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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK Minutes - 2018-04-03HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 3, 2018 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: S. Miladinovic Acting-Chair Councillors J. Gazzola and B. Ioannidis, Ms. K. Huxted, and S. Hossack, and Messrs. R. Parnell, S. Miladinovic, S. Thomson, S. Hamoen, and S. Strohack. Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources B. Cronkite, Interim Manager, Transportation Planning M. Drake, Senior Heritage & Project Planner D. Kropf, Neighbourhood Development Office Associate D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator 1. DOON VILLAGE ROAD - SEASONAL TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES The Committee considered an attachments related to the Roads Policies from the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan (UDHCDP), as well as Infrastructure Services Department report INS-17-041, previously considered by Council that outlines low cost/seasonal traffic calming programs that, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, can be implemented on streets until such time that full formal traffic calming reviews can be completed. Councillor Y. Fernandes was in attendance to speak about proposed temporary traffic calming measures on Doon Village Road. She advised the Staff Report attached to the agenda includes the background information on the program, indicating annually she receives a number of complaints from residents regarding the traffic speeds and concerns for safety on Doon Village Road. She indicated the proposed Flexi-pole delineators are intended to provide a visual distraction to drivers therefore causing a reduction in speeds. She commented in her opinion she does not believe the delineators would detract from the policies outlined in the Roads Policies from the UDHCDP. Mr. B. Cronkite provided an example of the two traffic calming measures that were outlined in Report INS-17-041. He demonstrated a radar speed display sign advising that Transportation Services has five signs and intend on installing them in approximately 100 locations over the summer months on a rotational basis for approximately two weeks per location. He stated the locations will be selected through one-on-one meetings with each Ward Councillor annually prior to installing them. He demonstrated the Flexi-pole delineator noting they are temporary traffic calming measures that would be installed in April and likely removed in October. He advised Councillor Fernandes was offered four delineators that could be placed anywhere throughout her Ward and she has opted to install two of them on Doon Village Road. Mr. Cronkite further advised this is the first year these types of traffic calming measures are being used within the City. Staff will review their effectiveness at the end of 2018. In response to questions, Mr. Cronkite advised the location of the signs is still yet to be determined. He indicated it is likely due to the overall length of Doon Village Road that the signs can be placed approximately 1/3 of the way down the street in equal sections. He noted the final locations would still need to be reviewed. Mr. S. Hamoen entered the meeting at this time. Questions were raised regarding the number of complaints received on Doon Village Road and the average speed travelled on that street. Mr. Cronkite advised Doon Village Road has an 85% travelling speed of 60km/hr and the posted speed limit is 40km/hr. He indicated staff have been reviewing this street and installing various temporary traffic calming measures for over 15 years and there has been minimal success in slowing traffic. Mr. S. Hamoen expressed concerns with the installation of the Flexi-pole delineators stating in his opinion vehicles are no longer going to be able to take a wide berth with passing pedestrians on the side of the road and with no sidewalks is there not going to be concern for pedestrian safety. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 3, 2018 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DOON VILLAGE ROAD - SEASONAL TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES (CONTD) Mr. Cronkite advised the Flexi-pole is no wider than three of the yellow painted lines down the centre of the road. He indicated vehicles should not have to change their trajectory to get around the sign. He indicated in his professional opinion the signs will not increase pedestrian safety on the road; presumably it should improve pedestrian safety as it would slow down the traffic. Ms. K. Huxted noted at the Neighbourhood Information Meeting (NIM) regarding this initiative, there was possible discussion for moving the edge lines to provide additional space on the road in hopes to prevent vehicles from veering around the signs, and questioned whether that is still a possible consideration. Mr. Cronkite advised staff have reviewed the overall width of the road and it is not sufficient to adjust that edge line. Questions were raised regarding photo radar; Mr. Cronkite advised currently they are only permitted to be installed in Community Safety Zones and School Zones. Doon Village Road s Business Plan for future review. It was noted that the installation of the traffic calming measures; the measures are within heritage policy matters and within the purview of the Committee. Mr. Hamoen stated he is in opposition to the delineators, noting in his opinion they will impact the safety on the street and do not meet the heritage aesthetics of the neighbourhood. He questioned whether it would be appropriate to poll the residents on the street regarding the use of the delineators prior to them being installed. A motion was brought forward by Councillor B. Ioannidis to approve a one-year traffic calming pilot program be conducted in 2018 along Doon Village Road within the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, through the installation of a temporary radar speed display sign and two seasonal Flexi-pole delineators. Mr. Cronkite noted staff have no objection to polling the residents to receive feedback following the one-year pilot program. that upon completion of the pilot program, residents along Doon Village Road be surveyed for their feedback before consideration is given to use the same traffic calming measures in 2019. Councillor Fernandes stated if the delineators are not installed, the issues related to speed volumes on Doon Village Road will not go away. She indicated in her opinion the Flexi-poles will be a visual disrupter and will bring some change to the traffic speeds on the road. Ms. S. Hossack indicated she is not opposed to the installation of the signs, rather if they are effective in addressing speeds, in the future, if there is a possibility to amend the look of the sign to be more aesthetically pleasing to the heritage aspect of the neighbourhood that would be preferred. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: -year traffic calming pilot program be conducted in 2018 to install two Flexi- pole delineators on Doon Village Road within the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, and as part of the review, prior to the delineators being installed again in 2019 that the residents on Doon Village Road are surveyed for their feedback on the HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 3, 2018 - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. CONSERVATION PLAN - 114-120 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH (FORMER HUCK GLOVE FACTORY) The Committee considered an - 114-120 Victoria arch 19, 2018, including the Draft Conservation Plan for 114-120 Victoria Street South, dated March 2018 prepared by mcCallum Sather Architects. Mr. L. Bensason advised the purpose of the Conservation Plan is to provide specific direction on how the heritage attributes of the former Huck Glove factory should be conserved in the short, medium and long term. He indicated while Conservation Plans are typically not presented to Heritage Kitchener, in this instance, staff advised Heritage Kitchener at the March meeting that a draft of the Conservation Plan will be presented for comment and input, given it is closely tied to a proposed Heritage Covenant A -use of the building. Ms. C. Karney presented the Draft Heritage Conservation Plan for the property municipally addressed as 114-120 Victoria Street South. She indicated the Conservation Plan is based on the following principals: respect for the buildings history; respect for original fabric; respect for historic material; reversibly; legibility; maintenance; and, continued used. She provided a summary of the Conservation Plan including the items of importance that were identified as significant, including: metal flashing; rectangular plan with post and beam structure; brick and masonry (buff colour); structured bays; original window opening locations; and, stone sill wrapped with metal flashing. She reviewed the existing conditions of the various items and the proposed approach going forward for those items, including the conservation of the existing items and how to address future items that are potentially going to be installed. Ms. Karney then provided an anticipated timeline for the proposed re-development of the property including short, medium and long term development measures for the protection and conservation of the structure through the demolition and re-development of the site. In response to questions regarding proposed signage, Ms. Karney advised suggestions are being made to the design team to minimize any additional signage on the Huck Glove building itself. She noted the previous owner did paint over the Huck Glove sign, which is intended to be reinstated, but it is a fair recommendation to try to deter any additional signage from being added to that portion of the building. She stated possible areas identified for new signage likely would be proposed for the doors rather than the building itself. Questions were raised regarding designation; Mr. Bensason advised there is acknowledgment from staff that designation will be pursued upon completion of the proposed development. He stated the Heritage Covenant Agreement required to obtain additional density on the site will provide Heritage protection through the development process, noting if designation was pursued prior to construction, the property owner may be required to obtain one or a number of Heritage Permit Applications to complete the development. He further advised the property owner would not be able to obtain their Building Permit without entering into the Covenant. 3. NEIGHBOURHOOD INITIATIVE TO INSTALL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT IN VICTORIA PARK The Committee considered an Exercise Equipment in Vic, including policies and guidelines of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan (VPAHCDP) and documents outlining the Victoria Park Outdoor Gym proposal. Mr. L. Bensason advised Heritage Planning staff have been made aware of a neighbourhood initiative proposing to install exercise equipment in Victoria Park. He indicated proposals that may impact Victoria Park are subject to the policies and guidelines of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan (HCD Plan). He stated given the nature, scale and suggested location of the proposal, Heritage Planning staff are of the opinion that the proposal is most closely aligned with the existing playground and therefore should be considered in context with the conservation guidelines for the playground in the VPAHCDP. Ms. B. Ward and Mr. M. Stubbs presented their proposal to install an Outdoor Gym in Victoria Park advising the City of Kitchener was awarded a Placemaking Challen grant in the amount of $20,000. for their Outdoor Gym proposal. Ms. Ward advised the total HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 3, 2018 - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. NEIGHBOURHOOD INITIATIVE TO INSTALL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT IN VICTORIA PARK (CONTD) grant amount does not fund the project in its entirety noting, they are still in the process of seeking additional funding partners to complete the project. She stated the project involves installing outdoor gym equipment in the park that can be used all seasons by youth and adults to promote health and physical fitness, laughter, and connection to others in the community. She indicated the gym is intended to appeal and be accessible to as many different types of people as possible. Ms. Ward further advised the proposed location within Victoria Park was selected for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: proximity to the Iron Horse Trail; available washroom facilities; drinking fountains; well-lit location; availability of parking; and, highly visible location. Ms. Ward advised consideration has been given to the Heritage Conservation Guidelines for the park noting in her opinion, the project would be considered an extension to the enclave area around the playground, and therefore subject to the voluntary guidelines for the playground. She provided an overview of the heritage features that were considered as part of the proposed plan, advising they intend on using design features that are consistent and compatible with the VPAHCDP. Mr. Stubbs further advised the location for the proposed equipment was also chosen for the fact that no trees from the park would need to be disturbed to accommodate the new gym facility. In response to questions, Mr. D. Kropf advised once the gym equipment is installed, it will become a City asset. Questions were raised regarding the number of apparatuses and the overall cost of the project. Mr. Stubbs advised the overall project is anticipated to cost $70,000. and as of this date, nine pieces of gym equipment are proposed to be installed. Ms. K. Huxted questioned whether there would be fencing around the equipment to deter children from using it. Ms. Ward advised the intention is to ensure the equipment is accessible to all people. She indicated although the equipment is not intended to be for children, due to its size and configuration, children will likely find it uninteresting. Questions were raised regarding use of the equipment in the evening hours and how much noise the equipment makes. Ms. Ward advised the equipment makes little to no noise as there are no additional weights on the machines; they are all resistance based. In response to the equipment use in the evening hours, she indicated the Steering Committee helping to guide the project includes members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. She stated if there are any issues with after-hour use, it will be reviewed by the Steering Committee to try to ensure the equipment is providing positive experience for the community. 4. HERITAGE BEST PRACTICES OPEN FORUM & UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason advised there were no Heritage Best Practices updates this date. 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator