The Town of Ajax has 6 km of shoreline along its southern border on Lake Ontario fully accessible to the public.  Visitors come to enjoy a section of the Trans-Canada Trail and the open spaces for a multitude of recreational activities and the incredible views.  Unfortunately poor water quality in the area has caused some beach closures and reduced public enjoyment of the area.  The Town is committed to improving this great public space by improving water quality along contributing drainage areas to enhance the visitor experience.

Located in a well-established community with lake front access and trail systems 3 bioretention areas were constructed on the road side and in a park in 2014.  The bioretention areas are designed to provide effective water quantity management and improve the water quality by intercepting stormwater runoff; all while enhancing and complimenting the surrounding neighbourhood.  In introducing this technology the Town had to balance being a leader in environmental sustainability with the concerns of local residents which including ensuring open views to the waterfront remained and the work provided minimal disturbance.

Case study