How municipal services in King Township are affected by coronavirus

Recreation, library and cultural facilities are closed, plus several other service changes

Yorkregion.com
April 23, 2020
Laura Broadley

WHEN DID THE MUNICIPALITY MAKE THE DECISION TO CLOSE FACILITIES?

King Township closed all recreation, library and cultural facilities as well as its municipal centre at 2585 King Rd. on March 15, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

WHAT IS CLOSED OR CANCELLED?

King Township has closed all municipal facilities and cancelled all recreational programs until further notice. Staff at the township are looking at ways to continue services and programs, while following physical distancing protocol.

The township has closed all playground equipment and amenities, including shade structures and skateboard parks.

Marriage ceremonies have been suspended and marriage licences will not be issued until normal business resumes.

WHAT IS NOT CLOSED OR CANCELLED?

King Township council received a presentation on the township’s new draft of its corporate strategic plan, which paves the way forward for the remainder of council’s term. Staff at the municipality are still working to advance major budget-approved capital projects as soon as its safe to proceed. Online public consultations will be launched and regulatory bylaws will be reviewed and prepared for council’s return.

The stormwater master plan and the transportation master plan will continue to progress.

ServiceKing will continue to operate as usual through phone at 905-833-5321, email at serviceking@king.ca and online at www.king.ca.

Certain types of construction are allowed to continue for the time being.

The building department is still accepting and processing building permit applications, which are only being accepted in hard copy at the drop box at the municipal centre from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The building department will also continue to schedule and carry out a modified inspection structure that doesn’t include the inspection of occupied dwellings.

The township is also continuing to accept planning applications. Customers can deposit plans in the drop box at the municipal centre.

Bylaw enforcement and investigations will continue for immediate concerns and in response to unsafe conditions. All other complaints will be tracked and responded to on a per-case basis. All bylaw enforcement related inquiries are being taken by telephone or email.

Bylaw enforcement officers will continue to respond to parking complaints with a focus on health and safety issues.

Essential services --such as fire, emergency services, water, wastewater, roads and waste collection --are continuing.

Trails owned and operated by the township remain open.

WHAT HAS THE MUNICIPALITY DONE TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR RESIDENTS?

King Township is waiving property tax penalty fees for the time being.

The due date for the water bill generated the week of April 20 will be extended to May 29.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT PEOPLE NOT FOLLOWING SELF-ISOLATION ORDERS?

Any person entering Canada is required by a federal emergency order to self-isolate for 14 days, whether or not they have symptoms of coronavirus.

To report people who are suspected of not following the isolation order, contact York Regional Police non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

www.king.ca/Government/Departments/Administration/Pages/COVID-19.aspx.