In Episode 2 of Season 3 of TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax, we explore the make-up of Ajax today and what continues to attract residents to our growing community.

This conversation highlights how multiculturalism enriches daily life in Ajax, while also addressing the real challenges related to racism and bias. Our guests share insights into the ongoing work being done to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and connected community for everyone who calls Ajax home.

🎙 Guests featured in this episode:
• Marycarmen Lara Villanueva, PhD, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Town of Ajax
• Malcolm Barrington, Co-Chair, Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force
• Parastou Saberi, PhD, Social Researcher, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD)

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

Season 3 of the Town of Ajax Podcast, TOA Talks: 70 Years of Ajax, is officially here.

In Episode 1, we journey back to where it all began, exploring Ajax’s wartime origins, proud military legacy, and what everyday life looked like in the early 1950s, around the time the Town was incorporated.

Throughout the season, TOA Talks will take you past, present, and future as we:

• Explore life in Ajax today
• Imagine what Ajax could look like in the years ahead
• Share stories, insights, and moments that have shaped our community

Tune in and celebrate 70 years of Ajax, then, now, and what’s next.

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

This episode is a Live with Mayor Collier for a focus on the 2026 Capital & Operating Budgets.
 
Watch the full recording on the Town’s YouTube channel & ajax.ca/MTH

To learn more & follow the budget process with us, visit: ajax.ca/2026Budget

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis sits down with Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee for a lively and insightful discussion about Ajax’s authentic multiculturalism, the lessons he’s learned from MP Mark Holland, and the exciting future developments at Audley Recreation Centre.

Sterling, self-proclaimed as "Trivia Thanos", shares his love for trivia nights in Ajax and how they bring the community together. They also dive into a fun yet meaningful conversation about staying true to yourself—whether that means rocking Jordans or dress shoes.

Tune in for even more stories as they explore what makes Ajax a vibrant and evolving community!

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Marilyn Crawford for an engaging and lively conversation.

Marilyn shares her perspective on the differences between the public and private sectors, offering insights into their unique challenges and opportunities. She also discusses the common negative perceptions of politicians and how they impact public trust.

Beyond her professional experiences, Marilyn opens up about a personal milestone—training for and running her first half marathon in her 40s.

Don’t miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with Marilyn Crawford!🎙️

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In this episode of TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Rob Tyler-Morin, Councillor for Ward 1, for an engaging and lively conversation.

Rob dives into his passion for music, sharing stories about his band Two for the Show and reflecting on what he believes is the greatest band of all time. He also discusses his professional journey, offering insights into discovering the joy of learning throughout your career.

Rob sheds light on important local topics like traffic calming and what makes Ajax—especially Pickering Village—such a special place to live. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a local councillor.

Don’t miss this entertaining and insightful chat with Councillor Rob Tyler-Morin! 🎙️

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In the third episode of this season’s TOA Talks, host Sterling Lee welcomes Councillor for Ward 2, Nancy Henry, for a fun and insightful conversation.

Nancy shares her journey into politics, revealing the pivotal moments that led her to join Ajax Council. She reflects on her experience during her first term, offering a behind-the-scenes look working for a local government. Plus, she counts down her top 3 standout moments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know your local Ajax Councillor! 🎙️

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In the second episode of this seasons TOA Talks, our host Sterling Lee sits down with Regional Councillor for Ward 3, Joanne Dies. Joanne dives into the importance of public art, her 21 year political journey from arts to advocacy, and her passion for green spaces and the environment.

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In the latest season of TOA Talks, our host Sterling Lee sits down with Lisa Bower a Councillor for Ward 3 to discuss topics such as her unique approach to politics, journey on Ajax Council, overcoming cancer, childhood stardom, and inspiring change through service.

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].

In the last episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Director of Corporate Services, Nicole Cooper. Since recording in November 2023, Nicole's title now also includes Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and the Town of Ajax Plow Map was launched and used by residents this past winter. In this last episode, Nicole talks about details on creative solutions to common issues that municipalities are facing, legislative changes and challenges – changes to planning regimes, customer service strategy (December 11, 2023), strong mayor powers, etc. and her love for working with the Town, while focusing on innovation. 

Recording date: November 29, 2023

Join us as we discuss the Town of Ajax. Throughout each season we will be sitting down with the amazing people who make up the Town, from TOA staff and Council Members, to community leaders and small business owners.

Check back with us monthly to hear new episodes right here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

For any questions about TOA Talks, please contact [email protected].