CCKT Deputation to King Council on King’s Climate Action Plan
CCKT Board and Next Steps
As many know, CCKT is going through a process of renewal, and is currently reaching out to the membership and the wider King community for new Board members. We are encouraged to share that two of our younger members have stepped forward to serve on the Board. We welcome Allie Service and Cam Davis. Both bring a passion for conserving key natural heritage features, healthy bio-diversity, planning for sustainable communities and for well-informed citizen advocacy, along with valuable skills and experience.
We are seeking to bring an additional three individuals on to the board this spring, and welcome inquiries. In the recent King Weekly Sentinel we placed a colourful ad and a short article with this appeal. Please talk to others in your networks, and have those interested contact the board or send an email through the CCKT website: https://cckt.ca/contact-us/
Trees in King
A key issue for CCKT is ensuring the conservation of healthy, mature trees in the villages and in the rural areas of King and also continued growing of the tree canopy. As many residents know, there are countless benefits to trees – cooling in the summer, maintaining moisture in the ground, aesthetics, purifying the air, bio-diversity, etc. King Township has launched a survey for all residents and business owners to complete. We encourage you to access the survey and complete with your comments by April 30th through the following link.
https://speaking.king.ca/growing-a-greener-community
Invasive Species in King
Some of you may have attended the Township’s recent Invasive Species Workshop held in Schomberg on March 13th. There were several very informative presentations on a topic that affects all of King. The Township has recently released an Invasive Species Report, and invites the public to complete a survey. Please see the link:
https://speaking.king.ca/king-invasive-species-strategy
Green Building Standards
About two years ago, King Township approved a detailed and varied suite of green building standards to be considered in development applications. CCKT recognises the opportunity to propose and advocate for specific standards to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build more sustainable buildings in applications for multi-residential projects. https://www.king.ca/greendevelopmentstandards
Housing in King
In an effort to create well-designed, efficient and complete communities, CCKT has advocated to maintain village boundaries, and to include a diverse supply of residential units to meet the great variety of housing needs in the Township. This includes moderate intensification “Gentle Density” in suitable locations such as the Core Areas of the villages while respecting environmental constraints, and the established character of each community. The most suitable locations need to have transit and a range of amenities available, e.g. GO Station and main corridors of King City. In addition, CCKT advocates for a greater supply of smaller residential units that are affordable for Seniors, first-time home owners, renters and many others that find housing out of reach in King, including teachers, nurses, fire fighters, and Township staff.
King Housing Partnerships (KHP) is a newly-formed not-for-profit organization with which CCKT seeks to play a supportive role. KHP is bringing an inspiring film to King on May 26th, Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film about Genuinely Affordable Housing. University of Waterloo planning professor, Dr. Paul Doucet created this film and is planning to attend and participate in a film-screening and panel discussion. More details will be shared in the coming weeks. Here is the trailer to the film. It is well worth a quick view:
https://www.housingfilm.ca/trailer
King Official Plan Review:
CCKT continues to monitor the OP Review process and seek opportunities for sharing helpful comments. Recently the timeline for the OP Review has been extended and will likely carry over into 2027 following the election of a new Council.
Greenbelt Plan Review:
We are not aware of any announcements from the Province about the commencement of the required 5-year review for the Greenbelt Plan, which was due to start one year ago. CCKT hopes to contribute in a meaningful way if and when the Review begins.
Bruce Craig, Chair, CCKT,
on behalf of the Board and Leadership Team