Ajax signing off on new seniors’ housing project

Negotiations between the Town of Ajax and its public housing arm have begun on a parcel of town-owned land that is expected to be turned into affordable housing for seniors.

Ajax Council, at its General Government Committee meeting Monday, directed staff to execute a non-binding letter of intent with Ashley Manor Housing Corporation to advance an affordable housing development on town-owned land, with council expressing a “strong desire” to see the project focused on seniors.

The location of the property was not disclosed.

Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said he expects there to be “significant” public consultation before the negotiations are complete.

“While there is still work ahead to finalize the details, we are excited that efforts are progressing and look forward to being able to share more with residents in the near future.”

Collier will draft a letter to Ashley Manor expressing the town’s position that the development be reserved for senior housing.

The Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation was established in 1982. Town Councillor Owen Ashley was active in promoting this type of housing and lent his name to the corporation’s first development, Ashley Manor, which was completed in 1984.

The corporation was renamed Ashley Manor Housing Corporation in 2018.

With 574 rental apartments and townhouses Ashley Manor Housing Corporation is the third largest non-profit housing provider in Durham Region.