The Corporation of the Township of King

Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting #19

Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

2585 King Road, King City, ON

Council Present:

Mayor Pellegrini
Councillor Cescolini
Councillor Boyd
Councillor Anstey
Councillor Asselstine
Councillor Schaefer
Councillor Eek

Staff Present:

Daniel Kostopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer
Chris Fasciano, Director of Community Services
Jennifer Caietta, Director of Corporate Services
Samantha Fraser, Director of Public Works
Stephen Naylor, Director of Growth Management Services
Denny Timm, Township Clerk
Adam Foran, Deputy Clerk
Diane Moratto, Governance Coordinator

1.
Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

2.
Roll Call

The Clerk confirmed a quorum was present.

3.
Introduction of Addendum Items for Open Session

The Clerk advised correspondence has been received and circulated prior to this evening's Council meeting for Item 8.1 - Report Number GMS-PL-2025-043 - Official Plan Review - Proposed Policy Directions, Policy Planning File No. PP-2023-04; Item 10.1 - Member Motion from Mayor Pellegrini Re Review of the Greenbelt; and Item 10.2 - Member Motion from Councillor Schaefer Re Review of the Greenbelt.

4.
Approval of Agenda

Moved by:Councillor Eek
Seconded by:Councillor Schaefer
That the agenda for the October 27, 2025, Council Meeting be approved as amended.
Carried

5.
Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

6.
Mayor's Comments

Mayor Pellegrini highlighted recent and upcoming events in the Township of King being: the Township's 2026 Budget Book, King Fire and Emergency Services firefighter recruitment, the winter maintenance program, and Remembrance Day Services.

Mayor Pellegrini recognized the beautiful, beaded poppies generously made for Council by Indigenous Elder Kathy Morgan, an Elder of the Metis Nation and a long-standing collaborator with the King Heritage and Cultural Centre.

7.
Adoption of Minutes

Moved by:Councillor Anstey
Seconded by:Councillor Asselstine
That the items listed herein under Section 7, Adoption of Minutes, all be approved and passed under consent.
Carried

7.1
Special Council Meeting Minutes - October 14, 2025

1.Post-Meeting Minutes - Special Council Meeting_Oct14_2025 - English.pdf

Moved by:Councillor Anstey
Seconded by:Councillor Asselstine
That the October 14, 2025, Special Council Meeting Minutes be adopted.
Carried

7.2
Council Meeting Minutes - October 14, 2025

1.Post-Meeting Minutes - CM_Oct14_2025 - English.pdf

Moved by:Councillor Anstey
Seconded by:Councillor Asselstine
That the October 14, 2025, Council Meeting Minutes be adopted.
Carried

8.
Action Items

8.1
Official Plan Review – Proposed Policy Directions, Policy Planning File No. PP-2023-04

1.Official Plan Review - Preliminary Policy Directions.pdf

2.Appendix A - Policy Direction Matrix.pdf

3.Appendix B - What We Heard Summary.pdf

4.Appendix C - Engagement Report.pdf

5.Appendix D - Comment Response Matrix.pdf

6.Appendix E - Neighbourhood Plan Concepts_final.pdf

7.Appendix F - Intensification Hierarchy Mapping_final.pdf

8.Appendix G - Nobleton Village Reserve Concept Plan.pdf

9.Appendix H - King's Whitebelt Lands.pdf

10.Official Plan Review - Preliminary Policy Directions_Council_Oct 27.pdf

Kristen Harrison, Manager, Policy Planning, provided a brief overview of the process to-date, public engagement, and stakeholder sessions held on the Official Plan Review noting how this Plan amongst other Township Plans currently in their respective review processes, will set the stage for the 2051 Our King Official Plan.

Kristen Harrison, Aloma Dreher, Project Manager, and Isabella Baldesarra, Planner, provided a slide presentation overview of the Official Plan Review commenting on: why the Official Plan matters, accomplishments, timeline, engagement and consultation, discussion papers, key policy areas, preliminary policy directions, and next steps.

Staff responded to questions from Members of Council.

Deputations

Susan Zacchigna and Nancy Pannia shared their family history in King, and provided a slide presentation commenting on the need for age friendly accessible communities and future potential seniors housing in Nobleton, They asked that 6610 King Road in the Village of Nobleton, be included in the 2051 Official Plan with a special designation.

Madison Van West, KLM Planning Partners spoke on behalf of her client requesting that her client's lands be considered for community area growth in Nobleton and be designated "Commercial" , "Mixed Use" and "Neighbourhood" to enable the lands to be developed at an appropriate time subject to servicing capacity. Ms. Van West asked that Council defer recommendation 5 to allow for further consultation with her client.

