Township of King, Ont. (May 7, 2025) — With the return of warm weather and more people enjoying the outdoors, King Township is addressing two issues that crop up around this time of year: the illegal use of off-road vehicles and the responsibility of pet owners to clean up after their pets on public property.
Safe use of off-road vehicles
To ensure everyone's safety, it is important to remember that riding any off-road vehicles is strictly prohibited on any roads, sidewalks, park pathways and trails in the Township of King and all of York Region. This includes pocket bikes, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, ATVs and motorized scooters.
Off-road vehicles are only permitted on private property with the landowner's permission. It is important for riders to transport their off-road vehicles to these properties.
Bylaw officers are focusing on educating the community about these regulations. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $5,000 and vehicles may be impounded. Parents of unsupervised children riding these vehicles can also be charged.
Residents are encouraged to use King’s online off-road vehicle reporting tool at king.ca/WitnessReport to help keep the community safe. Reports of ATVs being ridden on public roads should be made to the York Regional Police using the online Road Watch portal.
Stoop and scoop
Having a pet is rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities, including cleaning up after them during walks. Stooping and scooping dog waste is an easy way to keep King Township clean and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone on footpaths and in parks. It’s also the law.
King Township’s Animal Control Bylaw #2016-85 mandates that individuals must collect their pets' waste. As part of an ongoing partnership with Vaughan Animal Services, officers routinely patrol King’s parks, municipal roadways, and sidewalks for animal control issues, including stoop and scoop offences. The fine for not picking up after your pet is $200.
To make it easier for pet owners, King Township provides dog waste bags at select locations, including Cold Creek Conservation Area, some locations on the municipality’s 100 kilometres of trails and dog parks. Attach doggy bags to your pet's lead or use a collar-clipped doggy bag holder for easy access. Dispose of the bags in a green bin at home or a garbage bin when out in the community.
Cleaning up after your dog is the neighborly thing to do and helps prevent health issues. Pet waste can transmit parasites and bacteria that affect both humans and animals and can attract wildlife. It is also a significant source of pollution and can harm landscaping efforts.
For more information on how to properly dispose of pet waste, visit king.ca/pets. To report pet waste on public property, contact Service King at 905-833-5321 or serviceking@king.ca.
Leash bylaw and off-leash parks
King Township’s Animal Control Bylaw also requires that all dogs must be on a leash when not on their owner’s property, except in designated off-leash areas. The fine for having a dog off-leash outside of these areas is $360. King Township is home to two off-leash parks where dogs can run freely: Nobleton Off-Leash Dog Park and King City Off-Leash Dog Park. These parks provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs to exercise and socialize.
The King City Off-leash Dog Park is located southwest of King Road and Keele Street, just west of the GO Train railway line. Access to the dog park is available via the footpath at the north end of Hogan Court.
The Nobleton Off-Leash Dog Park is located at Tasca Park at 49 Parkheights Trail.
To receive updates on King Township news, follow the official corporate social media channels on X and Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to the King Bulletin enewsletter or visit king.ca.
-30-
Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca