HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2012-03-06 - Listing 48 Ontario St N on the Municipal Heritage RegisterHERITAGE KITCHENER
NOVEMBER 1, 2005 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. DTS-05-184 -HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2005-V-018
-142 PLEASANT AVENUE
- SUNROOM ADDITION (CONT'D)
Permit Application was required. Mr. Bensason stated that the application seeks approval to
add a 9' (in projection) by 15'2" (wide) sunroom addition at the rear of the house, noting the
owner would like to commence construction as soon as possible. He added that the application
is generally in keeping with the policies of the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District Plan
and staff are of the opinion that the addition will not detract from the front fagade of the existing
structure or the heritage character of the District. Accordingly, staff are recommending that
Heritage Permit Application HPA 2005-V-016, be approved.
Mr. K. Kirby advised that he spoke with the surrounding neighbours who indicated to him that
they have no concerns regarding the proposed addition.
On motion by Mr. K. Kirby -
itwas resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application
HPA 2005-V-016 (142 Pleasant Avenue) be approved to permit the construction of a
rear yard sunroom addition, as shown on the plans and described in the specifications
as attached to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-184."
4. CENTRE BLOCK HERITAGE ANALYSIS - STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
- PROPERTIES OF HERITAGE INTEREST
The Committee was in receipl this date of Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance for: 72-78 King Slreet West (Canadian Block), 18-24 Ontario Street North, 48
Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. /Canadian Legion), 11 Young Street (Windsor House
( Mayfair Hotel / Lippert Furniture), 156-158 King Street West (P. Hymman Hardware), 144-150
King Street West (Weber Chambers), 90 King Street West (Capitol Theatre), and 82-86 King
Street West, as requested by the Committee a1 its October 4, 2005 meeting as part of the
process of designating these properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. In addition, the
Committee was in receipt of two memorandums from staff, dated October 27, 2005 regarding
the Committee's recommendations concerning the Centre Block from their October 4 meeting.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the October 4, 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener the
Committee recommended that Council direct staff to take interim measures to prevent further
deterioration to the Forsyth Building and that Council approve the addition of the properties
indicated above as being of heritage significance to the City's Heritage Inventory. He stated
that at the October 24 Council meeting these recommendations were deferred and referred to a
future Council meeting pending staff reports regarding the associated costs and implications of
the requested interim measures; and, outlining the implications relative to possible restrictions
and the impact on development as a result of adding the requested properties to the City's
Heritage Inventory. Mr. Bensason noted that the two staff reports will be presented to Council
at its November 28, 2005 meeting. He added that due to Council's deferral of the Committee's
recommendations staff is recommending that the Committee take no action at this time and
await the outcome of the November 28 Council meeting before proceeding with the designation
process. Mr. Bensason commented that if Council agrees to add these properties to the
Heritage Inventory, the above mentioned Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance will be forwarded to the property owners for comments.
Ms. S. Barber reviewed the circulated materials and provided an executive summary of the
heritage attributes for the above stated properties. She advised that the Heritage Property
Reports and the Statements of Significance are in draft form and requested the member's
comments.
The Committee agreed that every Statement of Significance should identify all original windows
remaining on each building as a heritage attribute and should contain a general statement to
include as an attribute all instances where the style of windows is considered an important
heritage feature of the building. Staff were directed to identify on all of the Heritage Property
4-1
HERITAGE KITCHENER
NOVEMBER 1, 2005 - 51- CITY OF KITCHENER
4. CENTRE BLOCK HERITAGE ANALYSIS -STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
- PROPERTIES OF HERITAGE INTEREST
(CONT'D)
Reports whether the property is municipally or privately awned. Further, staff were directed to
include as a footer at the bottom of each page of every Heritage Property Report the date that
the report was produced.
In reference to 18-24 Ontario Street North, Ms. A. Moore noted that a section of the Heritage
Property Report contains the wrong address for this building. The Committee agreed to add
the roof, roofline and storefront to the list of heritage attributes for this property.
Regarding 48 Ontario Street North (Bell Telephone Co. /Canadian Legion), Ms. D. Kuehl
requested that the Heritage Property Report include the year the building's ownership
transferred from Bell Telephone Co. to the Canadian Legion. Staff were directed to remove
any references to the wood tent-like ceiling.
Concerning 11 Young Street (Windsor House /Mayfair Hotel / Lippert Furniture), staff were
directed to remove the front lobby wood paneling from the list of heritage attributes for this
building.
With respect to 156-158 King Street West (P. Hymman Hardware), staff were directed to
remove any reference to the material (wood) that may have been used to construct the
cornices.
In reference to 144-150 King Street West (Weber Chambers), staff were directed to include in
any future correspondence to the building owner, regarding the building's heritage attributes, an
inquiry into the continued existence of Kitchener's first elevator at this location.
In relation to 90 King Street West (Capital Theatre), Councillor M. Galloway advised that he has
recently been in this building and noted that some of the original features still exist. The
Committee agreed that all references to the interior features of this building should remain in
the Heritage Property Report and the Statement of Significance until after an investigation can
be conducted into the condition of the interior heritage attributes that this building may still
possess. Mr. L. Bensason advised that if the Heritage Property Report and Statement of
Significance is circulated to the property owner he will include a cover letter requesting the
owner to determine what interior features remain.
With regard to 82-86 King Street West, Ms. J. Armstrong advised she is unsure if this building
warrants designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. She stated that with the exception of the
roof, roofline and decorative corbels, in her opinion this building retains no other heritage
attributes. Mr. K. Kirby noted that this building was built in 1883 and is part of the history of the
original Berlin. Ms. E. Gallaher added that this building helps to maintain the continuity of the
streetscape. Mr. J. Law expressed concern that if this building is not maintained, a building that
is inconsistent with the heritage streetscape may be constructed in its place. The Committee
agreed to take no action at this time regarding removing this building from consideration
pending Council's decision of adding it to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that the revised Heritage Property Reports and Statements of
Significance will be included in his report to Council on November 28, 2005. He stated that
regarding the Committee's previous recommendations, Council was asked to add these
properties to the Heritage Inventory without any supporting information. Staff were directed to
circulate to the members copies of the staff reports that are to be presented to Council
regarding Heritage Kitchener's recommendations concerning the Centre Block.
Mr. K. Kirby advised that both he and Mr. Z. Janecki are planning on attending the November
28, 2005 Council meeting to speak in support of the Committee's previous recommendations.
He requested that every member of Heritage Kitchener attend the meeting as a show of
support for their recommendations. He noted that if the entire Committee is in attendance, that
will demonstrate to Council that the Committee is adamant that the buildings of heritage
significance within the Centre Block should be retained.
