Community Leader & Volunteer
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Stephanie Ashton and I am running to be your Regional Ward 3 Councillor in the upcoming October 2026 election.
I have lived here in Ajax for the last 18 years, and I have absolutely loved living in this community. When my husband and I went to look at our home, I felt an undeniable connection to this community.
I am married with three children, ages 21, 18 and 17, who went to Southwood Park and Ajax High. All have been actively involved in various sports over the years and I have spent many years in various volunteer roles for Ajax Baseball, Durham West Lightning and the Ajax Pickering Raiders.
Professionally, I am the Vice-President of Development and Partnerships at Feed Ontario, an organization that supports over 1200 food banks across the province. I have worked in the non-profit sector for 25 years, many of which were in international development. Through my various roles, I have travelled extensively to over 25 countries, mostly in Africa and Central America. Through my work, I have gained a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures, languages and religions.
I am also an environmentalist at heart and I am the Co-Chair for a small non-profit called Mind Your Plastic, an organization dedicated to reducing the use of single-use plastics, a cause that I am passionate about.
Values & Vision
I believe Ajax should be a community where every resident feels proud to call home — a place that is affordable, safe, well-planned, and supportive of all who live here. By listening closely to the people of Ajax, I have heard your concerns and priorities loud and clear. My vision for our town is built on three foundational pillars that address the most pressing challenges we face today while creating a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come.
Affordability & Cost of Living
Fiscal responsibility is not just good governance — it is a core value. Families in Ajax are working harder than ever, yet too much of their income is consumed by rising taxes, housing costs, and everyday expenses. For seniors and those on fixed incomes, this is especially difficult. I am committed to sensible financial management that protects taxpayers while delivering the services they deserve.
I will commit to:
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Maintain strict fiscal discipline through multi-year budgeting, efficiency reviews, and responsible spending.
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Diversify our revenue sources so we are not overly reliant on property taxes. This includes strategic economic development that attracts new commercial and industrial investment, smarter use of development charges, and exploring fair user-fee models for non-essential services.
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Fight for our fair share of provincial and federal funding to ease the burden on local homeowners and renters.
My goal is clear: keep Ajax affordable so that hard-working families can thrive here, not just survive.
Responsible Growth and Infrastructure
Ajax is growing, and growth done right can bring opportunity and vitality. However, growth without proper planning puts pressure on our roads, water systems, parks, and community services. I believe we must grow responsibly — ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with new development rather than playing catch-up.
I will champion:
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Phased growth policies that require necessary roads, transit, schools, parks, and utilities to be in place or fully funded before new homes are occupied.
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“Complete communities” that integrate housing with local amenities, shops, and green spaces.
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"Growth that pays its Way" - I will advocate for responsible development that ensures the cost of growth doesn't fall unfairly on residents. New development should contribute its fair share needed to support growing communities.
Responsible growth means building an Ajax that feels like a welcoming neighbourhood, not a construction zone.
Housing, Homelessness & Public Safety
A compassionate and safe community cares for its most vulnerable while protecting everyone’s right to security and peace of mind. No one in Ajax should have to sleep on the streets, and no resident should feel unsafe in their neighbourhood.
I support:
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A “Housing First” approach that prioritizes rapid access to stable housing paired with voluntary, wrap-around supports for mental health, addiction, and employment services. Keeping people housed is more effective and more humane than managing chronic homelessness.
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Expanded prevention programs, including rental assistance and eviction prevention, to help Ajax families stay in their homes.
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Community-oriented policing that builds trust between residents, businesses, and law enforcement. This includes co-response teams (police paired with social workers and mental health professionals), increased foot patrols in high-need areas, and proactive safety initiatives.
True public safety comes from addressing root causes while maintaining strong enforcement where needed. We can be both compassionate and firm.
Contact
Get in Touch with Stephanie
For inquiries, request a lawn sign or to learn more about Stephanie feel free to reach out.
ashtonforajax@rogers.com
Phone: 647-825-3958