Memorial Village

History:

Memorial Village was conceived and developed by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). It was part of an overall plan to develop Ajax and was known as Neighbourhood One. The first houses were built on Kings Crescent in 1948 and 1949. Streets and parks within this neighbourhood are named in honour of British warships that won decisive battles at the start of the Second World War spurring the Allied forces onto Victory. The house style within the neighbourhood is known as Victory Housing which was intended to be an economical housing option for returning World War Two veterans and their families.

Overview:

Memorial Village was originally conceived as veterans housing for returning World War Two veterans and their families. A handful of these communities were built across the Greater Toronto Area. The style of housing is referred to as “Victory Housing”.. These homes are economical and nicely sited on winding streets and crescents. Memorial Village is situated adjacent to the Ajax downtown which allows residents to take full advantage of a myriad of nearby shopping and recreational amenities. There are lots of little parks within this neighbourhood that make it ideal for families. The St. Andrews Community Centre off Exeter Road hosts a number of community based events.

Lifestyle:

Downtown Ajax abuts this neighbourhood. The main street shopping area along Harwood Avenue features a series of outdoor shopping plazas including Harwood Plazaa large open-air centre anchored by a Food Basics, GoodLife, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

with grocery stores, restaurants

Homes:

The prevailing house style in this neighbourhood is known as Victory Housing. These whimsical looking family homes were built in the late 1940s and the 1950s. They include bungalow, one-and-half-storey and two-storey homes clad in siding of various colours. The streets are crescent shaped and the houses are sited on nice size lots with lush green lawns with lots of mature trees.

Recreation:

St. Andrews Community Centre located at 46 Exeter Road has a banquet hall and games room while the surrounding park has a walking path with fitness stations.

Arts:

St. Francis Centre located at 78 Church Street is a fantastic arts based venue situated in a historic church that dates back to 1871. This multi purpose centre features a stage, retractable theatre seating for 150, reception/meeting space, glass atrium, bar, catering kitchen, theatrical light, sound and audio-visual capabilities. This flexible programming space is able to accommodate a variety of private and community-based programming including a myriad of arts and cultural programming such as theatre, exhibitions, films, musical performances, concerts, recitals, corporate and social receptions, lectures and workshop space.