King Township Council Meeting - May 12, 2025
- janstey
- May 15
- 9 min read
Monday night's meeting was brief but included important information on how the new Strong Mayor Powers work. Council also heard presentations from Mackenzie Health and Blue Door.
Quick Links
Mayor's Comments
• Volunteer Appreciation Night was outstanding and recognized 33 individuals who have made a significant contribution to our community. Special congratulations to Kelly Harbridge who has been a champion of the community. Click here to see the full list of award winners and find out about their contributions.
• To support the needs of an ageing population (and ageing in place) King Township is developing an Age-Friendly Action Plan in its commitment to become an Age-Friendly Community, where residents can maintain their independence as they age. To get started on the Plan, King is asking residents to provide their feedback by July 25 on aging gracefully in King Township. Click here to learn more and click here to take the survey.
• Join thousands of King residents to mark the start of the summer with the Nobleton Victoria Day Fair and Fireworks Show. Check out the midway, food trucks, battle of the bands and the fireworks. Click here to learn more.
• May 23-25 is the 175th Schomberg Agricultural Fair! This heart-warming (and fun!) local tradition plays host to a colourful celebration of local agriculture, art, and talent. Come check out the Demolition Derby, Horse Shows, Parade featuring Tractors, , Cattle Shows and much more! Click here to learn more.
Mackenzie Health Update
• Mackenzie Health was founded in 1963 with the opening of the Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. In 2021, they opened a second hospital in Vaughan: Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital which is already has the second highest emergency department volumes in the province. Though they just opened four years ago, the Vaughan site is on the brink of running out of space though there are still two floors that may be opened pending provincial approval.
The good news is that financially Mackenzie Health is doing well primarily because the new hospital opening allowed for additional funding. Provincial funding is based on volumes and the Cortellucci site has reached the volumes targeted for seven years in four years which has triggered additional funding. In addition, the two sites has been able to achieve greater efficiency.
Help Mackenzie plan for the future of health care - take their survey, sign-up for the updates and share your story. mackenziehealthcares.ca
Blue Door Housing for All Land Trust
• This agency has been around for 43 years supporting the most vulnerable. For many years they worked to provide emergency housing and shelter, but in the last several years they have been doing supporting and transitional housing. They also run health care programs such as their “in reach” program at Southlake connecting with patients so they aren’t discharged into homelessness. They also run a construction social enterprise, called Construct, that has helped put 600 people in the trades. This program not only helps build the homes that are so urgently needed, but it helps give meaningful and well-paid jobs to those who need them.
The big focus for Blue Door is on the Housing for All Land Trust (HALT). The idea is to acquire and building housing that will remain deeply affordable in perpetuity. HALT will acquire properties and collaborate with non-profit housing operators to provide access to support services for those who need it. HALT works to acquire land where they build mixed-use housing but are also looking for units of housing and remnants of land that aren’t of interest to developers.
Blue Door is asking municipalities in York and Durham to encourage developers to work with Blue Door to meet their housing goals with affordable housing. Some developers are interested in building affordable housing but aren’t interested in managing the properties which is where Blue Door can help.
Mayor Pellegrini noted that King has previously worked with Habitat for Humanity on a similar initiative that didn’t work out. Between the high land value in King and the lack of public transportation and social services, these projects are difficult to make succeed.
Strong Mayor Powers
• About half the municipalities in Ontario now have Strong Mayor Powers which are detailed in the staff report. The Strong Mayors have the option of exercising the power or not, but the powers have been conferred.
"I've always been able to work with council members to advance the business of the municipality," said Mayor Pellegrini. "I believe that we serve our residents and business best when there is a variety of opinions and we collaborate to find a solution and I will continue to lead in that fashion."
Mayors with "Strong Mayor Powers" can undertake a range of actions to advance provincial priorities including: housing, transit, roads, utilities, and servicing. Specifically, these powers allow the mayor to:
Set agendas and introduce issues directly related to provincial priorities.
Propose by-laws for immediate consideration by council, requiring a one-third council vote to pass.
Veto council decisions on municipal by-laws related to the Municipal Act, Planning Act, or Development Charges if they conflict with provincial priorities, subject to possible override by a two-thirds council vote.
Independently prepare the municipal budget, present it to council, veto budget amendments proposed by council, and again, subject to override by a two-thirds majority.
Establish or dissolve committees, appoint committee chairs, and assign committee functions (only applicable if committees consist exclusively of council members).
Direct staff regarding municipal policies and implementation of decisions tied to provincial priorities.
Decide on the organizational structure of the municipality, including appointing or dismissing division heads, except certain statutory roles.
Appoint a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
These powers grant considerable discretion, and the mayor’s decisions, when exercised legally and in good faith, are generally protected from judicial review.
You can see how mayors have used these powers on this website: https://opencouncil.ca/strong-mayor-powers-ontario
New Business
• Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for hosting Poker Night which raised $8700 in support of the Nobleton Fireworks for Victoria Day.
• A reminder that fireworks in King are not to be set off within 1km of livestock without written permission from the owners. Click here for more.
Volunteer Appreciation Night Award Categories and Recipients
Citizen of the Year: Kelly Harbridge
For over 14 years, Kelly has been a champion of community service, leading the King Township Minor Hockey Association and contributing to youth sports, healthcare and humanitarian causes.
Kelly's leadership in the Schomberg Minor Hockey Association and the King Township Association has provided countless young athletes with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive both on and off the ice.
His involvement with the Southlake Hospital Foundation and the Schomberg Lions Club further exemplifies his dedication to serving others.
Lifetime Achievement: Keith Beckley
Honoured for his tireless volunteer work since 1998, including coaching sports teams, environmental advocacy, and organizing community events.
Keith's leadership in promoting electrification and organizing the Electric Vehicle Community event has made a lasting impact on King Township.
Senior Citizen Award of Merit
Mary Aldcroft: Recognized for her meticulous work in organizing kitchen tasks and ensuring well-attended community functions.
Mary's dedication to overseeing every phase of work in the kitchen has contributed to the success of numerous events.
Rosemary Bellefontaine: Celebrated for her extensive volunteer work at the King City Senior Centre, Hope House Community Hospice, and All Saints Anglican Church.
Rosemary's compassionate and dedicated approach has made her an invaluable member of the community.
Youth Award of Merit
Siena Chiaradia: Acknowledged for her exemplary volunteer work with various community organizations and her leadership in the Mayor’s Youth Action Team.
Siena's involvement in events such as the Truth and Reconciliation Day Celebration and her support for the arts and heritage initiatives highlight her commitment to the community.
Kyla Ruthven: Celebrated for her consistent and exemplary volunteer work with the King Township Food Bank and various township events.
Kyla's maturity and willingness to assist seniors and other volunteers have made her a valuable member of the community.
Nathaniel Weber: Honoured for his helpful and reliable volunteer work at the King Township Public Library. Nathaniel's willingness to run activities and alleviate pressure during busy times has been greatly appreciated
Marygrace Telesco: Recognized for her dedication to the Mayor’s Youth Action Team, environmental initiatives, and various community events. Marygrace's leadership in organizing youth events and her passion for environmental causes have made her a standout volunteer.
Special Recognition
Anna Errico: Recognized for her efforts in organizing community events, fundraising for the Schomberg Community Barn and her active involvement with the Schomberg Lions Club.
Anna has been instrumental in spearheading many fundraisers, cookouts, and events, including the New Year's Eve event where she served as the chef.
Her dedication to the Schomberg community farm and various town clean-up events highlights her commitment to the community.
Anna Santarossa: Honoured for her leadership in the Nobleton and King City Garden Club, contributions to the Heritage Advisory Committee, and support for refugees and retired teachers.
Anna's involvement with King 4 Refugees and the ARYCT group demonstrates her passion for helping others and fostering community connections.
Bev Flannigan: Acknowledged for her roles in the King Township Historical Society, Sacred Heart Catholic Women's League, and various community organizations.
Bev's energetic and enthusiastic approach has made a significant impact on the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, the Concerned Citizens of King Township and Climate Action King.
Cheryl Fisher: Celebrated for her initiatives in creating community events and spaces, including the Schomberg Scarecrow Competition and Schomberg Community Farm.
Cheryl's efforts in fundraising for the bridge to the farm and advocating for the restoration of the Barn have provided residents with unique opportunities to engage with their community.
Joanne Bailey: Commended for her volunteer work with Arts Society King, Nobleton Seniors group, and Schomberg Community Farm.
Joanne's dedication to organizing activities and inviting guest speakers for the Nobleton Seniors group, as well as her involvement in various community events, showcases her commitment to enhancing the lives of others.
Giovannina Colalillo: Celebrated for her leadership in uniting residents through her successful career in the arts. Giovannina facilitates monthly sketching sessions at a pub, teaches figurative drawing classes and runs a book club and other clubs like Artist Adventures.
Her artwork shines in many galleries, earning recognition for her artistic success and make her most deserving of this award.
Kay and Ajit Dhamrait: Recognized for their dedication to the King Township Food Bank, providing essential support and embodying the spirit of community service.
Their weekly efforts in packing food boxes, organizing monthly distributions and picking up fresh produce have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve
Martha Richardson: Honoured for her support for sustainable communities and conservation efforts, Martha highlights her commitment to a greener future.
Rina Trimmeliti and Marina DiGirolamo: Celebrated for their dedication to Arts Society King, supporting events and promoting the arts. Their enthusiasm, problem-solving skills and advocacy for the arts have made a significant impact on the organization and the community
Bob Pickering, Patti Wolfe, Liz Fyfe, Murray Fyfe, Wendy Cockburn, Rick Sikorski, Josie Dorio and Elaine Kitteridge: Recognized for their advocacy in preserving the historic character of Kettleby Road.
Their efforts in soliciting opinions from residents and proposing design modifications have ensured that the road design respects the unique historic character of Kettleby.
Special Recognition – Non-Resident:
Gail Nowell: Honoured for her work with the Open Closet Outlet and King Township Food Bank, providing support to less fortunate families.
Gail's organizational skills and dedication to ensuring a dignified and beautiful experience for those in need have made a significant impact on the community.
Jackie Treadwell: Recognized for her hard work and carrying out various functions where needed and communicating the results of her work to the King City Seniors Centre board of members at large where required. In particular, she has done excellent work with computer tasks
Glenda Reynolds: Recognized for her contributions to the community through various volunteer efforts.
Glenda's involvement with the Open Closet Outlet and her willingness to help with sorting and organizing items have provided invaluable support to the King Township Food Bank.
Lisa Lethangue: Celebrated for her leadership and dedication at the Open Closet Outlet, ensuring smooth operations and a welcoming environment for all.
Lisa's tireless efforts in leading the volunteer group and organizing monthly events have made a positive difference in the lives of many.
Margaret “Maggie” Patterson: Acknowledged for her inspiring volunteer work at the Open Closet Outlet, bringing joy and support to the community.
Maggie's active involvement and positive attitude, despite her age, have made her a beloved figure among volunteers and visitors alike.
Torben Hoyer: Recognized for his dedication and positive attitude in the King Township Public Library’s Math Buddy program.
Torben's patience and eagerness to help his math buddy have made a significant impact on the program.
The York Region Amateur Radio Club: Recognized for their professionalism and dedication in assisting with parking at various Township events.
Led by Eric Brown, the club's volunteers have ensured smooth operations at events such as Trees & Treats, Nobleton Victoria Day, and Kingtoberfest.
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