On the morning of Sept. 23, the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade hosted mayoral candidates from Ajax and Pickering for a candidates forum centred on the relationship between municipal government and the local economy.
The discussion focused on economic development and attracting investment, infrastructure and future growth, transportation and mobility, employment and job creation, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, and the overall business environment in both communities. The morning began with registration and breakfast, followed by opening remarks, introductions from the mayoral candidates and an extended question-and-answer session.
Municipal decisions on development, infrastructure, taxation, transportation and investment directly affect the ability of businesses to operate and grow — which is why the board of trade says forums like this matter for residents, business owners and community stakeholders assessing the people seeking to lead their municipalities.
Two full recordings of the forum are available. An attendee-recorded version (about 58 minutes) was posted to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCoayY2Uokc — note this recording was shared by an audience member who is himself a candidate in another Pickering race, so viewers should weigh it accordingly. Rogers tv also aired its own version of the forum (about 59 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWAlEmjxp0k
The Ajax mayor's race is open: Mayor Shaun Collier is not seeking re-election. Ajax candidates include regional councillor Marilyn Crawford, former councillor Ashmeed Khan, Carion Fenn, Richard Hinds and Vian Persad.
What's next: Ajax votes Oct. 26. Online and telephone voting run Oct. 19 to 26, and in-person voter assistance centres will be open Oct. 22, 23, 24 and 26.
Behind the story
Sources & publication details
- Byline
- Daily Durham News
- Published
- Oct 9, 2026, 12:00 a.m.
- Source
- www.youtube.com
- Original link
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCoayY2Uokc
