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PICKERING T0WNSHIP'S MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT Contempory development was implemented by the establishment of the enormous federal war-time explosive plant at Ajax in 1942. This book does not propose to deal with the very interesting history of the newly-born town of Ajax, with its population of 8,000. But this great influx of people to the surrounding township as well as to Ajax, increased our municipal population to approximately 16,000 people by 1959. The overwhelming majority of these people live in the southern end of the Township - East & West Rouge, Rouge Hills, Dunbarton, White's Subdivision, Fairport Beach, Frenchman's Bay, Squire's Beach & Pickering Beach. After, the war-cheap housing here, drew many people from Toronto. During the 1940's and early 1950's the summer cottages along the lake & the small summer-type cottages in Dunbarton and Rosebank area were winterized and became permanent dwellings. Later, during the 1950's, subdivisions appeared - the Guild on Kingston Rd., "Plitz's" near the Baseline Rd., and in large portions of Rosebank and Rouge Hills. These were more substantial houses with plumbing, and, unfortunately, septic tanks. Later in 1957-59, a more elaborate subdivision for 2,000-3,000 inhabitants was built upon the beautiful high ridge of the West Rouge. These new people are largely commuters - the Township is known as a "bedroom" for Toronto Industry. A large number also work in Oshawa and Ajax. Picture: Joseph McIntyre - Squire's Beach Built his own Home. Our own large industry of farming has been pushed to the north of the second concession. With the sale of almost all farm lands west of the Liverpool Rd. (Annis farms in 1957, Newman—1959, Lotton—1959) to potential developers, there is much waste land at present. Pickering Township has changed in many ways, but its Municipal Government still remains what has been called the "core of democratic government". The Municipal Council is still the elected representation of the voters, and to equalize this representation, division of the Township into five wards has been made with one Councillor elected from each ward, and the Reeve and Deputy-Reeve elected from the whole Township. The names of the officials of the Township and their duties have been changed very little during the past 146 years, but there is a big difference in legislation. Years ago you owned land to do with it as you wished. Today you own land in trust for the benefit of the majority.