King Township Council Meeting - February 23, 2026
- JA
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Monday’s meeting featured a presentation on commercial licensing, approval of new all-way stop signs, and the approval of notices of intent to designate several properties.
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Mayor's Comments
• Nominations are open until February 28th for King's Volunteer Recognition Awards. Help celebrate the unsung heroes in King - those who make the community a better place through their tireless work and selfless actions by nominating them for a Volunteer Appreciation Award.
• The Mayor's Cultural Gala is held in conjunction with Art Society King and will be on Thursday, February 26th at The Manor. Doors open at 5:30 and tickets include a gourmet dinner and a live band, The Sensations. The theme is Local Legends and will also host the inaugural inductions for the King Township Sports Hall of Fame. Buy tickets here.
• Summer Camp registration opened and there were almost 900 registrations of King residents on the first day, four times more than last year! Secure your spot now before camps open to non-residents on February 23rd. Choose from over 45 camps that run June 29th to September 4th. King.ca/camps
Commercial Licensing
King Township is facing significant challenges with certain business adhearing to municipal bylaws. Despite King Township's proactive efforts to address these issue through bylaw services, additional tools may be required and are being assessed by staff.
King has explored the use of commercial licensing as a potential tool to address these issues. This approach would primarily target businesses operating in areas not zoned for commercial activity (e.g., storage facilities, manufacturing operations) and operators not complying with municipal standards, such as noise restrictions (e.g., short-term rentals).
Under the Municipal Act, commercial licensing allows municipalities to:
- Prohibit most businesses from operating without a license.
- Impose operating conditions on most businesses as a requirement of obtaining, holding or renewing licenses.
- Require businesses to comply with all applicable laws to hold a license, including appropriate zoning.
- Establish enforcement mechanisms to support compliance, which may include inspections, fines, and other penalties.
However, municipalities cannot:
- Restrict the location of most businesses solely through a commercial license.
- License transportation businesses which convey property in motor vehicles (i.e. trucking and couriers) or imposing conditions with respect to motor vehicles in those businesses.
- License tow operators and certified operators of towed vehicle storage facilities.
- Impose conditions with respect to the sale or service of liquor as a requirement of obtaining, holding or renewing a license.
- Prevent manufacturing, industrial, wholesale retail, or natural resource development businesses from operating without a license.
Implementing a commercial licensing framework would involve significant costs, including administration, enforcement, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Council received the presentaiuon and provided feedback for further consideration. In particular, additional details on the process that could lead to an Order for Closure for non-compliant businesses, including how this mechanism would differ from - and potentially expedite - the existing court process.
All-Way Stop Signs
Council endorsed the implementation of All-Way stop signs at the following intersections:
Graham Sideroad and Bathurst Street
8th Concession and 15th Sideroad
Graham Sideroad and Pump House
Staff had also recommended the installation of an All-Way stop sign at 15th & 7th but this was referred back to staff to get some additional clarity on safety for farm equipment.
Schomberg Community Hall (325 Main St) Intent to Designate
Council approved the intention to designate 325 Main St. - Schomberg Community Hall - in recognition of its cultural heritage significance. If no objection is served on the Township Clerk within 30 days of the date of publication of the Notice of Intent to Designate, Staff will bring forward to Council a by-law for the designation.
King Heritage and Cultural Centre Property Heritage Designation Housekeeping
Restoration works to the heritage structures at the King Station (2920 King Road) are
now complete, creating an opportunity consolidate the site’s heritage designations.
The current designation By-law 90-80 for the King Station, is outdated and does not
meet post-2005 Ontario Heritage Act requirements as it lacks a statement of cultural
heritage value and a list of heritage attributes. The King Christian Church at 2920 King Road is designated under By-law 92-123, which was updated on June 6, 2024, and now reflects current legislative standards.
As there is no need to maintain two separate by-laws for 2920 King Road, By-law
90-80 can be repealed and By-law 92-123 can be amended to include the King Station and the Laskay Hall, allowing all heritage structures on the property to be protected
under a single, modern designation.
The Heritage Advisory Committee approved a motion in support of this update.
Notice of Intent to Designate 19130 Dufferin Street
The Dutch Colonial Revival dwelling at 19130 Dufferin Street, constructed in 1934, holds significant historical value as the home of Jan Rupke, one of the first 18 Dutch settlers who were instrumental in establishing the community of Ansnorveldt. Rupke was an early advocate for the settlement and played a key role in its growth and development. He encouraged collaboration among settlers by making buildings available for communal use and helping to foster a strong sense of community. Widely respected for his leadership, many of the challenges faced by early settlers were addressed through his efforts, which were recognized and valued by his peers.
The property forms part of a collection of “Listed” properties on the Municipal Heritage Register that exemplify the Dutch Colonial architectural style within Ansnorveldt. The dwelling represents a unique and increasingly rare built form that contributes to the neighbourhood’s character and serves as an important physical link to its historic origins.
Council has approved staff to issue a Notice of Intent to Designate the Jan Rupke House at 19130 Dufferin Street in recognition of its cultural heritage significance. If no objection is filed with the Township Clerk within 30 days of publication of the Notice of Intent to Designate, Council will proceed with the passage of a by-law formally designating the Jan Rupke House under the Ontario Heritage Act.