Ajax residents would have a dedicated police division in their own community under plans unveiled May 12 for a facility at 1401 Harwood Avenue North. Construction is expected to be completed by 2031, subject to regional approvals and funding.
Durham Regional Police Service said the planned division would bring patrol officers, investigators and support services closer to Ajax residents. The announcement identifies the future location, marking an initial step toward establishing the facility rather than the start of construction.
Ajax and Pickering are currently served by West Division in Pickering. That station was built in 1992 to serve a population of 127,000, according to the police service.
The combined population of the two municipalities has more than doubled since then, and police say calls for service have also increased. The proposed Ajax division is intended to bring policing infrastructure into line with the communities’ current needs and future growth.
Patrol, investigations and community space planned
The facility is expected to house frontline patrol operations, a Community Response Unit, criminal investigations and divisional command staff. Plans also call for dedicated space to support engagement with the community.
Once the division is operating, police say Ajax residents will be able to access a full range of policing services locally. The service expects the location to improve response and strengthen its connections with residents.
Chief Peter Moreira described the project as an investment in community safety as Ajax and Pickering continue to grow. He said the new division is intended to position policing services where they are needed, both now and in the years ahead.
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier, who also chairs the Durham Regional Police Services Board, said the announcement advances a long-standing goal of building a police station in Ajax. He described the proposed Harwood Avenue facility as an important addition to the town’s community infrastructure.
Completion target depends on approvals and funding
The building is to be designed for modern policing requirements while meeting regional sustainability and net-zero standards. The anticipated 2031 construction completion remains conditional on regional approvals and funding.
The police service unveiled the location alongside its board and community partners during National Police Week. Police linked the announcement to the role of partnerships among the service, governments and the communities they serve.
Durham police say they will continue working with regional and community partners as the project advances. Further updates are planned when milestones are reached, including groundbreaking.
