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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-10HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY 10. 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p. m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillors Z. Janecki, J. Gazzola and Y. Fernandes, Ms. E. Young, and Messrs. J. Ariens, L. Robertson, S. Sindile, S. Thomson, G. Wolfe and G. Zeilstra. Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Planning M. Drake, Heritage Planner S. Allen, Manager, Engineering Design & Approvals K. Mick, Design & Approvals Engineer C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator J. Billett, Committee Administrator HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIAI - 2009 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally known as 2009 Ottawa Street South, prepared as a requirement of the Site Plan Approval process by Wendy Shearer Landscape Architect (a Division of MHBC Planning), together with George Robb Architect. The Committee was also in receipt of correspondence dated December 19, 2011 from Mr. David Cumming and Ms. Wendy Shearer, MHBC, responding to comments of Heritage staff concerning the HIA. Ms. Shearer and Messrs. Cumming and Pierre Chauvin, MHBC, attended to present details of the HIA, together with Messrs. Alex Sumner and Carlos Da DaSilva, Eastforest Homes Ltd./Deerfield Homes Ltd., and Mr. Peter Stewart, George Robb Architects. Information was provided in respect to site location and context of building structures on site; building condition assessments, including the portion of the farmhouse consisting of log construction; and illustrations of early log construction techniques along with examples of restoration projects involving log structures. Ms. Shearer advised that resulting from the HIA the consultant team concluded that while the property does have associative value with the theme of early European Canadian settlement, these are not sufficiently represented in a manner that would warrant designation. She asked that the Committee accept the findings of the HIA which contend that restoration and retention of the log farmhouse as a heritage building would be cost prohibitive and not warranted. Councillor Z. Janecki raised questions concerning the condition of the interior and exterior of the farmhouse, questioning if the date of construction can be established and given the state of the building if it is worth attempting preservation. The delegates advised that investigation suggests the farmhouse may date to the mid-19th century, while a date stone dates the barn to 1895-96. Ms. Shearer noted that like the exterior, the interior of the farmhouse is also not in tact, with most interior furnishings almost all removed. It was suggested that preservation was not warranted given the building was originally poorly constructed and it would be difficult to source replacement materials and undertake restoration without entirely rebuilding. Mr. J. Ariens suggested that the farmhouse may date to 1840, noting that accordion lath was in use at that time. He questioned the tenure of the current owner in respect to responsibility for maintenance of the building structures. Mr. A. Sumner advised that the property has been in the Woolner family for 3 generations, dating back to the early 1900s and the farmhouse has been rented out since the 1970's. Ms. Shearer added that in their investigations, accordion lath was found to be in active use in to the late 1870s and is therefore, less of a trusty marker in dating the farmhouse. Mr. Ariens questioned if other options were considered to retain the structures in a more appropriate setting. Mr. P. Chauvin advised that they had looked at relocation within the site; however, it was determined not to be feasible based on the assessment outcome. Ms. Shearer added that to retain heritage value any repair, replacement or replication would be substantive such that the value would be so impacted by the changes as to make restoration efforts questionable. She stated that it was their preference to remove the structure and salvage those parts that could be integrated in the design elements of the development and thereby, maintain heritage value in that way. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY 10. 2012 - 2 - 2. 2012 HERITAGE SHOWCASE -REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS Ms. M. Drake advised that again this year, the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation will host a Heritage Showcase to be held at Fairview Park Mall to coincide with Heritage Day 2012 and asked for volunteers from Heritage Kitchener to assist in the days event. She advised that Councillor Z. Janecki, Chair of the Heritage Showcase Planning Committee, indicated that the Foundation has chosen to focus the display booth on the 100th Anniversary of Kitchener (formerly the City of Berlin) and cultural heritage of Kitchener's Westmount community. Mr. K. Kirby asked that any members interested in volunteering speak with Ms. Drake and provide her with the time they are willing to commit to working at the Showcase booth. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) -REHABILITATION OF HURON ROAD BRIDGE The Committee was in receipt this date of information to update on the Schedule B Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Rehabilitation of the Huron Road Bridge. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the bridge is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act but was listed on the inventory and is mentioned in the Region of Waterloo's "Spanning the Generations: A Study of Old Bridges in Waterloo Region". He noted that in the Region's study the bridge is rated just beyond the top 10, tied in the 11th spot as one of the earliest examples of a bridge in the Region with a visible I-beam. Mr. Bensason advised that Heritage staff sit on the EA Project Team and a volunteer from Heritage Kitchener is being invited to also attend to assist in addressing heritage issues. Mr. K. Mick advised that the bridge is located within the boundaries of Wards 3 and 4 on Huron Road and crosses the Schneider Creek. AECOM has been retained as the consultant for the EA, which is required because the bridge is more than 40 years old and has been deemed to have cultural heritage value. Mr. Mick advised that the bridge requires rehabilitation to the deck, railings and girders, with the work to begin in 2012 and expected to take approximately 5 months to complete. He advised that a structural investigation found that the condition of the deck is very poor and now requires it to be replaced rather than repaired; whereas, the existing girders can be rehabilitated. In respect to the railings, staff acknowledged that those existing are a distinctive visual feature of the bridge; however, they do not meet current bridge design code. Mr. Mick advised that to complete the deck replacement the railings must be removed and new railings will have to be installed in order to meet current bridge design code. He stated that the EA is still in the early stages and alternative solutions are being identified and evaluated with the intent to balance interests in maintaining the character of the bridge with the need to meet bridge design code. Mr. Mick reiterated that Heritage Kitchener is invited to have a representative on the Project Team and outlined next steps which include: an open public information session to receive comment on all options; presentation of a preferred alternative to Heritage Kitchener and a second public information session; presentation of the final EA to the City's Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee and Council; filing of the EA fora 30 day public review period; and followed by final design and construction in 2012. Mr. K. Kirby questioned the need to follow current code rather than restoring the bridge as it was originally built. Mr. Mick stated that the railings have to be removed in order to accomplish replacement of the deck and once removed, new railings installed will have to meet code. Mr. S. Allen added that while the bridge could be restored as is, the bridge design code is in place for reasons of safety and any bridge designed today is required to meet code. Mr. Allen stated that it would become a question of liability for the City if built as is, pointing out that meeting current code does not just apply to bridges but also to building structures under with the current Building Code. Mr. Bensason reminded that similar to Victoria Park improvements, this process will identify options and evaluate the implications, including meeting current code. He stated that at this time all options are being placed on the table and ideally the end result will work out to meet both the code requirements and have no negative impact to the heritage attributes of the bridge. He added that the intent is to consider both interests and reminded that a member of Heritage Kitchener is invited to be part of the study process. Mr. J. Ariens questioned the feasibility of moving the road further north and building a new bridge, leaving the existing bridge in tact. Mr. Mick advised that this would be a more costly HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY 10. 2012 - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) -REHABILITATION OF HURON ROAD BRIDGE (CONT'D) option. Mr. Allen added that regardless of whether the existing bridge is used for pedestrian or vehicular access, the bridge is in need of work but acknowledged that building a second bridge could be an option. Councillor Z. Janecki suggested that the alternative options to be presented at the public information session be presented with an associated cost analysis. Mr. Mick advised that costing in general terms could be presented at the first session; however, it would be more likely costing would be included for the second session at which the preferred alternative would be presented. Councillor Janecki questioned if the deck could be repaired without requiring removal of the railings. Mr. Allen advised that the deck is in poor condition and is not practical for repairs, suggesting that if only repairs are done at this time the bridge would likely be in need of additional maintenance again within 5 years or less. Councillor Y. Fernandes referenced repairs to heritage bridges undertaken by the Region which has maintained the heritage integrity within safety codes and questioned the feasibility of looking at the companies who undertook the work. Mr. Mick stated that he was uncertain if the work referred to represents a differing situation. Councillor J. Gazzola commented that he would like to see the bridge kept in tact, suggesting that liability is always a factor in any event. Mr. G. Zeilstra requested clarification of the issue with the Victoria Park bridge railings in comparison to the Huron Road bridge. Mr. Mick advised that spacing of the rails was an issue with the Victoria Park bridge as it did not meet code for pedestrian safety; and in respect to the Huron Road bridge, it would depend on the option chosen in respect to what has to be done with the railings to meet code. Regional Councillor