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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2011-03-08HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 8, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Chair Councillors F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki, Ms. A. Oja, Ms. E. Young and Messrs. J. Ariens, L. Robertson, S. Sindile, G. Thomas, S. Thomson and G. Zeilstra Staff: B. Sloan, Manager of Long Range and Policy Planning L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources M. Wade, Heritage Planner T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect K. Steiss, Inclusion Co-ordinator S. Longstaff, Policy Analyst C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - VICTORIA PARK BRIDGE UPGRADES 1. The Committee considered the Victoria Park Bridge Railing Capacity Report, prepared by MuirTec Inc., dated December 2010. Messrs. Bob Muir, MuirTec Inc. and Mr. W. Sleeth presented the preliminary conceptual design and draft elevation drawings for the new railing and guard; which are being proposed to bring the bridge into compliance with the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). In response to questions, Mr. Muir advised that it is recommended that the new railings be anchored to the timber deck, rather than being affixed to the steel structure of the bridge. He stated that this would help to preserve the heritage value and appearance of the original structure. He commented that the Bridge Design Code requires pedestrian railings to be 1.05 meters above the walking surface and spaced so that the least dimension between them does not exceed 150 millimetres. He added that based on their field measurements, the geometry of the existing railings do not meet these, or the load requirements specified in the CHBDC. Mr. Sleeth noted that members’ comments would be taken into consideration when drafting the final design, which would be presented as part of a formal Heritage Permit Application (HPA) at a future Heritage Kitchener meeting. Councillor F. Etherington requested that an alternative paint colour be selected for the railing that is more complimentary to the surrounding environment. Mr. J. Ariens noted that typically, the colour of a new addition should discernable from the original heritage feature. Mr. L. Robertson expressed concerns that the proposed vertical posts are shown as being off- set, adding that with the variety of components that will not be aligned, the articulation of the fenestration would be altered. He suggested that the design might be enhanced if the end details of the railings were mitred, rather than radial as depicted in the conceptual drawings. Clarification was requested regarding the cost, and Mr. Sleeth advised that the proposed budget of $43,000. was just an estimate. He stated that funds have been allocated within the Victoria Park Strategic Plan account to address these kinds of capital projects, noting that as this deals with an issue of public safety it was identified as being a high priority project. He added that the formal HPA is anticipated to come forward in May 2011, with a goal of having the new railing and guard installed by September 2011. OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW - HERITAGE POLICIES 2. The Committee was in receipt this date of background information on the City of Kitchener Official Plan Review, dated March 4, 2011. Mr. B. Sloan, Ms. S. Longstaff and Ms. T. Malone- Wright, Official Plan Review Project Team, gave a presentation outlining the history of the City’s Official Plan, along with the reasons and scope of the review. Mr. Sloan advised that much has occurred over the past 15 years that requires the City to review and update its Official Plan. He added that there has been considerable growth and changes in the planning landscape with respect to policy direction as well as the need to comply with new legislation both at the Provincial and Regional level. He commented that although the Official Plan is concerned mainly with land use and physical development of the HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 8, 2011 - 8 - CITY OF KITCHENER OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW - HERITAGE POLICIES (CONT’D) 2. City, the underlying consideration in its formulation is the need to balance the social, economic, and environmental interests of the community. He stated that the current Plan contains many policies that will be modified and incorporated into the new document. Mr. L. Bensason then presented the draft heritage policies proposed for inclusion in the new Official Plan. He advised that these new policies are being put forward to fill gaps identified in the existing Official Plan. He stated that the new policies would provide more direction for property owners and enhanced standards for City owned cultural heritage resources. He added that some of the existing heritage policies will be modified to incorporate changes in legislation and update terminology; such as, replacing “heritage resources” with “cultural heritage resources”, or replacing “preserve” with “conserve.” He suggested that a Sub- committee be formed to review the draft heritage policies and prepare comments for considered at the April 5, 2011 Heritage Kitchener meeting. Mr. K. Kirby opened the floor to volunteers, and it was agreed that the following members would comprise the Official Plan Heritage Policies Sub-committee: Messrs. J. Ariens, S. Sindile, and S. Thomson. PRESENTATION - ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING 3. The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled “Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA),” dated March 8, 2011 regarding the legislated accessible customer service training required for anyone who works or volunteers with the City. Ms. K. Steiss led the training on the accessible customer service standards for the members of Heritage Kitchener. She advised that through the AODA five sets of standards for accessibility have been, or will be introduced, being: customer service; transportation; information & communication; built environment; and, employment. She stated that the Province mandated accessibility training for anyone who provides a direct service or has influence over policy implementation, with a goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. Accordingly, all staff, volunteers and third parties associated with the City have received AODA training. She noted the importance of not making assumptions when providing customer service to individuals with disabilities and to remember that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. She suggested that if anyone had any questions to forward them to kelly.steiss@kitchener.ca. MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE ORIENTATION WORKSHOP 2011 4. The Committee was in receipt of information regarding the Community Heritage Ontario Municipal Heritage Committees (MHCs) Orientation Workshop 2011. Mr. L. Bensason advised he was recently approached by a colleague to see if Kitchener would be interested in hosting one of three MHCs Workshops; and, it was agreed that a session would be held at the Victoria Park Pavilion on April 11, 2011. He noted that if any member is interested in attending, as the host, the City was given three free spaces for the Workshop. Messrs. S. Thomson, K. Kirby and S. Sindile all expressed and interest in attending. Mr. J. Ariens added that if possible, he would also like to participate at the Workshop. Mr. Bensason advised that staff would investigate whether another funding source was available. ST. MARY’S HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 5. The Committee was in receipt this date of the Walking Tour Guide for the St. Mary’s Heritage Conservation District. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the Guide and encouraged all members to take the tour. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - WEBER STREET CLASS ENVIRONMENT 6. ASSESSMENT The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. L. Bensason, dated February 24, 2011 regarding the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) being undertaken as part of a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Weber Street (from College Street to Guelph Street). HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 8, 2011 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - WEBER STREET CLASS ENVIRONMENT 6. ASSESSMENT (CONT’D) Mr. Bensason gave an overview of the HIA, advising that 13 properties identified as being of significant cultural heritage value are proposed to be demolished. He stated that none of those properties are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, or listed on the Municipal Heritage Register; however, 79 Weber Street West is listed on the Heritage Kitchener Inventory of Historic Buildings. He added that in most cases, avoiding the demolition of these buildings through project re-design would have implications on other properties of heritage value. He stated that Heritage Planning staff would consider the Committee’s feedback when forwarding comments to the City representative on the Weber Street EA Study Team and to the Regional Heritage Planner. He noted that the Region intends to review all public and stakeholder comments in the next few weeks and finalize the EA for Regional Council’s consideration in the Spring of 2011. In response to questions, Mr. Bensason advised that unfortunately, the Region was holding its final Public Input meeting on the Weber Street EA this evening, and Regional staff were unable to present the HIA to Heritage Kitchener. He clarified that as this is a Region led project and the HIA was commissioned by the Region, its approval and the way in which it will inform the EA process is under Regional control. He stated that the Weber Street corridor and the residential neighbourhood north of Breithaupt Street would be fully documented. He commented that if anyone had any further questions / feedback regarding this matter to forward them to leon.bensason@kitchener.ca. SACRED HEART SCHOOL EVALUATION 7. Ms. M. Wade gave a presentation on the current state of Sacred Heart School, located at 81 Moore Avenue. She advised that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the potential redevelopment of the School site and staff undertook an initial evaluation to determine if it met the criteria for listing on the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR). She reviewed the property’s heritage features and requested feedback as to whether in the Committee believed that it merited additional consideration under the MHR four step process. On motion by Mr. L. Robertson - it was resolved: “That further consideration be given to listing Sacred Heart School (81 Moore Avenue), as part of the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) four step evaluation process.” MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS 8. Ms. M. Wade presented the four step evaluation process for listing properties identified as being of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR). She outlined that the goal would be to recommend 10-20 properties for listing on the MHR at least 3-4 times a year. In order to move this forward, Heritage Planning staff requested that members volunteer to assist with field team evaluations and/or the MHR Sub-committee. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the following members would comprise the two Field Teams and the MHR Sub-committee: Messrs. G. Thomas and J. Ariens, be appointed to Field Team 1; Messrs. S. Thomson and G. Zeilstra, be appointed to Field Team 2; and, Messrs. K. Kirby and L. Robertson, be appointed to the MHR Sub-committee. HERITAGE KITCHENER 2011-2012 WORK PLAN 9. The Committee considered the revised draft of the Heritage Kitchener 2011-2012 Work Plan, dated February 9, 2011. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of the draft list of potential candidates for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the revised draft Work Plan, advising that the list of potential candidates for designation was derived from properties identified through Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs), Planning Act Applications, or suggested by the Committee. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 8, 2011 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER HERITAGE KITCHENER 2011-2012 WORK PLAN (CONT’D) 9. Ms. M. Wade gave a brief presentation on other volunteer opportunities available to members through items listed on the draft Work Plan, which include: Candidate Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Sub-Committee; Mike Wagner Heritage Award Sub-Committee; and the identification of priority properties for listing on the Municipal Heritage Register. She noted that for the member representatives of HCDs, there are a number of items outlined in the Work Plan that staff would be seeking their input on. Mr. K. Kirby requested that information be provided regarding the current conditions of 1405 King Street East (Rockway Seniors Centre) and 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel). It was suggested that consideration could be given to identifying Rockway Seniors Centre as a Cultural Heritage landscape. On motion by Mr. J. Ariens - it was resolved: “That the Heritage Kitchener 2011-2012 Work Plan, as required by the 2008 Advisory Committee Review, be approved.” REVISED HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES UPDATE 10. Mr. L. Bensason gave a follow-up to a discussion that took place at the January 11, 2011 Heritage Kitchener meeting regarding revisions to the Heritage Permit Application submission requirements and application form. He stated that at that meeting a number of suggestions were put forward by members, which were incorporated into the version that was presented to Council. He noted that one such change related to the drawings requirement, where a provision was added that this requirement could be scoped or waived at the discretion of Heritage Planning staff. He added that sections were also revised to refer to the Federal Standards and Guidelines for Historic Places in Canada. ADJOURNMENT 11. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator