The King Bulletin picture

September 2021

COVID-19 pandemic disclaimer

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic, information in this edition of the King Bulletin may be outdated once published. For the latest information on the status of programs and services, please visit www.king.ca/covid19.

Mayor's Message

Welcome to the September edition of the King Bulletin.

I’m happy to report that King Township has started a phased re-opening of our facilities and amenities.

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close the doors to the Municipal Centre and several other facilities. Although we were able to pivot very quickly to offering most of our services online, we have been waiting for the day when we would be able to re-open our doors.

Township staff are always reviewing when and how to safely re-open amenities or continue programming under public health guidelines. As we re-open, the Township is taking every precaution to ensure the safety and protection of our community and staff.

Limited in-person services are now available by appointment every Wednesday at the King Township Municipal Centre (2585 King Road, King City). For a full list of available services, please see the notice further down in this edition of the King Bulletin.

We’ve also re-opened the Nobleton Library branch, the Trisan Centre and the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, albeit with limited hours and services.

We’re working toward a resumption of all other facilities and services in the fall based on demand and availability.

I’d like to thank the community for its patience over the last 17 months. The sacrifices we’ve made in terms of following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated has allowed us to move that much closer to a full re-opening.

Please stay safe and shop locally as much as possible.

Sincerely,

Mayor Steve Pellegrini

 

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COVID-19 Impacted Township Services with bacteria image

King Remains in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen

York Region and King Township moved into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021. For more information, read the Government of Ontario's news release

All essential services have continued, including Fire and Emergency Services, water, wastewater, waste collection, by-law enforcement and roads.

What's Open

  • In-person services are available by appointment every Wednesday at the King Township Municipal Centre (2585 King Road, King City) for the following:
    • Marriage Licences
    • Commissioning
    • Planning Services
      • Zoning, Official Plan and related Planning information for properties.
      • Submission of new Planning applications (Minor Variances, Site Plan, Zoning By-law Amendments, etc.).
      • Information related to on-going review of Planning applications in process.
    • Building Services
      • Assistance completing Building Permit applications.
      • Obtaining general information or help regarding a proposed project.
      • Submission of Building Permit applications.

To schedule an appointment for any of the above services, email serviceking@king.ca or call 905-833-5321.

  • The Trisan Fitness Centre (25 Dillane Drive, Schomberg) including fitness track and group exercise re-opened Monday, August 16. Membership sales are available. Pre-registration and COVID-19 screening are required. All bookings and registrations can be completed online by visiting www.king.ca/recreation.
  • King Township’s Heritage and Culture Centre re-opened on Tuesday, August 17 for tours and visits by appointment only. Visit https://www.king.ca/KHCC for more information. An outdoor concert is being planned for September. More details will be released at www.king.ca.
  • King Township Public Library Nobleton Branch re-opened on Tuesday, August 17 for limited capacity in-person service. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursdays from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. In-person services include: collection browsing and borrowing; a limited number of computers and study spaces will be available; photocopying, printing, scanning and faxing; and Township waste tag and recycling bin purchases.
  • Outdoor amenities remain open including parks, trails, playgrounds, splash pads, off-leash dog areas, basketball courts, tennis courts, skateboard parks and sports fields/courts for permits.
  • Pick-up of pre-ordered waste collection bins, bag tags and large appliance tags remain in place at the Municipal Centre every Wednesday and in-person at the Nobleton library branch, and curbside pickup at the Schomberg and King City library branches. Please place orders online prior to pick-up through the Online Services portal.
  • All staff continue to remain accessible by phone, email or virtual meeting. A listing of staff contact information can be found online at www.king.ca/staffdirectory.
  • Priority for all appointments and services will be given to King residents while non-residents will be accommodated subject to demand and availability.

King encourages residents to continue supporting local businesses as much as possible.

You can visit our website at www.king.ca, call us at 905-833-5321 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or email us at serviceking@king.ca.

For the latest King Township COVID-19 related information, please visit king.ca/covid19 or york.ca/covid19.

King Township COVID-19 Information Hub

Coming Soon

  • Re-opening of King’s indoor ice facilities are tentatively scheduled as follows:
    • Schomberg Arena – Tuesday, September 7
    • Nobleton Arena – Monday, September 27
    • King City Arena – Monday, September 27
    • Curling – Friday, October 1
  • The Township is working toward a resumption of all other facilities and services in the fall based on demand and availability.
The King Heritage Cultural Centre is open

King Heritage & Cultural Centre is Open!

We are THRILLED to announce that the KHCC reopened on August 17th.

We are now booking for self-guided tours through the Kinghorn Schoolhouse including the exhibits, A Place to Call Home and Together Again.

