Pat Bayly Square

Client Medallion Developments
Location Ajax| Ontario | Canada

Pat Bayly Square creates an inspiring civic space within the heart a new community for Ajax.

Benjamin deForest “Pat” Bayly, the inventor of a cypher machine called the Rockex and secret intelligence communications handler during World War II, later settled in Ajax and was the town’s first mayor. The history of Pat Bayly and Ajax was woven throughout the fabric of the site with paving patterns that resemble a key stream tape that was used to pass messages in code to allies. Interpretive signage plaques were placed throughout the site to draw attention to various historical aspects, as well as a large bronze statue to commemorate the ‘Bomb Girls’ of the Defence Industries Limited. A ‘green’ design within an urban context is achieved by implementing alternative methods of storm water management, native planting, LED lighting, and environmentally responsible materials. The design of a central water feature and ice rink has made the Square a year-round destination. This commemorative space is the primary public gathering space for the  new downtown precinct.

Completed in 2018, O2 (Toronto team, previously NAK Design Group) led the landscape design and construction of the first 2 phases and Pat Bayly Square. O2 will also be involved with subsequent phases of this project.