A new townhome development in Ajax has been approved in just five weeks, drastically cutting down the typical approval timeline of up to 2 years. This quick approval will allow the 81-unit townhome project to be completed by 2026, rather than 2028, saving future homebuyers approximately $20,000 per unit.
The development, named “Time,” is being led by developer Marshall Homes and will feature three-storey stacked townhomes located near Rossland Road West and Harkins Drive. The site is just a short drive from the Ajax GO Station and close to the Greenwood Conservation Area, as well as nearby dining, shopping, and entertainment spots.
The land for this project has been vacant for decades. Previously, it was part of a development by Ajax Meadows, which fell into receivership after the original developers faced financial difficulties. Marshall Homes has stepped in with plans to build 81 units, a huge increase from the original proposal of just 27. The new homes will be priced in the low $600,000s, significantly more affordable than the area’s average price of $851,733 for attached homes.
The reason the approval process moved so quickly comes down to collaboration between the developers and the local government. After an initial meeting in August, Ajax’s Mayor Shaun Collier and planning staff worked with Marshall Homes to fast-track the zoning and development approvals. The project also faced little opposition from the community, with the only concern being potential traffic increases, which the developers are addressing with a traffic study.
One of the biggest benefits of this rapid approval is the cost savings. By bypassing unnecessary zoning requirements and reducing the approval timeline, the developers were able to avoid extra costs like interest fees, which would have been accumulated if the project had been delayed. As a result, future buyers will pay less for their homes, with an estimated $20,000 saved per unit.
Marshall Homes is now looking to build more projects in Ajax, hoping that this model of expedited approval can be replicated in other municipalities across Ontario. The success of the “Time” development shows that with the right planning and cooperation, new homes can be built faster and more affordably.
Mayor Collier emphasized the importance of projects like this, stating that they demonstrate how working together can lead to solutions for the housing shortage. By streamlining the approval process and removing unnecessary barriers, more homes can be built to meet the growing demand in Ajax and beyond.