The two designated heritage buildings have been restored thanks in part to $250,000 from Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Fund
Township of King, Ont. (Dec. 1, 2025) — Two designated heritage buildings in King Township have been restored to their original glory as part of the King Heritage & Cultural Centre Restoration Project. Following extensive structural repairs, the King Railway Station and King Christian Church officially re-opened their doors to the public during a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, November 28. The public event featured remarks by Mayor Steve Pellegrini and MPP King-Vaughan, Stephen Lecce, followed by a guided tour of the rejuvenated buildings.
The project was funded in part by a $250,000 grant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness through the Rural Economic Development (RED) Fund, now known as the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program, delivered through the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs. The program provides funding for projects designed to enhance economic development, protect jobs and improve infrastructure in rural communities throughout Ontario.
Brought from their original locations to the tourism hub in the 1980s, the renovation work on both mid-19th century buildings began in the summer of 2024. Renovations included the installation of heating and electrical lighting, and the restoration and refinishing of interior plaster walls and ceilings, as well as the interior and exterior wood paneling on both buildings.
A proper foundation for the church was constructed, the deteriorated flooring system replaced, and a basement was added. Physical attributes were also restored in line with their heritage designations, and the site was made accessible year-round.
As part of King Township’s Heritage and Culture Master Plan (2021), the renovations serve as a key initiative to enhancing culture, tourism and economic activity, with the project increasing site functionality, attendance capacity, and improving overall facility usage. The renovations have made the facilities more user-friendly spaces for arts and cultural programming, events, school programs and private functions such as weddings. It also served as a key contribution to King Township’s 175th anniversary celebrations in 2025.
King Railway Station
Built in 1852, King Railway Station is believed to be the oldest surviving railway station in Canada. The station was originally located in Springhill just 37 kilometres north of Toronto and served passengers on the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Union Railroad. Generally known as the Northern, this railway ran north to Collingwood and followed traditional trade routes between the lakes for which it was named. King Railway Station was served by different railways over the years until 1963, then it sat empty for five years until it was moved offsite. It was relocated to the King Heritage & Cultural Centre in 1989.
King Christian Church
In 1851, the King Christian Church congregation was welcomed into their brand-new building. The church was built on Lot 31, Concession 5 (now Jane Street) in King Township (just outside Kettleby). It was a simple Loyalist-inspired building with a symmetrical geometric shape, white clapboard siding, and sash windows. Over the next 80 years the church thrived as members held an annual Strawberry Supper in the spring and a Fowl Supper in the fall. The church relocated to the King Heritage & Cultural Centre in 1982.
For more information about programs and events located at the King Heritage & Cultural Centre, or to book a tour, call 905-833-2331, email heritage@king.ca or visit kingheritageandculture.ca.
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Quotes
Mayor of King Township, Steve Pellegrini
“Today we celebrate more than the restoration of two historic buildings—we celebrate our commitment to preserving King’s heritage while creating vibrant community spaces where future generations can enjoy cultural programming and events. Thanks to support from the province’s Rural Economic Development Fund, and the dedication of Township staff, who worked to restore both mid-19th century buildings to their original glory, the King Railway Station and King Christian Church will serve as a tourism hub and continue to tell the story of King Township for years to come.”
Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson
“This funding recognizes the importance of investing in rural communities so there are local gathering places that define local community pride,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to protecting rural Ontario with our government’s investment in the restoration of the King Railway Station and King Christian Church.”
MPP King—Vaughan, Stephen Lecce
"Preserving King's history is important to protecting our identity, history, and the symbols that define our community and country. That is why I was proud to deliver funding to renovate the historic King Railway Station and King Christian Church, and announce that these projects are now completed for everyone in King to enjoy," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan. "The residents of King are proud of their history — dating long before confederation — which is why I am proud to preserve almost 175 years of King's heritage and culture for the next generation. Just weeks ago, I also delivered over $1 million for critical infrastructure funding for families in King Township to upgrade roads and keep our streets safe."
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Media Contact
Township of King
Andrea Gyarmati, Manager of Communications & Public Engagement
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca