In The News

Coun. Sterling Lee said in a statement on Facebook the incident shows “what anti-Black racism looks like when it reaches the highest levels of leadership and goes unchecked.” 

“Tokenized and trivialized. Tone deaf. These are just some of the words Sterling Lee uses to describe the Region of Durham’s decision to create a Black History Month scavenger hunt for employees.”

“It’s so important to continue to have conversations that address systemic racism and hate that is experienced in various communities — diversity is truly our strength, and we are proud to support the Ajax Anti-Racism Task Force where these important conversations happen,” he said.

"On behalf of the town of Ajax, we stand in absolute solidarity with our Muslim community and unequivocally condemn this hateful act."  

“It’s always funny that we try to say how important truth and reconciliation is going forward except for when it actually comes to listening to the requests of our First Nations partners,” Lee said.

Referencing Ajax’s focus on the UN Decade, Lee concluded saying, “I dare say, we’re probably one of the only Durham Region [municipalities], and I think what you’re going to see ultimately is other Durham Region municipalities acknowledging this.”

Coun. Sterling Lee told CBC News he’s “wrestling [with] how to justify” the proposed increases from the Durham Regional Police: “If there’s one thing I’ve heard across the board in Ajax, in Durham Region, it's that property taxes have become unsustainable,” Lee said.

“Total Ajax construction value in 2024 topped over a quarter of a billion dollars, according to Town of Ajax Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee.”

Join us for our annual Mayors' Address featuring the Mayor of Pickering, Mayor Kevin Ashe and the Deputy Mayor of the Town of Ajax, Sterling Lee. Hear firsthand as they share insights on recent accomplishments, current priorities, and what lies ahead for their communities.

“Ajax has some of the best food in the GTA,” said Councillor Sterling Lee, who introduced the motion to develop an Ajax Food Guide to showcase the diverse offerings available to residents and visitors alike.

Ajax has called on the province to raise the amount of money people on Ontario Works receive each month. Town council adopted the motion forwarded by Councillor Sterling Lee, at the March 25 meeting. It was seconded by Councillor Joanne Dies.

Regional Councillor Sterling Lee said: “Ajax council is committed to keeping our roads safe for our residents.” To do that, the town looks to MADD and the Durham Regional Police to help, he noted. “Impaired driving can have deadly consequences,” he said.

“Ajax announced the lifted measures through Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee. In a public announcement Lee said the choice to remove the order was made in consultation with Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle and the Municipal Emergency Control Group.”

"In recognition of a rising number of acts of hate and to foster a sense of safety and belonging, it is appropriate to strengthen Town policies to make very clear that hate has no place here,” Lee’s motion reads.

“Recommendations that come from the Ajax Anti-Black Racism Congress will only serve to benefit all racialized members of our community,” said Lee. “As a first generation Chinese Canadian, I’m especially proud to stand beside the Black community and lend my voice and lend my privilege as a councillor to call out anti-Black racism."

“It is important that we continue to create opportunities like this event to educate and empower the community, as well as provide the necessary tools and knowledge needed to challenge harmful biases and create a more inclusive Ajax for all,” said Ward 2 Regional Coun. Sterling Lee

Soccer star Derek Cornelius was treated to a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Ajax, Ont., after representing Canada in the FIFA World Cup 2026.