King Township Council Meeting - November 2, 2026
Monday's meeting covered two public planning meetings, several financial reports, a heritage designation and a motion calling on the Province to establish clearer rules for electric scooters and other micromobility devices.
It was also a special evening as we recognized the last time sitting at the council table with Councillor Debbie Schaeffer, who is retiring after 16 years representing Ward 5.
Mayor's Comments
7,640 residents voted in the 2026 Municipal Election representing almost 33% - the highest turnout since 2003. Residents embraced King's new option of voting online with more than half of ballots being cast online. Inaugural council meeting will be held November 23.
King is recruiting for Committees and Boards. Are you a passionate residents to share their expertise and contribute to local decision-making. Apply to serve on one of the following committees or boards for the 2026-2030 term of Council:
- Accessibility Advisory Committee
- Committee of Adjustment
- Heritage Advisory Committee
- King Township Public Library Board
- Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Service Board
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Additional eligibility requirements apply for certain committees and boards. Apply by 4:30 p.m. on January 4, 2027. Learn more here.
Attend a local Remembrance Day service to honour those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Kettleby Service
When: Sunday, November 8 at 10:45 a.m.
Where: Kettleby Cemetery, 631 Kettleby Road
Bolton Service
When: Sunday, November 8 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Bolton Cenotaph, 149 Centennial Drive – Laurel Hill Cemetery
Schomberg Service
When: Wednesday, November 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Where: Schomberg Cenotaph, Trisan Centre, 25 Dillane Drive
Aurora Service
When: Wednesday, November 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Where: Aurora Cenotaph, 14659 Yonge Street
Savour exclusive prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, specialty combos and signature dishes at some of King's best restaurants during Taste of King from Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 22. Learn more here.
Make your list and shop it thrice at One of a King Handmade Holiday Market on November 21 and 22.
- One of a King Handmade Holiday Market
King Township Municipal Centre, 2585 King Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Read more here. - Kingcrafts Studio Sale
Kingcrafts Studio, 12936 Keele Street, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more here. - King Artisan Holiday Market
King Heritage and Cultural Centre, 2920 King Road, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Read more here.
Save the date for King's annual Christmas Tree lightings: - King City at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre on November 27 - Schomberg Main St Christmas on Dec. 5 - Nobleton Tree lighting Dec. 6
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Proposed Six-Storey Apartment Building on Keele Street
Council held a public meeting to consider a proposed six-storey rental apartment building at 12882-12894 Keele St in King City, between King Road and Station Road. The proposal includes 105 residential units and 77 parking spaces, with a combination of underground and surface parking. The building would be approximately 23 metres tall.
While the property is within walking distance of the GO station, several members of Council, myself included, expressed concern about insufficient parking. The applicant pointed out that Provincial Policy does not require any parking in a transit station area. The reality, however, is that King residents still need a vehicle for many of their daily activities and is that insufficient parking will push vehicles onto neighbouring residential streets.
There is also concern that the ground floor does not include commercial space. This stretch of Keele Street connects the King City village core with the GO station and presents an important opportunity to create a more vibrant, walkable community. If every new development consists entirely of residential units, we risk missing the opportunity to establish small businesses, cafés and services that would make the area more attractive and convenient for residents.
No decision was made on the development. Staff will continue reviewing the application and the comments received before bringing a recommendation back to Council.
Proposed Residential Severance on McBride Crescent
Council also considered a proposed severance at 265 McBride Crescent in King City.
The applicant is seeking permission to divide an existing residential property into two lots, retaining the existing home and creating an additional lot that could accommodate a new dwelling. The proposed lots would be approximately 1,291 and 1,033 square metres which is significantly less than is currently required in King's Zoning By-law.
Although the property is relatively large, several Councillors raised concerns about the precedent that could be established by allowing severances in established residential neighbourhoods. King's Official Plan recognizes the importance of maintaining the character of these neighbourhoods, and applications to create additional lots must be carefully evaluated against those policies.
Council also questioned the purpose of the severance and whether other housing options, such as additional residential units, might achieve similar objectives without dividing the property.
This application remains under review, and no decision on the proposed zoning amendment or severance was made at the meeting.