4-2
1
Kl~rc~~R
Qevelo pment &
Technical Services
Report To: Mayor Zehr & Members of City Council
Date of Meeting: November 28, 2005
Submitted By: Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning (741-2325)
Prepared By: Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner (741-2306)
Ward(s) Involved: Ward 1
Date of Report: November 22, 2005
Report No.: DTS 05-199
Subject: LISTING OF PROPERTIES IN THE CENTRE BLOCK ON
THE HERITAGE INVENTORY
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That consideration to add privately owned property located in the Centre Block to
the City's Heritage Inventory, be deferred to February 2006 to allow City staff to
inform property owners of the findings and conclusions of the heritage property
reports and of the implications of such listing, and provide property owners with
the opportunity to make comment to Heritage Kitchener.
2. That City Staff inform owners of property located in the Centre Block and
currently listed on the Heritage Inventory, of the findings and conclusions of the
heritage property reports and of the implications of such listing, and provide
owners with an opportunity to comment to Heritage Kitchener, following which in
February 2006 Council will either re-affirm or remove the listing of the property on
the City's Heritage Inventory.
3. That the current listing on the Heritage Inventory of City owned property located
in the Centre Block, namely 156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North,
be reaffirmed; and that City owned property located in the Centre Block and
identified as being worthy of consideration for listing on the City's Heritage
Inventory, namely 11 Young Street, be added to the Heritage Inventory.
BACKGROUND:
On October 24, 2005 Council deferred consideration of the October 4, 2005 Heritage Kitchener
recommendation to add several properties located in the Centre Block to the City's Heritage
Inventory, pending receipt of a staff report outlining the implications of such action in terms of
possible restrictions and impact on development interest in the site. The properties in question
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include: 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel), 140 King Street West, 96-98 King Street West, 82-86
King Street West, 72-78 King Street West (Canadian Block), 1-24 Ontario Street North, and 30-
34 Ontario Street North (please refer to Map 1 on page 2).
REPORT:
In August 2005, a request was made for City staff to conduct a heritage assessment of the
properties located in the Centre Block for members of the KPL/Centre Block Project Committee.
The purpose of the assessment was to identify the heritage status and significance of all
properties located within the Centre Block, both under public and private ownership, for the
Project Committee's information. In conducting the assessment, Staff completed a Cultural
Heritage Resource Evaluation Survey form for each property, rating the property against criteria
including its design or physical value, contextual value, integrity, and historical or associative
value. The findings were presented to the KPLICentre Block Project Committee on September
1, 2005 (a copy is attached as Appendix `A' to this report}. It concluded that of a total 16
structures (or complex of buildings) located within the Centre Block, 12 structures either have
heritage value or are of potential heritage interest. Four properties were determined not to be
worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory.
In conducting the evaluation, staff divided the properties having heritage value or being of
potential interest into the following four categories:
Properties Formally Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act
Properties Currently Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory
Properties Worthy of Consideration for Listing on the City's Heritage Inventory
Properties Worthy of Further Investigation to Establish Heritage Interest
The map below identifies the location, address and status of each of the evaluated properties in
the Centre Block.
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4-4
The following summarizes the findings of the heritage assessment:
Properties Currently Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory
48 Ontario Street (former Legion Building) - Citv Owned
• Built in 1914 by the Bell Telephone Company.
• Housed the Royal Canadian Legion from 1945 to 2001
• Classical Revival architecture with brownstone detailing
In summary, the evaluation found that many of the properties located in the Centre Block are of
cultural heritage significance. They are representative of distinctive and varying styles of
architecture, and feature original building materials and/or detailing; they are the first or second
generation of commercial buildings to be developed in the Downtown with several buildings
forming part of the City's historic "Mainstreet" back when Kitchener was known as Berlin; and
they are associated with businesses and individuals who influenced the course of economic
development, growth and the prosperity of Berlin/Kitchener.
Following staff's presentation of the results of the heritage assessment of the Centre Block
properties to the KPLICentre Block Project Committee, the same information was presented and
discussed at the October 4, 2005 meeting of Heritage Kitchener.
Council policy resolution number I-110 establishes that the purpose and scope of the Heritage
Kitchener Committee is to advise Council on matters involving conservation of heritage
resources within Kitchener, both publicly and privately owned. In this regard, there are 4 steps
to the heritage conservation process: Identification, Interpretation, Protection and Use. The
identification of cultural heritage resources is typically undertaken by way of adding or listing
heritage resources on an inventory. Heritage Kitchener has maintained an inventory of heritage
properties since its inception back in 1979, when the Committee was known as the Kitchener
Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (or L.A.C.A.C.). Traditionally, properties
have been added to the Heritage Inventory by way of Committee resolution. Currently there are
approximately 800 properties listed on the City's Heritage Inventory.
What Does It Mean When A Property Is Listed On The Heritage Inventory?
The act of listing a property on the Heritage Inventory has traditionally served to accomplish the
following:
1. To provide notice that the City has identified the property as being of cultural heritage interest and
may be a candidate for designation underthe Ontario Heritage Act at some point in time;
2. To flag the property in the City's files to provide staff with the opportunity to comment on the impact
of applications made for the subject heritage property or for lands adjacent the heritage property;
3. To invite owners of listed property to use the City as a resource of information regarding following
good heritage conservation practice.
(Excerpts from Pages 3, 4, 5 & 6)
4-5
Properties listed on the City's Heritage Inventory are not subject to the Ontario Heritage Act and
therefore are not subject to heritage permit approvals. Unlike designation under the Ontario
Heritage Act, the process of adding properties to the Heritage Inventory is not governed by
Provincial legislation. In Kitchener, the act of listing properties on the Heritage Inventory has
typically not involved Council or property owner circulation, endorsement or approval. Such
practice is not unique, and staff would suggest the majority of municipalities in the Province who
maintain heritage inventories have done so in the same manner as the City of Kitchener. The
fact that "listed" properties did not have formal heritage status in the past, may in part account
for such practice. In addition, prior to having established a heritage planning function in 1992,
the methodology used in adding properties to the Heritage Inventory was inconsistent. Though
the Committee has added few properties to the Heritage Inventory in recent years, those that
have been added have been the subject of a detailed survey evaluation using recognized and
standard criteria.
New Provincial Policv Statement Adds Status to Listed Heritaae Proaert
Notwithstanding the previous interpretation that "listed" heritage properties are not regarded as
having formal heritage status, recent changes made to the Provincial Policy Statement of the
Planning Act may have effectively changed such interpretation.