Christine Giambattista advised of her opposition to intensification in her community area commenting on; the residents' petition, the established neighbourhood, Memorial Park, potential future use of green space, the impacts of proposed developments, and the need for intensification. Ms. Giambattista asked that Council protect the integrity of her neighbourhood, keep intensification out of the community's interior, safeguard parks, preserve green space, and uphold the planning principles that maintain the safety, stability and quality of life in King City's established neighbourhoods.

Mary Bromley commented on the White Belt lands noting development in the settlement area should only be considered once all available lands within the settlement boundaries are exhausted, and the lands should be protected for future food security and natural heritage purposes.

Austin Ray, Loopstra Nixon spoke on behalf of his clients in the Springhill Community commenting on; existing character of the area, expansion of the established area, intensification, and the need for compatibility, transition and preservation of the village. Mr. Ray asked that staff meet with the residents in the Springhill community to discuss their concerns and to work cooperatively towards a viable framework.

Mathew Halo, Innovative Planning Solutions, spoke on behalf of his clients, the owners of 3600 Lloydtown-Aurora Road. Mr. Halo provided a slide presentation commenting on: the need to change or refine the boundaries of settlement areas, his client's future development, and development along the Highway 400 corridor. Mr. Halo asked that Council consider re-designating his clients' lands from Rural Areas in the Official Plan to a designation that would permit a range of strategically planned uses.

Staff responded to questions from Members of Council.

Moved by:Councillor Cescolini
Seconded by:Councillor Boyd
1. That Council receive Report GMS-PL-2025-043 for information.
2. That Council generally endorse the proposed policy directions, as set out in Appendix ‘A’ to this Report.
3. That Council generally endorse the draft changes to Our King outlined in this Report to enable the further refinement of the Neighbourhood Concept Plans attached as Appendix ‘E’ to this Report.
4. That Council endorse the proposed Intensification Hierarchy as outlined in this Report.
5. That Council endorse the Nobleton Village Reserve Concept Plan attached as Appendix ‘G’ to this Report.
6. That Council endorse the inclusion of 25 Laskay Mills Drive within the Hamlet boundary of Laskay, to accommodate hamlet residential and employment uses.
7. That Council generally endorse the recognition of the Whitebelt (Appendix ‘H’) as a site-specific policy area for further study as a new settlement area for Employment Area land uses.
8. That Council direct Staff to report back on the proposed Settlement Area Boundary Expansions for Schomberg and King City and the findings of the Natural Heritage Background Report in Q4 2025, prior to preparing draft Amendments to the Our King Official Plan.
9. That Council direct Staff to report back in Q1 2026 with the draft Official Plan Amendments, after consideration of the feedback received from Council, Indigenous communities, external agencies, Township Departments and the public.
Carried

8.2
Road Closure – Toll Road (Highway 11 Bridge Rehabilitation Project)

1.Road Closure - Toll Road (Highway 11 Bridge Rehabilitation Project).pdf

2.Attachment 1 – York Region Notice of Temporary Road Closure.pdf

3.Attachment 2 – Holland River Bridge Rehabilitation Update.pdf

Moved by:Councillor Eek
Seconded by:Councillor Schaefer
1. That Council receive Report PW-CAP-2025-012 for information.
2. That Council enact By-law 2025-073 to authorize the temporary closure of Toll Road from Bathurst Street to Canal Road during the following periods:
  - November 13, 2025, to December 19, 2025 (Stage 1)
  - July 2, 2026, to October 31, 2026 (Stage 2)
3. That Council delegate authority to the Director of Public Works to adjust the timing of Stage 1 and Stage 2 due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, and to adjust the timing of Stage 2, as necessary, to accommodate any advancement in Stage 2 construction.
Carried

9.
Notices of Motion

None.

10.
Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given

10.1
Member Motion from Mayor Pellegrini Re Review of the Greenbelt

1.Member Motion from Mayor Pellegrini Re Review of the Greenbelt.pdf

Mayor Pellegrini with the consent of the seconder, withdrew the motion.

Moved by:Mayor Pellegrini
Seconded by:Councillor Boyd
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 this Council serves as a steward for a land base of which more than 98% lies within the Greenbelt, encompassing the Oak Ridges Moraine, the headwaters of the Humber River and East and West Holland Rivers, prime agricultural lands, and a portion of the Holland Marsh Specialty Crop Area, which contribute significantly to Ontario’s food security and agricultural economy by producing some of the province’s most fertile and productive farmland; 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, presenting a timely opportunity for municipalities to shape the future of protected lands and policies in Ontario; and

Whereas 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;

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, while recognizing the need to both conform to Provincial policies, including the objectives of the Greenbelt Plan to provide water and food security and 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, and stakeholders to ensure that the lands of ecological, agricultural and hydrological significance are protected using best available science.
3. 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.
4. 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), York Region, and all local municipalities in York Region.
Defeated

10.2
Member Motion by Councillor Schaefer Re Review of the Greenbelt

1.Member Motion from Councillor Schaefer Re Review of the Greenbelt.pdf

Councillor Schaefer with the consent of the seconder, withdrew the motion.

Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
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 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 King Township’s Our King Official Plan identifies that the municipality’s goals and objectives are shaped by four (4 ) pillars, namely environmental, economic, socio-cultural and financial and it recognizes the environment and agriculture as foundational pillars of sustainability; 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 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 ensure that the upcoming 2025 Greenbelt Review is transparent, evidence-based, and subject to independent oversight to prevent the influence of political or private interests, with all technical mapping, criteria, and rationales released in advance of any proposed changes.
3. Council requests that the Province provide municipalities with the necessary legislative and regulatory tools to effectively implement Greenbelt policies, including but not limited to site plan control for residential development within the area of influence of key natural heritage and hydrological features.
4. Council calls on the Province of Ontario to collaborate with municipalities, Indigenous communities, the agricultural sectors, and other stakeholders to ensure that farmland protection, ecological integrity, and water security remain the central objectives of the Greenbelt.
5. Council directs staff to forward a copy of this resolution 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), York Region, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Edward McDonnell, CEO Greenbelt Foundation, and all local municipalities within York Region.
Defeated

10.3
Member Motion from Councillor Schaefer Re Review of the Greenbelt

1.Member Motion - Re Review of the Greenbelt.pdf

Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
That Council temporarily suspend the provisions of the procedural by-law to allow for the introduction of a new member motion.
Carried
Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Eek
That Council recess for 10 minutes.
Carried
Council recessed at 8:41 p.m.
Moved by:Councillor Cescolini
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
That Council reconvene.
Carried
Council reconvened at 8:47 p.m.

Deputations

Bruce Craig commented on this new combined motion noting his concern with how the Township's 'Our King' Official Plan four (4) pillars will be applied in this context to the Greenbelt lands and how to manage the Greenbelt going forward. Mr. Craig noted this is a great example of how King Council worked together to find a way to make this motion work.

Mary Bromley commented on her concerns with the wording in Item 1 of the motion with respect to "important" and "significance" but is pleased to see this new motion is stronger than the two previous motions.
Main Motion
Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
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, and calls on the Province of Ontario to ensure that the boundaries are reviewed using the best available science to protect important lands of ecological, agricultural and hydrological significance, and that the policies reflect the need to meet the objectives of the Greenbelt Plan to provide water and food security, give regard to Provincial policies, and 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.
Amendment:
Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
That Item 1 of the Member Motion be replaced by the following:
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).
Carried
Mayor Pellegrini called for a recorded vote on the main motion as amended.

Main Motion as Amended
Moved by:Councillor Schaefer
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
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.
Carried Unanimously
The Vote was recorded as follows:
Yes: Mayor Pellegrini, Councillor Asselstine, Councillor Schaefer, Councillor Eek, Councillor Cescolini, Councillor Boyd, Councillor Anstey
No: None

11.
New Business

11.1
Time Sensitive Motion Re Allocation of Funds from the Curling Club Reserve Fund

Moved by:Councillor Boyd
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
That Council allocate $1,500 from the Curling Club reserve fund to be used towards funding for a specialized training opportunity allowing additional Curling Club members to assist with ice maintenance.
Carried

11.2
Motion to Reconsider Council's Decision Re the 2026 Budget Timeline

Mayor Pellegrini shared that thanks to the hard work of staff, the budget is ready ahead of schedule. He asked Council for a motion to reconsider Council's decision with respect to the budget timeline.

Moved by:Councillor Eek
Seconded by:Councillor Schaefer
That Council reconsider Item 2 of it's resolution adopted at the June 17, 2025, Council Meeting, regarding the 2026 Budget Timeline.
Carried

11.3
Time Sensitive Motion to Revise the 2026 Budget Timeline

Mayor Pellegrini asked Council for a time sensitive motion to reduce the time period to pass a resolution making an amendment to the proposed 2026 Budget from thirty (30) days to twenty-seven (27) days.

Moved by:Councillor Boyd
Seconded by:Councillor Anstey
That Council reduce the time period to pass a resolution making an amendment to the proposed 2026 Budget from thirty (30) days to twenty-seven (27), in accordance with section 7(3) of Ontario Regulation 530/22.
Carried

12.
By-Laws

Moved by:Councillor Asselstine
Seconded by:Councillor Schaefer
That Council read a first, second, and third time, and enact By-laws 2025-073 and 2025-076.
Carried