to established communities.
"The key is, intensification isn't going to happen everywhere throughout the town. It's a matter of finding the appropriate places to do that," said Mr. Terry.
Part of deciding where and how to grow for Ajax involves ensuring the environment is protected.
"It's not just the trees and the creeks and the fish, it's the built environment as well, the heritage environment," said Mr. Muller.
This includes protecting heritage districts such as Pickering Village.
The Town's goals include reducing local greenhouse gas emissions by building more energy and water efficient buildings and increasing the tree canopy. The tree canopy also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect where heavily paved areas are hotter than natural areas. Another option is encouraging green roofs and white roofs which reflect heat, said Stev Andis, senior policy planner for the Town.
Another aspect is encouraging more environmentally friendly choices for residents.
"There is a shift happening from granite to green," said Ms. Andis, referring to energy efficient upgrades versus things like granite countertops.
For more information on the Town's official plan process, visit townofajax.com/ajaxforward. Ajax residents are invited to provide input on the Growth Plan at an open house on Nov. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ajax Town Hall council chambers, 65 Harwood Ave. S. Public comments on the environment aspect of the plan are due on Dec. 11.
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