Mayor's Office

The Tradition of the Chain of Office

A tradition originating with the Dukes of Normandy, civic authorities have borne an official seal incorporating the arms of the authority. The seal was originally worn on a gold chain around the neck of the chief official. This 'decoration' has evolved into the modern Chain of Office.

The modern Chain of Office is composed of several elements linked together with pieces of chain, from which hangs a medallion. Chains of Office are usually sewn onto a velvet collar which is not only decorative, but makes the chain more comfortable to wear.

Upon inauguration of a new Mayor for the Township of King, the Chain of Office is symbollically placed around the Mayor's neck. The Mayor wears the Chain of Office to all Council meetings and ceremonial occasions when appearing in his official capacity, as a mark of pride in the municipality in which we live. The Chain of Office represents the responsibilities, authority and dignity which are attached to the office of the Mayor.

What do the symbols on the Mayor's Chain of Office represent?

• Starting at the left shoulder, the first medallion honours the Welsh and English pioneers of the area with the Leek and the Rose.
• The second medallion recognizes the large equestrian interest in the community.
• The plates which follow are inscribed with the names of five of the communities now incorporated into the Township of King: Laskay, Snowball, Ansnorveldt, Kettleby, Schomberg.
• The next medallion on the left is the Flower of Ontario - the "Trillium".
• The large pendant bears the Crest for the 'new' Township of King. The Crest features a plate depicting a Crown for "King", a Sheaf of Wheat, Hills and Rivers and a Beaver symbolizing the various activities of the area.
• Continuing up the right side, the first medallion is the Trillium, and then the Ontario Coat of Arms surrounded by Maple Leaves.
• Corresponding with the left side are the names of the five remaining communities also incorporated into the Township of King, making a total of ten: Nobleton, Lloydtown, Strange, Pottageville and King City.
• The next medallion honours Agriculture and consists of a Corn Stalk, a Pumpkin and a Pear.
• The last medallion on the right side again honours the area pioneers, this time the Irish and the Scottish with a Shamrock and Thistle.​

Welcome to the Township of King's Official website.  Recently re-designed, we hope you will find it user-friendly, helpful and informative whether you are a resident, a businessperson or a visitor. 

As you drive a few minutes north of Toronto and watch the urban sprawl turn into the open vastness of rolling green countryside, you’ll know you have entered our beautiful King.  This is what sets King apart, and this is what our residents love about their home. 

Minutes from Highway 400 you can go for a hike in the Happy Valley Forest and be amazed at the silence of wind through trees with not the sound of a single car.  There is no other place like it, so quiet and yet so close to the bustle of the Greater Toronto Area. 

With its lakes, streams, rolling hills and abundant forested areas, King could easily be mistaken for a strictly agricultural and rural Township. But, nestled into the Oak Ridges Moraine, King has many villages and hamlets, where you will find entertainment, wonderful restaurants, delightful shopping and pleasant accommodation.  

Drive a little further north and enter the plains of the Holland Marsh growing area.  The Vegetable Basket of North America, the Holland Marsh puts fresh vegetables on the tables of Canadians and Americans alike.  There’s even a vineyard tucked away in this fascinating little geographic gem that is lined with canals and has its own distinct micro-climate.   

Explore.  There is so much to see and do year round, from professional events to a full calendar of local, volunteer-run activities and festivals.  In this community of communities, you can be busier than you ever thought possible 'in the country'.  

I invite you to visit King, and fall in love as so many do.  Hike, cycle, eat, shop and enjoy the country just above the city.  Why not move your family here?  We want you.  Why not move your business here? We’ll help you. 

Please bookmark this site and we will keep you up to date on many of the attractions that make King a great place to visit, a great place to invest, and an even better place to live. 

We hope you will plan to visit us soon. 

Steve 

Mayor Steve Pellegrini