King Township Council Meeting - April 27, 2026
- JA
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Monday night’s meeting featured staff’s Service Performance Report, along with Council’s approval to initiate the expropriation process for land needed for the future Joint Operations Centre. Council also passed a motion calling on the province to address ongoing challenges around insurance for heritage-designated properties. Plus, read all about the 2025 Volunteer Award winners!
Quick Links
Volunteer Appreciation Night Winners
Mayor's Comments
26 individuals were celebrated for their selfless contributions to King during Volunteer Awards Night. Click here to read more about the AMAZING award winners.
Over the winter, the Transportation & Fleet Team used real-time data to manage routes and material used resulting in safer roads and about 30% less salt used. This innovation has earned King global recognition with King's Fleet Team receiving the 2026 Geo Tab Innovation Award placing King among 19 organizations world-wide.
King has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 budget, marking the fifth consecutive year the Township has earned this prestigious recognition. The award reflects King Township’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in municipal budgeting.
King in partnership with Aurora and Stouffville have received the Gold Hermes Creative Award for the War Memorial 100th Anniversary.
Thanks to everyone who pitched in on Community Clean-Up Day in King. Residents were out across the township picking up gargage and keeping King clean.
The Green Yards Program is back. Residents can purchase native wildflower kits, rain barrels, composters at a discounted cost. Register by May. 29th. Click here for more.
The Annual Community Yard Sale and FREE Electronic Recycling Event is on May 2nd from 8am - 1pm at the Trisan Centre. The Schomberg Lion's Club will be on site collecting bottle and cans to be recycled. Click here for more.
Community Tree Planting with LEAF is happening May 10th on Bluff Trail from 1-3pm. High school students can receive volunteer hours for participation. Pre-registration is required. Gloves and shovels will be provided to all participants, and we will have a refreshment/snack table set up as well. Click here for more.
2025 Service Performance Report
This report highlights how well King's staff are delivering services. King remains the only municipality in Ontario that publicly reports on its services in a fully integrated, service-based way tied to defined standards. That level of transparency is impressive and gives Council and residents a real ability to see not just what is being done, but how well it is being done.
The report tracks 197 performance measures across the organization:
94 focused on volume and demand (how much). 73% of these measures have increased, showing rising demand across services
103 focused on quality and results (how well). 84% of these measures are trending in the right direction, meaning service quality is largely being maintained or improved despite demand.
Following are some direct year-over-year comparisons so you can see exactly some of the significant service increases:
Fire and emergency calls: +10% over 2024 and +43% since 2020
Recreation programs offered: +194%
Recreation participation: +233%
Water, storm and sanitary connection requests: +46%
E-billing users: +75%
Water portal users: +44%
Following are infographics showing how each of King's service areas performed:
Land Expropriation for New Joint Operations Centre
King has identified the need for a new Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to address growth-related pressures, modernize municipal operations, and improve service delivery across the municipality. The requirement for a consolidated operational facility has been established through the Facility Master Plan and the Transportation Master Plan, which both identified limitations with the Township’s existing, dispersed facilities. The proposed JOC would consolidate public works, fleet, emergency management, and related corporate services into a single location, enabling more efficient operations, improved interdepartmental coordination, and enhanced service response. The facility is intended to support current operational requirements while accommodating anticipated growth and service demands through 2051 and beyond.
Council has previously endorsed advancing planning and investigation for a JOC as part of the Township’s long-term infrastructure and operational strategy. As part of this work, Township staff have undertaken preliminary site evaluation and due diligence to identify lands capable of meeting the operational, functional, and logistical requirements of a
modern JOC facility.
Based on this analysis, the subject land have been identified as suitable and strategically located to support the proposed facility. These lands are currently in private ownership.
Motion on Insurance for Heritage Designated Properties
Council approved a motion brought forward by Councillor Asselstine and seconded by Mayor Pelligrini asking the province to step in and address ongoing issues with insurance for heritage-designated properties.
Some property owners are hesitant to have their buildings designated under the Ontario Heritage Act because of concerns about insurance. In some cases, insurance providers may refuse coverage, cancel existing policies, or significantly increase premiums. These concerns persist even though the actual requirements under the Heritage Act do not necessarily justify those risks.
Council requested that the province give the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario the authority to ensure that insurers do not deny coverage, cancel policies, or unfairly increase premiums solely because a property has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The motion also asks that the regulator provide clear guidance to insurance companies about what the Heritage Act actually requires, helping to address misunderstandings that may be driving these decisions.
New Business
The Nobleton Victoria Day celebration will be on May 18th in Nobleton Lion's Park even while it's under massive renovations. Nobleton Firefighters went door-to-door and raised over $13,000 to the fireworks to offset the $35,000 cost of the event. The rest of the money will be raised through sponsorship and continued donations.
A group of residents aimed to clean up the 11th Concession from King Rd. to Cold Creek but only made it half way. They collected 15 bags of garbage and found a toilet in the ditch. They would like to reconvene on May 9th at 10am to finish the job - anyone is welcome to join! Contact me for more details - janstey@king.ca
Nominate someone for a Lake Simcoe Conservation Award. Last year two King residents, Doug Pegg and Peter & Betty Homenuck, won The Healthy Land Award for projects that helped to support and protect natural heritage features including woodlands, wetlands and their functions; wildlife habitat; biodiversity and ecological restoration; soil erosion; and trail development.
