Here you will find the latest information and updates on COVID-19, as well as information about various Township services, facilities, and amenities that may be impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back for regular updates. You can also follow us on social media for additional news on Twitter and Facebook.
Innovations and Process Improvements During COVID-19
Unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19 have impacted the Township of King, as all organizations and industries around the world. The pandemic prompted urgency to examine how the Township conducts its business and delivers its services. In the spirit of fostering a safe, healthy and resilient community, the Township of King has proven its ability to quickly pivot, adapt and be resourceful in its response to the pandemic to maintain business and service continuity.
As a means of fostering continuous improvement and learning, the Township has documented its 85 organization wide innovations, process improvements, efficiencies, service enhancements, and operational changes that effectively respond to and mitigate the challenges presented by COVID-19!
Check out all 85 innovations and process improvements below:
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF KING - INNOVATIONS AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS DURING COVID-19
COVID-19 Screening Tool
The King COVID-19 Screening Tool is part of the Township's efforts to provide in-person (by-appointment only) and recreational services to the community. If you will be visiting any Township facility, you will need to answer the questions in this Screening Tool to help ensure staff and the public are safe from possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus. No patrons will be able to enter any Township facilities without first completing the screening. If you do not have access to a printer to bring your results to the facility for your booking, contact ServiceKing at 905-833-5321 or by email at serviceking@king.ca.
The Township is taking a cautious and gradual approach to reopening facilities and services. While we establish a new normal, an added layer of health and safety measures is required to ensure the safety of our residents and employees.
In an effort to provide ongoing protection, a new COVID-19 screening tool will be in effect and mandatory for the public and staff when entering in reopened Township facilities.
Screening tool overview:
- Both staff and public visitors will be required to answer a short series of screening questions in order to access reopened public Township facilities. Screening can be completed by visiting http://screening.king.ca
- Answers to screening questions will generate a pass/fail response determining eligibility to access the facility.
- A pass response will be accompanied by a green check mark icon which you will show to an on-site staff member prior to entry.
- Please note: public visitors are required to complete screening tool before accessing all Township facilities visited that day.
- If visiting one facility, screening completion is only required once prior to entry.
- If visiting multiple facilities, screening will need to be completed for each individual facility.
- The screening program will keep an attendance log for 12 months in the event that contact tracing is required by York Region Public Health. After this period, data will be deleted.
While it is encouraged that screening be completed before attending the facility, posters will be available on-site containing a QR code, making navigation to the screening website quick and easy. Most phones can read a QR code by using the camera app and hovering over the QR code. A popup asking you to visit the screening tool URL should appear.
COVID-19 Screening Tool FAQ
Mandatory Face Coverings or Masks
- Mandatory rules for masks and face coverings came into effect July 17, 2020, in all places where the public has access. This decision comes from York Region and is applicable to all municipalities in the region.
- York Regional Council voted unanimously to endorse a recommendation from Dr. Kurji requiring operators of enclosed public spaces in York Region to prohibit persons from entering the establishment if the person is not wearing a face mask or covering. This will be in effect Friday, July 17, 2020. Facilities not open to the public, such as our Regional buildings, are exempt. There are also exemptions for young children and people with certain medical conditions. It is important to keep in mind that masks are not a replacement for physical distancing. Additional information related to mandatory mask wearing is available at york.ca/mandatorymasks.
- The rules about mandatory masks and face coverings are in the form of an Order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). The Act notes that every person who fails to comply with the order is guilty of an offence. However, the By-law Enforcement Division's objective is education and voluntary compliance, and enforcement as a last resort option.
- Complaints
- Complaints about all food-type businesses, personal service settings i.e. hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, spas and salons, daycares, public swimming pools, and splash pads directed to:
- York Region Health Department
- 1-800-361-5653
- health.inspectors@york.ca
- Complaints over non-food premise to:
- By-law Department
- 905-833-4002,
- by-law@king.ca
- *When in doubt take all information and forward to by-law@king.ca and the By-law Enforcement Division will follow up with you and confirm next steps.
- Complaints about all food-type businesses, personal service settings i.e. hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, spas and salons, daycares, public swimming pools, and splash pads directed to:
Where to report concerns about COVID-19
- The Province of Ontario declared a state of emergency as of January 12, 2021 at 12:01am, and issued a Stay-At-Home order beginning January 14, 2021 at 12:01am. This means you must stay at home. You should only go out for necessities, such as: getting food, beverages or medication, going to medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, child care, attending school or a post-secondary institution, going to a bank, accessing government services, getting exercise or walking pets, or going to work, if you can’t do it remotely. Businesses must ensure that all employees work from home if they can. Do not travel outside your region or the province unless absolutely necessary. Limit close contact to only members of your household (the people you live with). If you live alone, you may consider having close contact with one other household only. Up to 5 people may gather outdoors, as long as you can keep 2 metres physical distance from each other. You should also wear a mask or face covering. For more information, visit the Ontario Government's page.
- York Regional Police and/or By-law Enforcement may be able to assist with education and/or enforcement as necessary. Please send By-law Enforcement an email with any details such as time of day, how many people or how many times a day this is occurring to by-law@king.ca or contact us by phone at 905-833-4002.
- Failure to maintain physical distancing of at least 2-metres (six-feet) between people who do not live in the same household is not allowed under Grey-LOCKDOWN orders, meaning you must limit contact to your household (the people you live with) and stay at least 2 metres apart from everyone else. Maintaining physical distance is the best tool to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.
Real Estate has been classed as an essential business, but the Real Estate industry is operating with precautions due to COVID-19. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has provided a list of recommendations that agents are encouraged to follow. To make a complaint, you can email complaints@reco.ca or phone (416) 207-4800 or Toll Free: 1-800-245-6910.
- The Government of Ontario has developed a webpage of resources for construction workers such as best practices and information to better understand their rights and responsibilities while operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To report a concern about the construction of a building or structure, contact the Building Division Permit Administrators:
- Eric Moon – email emoon@king.ca | phone 905-833-4078
- Jennifer Roos – email jroos@king.ca | phone 905-833-6569
- To report other types of construction, contact the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development to report a concern online or by phone at 1-877-202-0008 (TTY: 1-855-653-9260).
- The Government of Canada extended mandatory requirements under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada to self-isolate (mandatory isolation) for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
Read the latest mandatory isolation order.
- To report individuals suspected to not be following the mandatory isolation order, contact the York Regional Police Non-Emergency line at 1-866-876-5423 or submit a concern online through their website.
- The Ontario government has launched an online portal to protect consumers from price gouging on products needed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can report a complaint online, send a message at ontario.ca/contact-us or contact the Government of Ontario by phone at one of the following numbers:
- 416-326-8800
- 1-800-889-9768
- 416-229-6086
- 1-877-666-6545
- The Ontario government has launched an online portal to protect consumers from price gouging on products needed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can report a complaint online, send a message at ontario.ca/contact-us or contact the Government of Ontario by phone at one of the following numbers:
Building and Planning Applications
Building Permits
- In accordance with ongoing Provincial announcements, all construction projects with valid Building Permits may commence and/or continue construction. The Building Division continues and receive, review and issue building permits for works in accordance with standard procedures.
- With this enhancement to allowable construction comes the stipulation that all construction sites must meet or exceed the Ministry of Labour's (MOL) Guidelines for Construction site Health and Safety during COVID-19. The health and safety of citizens, workers and Township staff remains top priority and we fully support the shuttering of any site that doesn't meet these requirements. Please visit the MOL website for details regarding these Guidelines.
- Should you have questions about impacted services, electronic permit applications or how to apply or pick-up permits, please contact one of the Building Division Permit Administrators.
- Eric Moon – email emoon@king.ca | phone 905-833-4078
- Jennifer Roos – email jroos@king.ca | phone 905-833-6569
- Any meetings with external clients will be completed by telephone only. The Building Division will continue to schedule and conduct a modified inspection structure (subject to adjustment).
Building Inspections
- Some adjustment to inspection services will remain in effect. Inspections that require Township Staff to enter occupied spaces will not be conducted until further notice. All other inspections requests can be accommodated as per standard procedures.
- Please book inspections by email only at inspections@king.ca. Contact Eric Moon at emoon@king.ca or Jennifer Roos at jroos@king.ca for further details on the revised inspection protocol. Additionally, you may send an email to inspections@king.ca to receive an automated reply further outlining the Building Divisions current operational status.
The Township continues to accept planning applications. Customers can drop non-confidential plans and relevant information, in the drop-box at Township Municipal Centre (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). Applications also can, and are encouraged, to be filed electronically if possible. Please contact Gaspare Ritacca (gritacca@king.ca) for assistance. All meetings with external clients will be converted to conference calls. Please contact us at 905-833-5321 for further information on protocol. You can also refer to the Planning Department's Covid-19 Information Letter that refers to how planning-related operations are continuing.
By-law Enforcement
- All by-law complaints may be reported as follows:
- By telephone at 905-833-4002 or by email at by-law@king.ca
- Outside of regular business hours - leave a message or send us an email.
- All parking complaints may be reported by email at parking@king.ca
- All by-law complaints may be reported as follows:
- The By-law Enforcement Division and all services including investigation services continue to operate.
- Complaints will be prioritized and handled accordingly. Some examples of high priority complaints include immediate concerns related to emergency orders and any unsafe conditions such as:
- Unsafe dwellings (ADUs or other)
- No heat/no water
- All other complaints will be tracked and responded to on a per-case basis. Officers will receive and review complaints and conduct inspections when it is safe to do so.
- Complaints and inquiries related to by-law enforcement will be accepted by email, telephone, or online.
Parking Complaints
By-law Enforcement Officers will continue to respond to parking complaints with a focus on health and safety-related issues. Officers will be working proactively in the community and respond to complaints as needed.
Parking Permits
You can apply for a temporary on-street parking exemption at parkking.ca through King's parking permit program that allows up to 12 exemptions per calendar year, per licence plate. If you need to park on the street for an extended period of time, please contact By-law Enforcement staff by email at by-law@king.ca or by phone at 905-833-4002. Please provide details including why you need to park on the street, your contact information, where you want to park your vehicle, and details of your vehicle such as the make, model and licence plate.
Apply for a Parking Permit Online
Parking Tickets
The By-Law Enforcement Division will not be setting up meetings or, facilitating parking tickets in person. All tickets may be handled electronically (by the options on the reverse side of the ticket.) If the options are not clear, or you have further question you may contact by-law by email at by-law@king.ca or phone at 905-833-4002.
Sign Permits are still being accepted online or by email - for questions please contact By-law Enforcement at 905-833-4002 or by-law@king.ca.
- The Township's contractor, Vaughan Animal Services, will continue to serve King through an emergency-based response until further notice. Emergencies include concerns such as injured or sick animals, bite complaints, dogs at large, stray confined dogs, and dangerous and aggressive dog complaints.All other concerns will be tracked and responded to as soon as possible. Stray pets are being returned to owners by appointment from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday between 9am to 4pm. Vaughan Animal Services can be contacted at 905-832-2281 or by email at animal.services@vaughan.ca.
- The Vaughan Animal Shelter located at 70 Tigi Court, will remain closed to the public until further notice.
- Pet licences (cat/dog) are still available for purchase online.
- Wildlife Services will continue to be provided by Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC). You can reach them at 416-631-0662. Please note the TWC is currently open to the public for patient admissions after speaking with hotline operators and donation drop-offs only, from 9am to 6pm, 7 days per week – but the education and outreach program has been cancelled until further notice, which includes access to the on-site education area.
Clerks
- Commissioner of Oath, Affidavit Services, and Marriage Licences previously available by appointment only on Wednesdays at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre have been suspended for the duration of the Provincial lockdown. For more information contact us by phone at 905-833-4069 or by email at clerks@king.ca.
- Marriage ceremonies have also been suspended until normal business resumes. If you have a marriage licence issued between December 1st, 2019 and July 24, 2020, and have been unable to proceed with a marriage ceremony, the Province recently announced an extension to the expiration period for marriage licences. All licences issued during this period are valid until July 24, 2022.
- Requests for urgent need burials or interment rights purchases at the Nobleton Community Cemetery can be made to ServiceKing by telephone at 905-833-5321 or clerks@king.ca.
- Non-urgent interment rights purchases or monument installations will not be processed until normal business resumes.
- Film permits, road occupancy permits, noise permits, special occasion permits, and lottery licences will be dealt with on a case by case basis, subject to physical gathering limitations.
- For any other Clerks-related services, please send an email to the Clerks Department at clerks@king.ca
Economic Development
- King's Economic Development staff is available to provide guidance, support and assistance to businesses looking for information on programs services and measures through and beyond these challenging times. Feel free to contact them by e-mail at ecdev@king.ca or by phone at 905-833-4016.
- Business visitations can be organized if physical distancing measures are possible. You can contact ecdev@king.ca to book an appointment.
- Additional resources are available from the following websites:
- King's Economic Development staff is available to provide guidance, support and assistance to businesses looking for information on programs services and measures through and beyond these challenging times. Feel free to contact them by e-mail at ecdev@king.ca or by phone at 905-833-4016.
