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(c) Preservation of a generous scale, through massing of the buildings in large and simple elements. A further objective is the promotion of unity in architectural design. This is suggested in the perspectives of the "Town Centre". It is neither practical nor desirable to insist upon standardized design for individual shops. We have recommended that all shops be linked by a continuous permanent canopy, permitting easy circulation in wet weather, and automatically providing a strong architectural element in the composition of the Plazas. The size and location of signs will be governed by regulations of the zoning by-law. This is perhaps as far as the planner can go, without infringing upon the rights of the architect. It is hoped that a measure of architectural control will be maintained, but it is not intended to impose unreasonable limitations on the design of store fronts. The majority of business properties face upon either of the two large Plazas, in which ample space is provided for customer parking. A service road gives access to commercial buildings from the rear, and provides a completely separate traffic route for trucks. A few small shops may require to be serviced from the front, but these will be of minor importance. A strip of land has been reserved between the rear of the shops and the adjacent Light Industrial District. This will be available for employee parking, and also serves an aesthetic function. It is proposed to plant a number of trees in this strip, which in course of time will provide a satisfactory background for the commercial buildings. Otherwise, factories and warehouses of industry would be too prominent in the view across the Plazas toward the west. For a long time to come, many of the Plaza buildings will undoubtedly be only one storey in height. Shopping facilities in Ajax are presently quite inadequate. The Corporation is taking the initial step in development of the business centre. Construction of the first unit of commercial buildings began in November 1950. The project will provide 17,500 square feet of rentable floor space. This includes a large drug store, a groceteria, two banks, and several small shops for hardware, clothing, and other day-to-day essentials. This initial building, designed by the Architectural Department of C.M.H.C. conforms in every respect to the proposed plan, and is intended to establish a satisfactory standard of design. It is expected that future commercial construction will be carried out by private enterprise. It appears likely that the next project will be a motion picture theatre, to be located on the site designated in our plan. THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS The industrial area is already provided with numerous railway lines; the majority of these cut across the area on a diagonal. This is fortunate since the system affords an economical use of land. Less space is given over to railway curves when the main feeders are placed in diagonal relationship to the smaller sidings. Practically all the present buildings are now in use as storage warehouses or for various industrial purposes. Many of them will continue to be useful and are an important source of revenue. These reasons influenced us to adjust our plan closely to existing conditions. The resulting layout, which appears messy on paper, is in reality quite practical and provides for easy subdivision into industrial sites of varying sizes. That part of the industrial area lying south of Second Street was originally unzoned, and held in reserve as a "safety valve" to provide elasticity in planning. Its strategic location between industrial, recreational and residential zones would make it possible to expand any or all of these as necessity demanded. It now appears almost certain that the bulk of this area will be required for industrial purposes. In this district we intend to promote the construction of factories of the "garden city" type, located on spacious sites, designed and built to superior standards. The land lying parallel to the Highway will of course be the industrial show window of Ajax. A high standard of architectural design and landscaping in this area will be our most effective "advertising". A large portion of this, as well as additional industrial land, has recently been purchased by Slough Estates, the British trailing estate corporation. Factories will be constructed for rental purposes, or built to order as required. For the most part, industrial activity in Ajax is now carried on in the old Defence Industries buildings. Eighteen or twenty separate industries are now in operation or occupy buildings for storage purposes. One large new plant has been completed for about a year, and another is presently under construction. The improvement and development of the industrial area involves a number of sizable engineering projects. Relocation of power lines, new sewers, roads, and railway sidings, are all in various stages of planning or construction. It is intended to convert the present overhead steam lines to an underground system, serving most of the industrial buildings as well as the future business centre. Industry is attracted to Ajax because of its location and because buildings are available with services already installed. For long-term occupancy the advantages of a comprehensive plan are also a factor. "Space to grow" is an important consideration to the industrialist who anticipates future expansion. The Corporation has carried on a vigorous program of promotional activity, at the same time carefully screening all applicants to protect the community against any industries which might later become nuisances. The project Manager has been substantially aided by the assistance of the Trade and Industry Branch of the Ontario Department of Planning and Development, and