My Platform
Donna Edwards · Candidate for Regional Councillor, Ward 3, Ajax
What’s My Platform?
As a candidate, I’m often asked about my priorities and what I would do if elected Regional Councillor for Ward 3.
I think voters deserve a clear answer. But I also think it’s important to be realistic about how municipal government works.
A councillor doesn’t govern alone. We don’t individually set budgets, approve projects or determine the Town’s priorities. Those decisions are made collectively by Council.
Ajax’s current Strategic Plan concludes with this term of Council. One of the first responsibilities of the incoming Council should be developing the next Strategic Plan, with meaningful input from residents, businesses and community organizations. That plan should establish clear priorities, measurable actions and accountability for what gets accomplished.
That doesn’t mean individual candidates shouldn’t have priorities. My platform tells you what I will bring to those discussions, what I will advocate for and, importantly, what you can hold me personally accountable for.
My priorities include:
Community Safety & Strong, Connected Neighbourhoods
I want Ward 3 residents to have meaningful opportunities to raise concerns about community safety, speeding and neighbourhood issues, and to know what happens after those concerns are raised. At the Regional level, that also means asking difficult questions about policing priorities, service levels and how our tax dollars are being used.
Responsible Growth & Infrastructure
Ajax needs housing, investment and growth, but we also need to consider whether roads, transit, parking, water, schools and other services can support that growth. Residents should know what changes they requested during major development applications, what changed as a result, and what didn’t, before Council votes.
Affordability, Accountability & Value for Taxes
Municipal taxes cannot be separated from the services residents receive. Council needs to be transparent about costs, service levels and the trade-offs involved in keeping tax increases manageable. Decisions should be supported by evidence, lifecycle costs and their long-term impact, not simply the immediate price tag.
Economic Development & Transportation
A stronger commercial and industrial tax base can help reduce the pressure on residential taxpayers. We also need transportation systems that connect people to employment, education and opportunity, while making Ajax an attractive place for businesses to invest and grow.
Environment, Parks, Pathways & Recreation
Ward 3 already has significant green space and community amenities. We need to protect those assets, make them accessible and ensure infrastructure planning accounts for flooding, severe weather and long-term environmental sustainability.
Reliable, Responsive Local Government
This is one area where I can make commitments directly to residents. If elected, my goal is to acknowledge resident enquiries within two business days, hold regular Ward 3 community meetings, provide ongoing updates and offer monthly walk-in office hours. I also want to publish an annual Ward 3 accountability report that explains what residents raised, what was accomplished, what wasn’t and why.
As a Regional Councillor, I would have responsibilities at both the Town of Ajax and Durham Region. As I share more about my platform, I’ll identify which level of government is responsible, what I can personally commit to doing, and what requires me to work with other members of Council to achieve.
You should know not only what I stand for, but also how I intend to govern.
I’d like to hear your perspective.
Please contact me anytime at