Special Council

That recommendation no. 1 be amended by removing the words “blatant and purposeful”. MOTION

WHEREAS Ajax Council passed a motion on November 9, 2020, opposing the development of the provincially significant Lower Duffins Creek Wetland, and worked closely with environmental groups, First Nations stakeholders, and community members to successfully halt plans to pave over the 57 acres of wetland for a massive warehouse development; AND WHEREAS the Narwhal reported on November 4, 2022, that approximately 90% of the Lower Duffins Creek Wetland in the Bayly Street and Squires Beach Road area of Pickering, had been cleared and tilled; AND WHEREAS the issue is under investigation by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as the activity is in contravention to Ontario regulation 166/06 under the Conservation Authorities Act, which states no person may change or interfere in any way with a wetland without the permission of a conservation authority; AND WHEREAS Kelly LaRocca, Chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), released a statement on November 21, 2022 expressing the shock of the MSIFN at the “reckless and unnecessary destruction” and calling for the “protection of this significant part of our ecosystem”; AND WHEREAS revisions to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System have been proposed under Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 which would result in a tilled site no longer being considered a wetland; AND WHEREAS Ajax has serious concerns regarding any devaluing of protections for Ontario’s wetlands, and has been a proponent of loca

WHEREAS on October 25, 2022, the province introduced Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) which, if passed, will make substantial changes to multiple pieces of existing legislation and result in significant impacts to municipal responsibilities, planning processes, and finances; AND WHEREAS keeping in mind the scale and significance of the proposed changes, the province has not provided sufficient time to engage in fulsome, effective, and meaningful consultation with municipalities or to identify the unintended consequences and serious implications that may arise from these changes, and which may ultimately frustrate the goal of building more homes faster; AND WHEREAS the Town of Ajax supports Ontario’s goal to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade to address the housing crisis, and has already taken steps to address the issue locally, by undertaking numerous studies, including the Town of Ajax Housing Strategy, the Central Ajax Intensification, Servicing & Transportation Strategy, and identifying areas within the existing urban area appropriate for increased residential density; AND WHEREAS Town staff have reviewed the proposed changes to Development Charges, Parkland Dedication, and Community Benefit Charges and have quantified the anticipated financial impact on Development Charges over a 10-year period to be a reduction of approximately $19.3M, equating to $1.9M per year or an annual tax levy increase of 2.5% and which does not include funding s

That By-law number 69-2022 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Ajax at its special meeting held on November 29, 2022 be read a first, second and third time and passed.

That the November 29, 2022 special meeting of the Council of the Town of Ajax be adjourned. (1:48 p.m.)