The Provincial Policy Statement is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the Planning Act. It
provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and
development. A new Provincial Policy Statement came into effect on March 1, 2005. Policy
2.6.1 of the Provincial Policy Statement states that "Significant built heritage resources and
cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved". One of the changes made to the
Provincial Policy Statement was to add the following sentence to the definition of built heritage
resources; "These resources may be identified through designation or heritage conservation
easement under the Ontario Heritage Act, or listed by local, provincial or federal jurisdictions".
It would appear that by adding resources listed by local jurisdictions to the definition of built
heritage resources, there is now a responsibility forthe City to ensure that Planning Act related
decisions affecting listed heritage resources shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy
Statement, which states that such resources shall be conserved. The Provincial Policy
Statement defines conserved as meaning "the identification, protection, use and/or
management of cultural heritage and archaeological resources in such a way that their heritage
values, attributes and integrity are retained. This maybe addressed through a conservation plan
or heritage impact assessment".
Therefore, Council should be aware that by adding properties to the City's Heritage Inventory
the City is in effect making a statement that these properties are identified as being of cultural
heritage interest to the City and are worthy of being conserved in some form. It should be noted
that the term conservation should not be interpreted as excluding opportunity for change or
partial redevelopment. Examples of appropriate conservation options could range from
restoration to adaptive re-use to even retaining just the facades of buildings, depending on the
significance of the resource. However, by adding properties to the Heritage Inventory, the City
should be committing to ensuring that the opportunities for conservation will be examined,
evaluated and implemented.
7
4-6
Staff Recommend that Changes be Made to the Listing Process
As a result of the recent changes made to the Provincial Policy Statement, staff are of the
opinion that the City's current practice and methodology of adding properties to the Heritage
Inventory requires revision. City staff will be preparing a report for Council's consideration in the
next several weeks, outlining in detail a new recommended practice for adding properties to the
City's Heritage Inventory. It is anticipated that the report will recommend that properties to be
considered for inclusion on the Heritage Inventory should now be subject to:
1. The completion and review of a detailed built heritage resource survey evaluation form
by members of Heritage Kitchener, using recognized and standard heritage criteria.
2. The completion of a Heritage Property Report identifying the significant cultural heritage
attributes of short-listed property. Such report to be circulated to the property owner for
input and comment with an invitation to attend the Heritage Kitchener Committee
meeting when the property would be considered for inclusion on the Heritage Inventory.
3. Formal consideration by Council of the Heritage Kitchener recommendation to add
properties to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Given the potential for change within the Centre Block, Heritage Kitchener has recommended to
Council that several properties located in the Centre Block and which currently have no heritage
status, be added to the City's Heritage Inventory. These include the properties assessed by City
staff and identified as being worthy of consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory
(11 Young Street -Mayfair Hotel, 72-78 King Street West -Canadian Block, and 18-24 Ontario
Street North}; as well as the four properties Staff identified as requiring further investigation to
establish heritage interest (140 King Street West, 96-98 King Street West, 82-86 King Street
West, and 30-34 Ontario Street North). The rationale used by the Committee in recommending
that these four properties also be added to the Heritage Inventory relates to their Berlin era date
of construction; their location on the Downtown's historic Mainstreet; andlor the potential that
original historic building fabric may be located in behind existing falsefacades.
In light of the status that the new Provincial Policy Statement has added to "listed" heritage
property, and inconsideration of staff's pending recommendation that the City establish a
Heritage Inventory process that will seek input and comment from property owners and require
formal approval by Council; Staff recommend that any consideration to add privately owned
property located in the Centre Block to the City's Heritage Inventory, should be deferred by
Council to February 2006 to allow property owners the opportunity to review the heritage
property report information and to make comment to Heritage Kitchener.
Further, staff believe that it would also be responsible forthe City to inform owners of property
located in the Centre Block and currently listed on the Heritage Inventory (namely 144-150 King
Street West and 90 King Street West), of the findings and conclusions of the heritage property
reports and of the implications of such listing. The owners of such listed property would be
provided with an opportunity to make comment to Heritage Kitchener, following which Council
would be asked to either reaffirm or remove the listing of the property on the City's Heritage
Inventory at a Council meeting in February 2006.
The heritage property reports for City owned property identified as being worthy for
consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory (11 Young Street -Mayfair Hotel), and
8
4-7
currently listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario
Street North), are attached as Appendix `B' to this report. In each case, both exterior and interior
building elements are identified in the heritage attributes. Planning Staff are of the opinion that
based on their cultural heritage significance, the listing of the two City owned properties
currently on the Heritage Inventory should be reaffirmed, and that 11Young Street should be
newly added to the City's Heritage Inventory.
Could the Listing of Heritage Property Influence Development Interest in the Centre
Block?
As previously stated, by adding Centre Block properties onto the City's Heritage Inventory, the
City is in effect identifying those properties as being of cultural heritage value or interest, and in
accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement, should take measures to ensure that such
properties will be conserved (in some form) relative to Planning Act related applications.
It should be noted that of the seven properties identified in the Heritage Kitchener
recommendation for listing on the Heritage Inventory, only one (11 Young Street -Mayfair
Hotel) is City owned and located within the proposed Centre Block development lands. The
other City owned properties of heritage interest within the Centre Block lands are either already
listed on the Heritage Inventory (156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North) or are
designated under the Ontario Heritage Act (31 Young Street -Forsyth).
The degree to which Council's decision to list 11 Young Street on the City's Heritage Inventory
(and to reaffirm the listing of 156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North) could
influence the development industry's interest in the Centre Block development lands, is difficult
to judge. While some developers may interpret the heritage listing and possible conditions
associated with conservation interests a liability and barrier to redevelopment, others may
consider the conservation of such structures an opportunity and a benefit that will add to the
character and significance of the development. The fact that these structures are located on the
outside or periphery of the Centre Block lands could in fact be seen as facilitating greater
opportunities for integration into some form of redevelopment.
Staff would suggest that perhaps a greater issue of interest to the development industry may be
one of establishing certainty and making the City's expectations for the Centre Block relative to
the disposition of the properties of heritage interest clear. Developments such as the Kaufman
Lofts, Mansion Lofts, and the future Arrow Shirt Factory condominium are all recent examples
demonstrating that the development industry is certainly able, willing and interested in working
with designated or listed heritage property where the rules, regulations and expectations of the
City are made clear.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No new or Capital budget requests are associated with the recommendations made in this
report.
Leon Bensason, MCIP, RPP Jeff Willmer, MCIP, RPP
Heritage Planner Director of Planning
List of Attachments:
Appendix `A' :Heritage Assessment of the properties located in the Centre Block, prepared for
the KPL1Centre Block Project Committee, dated September 2005.
Appendix `B': Heritage Property Reports for City owned property identified as worthy for
consideration for listing on the City's Heritage Inventory (11 Young Street -
MayfairHotel), and currently listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (156-158 King
Street West and 48 Ontario Street North), dated November 2005.
9
4-8
APPENDIX `A'
CENTRE BLOCK-HERITAGE ANALYSIS
September, 2005
The following information serves to identify those properties in the Centre Block which
are or may potentially be of heritage interest to the City of Kitchener. The information
contained in this report was collected in August, 2005 and presents a preliminary
evaluation provided for discussion purposes.
Properties identified in the report are divided into 4 categories as follows:
1. Formally designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
2. Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (meaning they have been identified by
Heritage Kitchener as being of cultural heritage interest but are not designated).
3. Worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory.
4. Worthy of further investigation and evaluation to establish heritage interest.
Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner
Stephanie Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner
Development and Technical Services Department
4-9
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LEGEND
Formally designated under the Ontario Heritage Act
Listed on the City's Heritage Inventory (meaning they have been
identified by Heritage Kitchener as being of cultural heritage interest but
are not designated)
Worthy of consideration for listing on the Heritage Inventory
Worthy of further investigation and evaluation to establish
heritage interest
4-10
-~' ~ '~
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48 ONTARIO STREET NORTH (BELL TELEPHONE CO./CANADIAN LEGION)
Heritage Status: Listed
Historical Value or Interest:
-Built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their offices from c.1914 to c. 1941.
-Occupied by the Unemployment Insurance Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and
Selective Service Office from 1945-1946.
-Housed Royal Canadian Legion from c.1946 - c. 2001.
-Historical significance lies with strong associations with prominent organizations.
Architectural Value or Interest:
-Example of Classical Revival style
arc itecture.
-Red brick with pilasters, brownstone
banding, lintels, sills and pilaster
capita s.
-Brick rustication at the basement level.
-Brownstone frontispiece with brackets.
-Tall rectangular windows.
Exterior Condition:
This building appears to be in fair
condition.
4~ Ontario St. N.
Brick rustication
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4-11
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APPENDIX B
Heritage
Kitchener
HERITAGE PROPERTY REPORT
48 Ontario Street North
(Bell Telephone Co./Canadian Legion)
Municipal Address: 48 Ontario Street North, Kitchener
Legal Description: Plan 401, Pt. Lt. 7
Year Built: c. 1914
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Original Owner: Bell Telephone Co.
Original Use: Office
Exterior Condition: Good
Ownership: Public
Historical Information
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This structure was originally built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their
offices from c.1914 to c.1941. During World War Two, the building was occupied by
the Unemployment Insurance Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and
Selective Service Office from 1945-1946. Following the war, the building became home
to a local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion from 1946 to 2001.
Architectural Description
n.~.. T1..~..:1
48 Ontario Street North is located on the west side of Ontario Street, between King and
Duke Streets in the Downtown. The site contains a parking lot at the north side of the
building.
Plan, Stories & Bad
The three-storey structure has a shallow L-shape with four bays on the front elevation.
The north side elevation has eleven bays, the south side elevation is one bay and the rear
elevation is two bays wide.
4-12
Building Material and Detail
The subject building is constructed of red brick laid in the common bond style. The
foundation is brick. The front elevation features decorative brownstone details including
lintels, pilaster capitals and bases, and entrance frontispiece.
Roof ~ Roofline
The shallow L-shaped roof is flat and the roofline is straight and unadorned.
East (Front) Elevation
On the first floor there is an entrance at the north side of the front elevation with a plate
glass door, sidelights and transom. The entrance is decorated by a brownstone
frontispiece with a brick base, scroll brackets and entablature. There are five, tall
rectangular windows with brownstone lintels and sills. The window glazing has been
replaced with fixed, single-panes and there are four brownstone pilaster bases. There are
six, tall rectangular windows on the second floor. Three of the six windows have their
upper lights blocked and the other three have one-over-one sashes. The windows have
4-13
brownstone lintels and brick sills. Above the window lintels is a brownstone belt course
connecting four pilaster capitals of the same material.
North (Side) Elevation
The north elevation is constructed of red brick and has three centre bays that are recessed.
There are nine segmentally-arched window openings with triple brick-header voussoirs
and stone sills. Some of the windows retain the original one-over-one and four-over-four
sashes and others have modern glazing. There are three small square, third floor
windows at the rear with stone sills and single-pane glazing. There is one small
rectangular third floor window near the front with a stone sill and one-over-one sashes.
The foundation and walls to the roofline are red brick and there are five segmentally-
archedbasement windows with triple brick-header voussoirs and single-pane glazing.
South (Side) Elevation
The south elevation is flanked very closely by the neighbouring building. It is constructed
of red brick with no window openings.
West (Rear) Elevation
The rear elevation consists of red brick and two segmentally-arched window openings
with brick voussoirs and stone sills. Both windows have four-over-four sashes.
4-14
Interior
Notable interior features include the
front staircase with slate treads and
risers, wood handrail and metal
balustrade.
The property municipally addressed 48 Ontario Street North meets the criteria established
in the Municipal Plan regarding having merit for heritage designation under the Ontario
Heritage Act.
Historically, the property is associated with companies and organizations having made
significant contributions to the City's economic development and that have influenced
the course of local and regional history. Architecturally, the circa 1914 structure is an
example of the Classical Revival style with attractive decorative features executed in
brownstone, a relatively rare building material in Berlin/Kitchener.
4-15
48 Ontario Street North
Bell Telephone Co./Canadian Legion
Statement of Significance
Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
This property, located on the west side of Ontario Street North in Downtown Kitchener,
contains atwo-storey commercial building completed circa 1914. Kitchener was known
as the City of Berlin when this building was constructed. This structure was originally
built circa 1914 by Bell Telephone Co. and housed their offices from c.1914 to c. 1941.
During World War Two, the building was occupied by the Unemployment Insurance
Commission from 1942-1944 and by the Employment and Selective Service Office from
1945-1946. Following the war, the building became home to a local branch of the Royal
Canadian Legion from 1946 to 2001.
Architecturally, the circa 1914 structure is an example of the Classical Revival style with
attractive decorative features executed in brownstone, a relatively rare building material
in Berlin/Kitchener.
Heritage Attributes
All building elevations and exterior features including:
~ Red brick walls.
~ All windows and window openings, stone sills, and brick voussoirs.
~ All exterior doors and door openings`.
~ Roof and roofline.
~ Brownstone lintels, pilaster capitals and bases and entrance frontispiece
Interior features to include:
~ Main staircase with slate treads and risers, wood handrails, metal balustrade and
newel posts.
~ Building features are included as heritage attributes regardless if they are not the original.
This is done to maintain control over future alterations that may be further unsympathetic
than existing replacement materials and/or design.
4-16
COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 28, 2005 - 341 - CITY OF KITCHENER
• Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-199 (L. Bensason), dated
November 22, 2005 recommending deferral of the request to add to the Heritage Inventory certain
privately owned properties located in the Centre Block, pending notification to property owners far
the purpose of obtaining comment; re-affirmation of City-owned properties currently listed on the
Inventory; and the addition of City-owned 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel) to the Inventory.
Ms. C. Ladd, Chief Administrator, introduced the reports asking that Council support deferral of all
reports pending receipt of the Environmental Assessment report to allow a decision to be made in
context of all pertinent information on the Centre Black.
Mr. Herbert Whitney, President, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario -North Waterloo Region
Branch, spoke in favour of repairing and protecting the Forsyth Building, asking that Council consider
the historical and architectural value of the property, and be open and honest in communicating
evaluation and associated costing of the Centre Block project.
Mr. Zyg Janecki, Co-Chair of Heritage Kitchener, advised that he was reluctant to accept deferral of
Heritage Kitchener's recommendations as it would further delay interim measures from being taken to
prolect the Forsyth Building. He pointed out that staff estimate $20,000. for remedial work to address
95% of the water leakage and an additional $10,000. to install a rudimentary fire alarm system. He
commented that given the building is at a critical stage, approval to commence the remedial work
totaling $30,000. would provide the building with at least a fighting chance to survive, while leaving
the City's options open as to final disposition of the building.
Regional Councillor J. Haalboom spoke on behalf of the Regional Heritage Planning Advisory
Committee (RHPAC), expressing support for Heritage Kitchener's recommendation to take immediate
steps to preserve and protect the Forsyth Building. In response to questions, Councillor Haalboom
advised that she would undertake to have dialogue with regard to potential funding far the Forsyth
Building at the Regional level and volunteered RHPAC's assistance to work with Heritage Kitchener
to pursue grant funding from upper levels of government.
In response to questions, Mr. L. Proulx advised that remedial work could begin immediately on the
Forsyth Building and regardless of the decision made this date, steps would have to be taken to
address masonry cracks in the Young Street fagade for reasons of public safety. It was noted that
redevelopment of the building will present a costly challenge for developers; however, Mr. Proulx
advised that same have indicated a willingness to consider retaining portions of the outer fagade. In
regard to funding the remedial work, Ms. C. Ladd advised that the $30,000. could be funded from the
Economic Development Investment Fund. It was also suggested that where possible, City work
forces be used to complete the work.
On motion by Councillor M. Galloway, seconded by Councillor C. Weylie, Clause 1 of the Heritage
Kitchener (meeting o1 October 4, 2005), dealing with interim measures to protect the Forsyth Building
from further deterioration and water damage, was brought forward for consideration.
At the request of Mr. G. Sosnoski, General Manager of Corporate Services & City Clerk, it was
agreed to amend Clause 1 by removing the phrase `and report back to Heritage Kitchener on their
proposed measures' from the end of the motion, in light of the report presented by Mr. Proulx this
date which outlines the measures to betaken.
At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was agreed to further amend Clause 1 to require capping
of the costs of remedial work at $30,000.; funding for the remedial work to be taken from the
Economic Development Investment Fund; and where possible, City staff be utilized to complete the
remedial work.
Moved by Councillor M. Galloway
Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie
"That Clause 1 of the Heritage Kitchener report (meeting of October 4, 2005) be adopted, as
amended to remove reference to a report back to Heritage Kitchener; and to require capping
the cast of work at $30,000., to be funded from the Economic Development Investment Fund
and where passible, City staff undertake the work."
Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote.
4-17
APPENDIX B
CCUNCIL MINUTES
N~VEMSER 28, 2005 •342 - CITY. OF KITCHENER
On motion by Councillor M. Galloway, seconded by Councillor C. Weylie, Clause ~ of the Heritage
Kitchener report meeting of October 4, 2005}, dealing with a request to add certain properties
located on the Centre Block to the City's Heritage Inventory, was brought forward for consideration,
Mr.1... Bensason provided clarification of the recommendations contained in his report DTS-05-199,
advising that he is firstly requesting deferral to February, 2D06 of the request to add to the Heritage
Inventory any privately-owned properties not currently listed, pending notification to property owners.
Secondly, he is requesting Council reaffirm City-owned properties currently listed on the Inventory
and that the City's property at 11 Young Street Mayfair Hotel} be added to the Inventory. ~ In
response to questions, Mr. Bensason advised that he had no concerns with deferring all
recommendations in report DTS-05-199 to February, 200fi; however, he advised #hat he hoped a
decision on City-owned properties located in the Centre Block would be made by that time or prior to
any Request for Proposal being called for an the site.
On motion by Councillor J. Smola, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz, it was agreed to amend
Clause 2 by replacing the motion with a motion to defer and refer the staff recommendations
contained in Development & Technical Services Committee report DTS-05-199 ~L. Bensason} to a
future meetingf~of Council, pending receipt of the Environmental Assessment Phase 2 report on the
Centre Block.
Moved by Councillor M. Galloway
Seconded by Councillor C. weylie
"That Clause 2 of the Heritage Kitchener report meeting of October 4, 2005}.be adapted, as
amended to replace the motion with a motion to defer and refer staff recommendations in
report DTS-o5-199 to a future Council meeting pending receipt of the Environmental
Assessment report on the Centre Block,"
Carried Unanimously, as Amended.
COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 28, 2005 - 354 - CITY QF KITCHENER
REPORTS ADOPTED BY CCUNCIL
HERITAGE, KITCHENER Meeting of Qctober: 4 2005 -
1. That staff be directed to put interim measures in place at the Forsyth Building X31 Young Street}
to a maximum of $30,000. as outlined in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-111 ~1...
Proulx}, dated November 23, 2005, to be funded from the Economic Development Investment
Fund, to prevent further deterioration and water damage through the re-direction of water into a
proper drainage system, and re-activate the fire alarm system, if not operational; and where
possible, this work is to be done by City work forces.
Dealt with under Delegations and Carried Unanimously, as Amended as a recorded votey
2. That the recommendations contained in Development & Technical Services Department report
DTS-05=199 ~L. Bensason}, regarding adding private and City-owned properties located on the
Centre Block to the City's Heritage Inventory which are not currently listed and re-affirming or
removing those properties which are currently listed, be deferred and referred to a future
Council meeting pending receipt of an Environmental Assessment Phase z report on the
Centre Block, to be considered by the Centre Block Steering Committee in late February, 2006.
Dealt with under Delegations and Carried Unanimously, as Amended}
~ is
1
Kl~rc~~R
Qevelo pment &
Technical Services
Report To: Finance & Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting: February 6, 2006
Submitted By: Jeff Willmer, Director of Planning (741-2325)
Prepared By: Leon Bensason, Heritage Planner (741-2306}
Ward(s) Involved: Ward 1
Date of Report: February 2, 2006
Report No.: DTS-06-022
Subject: LISTING OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY IN THE CENTRE
BLOCK AS BEING OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR
INTEREST
RECOMMENDATION:
That should Council wish to formally recognize City owned property located within the Centre
Block as being of cultural heritage value or interest (being 11 Young Street, 156-158 King Street
West, and 48 Ontario Street North), it proceed to list such property to the City's Heritage
Register as "non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest".
BACKGROUND:
On November 28, 2005 Council deferred consideration of Heritage Kitchener's recommendation
to add several properties (City and privately owned) located in the Centre Block to the City's
Heritage Inventory, pending receipt of an environmental report for 11 Young Street (Mayfair)
and 156-158 King Street West (former Hymmen Hardware). On January 30, 2006 Council
resolved that it would consider the Heritage Kitchener recommendation regarding only City-
owned properties located within the Centre Block (being 11 Young Street, 156-158 King Street
West and 48 Ontario Street North) at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting
of February 6, 2006. Council also resolved that consideration of the listing of privately owned
properties within the Centre Block be deferred until such time as the process for public
consultation regarding adding non-designated properties to a Heritage Register has been
completed.
REPORT:
City Staff have previously advised Council via DTS 05-199 (see Appendix `A') of the recent
changes made to the Ontario Heritage Act and the Ontario Planning Act regarding the listing of
properties of cultural heritage value or interest to a municipality. Should City Council proceed to
formally recognize property as being of cultural heritage value or interest, it may now do so by
adding the property to the City's Heritage Register under the Ontario Heritage Act. Such
4-19
property would be identified as being "non designated property of cultural heritage value or
interest". Currently, the Ontario Heritage Act imposes no restrictions on non-designated property
added to Municipal Heritage Registers. The listing of non-designated property on the
Heritage Register simply serves to recognize that the Municipal Council has formally
identified the property as being of cultural heritage value or interest.
Council should be aware however that changes proposed to be made to the Ontario Heritage
Act through the proposed City of Toronto Act (which has received first reading only), may
provide municipalities with more time to process demolition applications made for properties
listed on Heritage Registers. Recent changes made to the Ontario Building Code now require
municipalities to issue or refuse select building permits (including demolition permits) within 10
working days. Such time frame could prevent a municipality from initiating the designation
process for a significant heritage property before issuance of a demolition permit. The proposed
City of Toronto Act would amend the Ontario Heritage Act to extend the amount of time a
municipality may have to process a demolition application made for a property listed on the
Heritage Register only from 10 days to 60 days.
Heritage Kitchener has recommended that three City owned properties located within the
Centre Block be recognized as being of cultural heritage value or interest to the municipality;
those being 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel}, 156-158 King Street West (former Hymmen
Hardware}, and 48 Ontario Street North (former Legion}. Heritage Property Reports identifying
the cultural heritage significance of each property are enclosed in Appendix `B'. In addition, staff
have been forwarded correspondence dated January 23, 2006 addressed to each member of
Council from Ken and Helen Lippert, descendents of Edward Lippert who built 11 Young Street.
The original correspondence has been forwarded to Council separately and a copy is attached
in Appendix `C' to this report.
Lastly, the designated substance survey findings and removal cost estimates for 11 Young
Street and 156-158 King Street (environmental reports) for the two City-owned properties
included in the RFP for the proposed Centre Block development have been completed and are
attached as Appendix `D' for Council's information.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
No new or additional capital budget requests are associated with the recommendation made in
this report. Expenditures are however associated with the findings of the environmental reports.
Leon Bensason, MCIP, RPP
Heritage Planner
Attachments:
JeffWillmer, MCIP, RPP
Director of Planning
Appendix `A': DTS 05-199
Appendix `B': Heritage Property Reports for City owned property within the Centre Block
Appendix `C': Correspondence from Ken & Helen Lippert
Appendix `D': Environmental Reports for 11 Young Street and 156-158 King Street West
4 - 20
FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 6, 2006 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER
4. MATTERS CONCERNING: (CONT'D)
- KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY (KPL) -CENTRAL LIBRARY PROJECT UPDATE
- CENTRE BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT -HERITAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT ISSUES
- FORSYTH DEMOLITION SITE -RETENTION 1 REMOVAL 1 REMEDIATION OPTIONS
The following motion was voted on by all members present and Carried Unanimously.
Councillor J. Gazzola was not present.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
itwas resolved:
"That, as outlined in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-06-022
(City-owned Property of Cultural /Heritage Value or Interest in the Centre Black), dated
February 2, 2006, City-owned property located within the Centre Black, being: 11
Young Street, 156-158 King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North, be formally
recognized as having cultural J heritage value or interest and be listed in the City's
Heritage Register as'non-designated property of cultural /heritage value or interest'."
The following motion was voted on by all members present, with clauses a), b), f), g) and h)
Carried Unanimously, and clauses c), d) and e) Carried with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J.
