Ajax mayoral hopefuls weigh in on easing cost-of-living pressures

Four candidates for mayor of Ajax — Marilyn Crawford, Carion Fenn, Richard Hinds and Ashmeed Khan — shared their ideas for addressing the high cost of living in a feature published October 21, ahead of the October 26 municipal election. Vian Persad did not respond.

Crawford pledged to keep municipal taxes responsible while maintaining quality services, support more housing supply across affordable, attainable and family housing, and advocate to higher governments for infrastructure and housing investments. Fenn focused on practical household-level measures, more housing supply including affordable options, and attracting investment and good-paying jobs; she noted she has helped distribute more than $1 million worth of free food to community members.

Hinds proposed cutting property tax, creating a free school lunch program, giving older students with valid ID free transit to and from school, and making seniors ride transit free — funded by repurposing Ajax Downs Casino revenue and cutting unnecessary spending. Khan committed to no property-tax increases for his first two years and inflation-capped rises after that, plus a spending review to eliminate waste, attainable housing, support for local businesses, and practical relief for seniors and vulnerable residents.