King Township Council Meeting - October 27, 2025
- JA
- 20 hours ago
- 14 min read
Monday's meeting covered updates being made to several key documents that guide the operation and growth of King. We started with an education session on the Facilities, Parks & Forestry & Trails Master Plan Updates and then moved into a council session that reviewed updates to the Official Plan.
Quick Links
Mayor's Comments
• King’s Budget is available online at king.ca/budget and outlines proposed spending plans and revenue sources by service areas. This year’s budget has a no frills maintain service levels with minimal increases and includes a 1.99% tax increase for Asset Management previously approved by council to comply with provincial legislation plus a 1.75% increase to the operating budget for a total increase of 3.74%. To see how your tax dollars are being used whether it’s for snow removal, garbage collection, roads, parks, trails, recreation programs and more please share your comments and attend the Budget Open House on Wednesday November 12 from 4pm – 7:30pm to review the budget. Watch the presentation on Monday November 24th.
• Firefighter recruitment is underway! Serve the community with duty, trust and honour: apply to be a paid on call firefighter with King Fire & Emergency Services serving Nobleton, Schomberg, and King City. Firefighters are paid an hourly rate for attendance at training, emergency responses, scheduled public events and other duties. They are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of maintenance training sessions and respond to a minimum of 30% of emergency and non-emergency incidents. Applications can be submitted online by November 14 at King.ca/FirefighterRecruitment and training begins Feb. 26.
• Winter maintenance programs start on November 1st. King’s road crew is preparing for the snow and maintain 650 lane km or roads and 100km of sidewalks. On street parking from 2:00 am and 6:00 am is prohibited until April 15th to allow for snow clearing. Learn more at King.ca/snowremoval
• King remembers. November 11 marks Remembrance Day, an occasion devoted to commemorating the brave soldiers who risked and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. King Township residents are invited to attend one of four Remembrance Day services occurring in and around the Township. Services will occur on Sunday, Nov. 9 in Kettleby and Bolton, and Tuesday, Nov. 11. in Aurora and Schomberg.
Service information:
Kettleby Service
Kettleby Cemetery, 631 Kettleby Road
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 10:45 a.m.
Bolton Service
Bolton Cenotaph, 149 Centennial Drive
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 12:30 p.m.
Aurora Service
Aurora Cenotaph, 14659 Yonge Street
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Schomberg Service
Schomberg Cenotaph, Trisan Centre, 25 Dillane Drive
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.
• Métis Beading Workshop - King Township’s heritage team is partnering with Métis artist Kathy Morgan to run a beading workshop in honour of Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. Craft a beaded poppy using traditional Métis beading techniques passed down through generations at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre on Saturday, Nov. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. For more information and the link to registration, visit kingheritageandculture.ca.
Did you know? The Royal Canadian Legion recommends wearing a poppy starting on the last Friday in October, up until Remembrance Day on November 11. If you’re attending a ceremony, it’s customary to leave your poppy there as a gesture of respect and remembrance.
Facilities, Parks & Forestry & Trails Master Plan Updates
Council heard a presentation about the work being done to update these three Master Plans. The review is being done to accommodate growth and changing demographics and is based on a five-year plan though considers the full planning horizon through 2051. The updates include a review of indoor and outdoor facilities, parkland and trails and considered service levels, utilization, condition, trends and community input.
>> Facilities Master Plans has 36 recommendations including:
- 6 for Community Centres - 1 for Community Halls - 5 for Libraries - 2 for Heritage & Cultural Facilities - 5 for Libraries - 3 for Dedicated Facilities - 3 for Administrative & Operations - 16 for Service Delivery & Policy Framework
Key Recommendations for Facilities Master Plan
Community Centres
• Monitor participation and usage of the 4 ice pads to generally maintain the participation standard over the Plan period.
• Undertake a detailed assessment of demand for and cost to deliver summer ice and develop a viable approach to summer ice in terms of user access, fees charged, cost to the Township, and alignment with other corporate policies (i.e., Climate Change initiatives).
