Past year a very busy one at King Township

December 30, 2013 · 0 Comments

Mayor Steve Pellegrini
Happy New Year!
The past year has been extremely busy at the Township.
After developing the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan in 2012 it is now the primary reference point for our decisions. The plan speaks to key initiatives that need to be undertaken to protect our rural municipality in many different aspects. To that end we have completed:
• The first-ever Economic Development Strategy.
• The first-ever Business Retention and Expansion Program.
• An update of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
• A Museum Strategic Business Plan.
• A King Township Public Library Strategic Plan.
• A Green Sustainability Checklist.
• Community and street beautification efforts.
We also have currently under way:
• A Transportation Master Plan Study.
• A Development Charges Background Study.
• A Housing and Residential Intensification Study.
• An Official Plan Review.
I encourage all residents and business property owners to become involved with the Official Plan Review process. The plan will guide our economic and financial sustainability and will pave the path for our future within and beyond a 20-year horizon. It is what and where we want King to be.
In preparation for the 2015 PanAm Games, I am also pleased that King joined the Headwaters Horse Country initiative through a three-year partnership with the Hills of Headwater Tourism Association and municipal partners of Caledon, Erin and Dufferin County, in the pursuit of becoming a Centre of Excellence for all things Equine within the Province of Ontario and in Canada.
When I came into office in 2010, one of my key objectives was to ensure the long-term sustainability of our municipality and I am proud to say that all of these initiatives are getting us there.
Our financial sustainability was also a very real concern in 2010. At that time, our reserves were just over $12 million for the entire Township. As of the end of 2013 we have more than $37 million in reserves. These reserves are the way that we will be able to adequately fund our infrastructure expenses now and in the future. We are steadily paying down debt and are in a much more secure financial position due to the fiscally responsible manner in which the Township staff and council operates.
Another key objective was developing strong relationships with the other levels of government and accessing the various funding available from each one.
In 2013 we received $3,517,625 in grants ranging from bridge replacement at $1,849,631 to a Museum grant of $13,500. Since 2010 King Township has received just over $27 million in grants.
I am proud to say that our council is the envy of York Region (and perhaps the GTA) because of the professional way in which it conducts itself. Council members and Township staff address all issues in a thoughtful, respectful manner and bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to every decision that is made. For this, I thank all council members and the Township staff!
On a lighter note, but equally important, is the fun stuff!
Remember that this coming Saturday, Jan. 4 from 9-11 a.m. is the Township’s 2014 Pancake Breakfast Levee at the King City Community Centre and Arena. It is followed by a free skate from 11 a.m. to noon. I invite you and your family to come out and have breakfast served by me and the rest of our council (safely prepared by the Lions) and work it off with a skate!
Also watch for the “Meet the Mayor” dates. I would really like you to come out and share with me your concerns and your thoughts on our great Township.
May 2014 bring health, happiness and prosperity to all!