Schomberg Horticultural Society has is annual plant sale at the Schomberg Community Farm, Saturday May 9, 8am - 2pm, rain or shine, cash only.
The 176th Schomberg Fair is on May 29 - 31. This year's theme is "Hay Bales & Cow Tails". Click here for more.
2026 Volunteer Appreciation Night Winners
Citizen of the Year: Michele McNally
This award is given to a citizen to recognize and honour their outstanding contributions to King Township.
Michele has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community dedication over many years as an active resident and volunteer. From 2020 to 2025 she served as president of Arts Society King (ASK) where she mobilized volunteers and engaged residents in meaningful support of the arts with her guidance contributing to a wide range of initiatives including ASK’s participation in the Mayor’s Cultural Gala, the Timeless Tales Writing Contest, and the Art Lab Series – to name a few. She also ran the Nobleton Children's Theatre from 2016 to 2020; providing youth with enriching opportunities to explore the performing arts and bring theatrical productions to stages throughout King. A passionate advocate for arts and her community, Michele exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and giving back.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
This award recognizes outstanding citizenship within the community, with many years of dedicated service and devotion to the residents of King Township.
Rick Hampton was honoured for his contributions to mentoring and coaching local athletes, with over 30 years of involvement as co-founder of the King Men’s Hockey League.
Helen Poulis was honoured for her dedication to cultural and heritage preservation in King Township, including her efforts in the rescue and original restoration of both the King Railway Station and King Christian Church.
Senior Citizen Award of Merit:
An award given to a senior citizen to recognize and honour special contributions to the senior population of King Township.
Lynn Bird was recognized for her commitment to arts and education and for her work as president of the Newmarket Rotary Club.
Youth Award of Merit:
An award given to a younger citizen(s) to highlight special contributions to King Township.
Selina Caruano was celebrated for her exemplary work as an Aquatics Volunteer alongside the Township’s swim instructors and lifeguards, as well as her contributions to the Mayor’s Youth Action Team and her dedication to the seniors’ population.
Taylor McQueen (a non-resident) was honoured for his tireless efforts with the King Township Food Bank, The Open Closet Outlet and the Christmas in King project.
Jaime Stefanov was recognized for the compassion and empathy she brings to her volunteer work helping deliver King Township Public Library youth programs.
Santino Tiano was celebrated for his contributions with the King Township Public Library’s Reading Buddy program.
Ismena Toscan was honoured for her volunteer work with the King Township Public Library’s tutoring program, her dedication to raising funds for the Yellow Brick House and her advocacy efforts for children and youth.
Special Recognition Award (Resident):
An award given to one or more citizens or an organization for a special contribution made to the community in whole or in part.
Merilena Amararoso Carinici was celebrated for her 17 years of volunteer work with various community organizations including MS Society, AccessibilityCommunity and St. Patrick’s Church.
Savita Despot: Recognized for her extensive contributions to the King Chamber of Commerce, King’s Environmental Action Team and her commitment to helping youth and seniors with digital literacy and education.
Michelina Dicarlo: Celebrated for her contributions to the Catholic Women’s League at St. Mary’s Church.
Kelly Lavis: Honoured for her commitment and leadership with the Nobleton & King City Garden Club.
Earle Laycock: Recognized for his efforts with the King City United Church and Nobleton United Church and his involvement in assisting with various community initiatives.
Gerry Lindgren: Celebrated for her commitment as a volunteer EMS, her efforts with St. Paul’s Church and her dedication to the seniors’ population at the King City Lodge.
Ann Love and Sharon Bentley (Non-Resident): Honoured for their exceptional collaboration on the book “The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land” and their dedication to the King Township Historical Society.
Wendy O’Neill: Recognized for her enthusiastic service and leadership with the Nobleton & King City Garden Club.
Antoinetta Palma: Recognized for her dedication to the seniors’ population and supporting education to promote a healthy and active living community.
Donna Parrish: Celebrated for her contributions to the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, the Schomberg Community Farm and the Schomberg Horticultural Society.
Ivanna Shaikh: Honoured for her commitment to organizing and supporting various community events and her volunteer work with The Open Closet Outlet and King Township Food Bank.
Cathy Tremblay: Recognized for her dedication and commitment to the King Township Food Bank.
Nobleton Girl Guides (Susanne Munroe, Taylor Berger, Lee-Ann Williams, Meghan Killman): Celebrated for their dedication to community outreach, collaboration and education and their efforts to providing a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for girls and young women in King.
Schomberg Senior’s Luncheon: Recognized for their efforts to organize and prepare monthly meals for the seniors’ population and building a welcoming space for the community.
Special Recognition Award (Non-Resident)
An award given to one or more citizens or an organization (residing outside of King Township) for a special contribution made to the community in whole or in part.
Angela Del Borrello: Honoured for her passion and dedication to arts in the community, teaching both youth and seniors and helping shape a vibrant community by painting various murals throughout King.
Mary Dunne: Celebrated for her exemplary volunteer work with The Open Closet Outlet and the King Township Food Bank.
Regina Jensen: Recognized for her contributions and to Arts Society King and her efforts in supporting community initiatives.
Barbara Maher-Erwin: Honoured for her collaborative spirit and exceptional volunteer work with Arts Society King and the MOSAiC magazine.
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