Wednesday, September 19th at 7:00PM at King City library is the public information centre (PIC) for the development of the lands south of King Road/east of Jane. How this land is developed is of significant relevance to anyone who is interested in how King City will evolve. I hope that many people will come out to learn about the current proposal by the developer and to then express their questions, their concerns and any suggestions/ideas. Here you can read the formal notice.
In the King City Official Plan these lands are designated as a prestige employment area. What does this mean? i) This an area for prestige employment (i.e. it is not for residential, nor for factories, nor for commercial/retail). ii) This is a major entrance to the community. At the outset of any development I assume that everyone wants to do it “right.” I think that the desire in this case is more acute: there are not many opportunities anywhere on the Oak Ridges Moraine to do such a development; and certainly in King City, our largest village, there is no other opportunity. Secondly, this is the major entrance to our village; the 1st impression is so important.
The PIC is just the beginning for public engagement on this important project. But this may be the only time that there is a relatively informal protocol for the meeting. To clarify: this meeting is hosted by the developer. There can be back & forth conversation between the developer and the public. Sometime after this meeting (date to be determined) there will be the formal Public Meeting as part of a Council meeting. At this meeting the public can make deputations to state concerns etc. but it is done with more formality and there is not discussion back & forth between developer and public. I have said that this may be the only informal one because as the project proceeds, the developer may choose to host another; but such is at their discretion.
Although I have described this meeting as being informal I should point out that the developer has indicated that at 7:30 they will be making a presentation to cover details.
Hi Debbie
Thanks for publicizing this informal gathering; and noting that the developer wishes to amend the official plans.
In the 1960’s, in Toronto, on the east side of Leslie, between Eglinton and Lawrence, a prestige employment area was established; and this was (when I last saw it) a very good example of the sort of development I envisioned for King Road and Jane Street. It was characterized by large and sweeping landscapes, simple yet attractive classic architecture, low rise buildings, grading to create Berms and limit visibility from the perimeters, head office type tenants, subdued lighting, cached parking, and attractive trees and entry features.
I can see little reason for King Township to accept less or to create an entry feature to King City which doesn’t carry a relaxed and green atmosphere / aura / ambience; and while the Schomberg Industrial Park serves a purpose and isn’t terrible, it would be my hope that the planned developments for both King City and Nobleton achieves a “classier” look and feel.
I can’t wait to see what’s being put forward and again than you for the notification.
Jeff l
Hi Jeff, thanks for your comment. Always good to see something to which one can say…this is what I want. I can’t picture in my mind the site you have identified; will make an effort to drive by and/or visit to see if it inspires me as it has inspired you.