Township Parks and Amenities
- The following Township amenities are open and may be used provided they are used for casual recreational use only (some exceptions), gatherings do not exceed 5 people, and physical distancing of 2 metres away from other people is maintained (who are not from the same household): playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, dog parks, open spaces, Cold Creek Conservation Area, and trails. Dogs must be on leash at all times (unless they are in a dog park).
- All King Township facilities are closed until further notice.
- For ongoing updates and press releases regarding facility closures and reopening dates, check back to this page.
- The Township of King will be maintaining some trails throughout the winter, in an effort to encourage our community to get outside and stay active during the colder months! Visit king.ca/trails to view the maintained trails.
- Trails owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of York, Toronto Region and Conservation Authority (TRCA), Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) are open with physical distancing requirements in place. For more information on general trail safety recommendations, please visit the York Regional Forest webpage.
Water and Wastewater
- Water quality sampling will continue as per Provincial regulations and water/wastewater emergencies such as breaks and backups will be dealt with immediately. Staff will try to diagnose and find a solution where possible over the phone before visiting a property. Water/wastewater Operators will be entering private homes on a case by case basis and they will respond to investigate the municipal infrastructure and advise residents to contact a private plumber for internal investigations. Routine water/wastewater activities will continue. Further inquiries should be directed to Customer Service at 905-833-5321 or serviceking@king.ca. Please note: contact serviceking@king.ca or 905-833-5321 to arrange alternate pick-up options for well water test sampling kits.
- New meter inspections will continue provided the home is in an unoccupied stage for the inspection.
Waste Collection
For information on waste collection and your collection day, consult the 2021 Waste Collection Calendar.
Not sure where something goes? Visit http://york.ca/bindicator
- Contactless pick up and curbside delivery of recycling and green bins now available!
Option 1: Enhanced Bin and Tag Pickup via Curbside.
Order ahead and pick up curbside at any Library branch.
- Residents now have the option to pick-up via CURBSIDE blue and green bins, and waste tags, at all King Township Public Library Branches during Curbside Hours ONLY.
- Curbside Pickup Hours:
- King City Library - 1970 King Rd. - 905-833-5101, Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 2 pm and Wednesday 4 pm - 8 pm.
- Nobleton Library - 8 Sheardown Dr. - 905-859-4188, Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10 am - 2 pm and Thursday 4 pm - 8 pm
- Schomberg Library - 77 Main St. - 905-939-2101, Hours: Tuesday 4 pm - 8 pm and Wednesday and Thursday 10 am - 2 pm
- Ansorveldt Library - 18997 Dufferin St. - 905-775-8717, Hours: Tuesday 1 pm - 6 pm
- Payment Options:
- Online - Purchase quantity of tags/bins desired, then select pick up option. A ServiceKING associate will contact you (or you can contact ServiceKING at 905-833-5321) to schedule a pre-arranged pickup at a preferred library location.
- Credit Card - purchase over the phone SAMEDAY. You can attend one of the library branches during CURBSIDE hours only. Once you arrive, you MUST phone into the branch, and library staff will take credit card payment over the phone, and material will be set out for pick up.
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ServiceKing from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday at 905-833-5321 or serviceking@king.ca, or contact the Library Branch during any of the hours specified above.
Option 2: Contactless Pick up at Township Municipal Centre or Curbside Delivery.
Place your order using our Online Services. Select the number of containers needed, and either curbside drop-off or contactless pick-up to receive your order. Delivery is 3-5 business days. Pick ups are Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Township Municipal Centre (2585 King Road). Payment must be received online or call ahead to pay by cheque.
Yard waste collection starts the week of March 29th, 2021. For information on waste collection days or what material can be accepted, consult the 2021 Waste Collection Calendar.
Please practice good hand hygiene at the waste depots by using hand sanitizer before and after your visit. Please also practice physical distancing by keeping a distance of 2-metres from waste staff at all times.
Waste depots are not accepting cash until further notice. Depots are for York Region residents/businesses only.
York Region waste depots remain open during regular service hours and are closed civic and statutory holidays.
Some service offerings have been reduced, please review what’s accepted at each waste depot on York Region's Waste Depot page.
Georgina Transfer Station is now accepting yard waste in addition to garbage and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Georgina Transfer Station only accepts HHW on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Visit york.ca/wastedepots for more information.
York Region waste depots are now accepting e-waste (electronic waste) and metal/appliances at their respective depots. Depots continue to be open during regular business hours. Visit york.ca/wastedepots for more information.
