HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2011-05-03HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
MAY 3, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 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, S. Sindile, S. Thomson and G. Zeilstra.
Staff: G. Murphy, Director of Engineering
L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources
M. Wade, Heritage Planner
M. Ryan, Design and Construction Project Manager
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
137-147 KING STREET EAST - PROPOSED DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE
1.
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
The Committee considered the Statement of Significance for 137-147 King Street East, dated
March 3, 2010, providing an overview of the property’s heritage attributes. In addition, the
Committee was in receipt this date of a copy of correspondence sent by Mr. L. Bensason to
the owner of 137-147 King Street East, dated April 20, 2011, indicating Heritage Planning
staff’s intent to recommend designation of 137-147 King Street East under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act. The Committee was in further receipt this date of correspondence from
Mr. Michael Schmidt, Solicitor for 1784773 Ontario Inc., the owner of 137-147 King Street
East, dated May 3, 2011, which requests that consideration of the proposed designation be
adjourned for a minimum of three weeks to allow time for the owner to meet with his architects
/ engineers and discuss the proposed designation with Heritage Planning staff.
Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the chronology of this matter, advising that on September 7, 2010
137-147 King Street East was listed on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) as a
Non-Designated Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest; in recognition of its design,
physical, historical and associative values. He added that in October-November 2010,
Heritage Planning staff were made aware that the property had been sold and that the new
owner had communicated with the City’s Economic Development Division regarding the
possible submission of an application for a Downtown Façade Improvement Grant. It was
identified, that the work outlined as part of that application could impact the building’s heritage
attributes. He stated that in November 2010, the stone storefront was painted and a meeting
was held with the new owner and his agent to discuss the owner’s plans and the City’s interest
in the building. During that meeting, Heritage Planning staff described the cultural heritage
value and interest of the property and gave an overview of the building’s heritage attributes.
He stated that this was followed up by a detailed e-mail outlining the property’s significance;
the merits of designation; heritage grant opportunities; and, contact information of various
professionals and contractors having experience in the work proposed to be undertaken. He
noted that the owner advised that they would follow-up with staff. On March 14, 2011, the
owner submitted the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant application, the scope of which
included: removal of the existing signage boxes; soda blast to remove the paint from the stone
storefront; blast, repair / replace and paint metal dentil trim and cap flashings at cornice; install
new paint grade window sills and casings after old windows are removed. Mr. Bensason
stated that in April 2011, staff further corresponded and met with the owner and his
representative to review the areas of heritage interest, and requested the opportunity to work
together through the grant process with a view that the work being undertaken follows good
conservation practices. He indicated that the owner acknowledged this request and it was
staff’s expectation that the owner would continue to communicate with them before
undertaking further work on the building. However, on April 18, 2011, staff noticed a telescopic
boom on site and that the cornice and dentil block detail at the roofline had been repaired /
replaced. A discussion with the work crew suggested that other maintenance / repair work
was intended to be undertaken.
Mr. Bensason commented that while staff commends efforts to invest in repair / maintenance,
work on buildings of heritage value and significance requires particular care and consideration.
He stated that it was Heritage Planning staff’s impression that the owner would consult with
them and respond to specific questions / issues before proceeding with alterations to features
identified as heritage attributes. Unfortunately, this did not occur and therefore, staff are of the
opinion that some measure of protection against potential irreversible alterations is in order.
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
MAY 3, 2011 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER
137-147 KING STREET EAST - PROPOSED DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE
1.
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT (CONT’D)
He further advised that on April 20, 2011, staff notified the owner by telephone and registered
mail that it was their intention to bring a recommendation to designate 137-147 King Street
East under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act to this meeting. He noted that on May 2, 2011,
the owner submitted an application to the Planning Division for a pre-submission consultation
meeting, to discuss the possibility of adding ten storeys to the building’s existing three storeys.
Mr. Bensason then reviewed the attributes of 137-147 King Street East which contribute to its
identification as being of cultural heritage value or interest. He stated that the building is a
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representative example of early 20 century main street commercial architecture as well as a
rare survivor of this style of building south (east) of Frederick / Benton Streets in Downtown
Kitchener. It features a high degree of detail and craftsmanship including a pre-cast storefront,
brick and masonry detailing, heavy cornice, and multiple light transoms. The historical and
associative values relates to previous and notable tenants who made significant contributions
to the community. He stated that from the 1940s through to the 1970s, the building was the
location of the Kitchener Conservatory of Music at a time when the organization’s President
was founder George Henry Ziegler; who is a member of the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.
The property also has a long relationship with various trade unions and labour associations
from the 1950s through to 2010, serving as the headquarters of the KW Labour Association.
Accordingly, Heritage Planning staff are proposing that 137-147 King Street East be
designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Clarification was requested regarding the impact that the designation could have on the
proposed redevelopment of the site. Mr. Bensason advised that designation does not preclude
the possibility of rehabilitation; rather, it ensures that changes are consistent with the
conservation principles prescribed by Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06. He noted that as
this building is listed on the MHR, any proposed redevelopment would already be subject to
the submission of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). Ms. M. Wade added that if
designated, the owner would be further required to submit a Heritage Permit Application for
any proposed alterations, which would be reviewed by Heritage Kitchener.