J. Haalboom provided background related to the Region's study of bridges, commenting that the Huron Road bridge built in 1930 is a valuable heritage structure and the railings are a significant attribute. She noted that the road is narrow and traffic volumes are small, suggesting that the bridge may not merit the expense of upgrading to meet code. She asked that the City be mindful of preserving the heritage value of the bridge and agreed that there are firms that the Region has used who are capable of restoring the bridge and railings notwithstanding code requirements. Mr. L. Robertson volunteered to, and it was agreed that he represent Heritage Kitchener on the EA Project Study Team. He stated that with his architectural background he understood the issues regarding code and it would be a matter of determining how best to preserve the aesthetics of the bridge to within code. 4. HOMER WATSON HOUSE & GALLERY -UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason provided an update on minor repairs and maintenance proposed to the Homer Watson House and Gallery and resulting discussions with the Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT). The property is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and the Trust has identified work that needs to be completed in order to comply with the Heritage Conservation Easement established in 1990. The work identified relates to the front step /railings and porch cladding where there is evidence of rot and the original proposal included removal and replication of the porch column with pressure treated wood. All repairs require the approval of the OHT and approval was given on January 4, 2012 to proceed subject to standard conditions, except for replacement of the column which the OHT is requiring instead to have the rotted area of the column cut out and repaired to maintain the original column in place. Councillor J. Gazzola inquired if the repair work is more costly than replacement of the column. Mr. Bensason advised that it will be slightly less expensive but the column made need additional repairs sooner than would be the case if replicated. Mr. J. Ariens questioned notwithstanding its designation under Part IV if the work would trigger the need for a Heritage Permit Application (HPA). HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY 10. 2012 - 4 - 4. HOMER WATSON HOUSE & GALLERY -UPDATE (CONT'D Mr. Bensason advised that this is a determination to be made by staff under delegated authority, and are of the opinion the work is minor and can be done without an HPA. In response to Councillor Y. Fernandes, Mr. Bensason advised that Facilities Management would be responsible to contract the work and he suspects an FM staff member who specializes in wood working would be involved in the process. 5. ROCKWAY SENIORS CENTRE AND GARDENS -UPDATE Mr. K. Kirby referred to the study being undertaken by Heritage staff concerning the Rockway Seniors Centre and Gardens and requested an update on the status of the study. Mr. Bensason advised that staff have visited the property to evaluate the building and will also be looking at cultural landscape issues, noting that the study is not yet complete. Mr. Bensason added that it is likely the study could come forward for consideration of the Committee in 2012. 6. 48 ONTARIO STREET NORTH (BELL TELEPHONE CO. /FORMER CANADIAN LEGION) Mr. K. Kirby referred to 48 Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. /former Canadian Legion) which was previously recommended by Heritage Kitchener for listing on the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR); however, the previous Council chose not to list the property. Mr. Kirby inquired as to interest of this Committee to revisit this property and potentially send a subsequent recommendation for its listing in light of a newly elected Council. Mr. L. Bensason referred to a report completed by staff in 2008 recommending that the heritage attributes be identified and the property be considered for listing. He acknowledged that Council chose not to add the property to the MHR and suggested that a subsequent recommendation may be subject to Council's reconsideration procedure. He stated that it may not be practical unless it can be determined that something has changed in respect to the property's heritage attributes, suggesting that if desired staff could look at the property again to see if in fact, anything has changed. Mr. C. Goodeve confirmed that a subsequent recommendation of the Committee would not be subject to reconsideration procedure as the newly elected Council has the right to revisit past decisions of Council. Ms. J. Billett added that it would be appropriate for this Committee to firstly review previous background materials including Council's rationale for not listing the property, prior to deciding as to an interest in sending the property back to Council for further consideration. Messrs. J. Ariens and L. Robertson raised concerns with revisiting a property that has already been considered and a decision made not to list it, questioning where the line should be drawn in revisiting past considerations. On motion by Councillor Z. Janecki, it was agreed that staff be directed to bring forward for review to a future Heritage Kitchener meeting, all background materials related to previous discussions and actions of Heritage Kitchener and Council concerning the proposed listing on the Municipal Heritage Register of 48 Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. /former Canadian Legion). 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator