History:
Midtown Ajax was part of the massive Defence Industries Limited (D.I.L.) munitions plant that operated during the Second World War. Many of the first houses in this neighbourhood were built in the 1940s to provide housing for the D.I.L. workers and later to provide affordable homes for returning war veterans and their families.
Overview:
Midtown Ajax is situated just north of Highway 401. This neighbourhood consists of a handful of very distinct pockets of older homes and newer homes. This is a popular neighbourhood with families as there are affordable homes, as well as neighbourhood schools and parks. The streets are traffic calmed and bicycle friendly. There are also plenty of shopping amenities along Harwood Avenue and Salem Road. Highway 401 is readily accessible off Salem Road.
Lifestyle:
RioCan Durham Centre located at 40 Kingston Road (at the intersection of Kingston Road East (HWY 2) & Salem Road) is an open air shopping centre featuring major retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Costco, Marshalls, Winners, HomeSense, SportChek, and Chapters.
Homes:
Midtown Ajax has a varied housing stock consisting of small frame “Wartime” bungalows, storey-and-a-half and two-storey homes. Many of the houses have a colourful exterior siding making for a whimsical streetscape. Parts of Midtown Ajax consist of newer detached brick houses and townhomes built in the 1980s and 90s.
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.