TOA Talks

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 corporate@ajax.ca.

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!

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!

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!

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 corporate@ajax.ca.

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 corporate@ajax.ca.

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

In this episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Director of Planning & Development Services, Geoff Romanowski. Listen to this episode to learn more about the Planning & Development department and its layers of decision-making, the day-to-day as a Planner, the positives of intensification and its challenges for Planners, Geoff's career path to Planning and what's coming for 2024 and beyond and more! 

In this episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, sits down and for a talk with Fire Chief, Aaron Burridge. Learn about Chief Burridge's career at Ajax Fire and accomplishments that led him to where he is today, common misconceptions about Ajax Fire, challenges faced during the pandemic and events that happen with the department throughout the year like Fire Chief for the day, as well as some important information to know about fire detectors and other safety reminders! 

In the fifth episode of the first season of TOA Talks, host Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with the Director of Recreation & Culture, Chris Vida. Listen to this episode to hear Chris talk about his work with the Town for over 20 years, the importance of targeted programming, such as newly introduced Elevate Girls sports programming and his passion for the arts and how that plays into his work with the Town.

In episode four of TOA Talks, listen to host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talk with Director of Operations & Environmental Services, Dave Meredith. Listen to learn more about the day-to-day of Operations and Environmental Services, along with the department's clean-up procedures throughout the year, ways to report illegal dumping, projects that residents should be aware of, important updates, some information on the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and more! 

In the third episode of TOA Talks, host, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Director of Finance/Treasurer, Dianne Valentim. Listen to Dianne talk about how she started in finance and her learning path, as well as the challenges and opportunities she has had working with the Finance department in the Town. Dianne also provides some important points to remember about the budget process, where to learn about the budget and property taxes.

Mayor Collier and host, Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, Devon Jarvis, and co-host, Strategic Initiative Coordinator for Government Relations, Samantha Patterson, as they discuss:Mayor Collier's journey on Ajax Council;Strong Mayor Powers;the 2024 Budget;community safety;exciting accomplishments and initiatives;and much more!

In this episode of TOA Talks, recorded in the Ajax Public Library, McLean Community Centre Branch, Makerspace, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Librarian and Executive Officer, Sarah Vaisler. In this second episode, listen to why Sarah loves working with the Ajax Library team and the Ajax community, the Makerspace at the McLean Community Centre and all it has to offer and some exciting, upcoming initiatives for the Ajax Public Library. 

In the first episode of TOA Talks, Devon Jarvis, the Supervisor of Communications & Engagement, talks with Chief Administrative Officer, Shane Baker. The episode includes details on Shane's history and work as a firefighter and how he advanced his career, transferrable skills and knowledge in various leadership roles and how that helps his role in Ajax, what the typical day looks like as CAO of the Town, pandemic and post-pandemic challenges for staff, adapting to changes and more!