Questions were raised regarding the communication that has taken place to date with the
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owner. Mr. Bensason advised that, as noted in his April 20 correspondence, the owner was
informed that this matter would be considered at today’s meeting. He added that it was
indicated to staff that neither the owner nor his representative were going to attend, as their
position was outlined in the correspondence sent by Mr. Schmidt. He responded further that
staff had requested to be notified prior to the owner undertaking changes to the building’s
façade. He noted that the owner has stated that the alterations to the cornices was done due
to safety concerns; however, this does not explain why paint was applied to previously and
historically unpainted masonry surfaces. He noted that these changes occurred after staff had
informed the owner that painting these surfaces would not be in keeping with conservation
standards. Ms. Wade added that staff met with the owner’s agent prior to the building’s
purchase and was informed that the owner had no interest in undertaking alterations to the
building. Accordingly, designation was not pursued at that time, as staff did not foresee an
immediate threat to the building’s heritage attributes.
Several members spoke in support of the proposed designation, commenting that if the
requested deferral was granted, there is no assurance that the owner would not make further
alterations to the building.
It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee this date regarding this
matter would be considered at the May 9, 2011 Council meeting.
On motion by Mr. J. Ariens -
it was resolved:
“That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act , the Clerk be directed to
publish a Notice of Intention to designate the property known as 137-147 King Street
East, as being of cultural heritage value or interest and possessing the following design,
physical, historical and associative values:
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MAY 3, 2011 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER
137-147 KING STREET EAST - PROPOSED DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE
1.
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT (CONT’D)
The design and physical values relates to the vernacular architecture of the
building which features many intact original elements. The building is a
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representative example of early 20 century main street commercial architecture
and a rare survivor south (east) of Frederick / Benton Streets in Downtown
Kitchener. It features a high degree of detail and craftsmanship including a pre-
cast storefront, brick and masonry detailing, heavy cornice, and multiple light
transoms; and,
The historical and associative values relates to previous and notable tenants
associated with individuals and organizations that have made significant
contributions to the community. From the 1940s through to the 1970s, the
building was the location of the Kitchener Conservatory of Music at a time when
the organization’s President was founder George Henry Ziegler, a member of the
Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. In 1911, George H. Ziegler founded the Ziegler
Associated Studios, which later became the Kitchener Conservatory of Music.
Instruction was offered in piano, orchestra and band instruments, voice, guitar,
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theory, and elocution. George was a flautist with the 29 Regiment Band, the
Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. In
addition, he was an organist and choir master at St. Peter’s Church, St. Andrew’s
Church, and Trinity United from 1917-1950. He also organized the Kitchener-
Waterloo branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association, the
Berlin Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener Ladies Band, and the first Kitchener
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Boys’ Band. He was leader of the 29 Regiment Band of the Scots Fusiliers of
Canada, and of the Kitchener Musical Society Band; and,
The property also has a long time association with various trade union and labour
associations from the 1950s through to 2010. It served as the headquarters of
the KW Labour Association which included local unions from the Canadian
Association of Public Employees, the United Food and Commercial Workers
union, the United Packing House Workers of America, the United Rubber
Workers of America, and the United Steel Workers of America; and further,
That the designation make reference to the following attributes on the exterior of the
front and side elevations, that embody the heritage value of 137-147 King Street East
as a representative example of a vernacular commercial building:
the square plan;
the stone foundation;
rugged brick construction;
decorative brickwork and masonry detailing;
date stone that reads ‘1922’;
precast masonry storefront;
window and door openings;
masonry sills;
wood windows with multiple light transoms;
heavy cornice with dentil blocks and metal capping;
wood doors with semi-circular transom;
roof and roofline; and,
painted signage band on the north (west) elevation reading ‘Conservatory
Sales Room’.”
PRESENTATION - VICTORIA PARK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
2.
The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled “Victoria Park Lake Improvement
Project,” dated April 19, 2011 regarding the work being undertaken as part of the Victoria Park
Lake Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to address sediment accumulation and water
quality issues.
Ms. M. Ryan reviewed the presentation and provided an overview of the work that will be
undertaken in Victoria Park, which is designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. She
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MAY 3, 2011 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER
PRESENTATION - VICTORIA PARK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CONT’D)
2.
advised that in addition to the work outlined in the EA, this project would also pursue
improvements identified in the Victoria Park Strategic Plan. She noted that several of those
items, such as the construction of a new bridge and the decommissioning of the pump station,
would required the submission of a Heritage Permit Application (HPA).
In response to questions, Ms. Ryan advised that the new bridge would replace a box culvert,
which is currently being used as a crossing. She noted that the design of the new bridge has
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yet to be determined. In addition, she confirmed that an estimated 20,000-30,000m of
sediment would be removed as part of the efforts to improve water quality. She commented
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that for perspective, the average truck can carry between 5-10m of sediment per load.
