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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-07HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES FEBRUARY 7. 2012 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p. m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillor Z. Janecki, Ms. E. Young and Messrs. J. Ariens, S. Sindile, S. Thomson and G. Zeilstra. Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Planning J. Billett, Committee Administrator ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD The Committee was in receipt this date of a Cultural Assessment Overview, dated January 2012, prepared by MHBC Planning, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture, concerning a property at 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road. The Cultural Assessment is related to an Environmental Assessment (EA) initiated by the Region of Waterloo for proposed widening of Fischer-Hallman Road, between Ottawa Street South and Bleams Road. Mr. L. Bensason noted that Heritage Kitchener is being given an opportunity to provide comments to Heritage Planning staff on the Cultural Assessment, which will be taken into consideration in staff's comments to the Region of Waterloo EA Project Team. He added that this presentation is for information only and no recommendation to Council is required. Mr. Delton Zehr, Region of Waterloo, presented an overview of the EA which began in 2008 but was delayed pending completion of various other plans and studies related to South-West Kitchener, the Region's Transportation Master Plan, design issues at intersection with Ottawa Street South and transit priority. All studies have now been completed; however, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) plans for interchange improvements are changing how the Ottawa Street South intersection is to operate and therefore, a decision was made to remove the intersection from the EA. It is recommended that Fischer-Hallman Road be widened from 2 lanes to 4 in the subject area, not including Ottawa Street intersection improvements. Mr. Zehr advised that the EA is moving into Phase 3 to determine a preferred alternative design which will be followed by public consultation. Construction is anticipated in 2017 based on traffic volume projections to 2027 and a traffic analysis will be completed to determine lane requirements for either a signalized intersection or potential roundabout at Bleams Road. Road improvements will require a width of approximately 39m to accommodate through lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, curb and gutter; and a minimum of 5 to 5.5m is needed to accommodate sidewalk or trail and utilities on both sides. Ms. Wendy Shearer, Division of MHBC Planning, reviewed aspects of the Cultural Assessment for 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road, requested by the City of Kitchener to determine if the property contains heritage resources of significance and how the proposed road widening may impact on these resources. The subject property is located in the former Township of Waterloo at the northeast corner of the crossroads of the former hamlet of Williamsburg and is approximately 2 hectares (5 acres) in size. The hamlet was divided by Country Road 50 (Bleams Road) with the Histand Tract to the west and Bechtel Tract to the east. The subject property thought to be part of a larger parcel in the Histand Tract owned by William Moyer, was sold to Conrad Hett in 1858 and later registered to John Weber in 1866. Built structures on the property include a 1'/2 storey plank house with a 1 storey addition on the east side, a barn with lean-to shed and a garage. The plank house is considered rare, with less than 3% of houses in Waterloo Township recorded in the 1861 census as being plank. An 1861 Tremaine map was used to illustrate the property as marked with initials "JH" and "CH" believed in reference to Hett. The lean-to shed may have contained workshop activities relevant to the time period but without interior investigation this cannot be confirmed. Ms. Shearer noted that site investigation was completed from the road allowance as access to the buildings was not permitted by the owner. Exterior features of the house, barn, garage and landscape were then reviewed. It was noted that small animals were kept sufficient to support production of food for the family but not as a farm operation and materials used in the construction of the garage suggest that it was constructed at a later period. Ms. Shearer stated that based on the criteria used the residence is thought to trace back to 1861 but without access it cannot be confirmed as the original building. The study acknowledges that the property has both physical and associative heritage value resulting from historic research indicating activities associated with early settlement patterns in an early agricultural setting. Ms. Shearer advised that it is being recommended that HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES FEBRUARY 7. 2012 - 6 - CITY 1. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CONT'D the barn and garage be thoroughly documented by written description and use of photographs before being removed. Further, it is recommended that the house be retained with a maximum setback from the road allowance and any decision as to its cultural heritage value be made at a later time when there is opportunity for access to undertake a complete condition assessment. Ms. Karen Scherl, representing Anneliese Scherl, owner of 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road, expressed the opinion that the Cultural Assessment contains factual errors and conjecture which is misleading in respect to considering the cultural heritage value of the subject property under criteria of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). She circulated documentation which included a 1958 deed to Anneliese Scherl which identifies 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road