Update May 1, 2023

Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation has changed its name to Ashley Manor Housing Corporation as of May 1, 2023.  We are currently in transition to make necessary changes, like to our website, that will take place in the near future.  This website will remain active until full changes can be made.

Update January 13, 2023

Starting January 23, 2023,  Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation (AMHC) will be opening its Head Office to residents for in-person service. As staff are working both “in-office” and remotely, making an appointment is recommended.  Contacting the office by phone or email (amhc@amhchousing.ca) is still the quickest and most convenient method to obtain information and service.

Update April 5, 2022

Head Office Re-Opening

Starting April 11, 2022, Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation (AMHC) will be opening its Head Office to residents for in-person appointments.  Please contact the office at (905)683-9269 to schedule an appointment.  Residents entering the Head Office for their appointment will be required to wear a mask.  Contacting the office by phone or email (amhc@amhchousing.ca) is still the quickest and most convenient method to obtain information and service.

COVID-19 Test Kits

AMHC has been able to obtain a small supply of COVID Rapid Test Kits from our Community Partner, Carea Community Health Centre.  We are making these kits available to AMHC residents until our supply is depleted.

If you would like a test kit, please contact our office and site staff will drop it off to you. None are available from our head Office.  Limit one per household.  Each kit contains 5 rapid tests.

COVID 19 UPDATE

Update January 24, 2022

The Health Department has walk-in opportunities at community immunization clinics for:

  • Individuals 5 to 11 years old: Pediatric Pfizer (First or second dose)
  • Individuals 12 to 18 years old: Pfizer (First or second dose)
  • Individuals 18 to 29 years old: Pfizer (First, second or third dose)
  • Individuals 30 years and older: Moderna (First, second or third dose)
  • Please verify the interval between doses before attending a walk-in clinic
  • The best way to secure your vaccine is to book an appointment.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are also available through participating pharmacies and designated health care providers.

The Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 remains in force, and O. Reg. 263/20: Rules for Areas in Step 2 is the regulation currently in effect providing guidance to businesses and organizations about COVID-19 requirements and public health measures.

Update June 30, 2021

As of today the Province of Ontario has changed some of the rules regarding COVID-19 restrictions.  The movement to loosening some restrictions is being called “The Roadmap to Reopen”.   The Roadmap to Reopen is a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.

Rules as of today permit outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people and Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 5 people.  AMHC common rooms remain closed. Physical distancing is still required at all times in common areas! Maintain physical distancing by keeping 2 metres apart between all individuals outside their household.

The use of non-medical masks/face coverings are still mandatory in common areas of residential apartment and condominium buildings (e.g. elevators, lobbies, laundry rooms, recreational rooms, work out facilities, parking garages, etc.). A face shield is not a substitute for a mask.

For full details, please visit the Region of Durham Public Health’s website by clicking here

Update January 14, 2021

Province of Ontario makes a declaration of emergency

In response to the increase in COVID-19 cases, a declaration of emergency for all of Ontario was made effective today.

A stay at home order is now in effect for all of Ontario.  This means that you must stay at home and only go out for necessities. Necessities include such things as food, medication, attending medical appointments, or supporting vulnerable community members.

You should always:

  • stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild
  • stay two metres apart from people that you don’t live with
  • wear a mask or face covering properly in indoor public spaces and outside any time physical distancing is not possible – you can be fined if you don’t
  • wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • sneeze or cough in to your sleeve
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • get tested of you think you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19
  • You can also download the COVID Alert mobile app by clicking here to protect yourself and your community by clicking here

Read the full statement from the Province by clicking here

AMHC Services 

To do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of the community and our employees, we will continue to keep our office closed to the public

If you require service please call our office at (905)683-9269 or email at amhc@amhchousing.ca

Work request may be submitted online by visiting our website at www.amhchousing.ca

Please note that during the lockdown there will be delays in AMHC addressing work requests.  Priority will be given to issues related t loss of heat, hydro, or safety hazards.

Thank you for your cooperation with our COVID-19 measures.

UPDATE December 1, 2020

Update from Durham Region Public Health Website

 

The season of social gatherings and get-togethers is here, but this year, it will be quite different. With COVID-19 still a big part of our lives, we all have to continue doing our part to protect each other by remembering to follow all public health measures. The safest way to celebrate with family and friends outside of your household this year is to gather virtually.

Families should not visit any other household or allow visitors in their homes. Everyone should avoid social gatherings.

Remember – limiting your close contacts to those in your household (i.e., the people you live with) will help to limit the spread of COVID-19. Otherwise, people should maintain two metres (six feet) physical distance from everyone else. 

For the most up to date information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Public Health Department’s website by clicking here, or by calling the Durham Health Connection Line (905)668-2020  call toll free at 1(800) 841-2729

UPDATE October 23, 2020

Taken from Durham Public Health Notice: Celebrating Halloween during COVID-19

Halloween festivities are great memories for everyone, but COVID-19 will have us all doing things differently for Halloween 2020. As case numbers remain high in many areas of Ontario, we’re all strongly encouraged to reinforce public health measures to ensure everyone remains safe.

This year, alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating is highly recommended. Try celebrating by:

  • Dressing up in a scary costume; be sure to include a non-medical mask or face covering for safety if you do go door-to-door
  • Making your own treats at home with your family instead of going out
  • Decorating your house, or even have a contest with your neighbours
  • Remember to physically distance if you’re not part of the same household and wear a non-medical mask or face covering if you can’t keep two meters (six feet) apart.

Instead of trick-or-treating door to door

  • Host a virtual Halloween celebration for family and friends, and those who are feeling unwell
  • Plan a fun outdoor activity such as a scavenger hunt with those in your household
  • Follow general safety tips for Halloween

If you plan to go out trick-or-treating

  • Stay home if you are sick or if you have symptoms – even if you have mild symptoms
  • Only go out with members of your direct household, remain within your community, and stay two metres (six feet) apart
  • Only trick or treat outside
  • Both trick or treaters and people handing out candy should wear
    a non-medical mask or face covering. Remember, a costume
    mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should
    not be worn over a face covering as it may make it hard to
    breathe
    Tip: Consider building your face covering into your, or your
    child’s, costume
  • Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps. Line up two metres (six
    feet) apart if waiting
  • Be respectful of households that are not handing out treats this year
  • Minimize contact with others: trick-or-treat with your family only
  • Wash hands before eating candy
  • Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects
  • Follow safety tips when going trick-or-treating, including wearing reflective materials, watching for traffic and using crosswalks.

If you plan on handing out treats

  • Do not hand out treats if you’re sick or even if you have mild symptoms
  • Whether you’re collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer
  • Do not distribute home made goods
  • Avoid over-handling of the treats you are handing out (e.g. putting several small items into one bag)
  • Distribute treats at the end of the driveway to avoid crowding and close contact at your front door
  • Consider using tongs, or other similar tools to hand out treats
  • Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when physical distancing is a challenge
  • Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab
  • Try to disinfect any high-touch areas, such as handrails, doors, doorbells or doorknobs often

Durham Health Connection Line | 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729

UPDATE Sept 28, 2020

Face Covering Required In Common Areas of AMHC Buildings

As per the Region of Durham’s Public Health Department’s instruction, All persons entering common areas of any AMHC residential site must be wearing a Face Covering at all times in a manner that covers the mouth, nose and chin without gaping.  Face shields are not acceptable forms of a face covering for the purpose of these instructions.  See Durham Public Health’s Letter here

Previous Updates Below

UPDATE 1/5/2020

New Financial Resources for AMHC Residents

Have you recently lost your job or had a reduction in your hours at work?  If so, the Region of Durham has created a new employment resource to help AMHC residents access financial support programs that may assist.

Contact Terri Bicknell, Employment Counsellor by phone at: 905-432-2929 ext 5534 or by email: FinancialSupports-Terri@durham.ca

UPDATE 22/4/2020

Spring 2020 suspension of repayment of Student Loans

To support student and apprentice loan borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada put the following measures in place from March 30 to September 30, 2020:

  • suspension of repayments of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans
    • no payments are required on student and apprentice loans during this time
    • pre-authorized debits will be stopped
  • no interest will accrue on student and apprentice loans

These measures will provide relief to nearly 1 million CSLP borrowers in repayment. You can obtain more information by visiting:

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

For post-secondary students and recent graduates who are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or for Employment Insurance, but who are unable to find full-time employment or are unable to work due to COVID-19, the government proposes to introduce the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students from May through August 2020, and $1,750 for students with dependents and those with permanent disabilities.

This new grant would provide income support to post-secondary students who will experience financial hardship over the Summer due to COVID-19. The CESB will be delivered by CRA.

AMHC’s 2019 AGM scheduled for May 21, 2020 has been postponed.  A new date will be determined to comply with the Ontario government’s state of emergency rules.

UPDATE 3/27/2020

Resources for AMHC Residents

The following information was sourced from the Region of Durham’s website:  durham.ca/CommunityResources

Income Security

Emergency Assistance may be available via Ontario Works. Call the application centre at 1-877-678-6333.

The Federal Government has announced a new benefit to help people who have been impacted by COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).  All Canadians who have stopped working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, will be able to receive CERB to ensure they have timely access to the income support they need.

CERB is a simpler and more accessible taxable benefit which will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This benefit will provide support to Canadians who:

  • have lost jobs;
  • are quarantined;
  • are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19;
  • working parents who must stay home and lose pay to care for children at home due to school closures;
  • wage earners, contract workers and self-employed workers who would not otherwise be EI eligible;
  • workers who are still employed but not receiving income because of disruptions to their work due to COVID-19.

Those already on EI regular and sickness benefits will continue to receive those benefits and should not apply for CERB.  If EI ends before Oct 3, 2020 they can apply for CERB once EI benefits end if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19. If you have already applied for EI and your application is not yet processed, you do not need to reapply. Canadians who are eligible for EI Regular and Sickness benefits would still be able to access their normal EI benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by CERB. CERB access portal will be available in early April.

Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. CERB will be paid every 4 weeks and will be available from March 15, 2020 until Oct 3, 2020.

EI-eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits. The dedicated phone lines for these inquiries related to EI and COVID-19 are 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free) or teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742.

Increases to GST and Canada Child Credit in May

  • The Federal Government is boosting the GST credit payment and Canada Child Benefit payment in May. The GST will be increased to almost $400 for singles and $600 for couples, and the CCB payment will increase by $300 per child for the month of May.

Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement

  • The Federal Government has assured seniors that OAS and GIS income will not be interrupted.

Utility Bills

If you are worried about paying a utility bill, contact your utility company for information about relief and other options. All utility companies that provide service in Durham Region have created COVID-19 assistance and flexibility programs to support residents. Hydro and water disconnects are suspended until further notice.

Food Banks

  • Feed the NeedDurham or Call 905-571-3863 for a current list of food banks operating in Durham Region.
  • Salvation Army Ajax/Pickering/Uxbridge – Food assistance is available by appointment only at this time at 122 Hunt Street, Ajax.
    Call 905-427-7123 extension 222.

Prepared meals and grocery delivery

  • Meals on Wheels is provided by Community Care Durham; call 1-888-255-6680.
  • Grocery Delivery Service (Food Box) is provided by Community Care Durham; call 1-888-255-6680.
  • CAREmongers is a local volunteer group providing supports to those who are self-quarantined or otherwise vulnerable, over 65 or immune compromised. This group will help get supplies to people in a safe and responsible way; call 1-888-573-0982.
  • Many pharmacies and grocery stores are offering safe shopping hours the first hour they are open to seniors and other medically vulnerable people. Some are offering home delivery for groceries and medications and online ordering. Call your local store for information. A valid debit or credit card may be required for online orders.

Are you feeling alone or isolated and worried?

  • There is support. Call Community Care Durhamat 1-888-255-6680 to register to be contacted for health and wellness assurance checks.
  • Telehealth Ontario Call 1-866-797-0000.
  • Distress Centre Durham Hotline Call 905-430-2522.
  • Durham Mental Health Crisis Line Call 1-800-742-1890.
  • Family Services Durham Call 1-866-840-6697 extension 1.
  • Community Libraries are closed at this time, but many online resources can be accessed through their websites.

Transportation Service

Durham Transit is operating and providing service at no cost until further notice.  To ensure social distancing, please enter Transit vehicles through the rear doors unless you require accessibility supports. You can learn more by visiting their website at durhamregiontransit.com/COVID-19.

AMHC Parks and Playgrounds

AMHC is asking residents not to use park and playgrounds located on our properties.  These areas are not sanitized.  Residents are reminded that they must practice social distancing by staying at least 2 metres away from others and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.  Notices have been posted at all AMHC playgrounds.

UPDATE 3/18/2020

On March 17, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that it is declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. As a result, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:

  • All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
  • All public libraries;
  • All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
  • All licensed child care centres;
  • All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
  • All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
  • Concert venues.

Further, all organized public events of over 50 people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship.