- Solid waste collection and recycling will continue as usual. Inquiries should be directed to Green For Life (GFL) Customer Service at 1-866-421-5625.
- Green for Life (GFL) has suspended in-person bin replacement/pick up at their offices until further notice. However, they will continue to provide deliveries curbside if requested (at no additional charge).
- Residents are reminded that medical masks and gloves are to be put in regular garbage (blue bins with medical waste will NOT be accepted).
- The pick-up of ALL textile donations from homes, partners and the donation bins across Canada have stopped, effective immediately.
Roads and Sidewalks
- Road and sidewalk maintenance will continue as usual, including road, pot hole, and sidewalk repairs and maintenance, and snow removal on roads and sidewalks.
King Township Public Library
- KTPL is offering Curbside Service. You can place holds on almost all library materials. Once the material is available then you will receive an email notification that will include the Cubrside Service Hours for all our branch locations. Contact your local branch or email info@kinglibrary.ca between the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- All KTPL branches remain closed to the public until further notice and will continue to offer Curbside service only. Online Library services continue as usual.
- Please note that your items will be checked in AFTER 72-hours of quarantine. You will not be charged overdue fines during this period.
- More information can be found at kinglibrary.ca
Fire and Emergency Services
- All emergency services provided by the Township of King Fire & Emergency Services will remain uninterrupted. All public education events have or will be cancelled until further notice, including school visits and station tours. All non-essential fire prevention activities have also been cancelled or postponed. The Fire Prevention Division will still be responding to requests and/or complaints that involve immediate threat to life. Fire Stations remain closed to the public.
- For any questions related to burn permits please contact King Fire and Emergency Services at
905-833-2800 or by email fire@king.ca.
Finance and Taxes
- Tax and water bill payments can be made at your bank or through your bank's website or mobile app; or
- online services; or
- by cheque, mailed or placed in the Drop-Box at the King Township Municipal Centre at 2585 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1A1. Our drop-box is located beside the front doors of the building.
- As our ServiceKing customer service centre remains closed to the public, cash payments cannot be accepted by the Township. However, you may pay your billings at your bank with cash.
Water meter installations and non-emergency water issues
- New water meter inspections are available through the Township's Building Division for dwellings in an unoccupied stage.
- Water/Wastewater Operators will not enter occupied dwellings having more than one person in the home at the time of conducting the inspection.
- Water/Wastewater Operators will not enter any dwelling for non-emergency water issues. Staff will respond to a total loss of water service.
Meetings and Events
- All Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings will be held virtually until further notice. Click here for the live feed link.
- Committee of Adjustment meetings will be held virtually until further notice. View the webpage for the live feed link and more information.
After a COVID-19-related hiatus, King Township’s advisory committee meetings are restarting this month. The advisory committee meetings will be held virtually until further notice. The meetings for March are scheduled below:
Thursday, March 4
6:00 p.m. – Heritage Advisory Committee (Virtual Meeting – Not Live-Streamed)
If you wish to participate in the meeting virtually, register by emailing cpang@king.ca by 12pm (noon) on the day of the meeting.
Tuesday, March 9
1:00 p.m. – Accessibility Advisory Committee (Virtual Meeting – Not Live-Streamed)
If you wish to participate in the meeting virtually, register by emailing dmoratto@king.ca by 12pm (noon) on the day of the meeting.
Wednesday, March 24
6:00 p.m. – Sustainability Advisory Committee (Virtual Meeting – Not Live-Streamed)
If you wish to participate in the meeting virtually, register by emailing jwelch@king.ca by 12pm (noon) on the day of the meeting.
Want to see what is on the calendar for King? For more information such as dates and times of meetings, please visit https://www.king.ca/your-local-government/council/agendas-minutes and scroll down to the Meetings Calendar.
- Following the advice of public health officials, King Township has decided to cancel all in-person regularly scheduled Township events.
- All public events scheduled at Township facilities are cancelled until further notice.
- Community events taking place in Township facilities are also cancelled.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
You can help protect yourself and loved ones by taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible.
- Avoid contact with people who are ill and their items.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep, to enhance your body's immune system.
- If you need to self-isolate, please follow the advice from your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Common signs include fever, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.
For more information on COVID-19:
Contact King Township for information about services
ServiceKing will continue to operate as usual through phone at 905-833-5321, email at serviceking@king.ca and online at www.king.ca.
Not sure who to contact about a particular service?
We've put together a guide to help citizens know exactly which levels of government are responsible for different services during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, view the Roles and Responsibilities in COVID-19 Emergency Guide.