• Consider ways to activate the Trisan Centre in the summer for non-ice activities (if summer ice is determined to not be feasible).
Libraries
• Future renovations and expansion of the Nobleton Library branch should give strong consideration to the co-location as part of a campus style facility opportunity. This model supports integrated & efficient service delivery, enhances accessibility and fosters a vibrant multi-use community hub.
• Explore opportunities to incorporate library services for Schomberg into multi-use facilities (i.e., Trisan Centre).
• Provide library services in a variety of locations to serve residents across the Township. This includes the use of selfserve kiosks strategically placed in high traffic areas such as community centres as well as locations central to village and rural residents.
Dedicated Facilities
• Re-evaluate the business plan and design for the new Cold Creek CA Visitor Centre based on future use potential to meet the needs and purpose it is intended to serve. The budget and design should be updated to adequately assess the annual financial impacts.
• Conduct an assessment and develop a business case to improve the acoustics at the King City Seniors Centre to enable a broader variety of programs and events to occur and enhance the user experience
Service Delivery & Policy Framework
• Establish standard user groups agreements and policies to be applied to indoor recreation facility user groups.
• Ensure the new Ice Allocation Policy addresses an equitable balance in access for community groups and for-profit groups, levels of subsidization, and considers appropriate policies for securing ice times (i.e., deposits).
Administrative & Operational Facilities
• Progress the planning of the joint operations centre in the south. This facility should be operational by the end of the Plan period (2030).
• Decommission the Parks Depot building in Schomberg and focus operations at the Public Works Yard as the northern hub
>> Parks & Forestry Services Master Plan has 54 recommendations including some from the 2019 Master Plan and some new:
- 4 recommendations for Parkland Dedication
- 4 for Park Types
- 5 for Current Service Levels
- 12 for Operations & Maintenance
- 13 for Supply, Standard of Provision, Utilization
- 10 for Design & Planning
Key Recommendations for Parks & Forestry Services Master Plan
Parkland Dedication
• Prioritize cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication in areas of intensification over the Plan period, ensuring that parkland acquisition of an appropriate scale and geographic distribution is the intended outcome. Continue to monitor the parkland service levels as the population grows.
• Develop a parkland acquisition strategy and/or access strategy to secure alternative open spaces for public access in areas of intensification and where parkland availability is limited.
• Develop an approach to privately owned public space (POPS) and related policies that establish under what conditions the crediting of POPS as a component of parkland dedication calculation are appropriate, associated design requirements and the ability to use powers granted under the Planning Act to secure them
Current Service Levels
• Maintain the Township’s established ratio for parkland hectarage / 1,000 residents as a target for future long term planning purposes.
• Target an additional 33.24 hectares (82.14 acres) of active parkland to meet the needs of the forecasted population of 40,900 through 2036.
• Commence a full review of the true operating cost of all recreation assets, programs and services (indoor and outdoor). The resulting model of operations informs both user fees rates and user fee and subsidization policies on a go-forward basis.
• Develop an annual financial sustainability strategy (3-year rolling operational plan) that outlines growth-related and major SOGR operational impacts to recreation service and budgets
Supply, Standard of Provision, and Utilization
• Maintain tracking of utilization rates for existing sports fields, diamonds, and courts as a means of establishing a utilization benchmark to assist in decision-making related to programming adjustments for current assets and the construction of new sports facilities.
• Maintain the Township’s walkability-based Standard of Provision approach to playgrounds in residential development areas (800m).
• Based on Standards of Provision, develop the following facilities by 2036:
• 3 additional ball diamonds
• 3 additional soccer fields
• 2 additional tennis courts
• 1 additional pickleball court
• 2 new basketball courts
• 1 skateboard park
• 1 additional splash pad
• Playgrounds within 800-metres of all residences within urban areas
Design and Planning
Zancor Centre: Prior to proceeding with the implementation of exterior facilities at Zancor Centre (Township Park), undertake an assessment of outdoor programming identified within the Park Master Plan (2023) – opportunity to fill gaps in park facility service standards and address Stakeholder Group programming concerns. As part of this exercise, engagement with Seneca College should be undertaken related to the potential opportunity for the expansion of the lease lands.