Smola, G. Lorentz, B. Vrbanovic and C. Weylie voting in favour and Councillor M. Galloway
voting in apposition. Councillor J. Gazzola was not present.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
itwas resolved:
"That as outlined in Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-06-009 (Centre Block
Redevelopment -Financial Aspects), dated February 1, 2006:
a) That Council re-affirms directing $32.5M from the Economic Development
Investment Fund towards the funding of a new central library on Centre Block.
b) That as outlined in the 2004 Kitchener Public Library (KPL) Business Case,
Council confirms directing a minimum of $3.5M from the sale of 85 Queen Street
North (existing library), towards the funding of a new central library on Centre
Block.
c) That the City-owned Centre Block property and buildings identified in the Request
for Expressions of Interest (Proposal be used as an asset to leverage the
financing of the new central library on Centre Block.
d) That Council supports the inclusion of the Young Street right-of-way, lrom King
Street to the City Hall parking garage, to be incorporated into the Centre Block
project, subject to an acceptable proposal being received, as identified by Council.
e) That $5.5 M identified in the Economic Development Investment Fund for parking
be directed towards the funding of a 350-space municipal parking structure on
Centre Black.
f) That the following recommendation be deferred and referred to the February 13,
2006 Council meeting, to allow additional options to be provided:
'That one of the following options be selected far funding the estimated shortfall
of $8.5M for the 350-space municipal parking structure on Centre Block:
i) That the City Parking Operation fund an $8.5M debenture;
ii) That the developer fund the shortfall of $8.5M and be reimbursed through
the receipt of net revenue over a 20-year period including alump-sum
payout at the end of the 20-year period to cover any shortfall; in this
scenario, the City would own and operate the parking structure; or,
4-21
COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2006 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER
Clauses 4-7 of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee report deal with matters concerning
the Kitchener Public Library new central library project, heritage issues pertaining to City-owned
property on the Centre Block and disposition of the remaining structures on the Forsyth property (the
Smyth Residence and 1937 Art Deco Fapade).
It was noted that several delegations had registered to speak in regard to these matters; however,
Mayor C. Zehr advised that it was Councillor B. Vrbanovic's intention to request a deferral and asked
that Council consider the deferral request prior to hearing delegations.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that the February 7, 2006 Heritage Kitchener meeting was adjourned
prior to concluding its agenda due to an emergency situation at City Hall; placing the Committee in a
position of not being able to advance recommendations on heritage matters related to the Centre
Block. In light of these circumstances, he suggested that all matters related to the Forsyth property
and Centre Block redevelopment be deferred to allow Heritage Kitchener to re-convene to consider
their issues; and to allow additional time far Council and staff to assess all information received to
date on the Centre Block redevelopment. He pointed out that there has been a recent insurgence of
public interest in these matters and the deferral will also allow continued public comment.
A motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz, was brought forward for
consideration to defer and refer action on Clauses 4-7 of the Finance and Corporate Services
Committee report of this date to the February 27, 2006 Council meeting, pending further assessment
of all matters.
A motion by Councillor M. Gallaway, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz, was brought forward far
consideration to amend the motion by changing the deferral date to the March 20, 2006 Council
meeting so as to lengthen the timeframe for further assessment of the issues.
Councillor J. Gazzola raised concerns with regard to deferral, suggesting that as sufficient information
has been provided and this meeting is televised, with a number of interested parties present, it would
be appropriate to proceed with all other matters outside of heritage issues. He added that it had been
his understanding that decisions regarding the Library proposal would not take place until after the
Terms of Reference for the Request for Proposals (RFP) were presented and questioned why these
matters were being considered this date. Mayor C. Zehr clarified that the recommendations before
Council are one step in amulti-step process and are needed in order to proceed with development of
the RFP Terms of Reference. He poinled out that no decision to approve the project is being made at
this time and in fact, such decision would not be made until after the 2006 Municipal election.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic noted that the March 20, 2006 Council meeting is also televised which will
still allow the public an opportunity to hear all of the issues and accordingly, agreed to accept
Councillor Galloway's request to extend the deferral date as a friendly amendment. He also
suggested that members of Council use the extended time to seek answers to any questions they
may have regarding these matters.
Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz
"That Clauses 4-7 inclusive of the Finance and Corporate Services Committee report
(February 13, 2006), dealing with matters concerning the Kitchener Public Library new central
library project; Centre Block redevelopment, and heritage issues related to City-owned
property on Centre Block and the two remaining structures on the Forsyth property; be
deferred and referred to the March 20, 2006 Council meeting to allow further
assessment of all issues pertaining to these matters and to provide opportunity for
continued public comment.
Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote.
Mayor C. Zehr advised that in light of the motion for deferral, delegation presentations would not be
heard this date but would be given an opportunity to present their views at the March 20, 2006
Council meeting.
Councillor M. Gallaway requested that given the magnitude of the Centre Block project, staff be
directed in the interim of deferral to pursue a second opinion of the financial estimates.
4-22
COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 13, 2006 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER
REPORTS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL
FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE - (CONT'D)
6. That, as outlined in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-06-022 (City-
owned Property of Cultural (Heritage Value or Interest in the Centre Block), dated February 2,
2006, City-owned property located within the Centre Block, being: 11 Young Street, 156-158
King Street West and 48 Ontario Street North, be formally recognized as having cultural
heritage value or interest and be listed in the City's Heritage Register as 'non-designated
property of cultural (heritage value or interest'.
(Dealt with under Delegations and action deferred and referred to the March 20, 2006
Council meeting pending recommendations of Heritage Kitchener.)
7. That as outlined in Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-06-009 (Cenlre Block
Redevelopment -Financial Aspects), dated February 1, 2006:
a) That Council re-affirms directing $32.5M from the Economic Development Investment
Fund towards the funding of a new central library on Centre Block.
b) That as outlined in the 2004 Kitchener Public Library (KPL) Business Case, Council
confirms directing a minimum of $3.5M from the sale of 85 Queen Street North (existing
library), towards the funding of a new central library on Centre Black.
c) That the City-owned Centre Block property and buildings identified in the Request far
Expressions of Interest /Proposal be used as an asset to leverage the financing of the
new central library on Centre Block.
d) That Council supports the inclusion of the Young Street right-of-way, from King Street to
the City Hall parking garage, to be incorporated into the Centre Block project, subject to
an acceptable proposal being received, as identified by Council.
e) That $5.5 M identified in the Economic Development Investment Fund far parking be
directed towards the funding of a 350-space municipal parking structure on Centre
Black.
f) That the following recommendation be deferred and referred to the March 20, 2006
Council meeting, to allow additional options to be provided:
'That one of the fallowing options be selected for funding the estimated shortfall of
$8.5M for the 350-space municipal parking structure on Centre Black:
i) That the City Parking Operation fund an $8.5M debenlure;
ii) That the developer fund the shortfall of $8.5M and be reimbursed through the
receipt of net revenue over a 20-year period including alump-sum payout at the
end of the 20-year period to cover any shortfall; in this scenario, the City would
awn and operate the parking structure; or,
iii) That the developer fund the shortfall of $8.5M and be reimbursed through
operation of the parking over a 20-year period; after the 20-year period, the City
would take over the parking operation and provide alump-sum payout to cover
any shortfall; the City would awn the parking structure in this scenario.'
g) That the following recommendation be deferred and referred to the March 20, 2006
Council meeting, to allow staff to provide revised wording relative to adjusting the
target amount by any realized project budget shortfalls:
'That the KPL Board and the City of Kitchener consider all options for securing and
selecting a guarantor for the $5M targeted fundraising amount to be achieved by the
KPL Board.'
4-23
COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2006 - 77 - CITY 4F KITCHENER
Mr. Julian Ichim, resident, asked that existing tenants in the Mayfair Hotel not be put out onto the street
in wake of redevelopment and that the building be preserved for low-income housing. He also asked
that a basketball court be rebuilt within the Downtown for youth and that interested parties be assisted in
converting vacant buildings into affordable housing. He added that he supports the idea of building more
branch libraries throughout the community.
Mr. Steve Schildroth, I Believe in Kitchener Group, submitted a petition of 80 signators asking that the
remaining Forsyth buildings be preserved, the Centre Block redevelopment remain in public hands and,
through a transparent and open public process take place regarding the redevelopment and the new
central library. He added that if a public summit is held that it be organized independently by qualified
persons of high regard in the community. In response to comments of Councillor M. Galloway, Mr.
Schildroth acknowledged that some signators had differing opinions with regard to retaining the Forsyth
buildings.
Mr. Bob McColl, resident, raised concerns with the number of capital projects under consideration by the
City and the costs involved, suggesting that the City take time to re-evaluate priorities and be fiscally
responsible.
Mayor C. Zehr suggested a revised order of recommendations, modifications and addition of two new
recommendations and asked that they be dealt with in the order listed on the revised document. He
noted that if approved, new Recommendation 6 will result in deferral of all matters listed in
Recommendations 4 and 5. Council agreed to the revisions as proposed an in addition,agreed to
replace the word `summit' with `forum' in new Recommendation 7 regarding provision for expanded
public consultation.
Mayor Zehr read aloud a submission from Councillor G. Lorentz who was unable to attend the meeting
this date. In his submission, Councillor Lorentz expressed support for the proposed deferral of the
current process for redevelopment of the Centre Block, to allow a citizens' forum to be held and for
demolition of the remaining Forsyth buildings given the high cost for retainment.
All members present, except Councillor J. Gazzola, expressed support for the proposed deferral, in light
of recent increased interest in the project throughout the community and the questions raised with
respect to the need for a new main library, as well as the appropriateness of the Centre Block as the
preferred site. Councillor J. Gazzola supported holding further public meetings regarding the library but
did not agree with delaying the Request for Proposal process, suggesting that pursuit of private sector
interest should continue without the library included. It was his opinion the library should not be the
motivating factor for the Centre Block redevelopment and alternative locations, including expansion of
the existing library site, should be investigated. He suggested that on gathering all of the information
resulting from the public forum and Request for Proposal process, it would then be appropriate to bring a
question to the electorate. He asked that staff provide information on what would be involved if the latter
were undertaken. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor C. Weylie did not support placing a question on the
ballot, suggesting instead that the best method of obtaining public input is by providing opportunity for in-
persondialogue and review of detailed explanations of the proposal.
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented on the importance of ensuring composition of
the proposed forum is inclusive to citizens without special interests and Mayor Zehr asked that staff
report to the March 27, 2006 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting with a suggested
course of action.
All members present, except Councillors J. Gazzola and M. Galloway, supported demolition of the
remaining Forsyth buildings due to the high costs involved to retain the buildings. Councillors Gazzola
and Galloway supported saving whatever may be feasible of the remaining buildings and Councillor
Gazzola suggested that they be retained until results of the Request for Proposal process are received.
Mayor C. Zehr disagreed with public comments made that suggest the City does not value its heritage
because of the demolition of the Forsyth buildings, noting numerous successes of preservation and
suggesting that a balance must be struck between preservation and costs.
Councillors J. Smola and C. Weylie asked that 48 Ontario Street (former legion building) not be added
to the Heritage Registry, as it was their opinion it was not of cultural /heritage value and may impede
redevelopment interest in the Centre Block. It was also noted that the original Request for Proposal sent
out in 2002 provided that neither the Forsyth nor the Legion buildings would be retained and no
concerns were raised at that time in regard to their heritage or preservation.
4 - 24
COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2006 - 78 - CITY 4F KITCHENER
Mayor C. Zehr addressed earlier comments made by Mr. Ichim in regard to affordable housing, advising
that there are no plans to demolish the Mayfair Hotel and in fact, the building is recommended this date
for addition to the Heritage Registry. He also gave assurance that no one would be put out on the street
to make way for any future redevelopment.
The following six motions were voted on by recorded vote.
Moved by Councillor J. Smola
Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
"That as outlined in Chief Administrator's Office report CAO-06-009 (Centre Block
Redevelopment -Heritage Aspects), dated February 1, 2006:
a) That the Mayfair Hotel located at 11 Young Street be recognized as significant and be
retained in its entirety, with an understanding that there be flexibility of use in the interior
of the building and the successful proponent for redevelopment of the Centre Block be
encouraged to use those interior features deemed significant by Heritage Kitchener in
any development of that building.
b) That the front fapade of 156-158 King Street West be retained in its entirety and the
successful proponent for redevelopment of the Centre Block be encouraged to
incorporate the remainder of the building and any interior features deemed significant by
Heritage Kitchener in any development scheme, if structurally and financially feasible."
Carried Unanimously by all members present.
Moved by Councillor J. Smola
Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
"That as outlined in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-06-022 (City-
owned Property of Cultural 1 Heritage Value or Interest in the Centre Block), dated February 2,
2006, City-owned property located within the Centre Block, being: 11 Young Street and 156-
158 King Street West, be formally recognized as having cultural /heritage value or interest and
be listed in the City's Heritage Register as'non-designated property of cultural 1 heritage value
or interest'."
Carried Unanimously by all members present.
Moved by Councillor M. Galloway
Seconded by Councillor J. Gazzola
"That as outlined in Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-06-022 (City-
owned Property of Cultural l Heritage Value or Interest in the Centre Block), dated February 2,
2006, City-owned property located within the Centre Block, being 48 Ontario Street North, be
formally recognized as having cultural I heritage value or interest and be listed in the City's
Heritage Register as'non-designated property ofcultural /heritage value or interest'."
In Favour - Councillors J. Gazzola and M. Galloway.
Contra -Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B.
Vrbanovic and C. Weylie.
Motion Lost.
Prior to voting on the following recommendation and at the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, it was
agreed to delete the phrase `appropriate portions' from the last sentence of the motion.
Moved by Councillor J. Smola
Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic
"That the two remaining buildings associated with the Forsyth building complex, being the c.
1880 Smyth Residence and the 1937 Art Deco addition, not be retained in situ on the property
on the basis that they would seriously compromise the ability to achieve maximum
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