MPP Stephen Lecce Announces Restoration of the Historic KingRailway Station and King Christian Church is Complete
- Stephen Lecce, MPP
- Nov 28, 2025
- 4 min read
KING CITY—Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan announced that the restoration of the
King Railway Station and King Christian Church he announced in October 2024 is now
complete. This project comes after MPP Lecce delivered $250,000 to the Township of King
through the Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program for the restoration of the King Railway Station and King Christian Church at the King Heritage and Cultural Centre. The ROD program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges.
"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 deliver over $1 million for critical infrastructure funding for families in King Township to upgrade roads and keep our streets safe."
In 2024, MPP Lecce was joined by Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, to announce the
Province of Ontario was investing $250,000 for the King Heritage & Cultural Centre Building
Restoration Project. At the time, MPP Lecce said he was proud to invest to preserve King's
heritage and culture and believed as a student of history that it’s important to connect with the past and learn from our history.
“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.”
The project’s core focus is 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. This restoration enables these heritage
buildings to host various events and activities, promoting tourism, arts, culture, and heritage in the community for generation into the future. Thanks to the project, the buildings will be
accessible year-round, with improvements in lighting, temperature control, and physical
attributes in line with their heritage designations. As well as towards structural improvements, repairs, and restoration, which will empower tourism and programming initiatives in the coming years—driving meaningful economic activity in the Township of King.
“The restoration of these heritage landmarks is more than a cultural achievement—it’s an
investment in King Township’s future. By revitalizing these spaces, we’re creating opportunities for tourism, local business growth, and community engagement that strengthen our rural economy.” said Steve Pellegrini, Mayor of King Township. “I want to thank the province for making the King Heritage & Cultural Centre Restoration Project possible through a $250,000 grant from its Rural Economic Development Fund. The renewed King Railway Station and King Christian Church will be a space that hosts programs, events, and celebrations that showcase the unique heritage of King Township while welcoming residents and visitors to discover it.”
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, the King Railway 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.
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 ROD 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 eight consecutive years since 2018 to improve broadband, pave roads, and protect clean drinking water.
Through the most recent intake of the ROD 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.
The ROD 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 ROD program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to
investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across theProvince.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACT
Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan
Constituency Office
Tel.: 647-560-9700
Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org
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