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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2011-04-05HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 5, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Chair Councillors Y. Fernandes and Z. Janecki, Ms. A. Oja, Ms. E. Young and Messrs. L. Robertson, S. Sindile, G. Thomas, S. Thomson and G. Zeilstra Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources M. Wade, Heritage Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator J. Billett, Committee Administrator CSD-11-048 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2011-IV-003 1. - 748 ZELLER DRIVE - PROPOSED NEW WOOD WINDOWS The Committee considered this date Community Services Department report CSD-11-048, dated March 30, 2011, concerning Heritage Permit Application HPA-2011-IV-003 to permit replacement of ten second floor windows at 748 Zeller Drive. Ms. M. Wade advised that 748 Zeller Drive, designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, is subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement agreement and provided a description of the main features that define the heritage character of the property. It was noted that the applicant proposes to replace ten 6/6 hung windows with new simulated divided light (SDL) 6/6 hung wood windows on the second storey of the farmhouse. A sample of an SDL window was displayed for visual demonstration. The proposed windows are modelled after the original to retain an authentic look and are required to address issues of energy efficiency and deterioration of the existing windows. In response to questions, Ms. Wade clarified that SDL windows have two solid panes of glass with a spacer in between to visually mirror the effect of dividing the panes into 6 panes of glass; whereas, a true divided light window is divided by 6 separate panes of glass. On motion by Mr. L. Robertson - it was resolved: “That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2011-IV-003 be approved to permit the replacement of ten second floor windows at 748 Zeller Drive in accordance with the plans and supporting information submitted with the application.” HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - 324 OLD HURON ROAD 2. - PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION The Committee considered a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for 324 Old Huron Road, prepared by The Landplan Collaborative Ltd., dated March 16, 2011, in the context of a development proposal for the subject area. Ms. M. Wade advised that Heritage staff requested the HIA to be submitted for consideration relative to the subdivision development proposal and for circulation to Heritage Kitchener for comment. She pointed out that the property is subject to a number of constraints such as road servicing and concerns related to environmental features to be addressed. The HIA recommends retention of the existing stone cottage on a lot to be created within the proposed subdivision and Heritage staff has no concerns in respect to retention or the size of the lot to be created. Ms. Wade advised that a Heritage Conservation Plan is required as part of the subdivision approval process and Committee comments will also be considered in staff’s review of the application. Messrs. Owen Scott, The Landplan Collaborative Ltd. and Ian Rawlings, IBI Group, attended to present an overview of the HIA. Mr. Scott reviewed details related to historical ownership of the property and the existing structures, including the stone cottage, barn, outdoor sheds and ruin of a former spring house. It was noted that while this property is on the City’s Heritage Inventory it has not been formally listed in the Heritage Register. The stone cottage is considered to be o f heritage significance, being an early farmhouse c.1850s with origins HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 5, 2011 - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - 324 OLD HURON ROAD 2. - PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION (CONT’D) potentially dating back to c.1823, and is one of the only existing structures remaining from the former hamlet of Strasburg; and is situate overlooking the picturesque landscape of the Strasburg Creek Valley. It has also been determined that the outbuildings and barn have no heritage value and too little remains of the former spring house to warrant heritage significance. It was noted that part of the stone cottage sits on the foundation of an original log house and it is believed the foundation may still comprise of original timbers used in construction of the log house. Mr. Scott provided a sketch of the proposed subdivision to consist of 41 lots plus the lot to be created for the stone cottage. He pointed out that the current septic system for the stone cottage is to be converted to municipal services on completion of the subdivision. It was further noted that grading of the proposed road access across the frontage of the cottage lot, as well as grading to blend in borders of new abutting lots can be accomplished without significant impact to the existing cottage landscape. Mr. Scott then provided recommendations for mitigation of development, including: ensuring the grading scheme directs surface water away from the cottage and does not adversely affect existing trees; and that gentle grade transitions occur at bordering property boundaries. It was also recommended that the stone cottage be designated by by-law under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a means of protecting the heritage resource. The by-law should be composed in a manner that would protect the heritage integrity of the structure while still allowing opportunity for appropriate modifications to be made such as a future addition, roofing improvements and/or free standing garage. Mr. Scott further pointed out that the exterior of the cottage would benefit from restoration, suggesting that the windows, front porch and chimney could be replaced or rebuilt to complement the period; and the stone work is in need of re-pointing with appropriate mortar mix. He added that drainage is also a current concern in regard to water entering the basement area of the cottage. It is recommended that this issue be addressed and may require removal of a maple tree situate in the front yard that is contributing to improper drainage. Councillor Z. Janecki requested clarification in regard to removal of the tree. Mr. Scott advised that it is a Norway Maple cultivar, approximately 40 to 50 years old. He stated that the tree is situate in the front yard with its root system up against the house which is contributing to the drainage problems and needs to be removed to provide for grading improvements that will allow proper drainage. He added that this type of tree is an invasive species and removal of the tree will help in controlling encroachment of the species into the creek valley. Councillor Janecki also requested clarification of the state of the spring house. Mr. Scott advised that only a few stones of the original structure remain and the area is currently used as a patio. In response to Mr. G. Zeilstra, Mr. Scott advised that the roof restoration referred to is not applicable to discussions concerning the proposed subdivision but rather is referenced in context of potential future alterations to the stone cottage itself. Mr. L. Robertson requested clarification concerning the proposed configuration of the lot to be created for the cottage. Mr. Scott noted that the lot has been configured with a generous front yard to maintain the view of the cottage from the street and sufficient rear yard to ensure all outbuildings can be accommodated to the rear of the structure, such as a future addition and/or free standing garage. Mr. Robertson questioned why the proposed Lot 8 is placed to the front of the cottage property, suggesting that there is room to place a similar size lot to the rear of the cottage lot. Mr. Ian Rawlings advised that the lot configuration has been designed to provide opportunity for the occupants of the cottage to undertake future improvements to the rear of the property while preserving the front yard views of the cottage. In response to Mr. Robertson, Mr. Rawlings advised that reducing the number of lots by one would not be considered an option. Councillor Janecki requested clarification as to why the barn is not considered to be of heritage significance. Mr. Scott advised that the original barn was much larger and in a different location, being situate directly in front of the cottage and hiding the cottage from view of the street; whereas, the barn existing today is thought to be built c.1955 of salvaged materials and is situate at a lower elevation to north of the house. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 5, 2011 - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) - 324 OLD HURON ROAD 2. - PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION (CONT’D) Councillor Y. Fernandes commented that the proposed Lot 8 could change the site line in respect to the view of the cottage and suggested that this development was too intensive for the area. She requested clarification as to what will remain in respect to existing structures. Mr. Scott confirmed that all existing structures are intended to be removed with the exception of the stone cottage. He added that in his opinion the proposed configuration of Lot 8 should not impact the heritage value of the stone cottage. Questions were raised regarding the potential to identify this area as a cultural heritage landscape (CHL), and Ms. Wade advised that this was addressed as part of the HIA and it was determined that the larger area as a whole would not qualify as a CHL. She noted that the relationship of the cottage and the proximity of the valley lands was acknowledged in the HIA as a landscape feature of importance. Mr. L. Bensason added that Region of Waterloo Heritage staff are currently developing specific criteria to better define what constitutes a CHL. Mr. Bensason advised that the comments and concerns raised by Heritage Kitchener would be taken into consideration when staff are making their recommendation to the Director of Planning as to whether or not to approve the HIA. PRESENTATION - OFFICIAL PLAN HERITAGE POLICIES SUB-COMMITTEE 3. The Committee was in receipt this date of the comments from the Official Plan Review Sub- Committee, which recommends modifications to the heritage policies proposed for inclusion in the City’s new Official Plan. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the Sub-Committee’s report. Several members spoke in support of the comments made by the Sub-Committee, noting a preference for the proposed “stronger language” that has been put forward in the draft policies. The Committee generally agreed with the changes proposed by the Official Plan Review Sub- Committee. UPDATE ON STATUS - 11 YOUNG STREET (MAYFAIR HOTEL) 4. - 1405 KING STREET EAST (ROCKWAY SENIORS CENTRE) The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Doug Hergott, Manager, Facilities Management, dated March 22, 2011 regarding the status of 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel). In addition, the Committee was in receipt of Community Services Department report CSD-11- 040, dated March 14, 2011 concerning the status as well as the short and long-term initiatives being undertake at 1405 King Street East (Rockway Seniors Centre). Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the circulated materials, advising that they were distributed in response to a request made at the March Heritage Kitchener meeting. He suggested that if the Committee desired additional information on these properties a request could be made to have Facilities Management staff attend the May 3, 2011 meeting. Mr. K. Kirby commented that before investing significant funds in Rockway Seniors Centre, a long-term feasibility study and business case are being undertaken, noting that it is unknown if that will recommend the continued use of this facility. He expressed concern that the facility could be found to be surplus to the City’s needs and the land might be sold for development. He spoke to the research conducted by a former member of Heritage Kitchener into the history of Rockway Seniors Centre and requested that staff undertake the initial steps in the process to designate 1405 King Street East under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Several members commented on the associative historic value of Rockway Seniors Centre as the City’s first bus terminal and transit hub. It was noted that since the 1930s this building, along with Rockway Gardens, have been one of the most recognizable entrance features of the City, which should be preserved for future generations. At the request of the Committee, staff agreed to undertake research into the associative, architectural and contextual value of 1405 King Street East as prescribed by Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Criteria for Determining Cultural Heritage Value or Interest) and report their findings at a future meeting. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 5, 2011 - 14 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AWARDS OF MERIT CEREMONY 5. Mr. K. Kirby advised that at the April 18, 2011 Council meeting, a former member of Heritage Kitchener, Elizabeth Gallaher will be presented with an Award of Merit for her long service as a member of one of the City’s advisory committees. He encouraged everyone to attend to show support for Ms. Gallaher. ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Janet Billett Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator Committee Administrator