The Ontario government is investing $278,312 for the Town of Ajax to rehabilitate the Bradbury stormwater pond, which would enhance flood protection and facilitate the construction of new homes as local officials set out to create their first stormwater master plan.
The January 2025 funding comes through the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
The Nottingham South (Bradbury) Pond is located on Rossland Road, east of Westney. It is one of many stormwater management ponds in the community that collect and store stormwater to reduce flooding and erosion by limiting the release of water to nearby creeks and rivers.
The town contains 12 subwatersheds that eventually drain to Lake Ontario.
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In Ajax, the stormwater system is not connected to the sanitary system, and the water is not treated at wastewater treatment facilities.
“The province’s investment in Ajax and the Durham Region will provide critical upgrades to stormwater management, ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to support the growth of our community,” announced Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax.
In late 2024, Ajax began developing its first stormwater master plan study, expected to be completed by summer 2025. The plan will identify stormwater management policy and guidelines, address stormwater infrastructure, and identify and prioritize identified projects.
Ajax, which has a total of 52 active private and municipal stormwater management facilities, implemented its first stormwater fee in 2023.
The town also has three rain gardens near Lake Ontario to improve surface water runoff infiltration. Two bioswales also serve to improve surface water infiltration.
Ajax also boasts the Greenwood Conservation Area, where residents can explore 283 hectares of naturalized green space, nature trails, walking paths and playgrounds.
Local officials celebrated the stormwater funding as they announced to the town of 127,000 residents that 2025 will be the town’s 70th anniversary.