Historical Designation for 2220 King Road
Council supported issuing a Notice of Intent to Designate the historic Harvey J. Davis Building at 2220 King Road under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Built in 1853, this distinctive brick building at King Road and Keele Street is one of King's oldest surviving commercial buildings. It originally served as a residence, general store and post office for Harvey J. Davis, King City's first postmaster. Over the years, it has accommodated numerous businesses, including a bakery, bookstore and professional offices.
The property owner supports the proposed designation, which recognizes the building's architectural, historical and cultural significance.
This was also an opportunity to recognize the tremendous work of our Heritage Advisory Committee and Township staff. King has made significant progress in identifying and protecting heritage properties over the current Council term.
Small Deficit Forecast for 2026
Council received the third-quarter financial variance report, which forecasts a year-end operating deficit of approximately $101,000 against the Township's $74.7 million operating budget.
Although this represents a relatively small overall variance, there have been significant differences in revenues and expenditures across departments. Some of the notable pressures include:
Winter maintenance: Heavy snowfall earlier this year resulted in higher costs for snowplowing, salt, sand and staffing.
Fire services: Higher-than-anticipated emergency call volumes increased firefighter compensation costs.
Recreation facilities: Aquatic program revenues have been lower than expected, although fitness memberships have performed very well.
Infrastructure and building maintenance: Unexpected repairs and maintenance requirements have added costs.
On the positive side, additional investment income, building permit revenues and tax-related revenues have helped offset these expenses.
Should the projected deficit materialize at year-end, it would be funded through the Township's Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund.
Motion Asking Ontario to Clarify E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Council approved Councillor Asselstine's motion asking the Province of Ontario to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for micromobility devices, including electric bicycles, e-scooters, seated electric scooters and other emerging forms of electric transportation.
The issue arose following concerns this spring about young people operating electric scooters and motorcycle-style devices in an unsafe manner. Part of the problem is that the regulations governing their operation are confusing with different devices subject to different provincial requirements. Some regulations are tied to pilot programs that municipalities must specifically opt into, and municipalities are left trying to educate residents and enforce rules that are not always clear.
These devices are becoming increasingly popular, and they offer potential benefits as alternatives to driving for shorter trips. However, we need to ensure they are being operated safely, particularly where they share roads and pathways with pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles.
The motion calls on the Province to:
Establish clear and consistent regulations for different micromobility devices.
Recognize the different needs of urban and rural municipalities.
Provide resources for public education, enforcement, signage and infrastructure improvements.
Improve the collection of collision and safety data to help municipalities make informed decisions.
Importantly, the motion also asks the Province to preserve municipal flexibility to address local circumstances.
Council unanimously supported the motion, which will now be forwarded to the Province and other municipalities in York Region.
New Business
Discover what your Public Library has to offer! Join the Library Discovery Day, a fun and informative afternoon where you can explore everything your library has to offer. Viist our interactive booths to learn about:
- Maker tools and creative technology
- Library colections for all ages
- Digital resources and online offerings
- How to get involved as a Library Board member
Schomberg Branch November 7 from 1-3pm
King offers Leaf Pick Up days every other week in November with the last pick-up the first week of December.
King resident Julie Laforge was named the Ontario Equestrian Coach of the Year! Julie is a professional dressage coach and Grand Prix rider based at Stirling Hill Farm in Schomberg, Ontario. As an NCCP Competition Development High Performance 1 (HP1) Dressage Coach, Julie brings extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise to her coaching. She is dedicated to supporting riders in achieving their goals while fostering confidence, developing strong partnerships, and prioritizing the well-being and success of both horse and athlete.
Another famour King equestrian is being recognized for his significant acheivements. Mac Cone is being inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame on November 9th. Cone was previously inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in November 2019 as part of the historic 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver-medal-winning Canadian Show Jumping Team (alongside teammates Ian Millar, Eric Lamaze, and Jill Henselwood). This year he is being recognized as an individual rider for his significant contributions to Canadian Show Jumping
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is on from Nov. 6-15 - Once a year the country comes to the city! Learn more and buy tickets here.
Comments