Nobleton Lions Community Park: Proceed with the implementation of improvements at Nobleton Lions Community Park Master Plan (2023).
Ansnorveldt Park: Prioritize the relocation of the Junior Softball Diamond from Nobleton Lions Community Park to Ansnorveldt Park.
Memorial Park: Undertake a Master Plan / Design Study for the southern portion of the park to develop a comprehensive strategy / approach for the following facilities: • Tennis Courts • Soccer Field (King City ‘Community Hub’ Field) • Former lands associated with the Eva L. Dennis Campus • Vehicular access and parking
Osin Lions Park: Prioritize the identification of an alternate site within Schomberg suitable for the relocation of the junior softball diamond.
Wellesley Park: Consider relocation of soccer at Wellesley Park for the purposes of disposition of land in alignment with the Neighbourhood Plan exercise.
>> Trails Master Plan
The consultants noted that the reason for many of the ‘ongoing’ and/or ‘not complete’ recommendations from the 2015 Trails Master Plan was the result of several contributing factors:
• Reliance on participation of private landowners.
• Reliance on future subdivision / community planning processes.
• Prioritizing establishing Township-wide (large scale) connections / linkages.
• Aggressive planning horizons.
Moving forward, trail priorities will be considered based on improving and enhancing existing trails and connections so priorities are more achievable within the assigned planning horizon.
Recommendations for the Trails Master Plan
Redirecting Short and Medium Priorities
- Redirecting future recommendations for short-term and medium-term priorities towards existing trail improvements / connections within neighbourhoods and villages as opposed to Township-wide connections (north to south and east to west
Partner Agreements
- Review / establishment of agreements with trails Partners – TRCA (multiple locations) , LSRCA (multiple locations) , Oak Ridges Moraine, Nature Conservancy of Canada (Happy Valley Forest), Ontario Nature (Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve), Waterfront Regeneration Trust (The Greenbelt Route) , York Region (multiple locations) , University of Toronto (multiple locations) , Seneca College, utilities (hydro corridors), and private entities.
Trails Design Standards
- Undertake the development of adoption of Trails Design Standards to guide the design and implementation of future trails and better support operations, maintenance, and asset management (non -core assets) activities.
Official Plan Presentation
A review of King’s Official Plan which guides growth, development, environmental protection, and infrastructure planning through 2051 continues to move forward. Council endorsed the overall direction staff are taking, with a few amendments. This phase includes responding to the Province’s updated 2024 Planning Statement and planning for future growth needs in King City, Schomberg, and Nobleton.
The project started in September 2023 and the town hosted Open Houses this past September to review 13 Discussion Papers (more on those here) which generated 133 comments which staff have responded to here.
At Monday’s meeting, council was specifically asked to support the general direction of the following:
Official Plan Policy Direction
In October 2024, the provincial government replaced the previous 2020 Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe with a new 2024 Provincial Planning Statement (PPS). Among other things, the planning horizon outlined in the new PPS means that municipal Official Plans must provide sufficient land to meet projected needs over a time horizon of at least 20 years, but not more than 30 years. Council previously approved the new Growth Plan and now this OP review includes updates to address the new PPS along with other recent provincial policy changes.
Following are some key areas that residents should be aware of as King updates its Official Plan to 2051.
> Village Boundary Expansions Village Boundary expansion is being considered in King City and Schomberg.
The King City boundary adjustment is proposed in response to a 9 hectare shortfall of Commercial Lands in King City. The proposed lands are, however, outside of the Village Boundary and within the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt and designated rural. This adjustment will require further analysis for servicing capabilities and natural heritage.
The Schomberg boundary adjustment is proposed due to a 10 hectare shortfall of Employment Area lands in Schomberg. The proposed lands are also outside the Village Boundary and within the Protected Countryside and Natural Heritage System of the Greenbelt.