Concerns were expressed regarding work item #5, removal of the flag pole, and Ms. Ryan
indicated that this was identified in the Victoria Park Strategic Plan. Mr. L. Bensason advised
that he was unsure as to whether the flagpole is mentioned as a heritage attribute in the
Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Plan. He pointed out that along with Councillor
Etherington, he is a member of the projects’ Steering Committee and has been participating in
the identification of items that would require the submission of an HPA.
Questions were raised regarding the possibility of being able to skate on Victoria Park Lake
once these improvements have been completed. Ms. Ryan advised that while skating has
been discussed by the Steering Committee, the focus of this project is to improve the Lake’s
water quality. She commented that it would be a fortunate coincidence if this project led to
people being able to skate on the Lake once again; however, given the year-round flow of
water would be increased, this may preclude the potential for skating in the future.
PRESENTATION - WATERLOO REGIONAL HERITAGE PLANNING ADVISORY
3.
COMMITTEE (HPAC)
- OVERVIEW OF WORK PROGRAM ITEMS OF SHARED INTEREST
The Committee was in receipt of a presentation from the Region of Waterloo entitled “Heritage
Planning Advisory Committee,” dated Spring 2011. Regional Councillor J. Haalboom, Chair,
Regional Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC) and Ms. Kate Hagerman, Regional
Cultural Heritage Principal Planner, presented details of HPAC’s past initiatives and current
work plan, including: a Heritage Bridge Study; Scenic Roads Resource Document; Public
Building Inventory; and Regionally Significant Heritage Resources. Councillor Haalboom
advised that HPAC is currently working on two initiatives, being: a study of the impacts of
intensification with the goal to ensure that infill enhances surrounding heritage resources; and,
development of a framework for designation of Cultural Heritage Landscapes (CHL) for
purposes of conservation.
Questions were raised regarding the process with which CHLs would be implemented. Ms.
Hagerman advised that the Region has included CHL policies in their new Official Plan and are
drafting an Implementation Guideline for CHL Conservation. She stated that the long-term
goal is to work with area municipalities and the public to identify and evaluate the CHLs that
exist across the Region. She added that identified CHLs would be conserved through
designation in area municipal Official Plans. She stated that in some instances, identifying an
area as a CHL may be more amenable compared to the restrictive confines of a Heritage
Conservation District designation. She commented that CHL designation would involve
consultation with property owners, adding that development could still occur provided it is
deemed compatible with the significant features of the cultural heritage landscape. She noted
that this is a new concept for which municipalities across the Province are still defining how
best to implement.
Mr. J. Ariens questioned if financial support would be offered by the Region to assist property
owners whose lands are identified as CHLs. Regional Councillor Haalboom advised that
consideration has been given to providing support, noting that heritage property grants are
available through the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. She also suggested that
property owners may wish to pursue funding from the Provincial and Federal governments.
In addition, Regional Councillor Haalboom asked that it be noted that the Huron Road Bridge,
ranked #10 in the Regional Heritage Bridge Study, was in need of new end posts.
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
MAY 3, 2011 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER
VICTORIA PARK BRIDGE UPGRADES - ALTERNATIVE DESIGN PROPOSAL
4.
The Committee was in receipt this date of alternative design options for the new railings and
guards for the Victoria Park Bridge, being proposed to bring the bridge into compliance with
the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the various
designs and advised that a Heritage Permit Application (HPA) for the preferred design is
anticipated to come forward to the June 7, 2011 Heritage Kitchener meeting.
The Committee expressed support for the option that proposes the removal of the existing
railings and replacing them with new horizontal railings with spacing that would meet the
standards of the CHBDC. Several members indicated that this option was more in keeping
with the existing design; suggesting that if implemented, someone who has not visited Victoria
Park in a while would not notice that replacement railings had been installed. Concerning the
option of building parallel secondary railings, members commented that it seemed to create a
disharmony regardless of alignment, and would result in visually losing the original railings in
the dual composition.
In response to questions, Mr. Bensason confirmed that for the option involving the installation
of replacement railings, the existing posts would be retained but additional new posts would
have to be introduced. Further, new holes would have to be drilled into the original bridge
column to accommodate the new railings. He advised that while this option would not be
consistent with the conservation principles of applying minimal intervention to preserve original
materials and integrity, it would result in a more aesthetic design for the bridge. He noted that
it is unclear if the existing railings are original features of the bridge.
Councillor F. Etherington reiterated his previously stated request that an alternative paint
colour be selected for the bridge that is more complimentary to the surrounding environment.
MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARDS - NOMINATION OF DEADLINE MAY 9, 2011
5.
The Committee was in receipt of the 2011 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards nomination forms.
Ms. M. Wade advised that the submission deadline is May 9, 2011, adding that all nominations
would be considered at the June 7, 2011 Heritage Kitchener meeting. She noted that no
nominations have been received thus far for the 2011 Awards.
COMPASS KITCHENER ALL ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
6.
The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Compass Kitchener inviting all
members of the City’s advisory committees to participate in the annual All Advisory Committee
Gathering being held on May 28, 2011 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., at Wilfrid Laurier’s Faculty of
Social Work. Mr. K. Kirby noted that anyone interested in attending needs to notify the
Committee Administrator by no later than May 20, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
7.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
Colin Goodeve
Committee Administrator