These orders will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.

As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to evolve globally, the Ontario Ministry of Health is advising all residents to:

  • Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate family. Close contact includes being within 2 meters of another person.
  • Avoid all travel outside of Canada.
  • Self-isolate for 14 days upon your return from travel outside of Canada.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, new cough or difficulty breathing) return home immediately and self-isolate. Seek clinical assessment using one of these four options:

  1. Complete an online self-assessment.
  2. Contact Durham Health Connection Line 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.
  3. Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
  4. Contact your primary care provider by phone.

If you are in medical distress and need urgent care, you should call 911 and let them know you are self-isolating because of COVID-19.

The safety and protection of our residents and staff is very important to AMHC.  We are therefore adjusting our normal service levels to minimize the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Effective immediately, AMHC will be responding to emergency work requests only.  This includes loss of heat, hydro, fire, or flood.  All other non emergency work requests will be put on hold until further notice.

With information changing so quickly, AMHC encourages residents to keep themselves informed of COVID-19 updates by listening to new radio and accessing trusted websites like:

Government of Canada:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Region of Durham:

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx

Town of Ajax:

https://www.ajax.ca/en/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx#

AMHC encourages all residents to take precautions and self-isolate if they are not feeling well or experiencing any of the following symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

AMHC thanks residents for their patience and understanding during this health event.

Accessibility Policy:

Policy statement

Ashley Manor Housing Corporation (AMHC) acknowledges that it has a responsibility to provide good, services, and resources to people living with disabilities.

AMHC is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Purpose and scope

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm a commitment to accessibility for staff,  tenants and guests.

Scope

This policy applies to all AMHC staff, board members, volunteers, tenants, and guests.

This policy also applies to all AMHC policies and procedures. In the event of a conflict between this policy and other AMHC policies, procedures, regulations, and/or legislation, the person who identified the conflict will consult with the General Manager to identify solutions and opportunities to accommodate the needs of staff, board members, volunteers, tenants and applicants.

Definitions

Applicant(s)

A person(s) who has submitted an application for housing to the AMHC.

Barriers

A barrier may be a part of the physical or built environment that limits or prevents access to a space. A barrier may also be a policy, procedure or requirement that excludes individuals or groups from fairly and equally accessing a good, service, or resource.

Code-protected ground

Ground that discrimination is prohibited on under the Human Rights Code, 1990 including an individual or group’s race, skin colour, ancestry, creed (religion), place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, marital status (including same-sex partnerships), family status, disability, and receipt of public assistance.

Designated staff

The staff person who AMHC has designated to complete a particular action or requirement.

Discrimination

Discrimination is any distinction, conduct or action, whether intentional or not, but based on a Code-protected ground, that has the effect of either imposing burdens on an individual or group that are not imposed upon others, or withholding or limiting access to opportunity, benefits, and advantages available to other members of society.

The non‐profit

Refers to AMHC and the Board of Directors that approved this policy.

Tenant

A person that has signed a lease with the AMHC.

Policy

General

All applicants, tenants, volunteers, board members, and staff will be made aware of their rights and responsibilities under this policy through on‐going communication from AMHC. Materials will be developed and distributed to all applicants and tenants, which identify the intent and contents of this policy and AMHC’s commitment to accessibility.  Applicants and tenants will be told how to provide feedback on accessibility to AMHC. on tenant applications and other relevant documents.

Information and communication

Upon request, public information about the AMHC will be provided in an accessible format. Information to tenants will be provided, upon request,  in accessible formats as per AMHC’s Accessible Customer Service Statement.  AMHC will consult with the tenant(s) to determine their information and communication accommodation needs.

Employment

AMHC is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We will notify the public and staff that, when requested, we will accommodate disabilities during recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired.  If needed, we will create an individual accommodation plan and/or workplace emergency information for any employees who have a disability. Our performance management and return-to-work processes will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.

Training

AMHC will provide training to employees and volunteers about the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities, and how AMHC is meeting these requirements. Training will include an overview of the organization’s relevant policies and procedures. All current staff and volunteers, including Board Members, will be trained by no later than January 1, 2016.  New staff, volunteers, and Board Members will be trained during their orientation.  Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of staff, volunteers, and Board. All will be provided with updated training as necessary and when related policies are updated. A record of the IASR training provided will be maintained by the General Manager.

Last Revised: November 2014

Regarding any Current or Future Hiring – AMHC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.