Admission includes access to the Kinghorn Schoolhouse, exhibition galleries and grounds. Laskay Hall, King Christian Church and the King Station can be viewed from outside. Kids 12 and under also get free participation in Museum-to-Go, a self guided program that will educate and entertain on-site and after you’ve gone home. Children 2 and under are free and do not require registration.

Pre-registration is required for self-guided tours, $5.00 per person. Registration is now open at king.ca/recreation. For more information visit king.ca/khcc.

Nobleton Library Branch is open to the public with limited capacity

York Region COVID-19 Update

For the latest statistics on COVID-19 cases in York Region and King Township, please visit the Region’s COVID-19 information hub.

Vaccine booking help from King Township Public Library

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (York Region) 

Individuals 12+ who live, work, or go to school in York Region are now eligible for walk-ins or appointments for first and second doses. 

walk-ins, pre-booked appointments, drive-throughs or pop-ups... whatever your clinic preference - we have it!

Truth and Reconciliation in Canada 

WARNING: This section deals with topics regarding truth and reconciliation in Canada that may cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. 

A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students. You can access emotional and crisis referral services. You can also get information on how to get other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Please call the Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 if you or someone you know is triggered while reading the content below.


The Township of King recognizes the importance of truth and reconciliation with indigenous people in Canada and taking time to reflect on the country's history of Indian Residential Schools. 

The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is meant to commit the Canadian Government to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.

In solidarity with the efforts of the Indigenous Residential School Survivors Society of British Columbia, the Township encourages you to take part in wearing an orange shirt on September 30th. Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis' story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.

Resources and Education: 

  • The Truth and Reconciliation Comission of Canada (TRC)
    • The TRC provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history, began to be implemented in 2007. One of the elements of the agreement was the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada to facilitate reconciliation among former students, their families, their communities and all Canadians.
    • The TRC released its Executive Summary, which included its findings and 94 Calls to Action aimed at redressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing the process of reconciliation in Canada. 
  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliaiton 
    • The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
    • The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences.
  • Reconciliation Canada 
    • Born from the vision of Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder, Reconciliation Canada is leading the way in engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Reconciliation Canada actively provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in communities throughout Canada.
  • Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
    • Some 150,000 Indigenous children were removed and separated from their families and communities to attend residential schools. While most of the 139 Indian Residential Schools ceased to operate by the mid-1970s, the last federally-run school closed in the late 1990s. In May 2006, the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement was approved by all parties to the Agreement. The implementation of the Settlement Agreement began in September 2007 with the aim of bringing a fair and lasting resolution to the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools.
  • Reconciliation page on Government of Canada's website 
    • This webpage has links to a considerable number of resources for indigenous people, and for all Canadians to learn more about indigenous people. 
  • Reconciliation: A Starting Point Mobile App 
    • This mobile app is a reference tool for learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including key historical events and examples of reconciliation initiatives.
  • Indigenous Learning Series
    • Under the themes of Recognition, Respect, Relationships and Reconciliation, the Indigenous Learning Series provides access to resources, courses, workshops and events on the history, heritage, cultures, rights and perspectives of Canada's Indigenous Peoples, as well as on their varied and long-standing relationships with the Crown.

    • The School offers a growing suite of resources that will help you increase your cultural skills and awareness of issues related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, as well as the role and responsibilities of the Government of Canada towards these peoples.

  • Canadian Museum of Human Rights - Truth and Reconciliation Exhibit
    • An exhibit about the TRC in the Level 7 Inspiring Change gallery displays a beautifully hand‐painted guitar from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation collection. The guitar was gifted to the TRC on behalf of the Jesuits in English Canada as a gesture of reconciliation.

 

young child on a pool floatie in the water

King Streamlines Pool Permit Application Process

Applying for a pool permit in King Township is easier than ever, thanks to a new online application process.

Residents looking to construct a pool on their property can visit www.king.ca/poolpermit. There they will find a checklist of all the requirements that need to be submitted.

Some of these requirements include a site plan/survey, pool enclosure details, grading and drainage plan and pre-construction photographs.

All the information can be entered into an easy-to-use online form.

“We wanted to make the process as simple and straight-forward as possible,” said Carolyn Ali, Manager of Development for the Public Works Department. “The online application form only takes a few minutes to complete and then it’s as easy as hitting the submit button to send it on to a staff member who will process the permit application.”

A pool permit is required in order to construct a pool in the Township of King. Pool permits ensure that the proposed construction will meet the Township’s engineering standards and fence by-law.

If your property is in a new (unassumed) subdivision, approval and certification of the proposed works is required from the developer and its engineering consultant.

Payments for the pool permit fee, security deposit and permit renewals can now be made through our Online Services page at www.king.ca/onlineservices.

Residents with questions about pool permits can email poolpermit@king.ca or call 905-833-5321.

More high-speed internet coming to King

Thanks to a $600,000 investment from the Provincial government, up to 262 homes in King will have access to high-speed internet.

The funding announcement was made recently by Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan.

Across the province, the Ontario government is investing up to $14.7 million for 13 new projects under the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON) program. These projects will bring reliable, high-speed internet to an additional 42 communities across the province.

Details on when and where the new broadband infrastructure will be constructed will be communicated at a later date.

King Connects Broadband Page

The Schomberg Main Street Streetscaping Survey Results Are In!

Schomberg Downtown Revitalization Strategy receives almost $70K in funds from province

The Province of Ontario is investing almost $70,000 in the Schomberg Downtown Revitalization Strategy.

King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce recently announced the funding of $69,702 through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program.

The Schomberg Downtown Revitalization Strategy will attract investments, businesses, and local partners that will diversify the local economy, bring jobs into the community, and provide easier access to services for local residents.

“I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for their continued support through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program,” said Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “We are delighted to build on the foundational Downtown Revitalization Strategy that was supported through RED in 2018. Working together with our incredible businesses and dedicated community groups, we will now move forward with the implementation of our Strategy to highlight Schomberg Main Street as it is and one of our true hidden gems in King Township.”

Full details can be found in the Province's news release here.

Photo: (from left to right) King Township Ward 4 Councillor Bill Cober, King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce and King Township Mayor Steve Pellegrini.

Holiday Office Closure - September 6th & 30th

King Township will be closed on Monday September 6th, for Labour Day, and reopening at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7th. 

The Township will be closed on September 30th, for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation , and reopening at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 1st. 

For any urgent manners, please call 905-833-5321 where our answering service will respond 24/7. Any non-urgent questions can be sent to serviceking@king.ca where staff will respond to you as soon as possible after the holiday. 

Remember you can still do business with us online by visiting www.king.ca

telecommunications tower

Public Information Centre (PIC) for two proposed telecommunication towers

A virtual Public Information Centre will be held on Sept. 16 from 6 pm to 7 pm.

The structures are proposed to be built on properties at:

  • 235 Juliana Road
  • 305 Holancin Road

Rogers Communications is proposing the two new towers to enhance current intermittent service.

Contact Tracey Pillon-Abbs by email at tracey@landsquared.com or by phone at 226-340-1232 for information on how to access the virtual PIC.

Community Calendar Meeting Notice

Public safety awareness regarding back to school safety
Be a good neighbour PSA
Fireworks Safety Information PSA

Events, Activities & Programs

Farewell Summer Outdoor Concert announcement featuring Practically Hip on September 16th
trvia night image - september first is trivia night for teens

Join the King Township Public Library for Trivia Night

Every Wednesday night between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. the King Township Public Library hosts trivia night. 

September's dates are: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th! 

Do you want to test your trivia skills? Join us for our regular trivia that you can do from home! We offer Trivia on Wednesdays for kids, teens, adults and the whole family!

Tonight's theme is "Anime"! To join click here, we accept late arrivals!

museum to go program for children ages 12 and under
image promoting the Ontario Parks Day Pass program through the King Township Public Library

Borrow an Ontario Parks Day Pass

FREE daily park entry for one vehicle plus all its passengers. 

King Township Public Library patrons can enjoy unlimited daily visits to
Ontario Parks' network of over 100 provincial parks.

Learn More 

Seasonal Operations & Updates

Yard Waste Pickup

Yard waste collection starts the week of March 29th, 2021 and will be picked up bi-weekly through the last full week in November. There is no limit on the number of containers that can be put out. Residents are able to use rigid open-top containers (i.e. blue boxes) to help alleviate the need for trips to the store for yard waste collection bags. Please have yard waste out to the curb by 7:00 AM on your regularly scheduled collection day.

If you require additional information or have questions, please contact ServiceKing at 905-833-5321 or email serviceking@king.ca.

September Waste Calendar

You can view an online copy of the waste collection calendar by visiting www.king.ca/waste.

2021 Waste Collection Calendar

Picture of September Waste Collection Calendar page
gif promotion image of curbside giveaway days in york region

Curbside Giveaway Day - September 25th 

The last Saturday of April, May, June, July, August, September and October are the King "Curbside Giveaway Days".

It's very simple. Starting at 7:00 a.m. take any unwanted items to the curb, marked "Free", for others to pick up and take to a good home. Remove all leftover items by 5:00 p.m. on that day, to help keep King Township attractive. This is a great way to "recycle" and clean out some of that extra "stuff", or to get out and find some helpful or wanted items at a bargain price - FREE!

Community Spotlight section header image

This section spotlights community events and initiatives. If you have a community event or initiative that you would like highlighted in the next edition, please email kingbulletin@king.ca. Space is limited. 

Arts Society King's Autumn Reflection art competition

Arts Society King is pleased to present it’s second annual Autumn Reflections En Plein Air contest

From September 25 through October 16, Artists will be creating their impressions of King's outdoor wonders on site at any location of their choosing. Residents and visitors alike can tour the township and spot an artist at work and then attend the exhibition and awards event on Saturday, October 16 at the Pavilion at the Cold Creek Conservation Area from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Adjudicating the event is Michele van Maurik, (michelevanmaurik.com). It will be a fine opportunity for artists and their fans to hear her commentary. The winning artists will talk about their work and their aspirations. This open-air public event is possible under appropriate Covid protocols.

For information on registering as an artist entry go to www.ArtsSocietyKing.ca, or for hints where you might spot an artist, Instagram @arts_society_king, Facebook: Arts Society King 2020, ASK eBlast: email info@artssocietyking.ca to join.

Cold Creek Conservation Area - 14125 11th Concession, Nobleton, Ontario

This En Plein Air contest is sponsored by Joe Saraceni of Re/Max Realty www.JoeSellsKing.com

image of two barrels of freshly picked apples in an apple orchard

Farm Fresh Activities

Looking for a family friendly way to spend some time outdoors with the family this fall?

Check out some of King's farms for fun things to do such as apple picking, finding the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween, picking up goodies from a local farm market, or to take part in other fall harvest related activities!

Experience the freshness York Region has to offer by visiting York Farm Fresh online. The website features many of King's farms as well as others in York Region, and also provides self-guided tour routes you can take to visit various farms such as following Route B

Make sure to check the website of each farm for any specific covid-19 related safety protocols, or if appointments are necessary to visit. 

Schomberg Horticultural Society Garden Tour  photo - event: September 12 from 10am-4pm

New Intersection Improvements 

This will serve as formal notification that York Region will be making improvements to intersections in the Township of King. New traffic signals will be installed at the following intersections to help manage increasing traffic volumes, reduce delays and improve pedestrian safety:

  • Davis Drive and Dufferin Street
  • Keele Street and 17th Sideroad

Work has started and is scheduled to be completed in November 2021. Temporary lane closures will be required between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The intersections will remain open to traffic and access will be maintained

Davis Drive and Dufferin Street

map showing intersection construction at Dufferin Street and Davis Drive (Highway 9)

Keele Street and 17th Sideroad

map showing intersection construction at Keele Street and 17th Sideroad

King Road Construction between Dufferin St. & Bathrurst St.

York Region is improving King Road, from Dufferin Street to Bathurst Street in the Township of King.

Road improvements include:

  • Removing and replacing the existing asphalt
  • Installation of pedestrian Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act features including push buttons, curb depressions and tactile (textured) walkways at signalized intersections

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or delays related to COVID-19 Public Health guidelines. York Region will provide advance notice whenever possible.

King Road will remain open to traffic throughout construction and access to residences and businesses will be maintained. However, to accommodate construction, lane reductions may be required on weekdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

map showing road work on King Road between Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street

Bathurst Street Road Resurfacing

Work is scheduled to start in August and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or delays related to COVID-19 Public Health guidelines. York Region will provide advance notice whenever possible.

Bathurst Street will remain open to traffic throughout construction, and access to residences and businesses will be maintained. However, to accommodate construction, lane reductions may be required on weekdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Map showing work on Bathurst Street between Henderson Drive and 15th Sdieroad/Bloomington Road

Major road improvements coming to Schomberg

Major improvements to Victoria Street, Centre Street and Rebellion Way Road in Schomberg are scheduled to start early in September.

The reconstruction work will modify the grading, improve existing drainage, provide pedestrian refuge through paved shoulders and resurface the roads.

Lane restrictions will be in place during construction and some delays to the normal flow of traffic can be expected for the duration of the project. Local traffic will be permitted for residents to access their driveways.

Work is expected to be complete by mid-October 2021.

For more information, please contact Shahab Moeini, Construction Inspector, at (416) 559-9115 or smoeini@king.ca.

In Case You Missed It...

Council Meeting Highlights

Council has adjourned for the summer season, and the next Committee of the Whole and Council meeting will be on September 13th. You can keep up with these meetings by visiting us online.

need extra garbage bag tags? Get yours online
green 911 property identification signs are available online
shop local image

Quick Links

Service King

ServiceKing staff are available to answer any inquiries 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. While staff are offline, our 24/7 after hour service will be available.

You can still do business with King on our website at www.king.ca, by phone at 905-833-5321 or by email at serviceking@king.ca.

Current method of payment options:

  • Online Services
  • By mail/drop box to: 2585 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1A