King Township ‘plans’ set the stage for the future

December 11, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Backed by a host of brand new “plans,” King Township is meeting the future head-on and well armed.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini updated members of the King Chamber of Commerce at their annual Christmas luncheon last week, noting it’s been a very busy 2013 in King.
The Township passed its first-ever economic development strategy Nov. 4 and implementation is well under way. There are a significant number of “action items” and the Chamber was very involved in the process.
Other strategies were put in place, including a master parks plan, a library plan, beautification plan, transportation master plan, development charges study, housing study and a recently launched official plan review.
We need all these plans, the mayor said, noting “if we don’t plan, we don’t know where we’re heading. We have to benchmark ourselves.”
The 2014 budget process is well under way and the preliminary budget will be presented to council Dec. 16. He encourages Chamber members and residents to get involved and engaged in the budget process.
York Region tabled its preliminary budget already and this level of government takes the lion’s share of tax dollars – 45%.
“Have a say, come out, we appreciate any input,” the mayor said.
The over-arching document, the official plan, guides the Township through a 20-year horizon and public input is more than welcome.
The Township and Chamber partnered on the annual business directory and it’s going strong into its third year.
The mayor and council’s annual breakfast is slated for Jan. 4 and it will include a public skate as well.
He encouraged Chamber members to nominate their peers and attend the AGM slated for Jan. 17.
“Shop local! Get involved!” the mayor urged.