Ajax Real Estate: A Proud Military History

For a town that was first established in 1941, it is no surprise that the city of Ajax was a major player in the military history of World War II. In fact, Ajax, once a rural section of neighbouring Pickering, took it’s name from a World War II, Royal Navy ship, HMS Ajax which was part of the first British naval victory. The naval ship was commanded by Henry Harwood, who’s name lives on as one of the main streets of Ajax.

In 1941, Ajax was separated from Pickering with the development of a shell plant. This plant employed over 9000 people by 1945 and Ajax real estate popped up around it. Forty million shells were filled in the plant over a four year period and people from all over Canada flocked to the emerging city to do their part.

With it’s own water and sewage treatment plants, schools and access to rail transportation, Ajax real estate became quite favourable.

Even after the war, Ajax remained loyal to the military by allowing the University of Toronto to take over the shelling plant to allow for the influx of soldiers who were coming home and signing up for training as Engineers. All war related machinery was moved out and labs and classrooms took their place. The Ajax division of the University of Toronto closed it’s doors in 1948 after training nearly 9000 students.

Today, Ajax real estate has grown by leaps and bounds. This is largely due to the vision of early members of the CMHC who used the city’s wartime history to build a foundation for it’s postwar future.

Although Ajax is no longer active in military training, it still holds the history of their contribution to the World War II efforts and postwar training of discharged soldiers in high regard.

Take a look at our listings of Ajax real estate to find your place in this city’s proud history.