as being part of Bechtel's Tract rather than in the Histand Tract. Ms. Scherl also circulated land registry index extracts from the Township of Waterloo for the Histand Tract which references the transactions of a property sale to Conrad Hett in 1858 and subsequently, to John Weber in 1866. She suggested that no documentary evidence has been given to prove that either Hett or Weber ever owned 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road, pointing out that the documentation she circulated appears to show the Hett / Weber property and 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road in different tracts and on opposite sides of County Road 50. She noted that no boundary descriptions are given for the Hett / Weber transactions, suggesting that it is misleading to imply that their parcel is the same parcel as 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road based only on similar acreage. She further suggested that the historical research pertaining to activities on the Hett / Weber property has no relevance to the cultural heritage value of 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road given there is no evidence to prove the suggested chain of title. Ms. Scherl expressed the view that the Cultural Assessment is not sufficient in historical research or real estate records to decide that the subject property meets any of the criteria for cultural heritage value under the OHA and asked that 1198 Fischer-Hallman Road not be recommended for listing on the City's Municipal Heritage Register (MHR). Councillor Z. Janecki questioned if the owner of the property is agreeable to removal of the barn and garage to accommodate the proposed widening of Fischer-Hallman Road. Ms. Scherl responded that they question why the Region is not taking more lands from the west side instead of from the east. Mr. J. Ariens questioned why access to the buildings on site was not permitted by the owner. Ms. Scherl advised that the Ontario Heritage Act does not provide compensation to a property owner for investigations and it was her understanding that when invasive investigation is undertaken to determine a buildings cultural heritage value the property owner is left with the damage to repair at their own expense. In response to Mr. S. Thomson, Ms. Scherl stated that in order to draw conclusions it is important to properly track title of the property and would take substantial time to do. She added that she expected that the assessor would have provided more evidence in respect to the chain of title, noting that potential listing of the property has implications to the owner in respect to restrictions that would be placed on the property. In response to Councillor Janecki, Mr. D. Zehr clarified the rationale in regard to the lands to be taken from the east rather than the west side, commenting that what is proposed is the best geometric design for the road and traffic flow. He added that a change in direction would have significant impact to Utilities which must fit within the design and if a roundabout is approved it will have an additional impact of approximately 3m. Councillor Janecki questioned when public consultation would be undertaken and Mr. Zehr advised that the Region expects to be in position to undertake public consultation in the spring of 2012. Ms. Shearer responded to questions concerning Ms. Scherl's comments, stating that the assessment report does attempt to capture the complexity of the two differing tracts. She noted that their purpose was not to provide a real estate record but rather to determine the potential associative cultural heritage value that could be attributed to the property. She reiterated that the Tremaine map identifies the initials "CH" on the subject property but acknowledged that in the absence of ability to gather any physical evidence they cannot confirm suspected activities of a workshop on the property; which if found to be evident could lead to a higher associative value in respect to the level of conservation. She asked to be provided with a copy of Ms. Scherl's handout for comparison and advised that the 1958 deed was not included in the assessment report as it contains the real estate value applied to the sale which they considered may be objectionable to the owner who is still residing at the property. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD (CONT'D Mr. J. Ariens commented that the EA process is done to evaluate alternatives but without access to the subject property it is not possible to definitively determine the cultural heritage value of the three buildings on site, of which the barn and garage is to be impacted by the road widening. He noted that the Committee is not being asked to make determination on the house at this time as it not expected to be impacted; however, he suggested that additional research on the property should be done to obtain sufficient information to determine if there is associative value of significance or not so as to bring the property into better focus through the EA. He added that if significant associative values can be documented then at that time a decision could be made as to whether or not to take things to the next level. Mr. Ariens suggested that the Cultural Assessment report be accepted this date and that the Region be encouraged to work with the property owner to undertake further research on the subject property. Mr. D. Zehr stated that he wished to make clear that the Region is not requesting demolition of the house, noting that their only interest is with the barn and garage. He further stated that if a consensus is not reached in respect to the requested demolitions this date it would result in his inability to move forward with the EA. Mr. Bensason added that the Committee is being asked this date for comment particularly in regard to the proposed demolition of the barn and garage to accommodate the proposed road widening; however, he suggested that Heritage Planning staff could speak with Regional staff