Consultants have done site visits that will inform a Natural Heritage Study which is expected to be presented to Council on December 8, 2025.
> Nobleton Village Reserve
In light of the province’s 2024 Provincial Policy Statement municipalities are required to plan for growth through 2051. A review of the requirements completed earlier noted that Nobleton required an additional 30 hectares of Community Area/Residential land and 39 hectares of Employment Land (note: Employment Land is a special term defined by the province and generally refers to warehousing and specifically excludes retail employment).
The Nobleton Village Reserve Concept Plan envisions a phased expansion of Nobleton that proposes redesignating portions of the reserve for a mix of residential neighbourhoods, commercial/employment lands, parks, and community amenities. It calls for connected development, a range of housing types (including attainable and rental options) and integration with the existing village street network, trails, and services. Key objectives include sequencing growth with infrastructure capacity, protecting natural features, and enhancing local economic opportunities.
> Laskay Whitebelt Study Area
Council has directed staff to explore the possibility of extending growth into the Whitebelt lands south of Laskay, identifying them as a potential future study area for new community development. This direction would not immediately redesignate the lands, but would establish a policy framework to evaluate them as a site-specific potential settlement expansion, alongside expansions contemplated for King City and Schomberg. The study would need to consider servicing feasibility, transportation capacity, agricultural and natural heritage protection, and compatibility with surrounding rural and village character before any change could occur. Importantly, the document signals that no development is pre-assumed. Instead, the Whitebelt south of Laskay is positioned for long-range assessment under the 2051 planning horizon.
> Intensification Hierarchy
The Intensification Hierarchy will direct where and how growth occurs in King by prioritizing higher-density, mixed-use development in the most serviced and connected areas, while protecting established neighbourhoods and rural character. Primary Areas including village cores, the King City GO Major Transit Station Area, and parts of planned neighbourhoods will accommodate the greatest height and density. Secondary Areas will see moderate intensification, such as mid-density housing in mixed-use zones. Tertiary Areas will support gradual, context-sensitive forms like small infill and gentle density. Limited Areas will largely maintain existing character with minimal change.
This framework aims to ensure growth is focused where infrastructure, transit, services, and community amenities already exist, while preserving the Township’s countryside and stable residential neighbourhoods.
> Neighbourhood Block Plans
The Doctors Lane and Old King Road Neighbourhood Reviews have been folded into the Official Plan review process. These Plans will create a vision for the Villages of King City and Nobleton that will streamline the planning and redevelopment process using a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS). Council generally endorsed the updated plans for each but requested that staff meet with concerned residents in King City. Staff also noted that they are still in the process of completing a Parking Review which will inform the final version of these plans.
> Including 25 Laskay Mills within the Laskay Hamlet Boundary
The delineation of the hamlet boundary for 25 Laskay Mills Drive was deferred by York Region as part of the approval of King's 2020 Official Plan. King must now choose whether this land should be included within the hamlet or remain in the Greenbelt. Staff have recommended that the lands be included in the Hamlet and captured within a site-specific policy area. The west portion of the lands may be suitable for residential uses that are compatible with the existing lot pattern in Laskay. The east portion of the site adjacent to highway 400 presents an opportunity to accommodate employment uses that do not rely on municipal servicing.
New Motion
The province is required to do a 10 year review of the Greenbelt Act this year. In light of this,
Councillor Schaefer initiated this motion which was seconded by me and unanimously supported by Council. The motion requests that the province review of the Greenbelt Plan’s boundaries and policies in and around King Township, while reaffirming conformity with provincial objectives for water and food security and the four sustainability pillars in the Our King Official Plan. It urges the Province to work with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders, using the best available science to protect ecologically, agriculturally, and hydrologically significant lands, and to equip municipalities with stronger legislative and regulatory tools (including site plan control near key natural heritage and hydrologic features).
The full motion reads as follows:
Whereas the Greenbelt Plan provides permanent protection for farmland and ecologically and hydrologically significant landscapes, working in tandem with Source Water Protection Plans and the Provincial Policy Statement to guide sustainable land use; and
Whereas the Greenbelt Plan is designed as an agricultural forward land use framework intended to permanently protect prime farmland, provide water security, reduce speculative pressure, and support Ontario's food security and rural economies; and
Whereas the Greenbelt functions as a living system of forests, wetlands, rivers and farmland that provides climate resilience by moderating floods, recharging groundwater, sequestering carbon, and sustaining biodiversity; and
Whereas municipalities face increasing pressure from growth, aggregate extraction and climate related risks, and require strong enforceable tools to protect water, farmland and natural systems for future generations; and
Whereas more than 98 percent of King’s land base lies within the Greenbelt, encompassing prime agricultural lands, the Oak Ridges Moraine, the headwaters of the Humber and Holland Rivers, and a portion of the Holland Marsh Specialty Crop Area that contributes significantly to Ontario’s food security and agricultural economy; and
Whereas the Township’s ‘Our King’ Official Plan identifies four (4) pillars shaping the goals and objectives of the municipality, being environmental, economic, socio-cultural and financial; and
Whereas the 2015 coordinated land use planning review recommended expansion of the Greenbelt into key hydrological areas such as moraines and headwater systems to further safeguard water and ecological health; and
Whereas the Greenbelt Act, 2005 requires a review of the Greenbelt Plan at least every ten (10) years and the next mandatory review must begin in 2025, there is opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen protections for farmland, natural heritage, and hydrological systems; and
Whereas municipalities require clear, consistent, and enforceable tools to implement Provincial policy and protect the integrity of the Greenbelt from the cumulative pressures of growth, aggregate extraction, and climate-related risk.
Now therefore be it resolved that:
1. Council supports the review of the Greenbelt Plan’s existing boundaries and policies within and beyond King Township in order to strengthen the protections of the agricultural network that provides food security, the natural ecosystems that provide numerous ecosystem services and the hydrologic systems that provide safe drinking water while recognizing the need to achieve an appropriate balance of the four pillars of sustainability identified in the ‘Our King’ Official Plan (environmental, economic, socio-cultural and financial).
2. Council calls on the Province of Ontario to collaborate with municipalities, Indigenous communities, the agricultural sectors and other stakeholders in this review to ensure that all interests are considered.
3. Council requests this review must be transparent, evidence-based, and subject to independent oversight to prevent the influence of political or private interests, with all mapping, data, and rationale made publicly available.
4. Council requests that the Province of Ontario provide municipalities with the necessary legislative and regulatory tools to effectively implement the policies and objectives of the Greenbelt Plan, including but not limited to site plan control for residential development within the area of influence of key natural heritage and hydrological features.
5. A copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Stephen Lecce, MPP, King-Vaughan, Caroline Mulroney, MPP, York-Simcoe, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Edward McDonnell, CEO Greenbelt Foundation, York Region, and all local municipalities in York Region.
New Business
• King staff partnered with the King Environmental Action Team (KEAT) to deliver the first ever Powering King Community Energy Expo focusing on energy conservation and retrofit solutions for both residents and businesses.
The Toronto Region Conservation Authority gave a presentation on their FREE Climate Ready Home Consultation Program. This program is designed to equip residents with personalized information about water and energy use, solid waste management, sustainable gardening, health and well-being, climate resilience, and available rebate and incentive programs in their areas. To participate, eligible homeowners can schedule a home consultation to learn how to make their home climate ready. Learn more here.
• King Rebellion play at 3pm every Sunday at the Zancor Center. Currently ranked third in their division, Rebellion are on a hot streak having won the last three games in a row. This Sunday they will be playing Caledon.
• Schomberg Scarecrows are up and being judged. Click here to vote on this year's entries.
• Schomberg's Main Street Christmas is just one month away! Mark your calendars for Saturday December 6th, 2025 - 3 to 8:30 pm
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