KING CITY—Today, Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan announced that the Township of King will receive up to $250,000 in funding through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program for the restoration of the King Heritage and Cultural Centre. The RED program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.
In King Township, the funding will help the King Heritage & Cultural Centre Building Restoration Project. The project aims to rejuvenate the King Christian Church and King Railway Station which are both located at the King Heritage & Cultural Centre, ensuring their long-term sustainability and making them safe for public use. The restoration will enable these heritage buildings to host various events and activities, promoting tourism, arts, culture, and heritage in the community. The project will also make the buildings accessible year-round, with improvements in lighting, temperature control, and physical attributes in line with their heritage designations. Funding will go towards structural improvements, repairs, and restoration, as well as supporting tourism and programming initiatives in 2025.
"I know very well that the Township of King prides itself on its storied history and natural charm – and so it is important that we protect historic buildings with utmost responsibility" said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan. "I am proud to invest to preserve King's heritage and culture because I believe as a student of history that it’s important to connect with the past and learn from our history. Ensuring these historic spaces that defined our community over 150 years ago are preserved will help maintain our rural heritage and character for generations to come.”
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). The land had been purchased in 1850 for 17 pounds and 10 shillings from Thomas Ramsden. It was a simple Loyalist-inspired building with a symmetrical geometric shape, white clapboard siding, and sash windows.
Built in 1852, King Station is believed to be the oldest surviving railway station in Canada. The station was originally located in Springhill just 23 miles (37 km) north of Toronto and served passengers on the Ontario, Simcoe & 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.
“Our government recognizes the importance of rural economic development, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and rural communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
MPP Lecce previously delivered $50,000 in 2018 and over $69,000 in 2021 through the Rural Economic Development program for the implementation and activation of the Schomberg Main Street Revitalization Project which will attract investments, businesses, and local partners that will diversify the local economy, bring jobs into the community, and provide easier access to services for local residents. Beyond the RED program, MPP Lecce also delivered $725,000 in 2019 to modernize service delivery in King and secured millions of dollars in funding to the township through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund for seven consecutive years since 2018 to improve broadband, pave roads, and protect clean drinking water.
Through the most recent intake of the RED program, the Ontario government is investing more than $5.7 million in 85 projects throughout the province. These projects boost economic development in rural communities in Ontario by attracting and retaining jobs and investment.
“Our government recognizes the importance of rural economic development, and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with the funding they need for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and rural communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
The RED program provides cost-share funding support towards activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The Rural Economic Advisory Panel provides recommendations to the minister on applications for funding. The RED program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province.
QUOTES
“The Township of King is grateful for the funding received from the Rural Economic Development Fund. This substantial funding is a meaningful enhancement to the King Heritage & Cultural Centre Building Restoration Project. This project will breathe new life into our beloved heritage sites, making them vibrant centers of community activity and cultural education. This is a monumental step towards preserving our past while creating new opportunities for the future.”
– Steve Pellegrini,
Mayor of King Township
"Built in 1852, as part of the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, King Station is believed to be the oldest surviving railway station in Canada, and I am proud that our government is contributing to the restoration of this important cornerstone of the community!” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs. “By way of the RED cost-share program, the region will be granted $250,000 to properly restore this property through structural improvements while supporting tourism initiatives.”
– Lisa Thompson,
Minister of Rural Affairs
Comments