to determine the feasibility of additional research being undertaken before staff makes their final comments to the Regional Project Team. 2011 MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARD - 4336 KING STREET EAST -BOREALIS GRILLE & BAR Mr. Leon Bensason advised that the Project Team for the Borealis Grille & Bar at 4336 King Street East was present this date to receive their 2011 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards in recognition of the project undertaken to restore and reuse the Pinegrove School, circa early 1800s, now located within the Sportsworld Crossing Development. The awards are being given under the category of Rehabilitation Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage Resources. Councillor Z. Janecki and Mr. K. Kirby, Committee Chair, presented awards to members of the Project Team as follows: Owner GPM Managed Investments by Intermarket Group (Intermarket Inc.) Architect Petroff Partnership Architects General Contractor Melloul-Blarney Consultants Hammerschlag and Joffe, Electrical Ellard-Willson, Mechanical Genivar, Structural Mark-Michael, Urban Design Interior Dimensions /Interior Resources Associates Inc., Interiors TerraPlan, Landscape Paradigm, Traffic Analysis Borealis Engineering Inc., Urban Planning Empire Brick Restoration, Brick Restoration Others Ironwood Anvil JD Masonry Lindsay Construction Services Tin Ceilings Harri Palm Floors Lumichrome Wet Paint HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES CSD-12-019 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2012-IV-001 - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-019, dated January 16, 2012, recommending approval of Heritage Permit Application, HPA-2012-IV-001, to permit replacement of the wood wall (man door, swinging doors and frame) on the south elevation of the drive shed at 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent. Mr. J. Ariens disclosed a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning this matter as his spouse is the owner of the subject property. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the subject property is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and is subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement. Mr. Bensason provided illustration of the drive shed and proposed alterations to the wood wall (doors). Based on the merits outlined in report CSD-12-019, Mr. Bensason advised that staff is recommending approval of the application as submitted. On motion by Mr. G. Zeilstra - itwas resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2012-IV-001 be approved to permit the replacement of the wood wall (man door, swinging doors, and frame) on the south elevation of the drive shed at 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent in accordance with the plans and supporting information submitted with the application." CSD-12-012 - 2011 HERITAGE PROGRESS REPORT The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-12-012, dated January 16, 2012, concerning the 2011 Heritage Progress Report. Mr. L. Bensason noted that annually Heritage Kitchener reports to Council on heritage related matters and activities of the Committee that have contributed to the protection and identification of cultural heritage resources through encouraging conservation and raising public awareness. Mr. Bensason presented highlights of 2011 results, based on the Committee's 2011-2012 work plan, as follows: 56 properties were evaluated for listing on the Municipal Heritage Register, of which 9 were recommended by the Committee to Council; 8 out of the 9 recommended were approved by Council for listing; 25 Heritage Permit Applications were received, of which 10 were processed under authority of delegated approval; and, 17 Designated Heritage Property Grants were received, of which 13 completed the conservation work resulting in allocations of approximately $26,000 in grant funding; and garnering approximately $67,000 in total owner investment. INITIATION OF HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) -MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION HUB Mr. L. Bensason informed the Committee of the Region of Waterloo's proposed development of a Multi-Modal Transportation Hub along Victoria Street North, between King Street West and Duke Street. He noted that the Region plans to submit Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change applications to the City for the development and will be required to undertake a study to facilitate submission of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in consideration of cultural heritage conservation as part of the development process. Mr. Bensason advised that there are several properties situate within the proposed development site that are of cultural heritage interest or designated, including: the Rumpel Felt Co. building; 410 King St.W. -Kaufman Lofts; 51 Breithaupt St. /Breithaupt Block; and 283 Duke Street West. In addition, the development is in the centre of the historical industrial area identified as the Warehouse Design District and which is now being branded as the Innovation District in the City's Downtown Strategic Plan. Mr. Bensason further pointed out that this area has also been identified by the Region as a potential candidate for Cultural Heritage Landscape designation. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES INITIATION OF HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA) -MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION HUB (CONT'D) Mr. Bensason advised that the Region is currently undertaking the work for the HIA and provided an overview of what that will entail. He stated that Landplan Collaborative Ltd. ,with John MacDonald Architect, have been retained to undertake the study and a draft is anticipated to be presented to Heritage Kitchener for review at its meeting of April 3, 2012. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m Janet Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator