HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK Minutes - 2021-11-02HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
NOVEMBER 2, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee metelectronicallythis date, commencing at 4:00p.m.
Present:S. Hossack-Chair
Councillors D. Chapman, J. Gazzola, C. Michaud,and I. Bodendorfer, J. Haalboom, J. Baker,
M. Asling, P. Ciuciura, R. Schwarz.
Staff:G. Stevenson, Manager, Development Review
V. Grohn, Heritage Planner
S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator
1.SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATES
The Chair introduced the meeting and invited the Heritage Kitchener Sub-Committees to provide
updates on their recent meetings and efforts.
Promoting Cultural Heritage
Members: J. Haalboom, I. Bodendorfer, V. Mance, Councillor Michaud
The Committee heardan update from the Promoting Cultural Heritage Sub-committee,
summarizing their recent meetings and focus on the historical walking tours and a plaque for
Willow LakePark. The Sub-committee explained their intention to update and digitize the walking
tour to improve the content and access through an app, pending budget support or other funding.
Further, the sub-committee noted the history of Willow LakePark, capturing the significance of
the Indigenous presencein Lower Doon through signage, the opportunity for a historical walk,
and considerations for funding and potential inclusion in the future Secondary Master Plan
Study. In response to questions from Committee members, the Sub-committee discussed
funding sources and estimated expenses for signage andthe app. Staff noted that the Heritage
Kitchener Committee does not have a designated funding source but would follow up with the
Committee about the financial considerations for the highlighted projects.
The Effects of Designation on Affordability
Members: M. Asling, J. Baker, V. Mance
The Committee next heard an update from the Effects of Heritage Designation on Affordability
Sub-committee, summarizing their methodology for the literature review and the focus on the
following research topics: what does heritage mean locally, how has heritage changed in the
past ten years, and how heritage designations affect affordability. The Sub-committee further
spoke to outreach to local universities and access to resources or sources for the review. In
response to questions from the Committee, the Sub-committee further discussed their research
methodology, the preliminary phase of the research, and the potential outcome of the review,
such as a toolkit.
Decolonizing the Heritage Process
Members: R. Schwarz, V. Mance, J. Baker, M. Asling
The Committee next heard an update from the Decolonizing the Heritage Process Sub-
committee, noting their awareness of not duplicating anti-racism and equity work taking place at
the City and spoke to their goal of exploring how the Heritage Kitchener Committee can support
Truth and Reconciliation Commission action items. The Sub-committee explained their efforts
to research best practices for heritage in supporting inclusivity and Reconciliation within Ontario
municipalities and the potential outcome of a future recommendation to Council regarding those
practices. In response to questions from the Committee, the Sub-committee spoke to efforts
undertaken by other municipalities to address the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission.
Designation andthe Municipal Heritage Register
Members: P. Ciuciura, D. Vongphakdy, M. Asling, Councillor Chapman
The Committee next heard an update from the Designation and the Municipal Heritage Register
Sub-committee explained strategies they would like to explore that would inform future projects,
including reviewing the heritage designation process for private and municipal properties and
digitizing documentation of the City’s heritage assets. The Sub-committee spoke to their goal of
increasing the number of heritage-designated properties in the City by clarifying the process and
creating supports for property owners, and making the list of the City’s heritage assets more
accessible to the public. In response to questions from the Committee, staff spoke to the
documentation of the heritage designation process and the documentation of the past heritage
inventory review in developing the City’s Heritage Register. The Sub-committee requested staff’s
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
NOVEMBER 2, 2021-39-CITY OF KITCHENER
attendance at their next meeting to provide additional information.The Committee discussed
resources that might support the Sub-committee’s efforts.
2.STATUS UPDATES -HERITAGE BEST PRACTICES UPDATE AND 2021PRIORITIES
-HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOLLOW-UPS
There were no updates to share at this time.
3.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:20p.m.
S. Goldrup
Committee Administrator