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HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
FEBRUARY 05, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m.
Present: Mr. G. Zeilstra, - Chair
Councillor F. Etherington, Ms. A. Oja, Ms. A. Hooykaas, Ms. E. Rudland and Messrs. J.
Stevens, T. Batten, S. Thompson, M. Peterson, and W. Trotter.
Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Planning
C. Goodeve, Supervisor Legislated Services
C. Mahood, Heritage Planner
M. Lee, Heritage Planner
D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator
NEW COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT - CIVIC CENTRE HERITAGE DISTRICT
1.
Mr. C. Goodeve addressed Heritage Kitchener, advising that during the formal appointment
process in November 2012, no applications had been received for representation of the Civic
Centre Heritage District on the Committee. Mr. Goodeve indicated he was in receipt of an
application and expression of interest from Ms. B. Glenn-Graham, who is a resident of the
Civic Centre District. He proposed that should Heritage Kitchener recommend appointment,
the motion would be considered at the February 25, 2013 special Council meeting.
Councillor F. Etherington inquired if Ms. Glenn-Graham is Councillor D. Glenn-Graham’s wife.
Mr. Goodeve responded affirmatively; advising that there is no policy in place that prohibits a
relative of a member of Council from being appointed to an advisory committee. He then
referred to the precedence created by Councillor M. Wagner and his wife, Ms. Wagner, who
were members of Heritage Kitchener concurrently.
On motion by Mr. M. Peterson -
it was resolved:
“That Ms. B. Glenn-Graham be appointed to Heritage Kitchener for the term ending
November 30, 2014.”
2013 HERITAGE SHOWCASE - REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
2.
The Committee considered correspondence dated January 22, 2013 from Mr. L. Bensason,
regarding the role of members of Heritage Kitchener in the 2013 Heritage Showcase, and the
sign-up sheet for the event taking place February 16, 2013 at the Conestoga Mall.
Mr. Bensason thanked the three members who have agreed to cover the Committee’s
Showcase Booth and requested volunteers for the remaining time slots. He noted that
participation in the Showcase is dependent on volunteer participation. He added that staff will
compile the material and have the display prepared for pick-up prior to the Showcase.
CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT
3.
The Committee was in receipt this date of Tuesday, February 05, 2013 of the Eight Guiding
Principles in the Conservation of Historic Properties, and the General Standards for
Preservation, Rehabilitation and Restoration.
Mr. C. Mahood presented a second orientation session to Heritage Kitchener related to
Cultural Heritage Resource identification, evaluation and management. He reviewed the
various types of heritage resources; including structural, archeological, and cultural heritage
landscapes. He gave an overview of the legislative tools available for preservation through the
Planning Act, the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA), and the Provincial Policy Statement. He
outlined the triggers for a Heritage Permit Application (HPA) which is required for development
review and alteration of properties designated under Part IV and Part V of the OHA. He then
highlighted the following measures:
Identification and evaluation of cultural heritage resources using the widely adopted
value based approach;
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
FEBRUARY 05, 2013 - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT
3.
(CONT’D)
Managing change, including the HPA approval process for alteration, demolition,
relocation of heritage properties; and studies for development review, such as Heritage
Impact Assessment;
In response to questions, Mr. Mahood indicated that notion of new work/additions to heritage
buildings being subordinate is a matter of discussion amongst professionals; and, can be
subjectively demonstrated by architects. He explained that contemporary additions, such as
The Crystal at the entrance to the Royal Ontario Museum, complies with the Eight Guiding
Principles, as it is reversible and has legibility through its distinguishing characteristics.
PROPOSAL TO LOCATE NEW PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN VICTORIA PARK
4.
The Committee considered a proposal to locate new washrooms in Victoria Park by prepared
by Mr. W. Sleeth, Landscape Architect, who was in attendance to solicit input from Heritage
Kitchener on the preferred location of the washrooms.
Mr. L. Bensason advised that Victoria Park is within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation
District, designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. He indicated the purpose of the
designation is to conserve and enhance the historic buildings, places and landscapes within
the Victoria Park area. He stated that depending on Council’s approved option for the
washroom; a Heritage Impact Assessment may be required. He encouraged members to
contemplate whether the proposed options fit within the physical goals and contemporary
elements of the Victoria Park Plan when examining each option.
Mr. W. Sleeth provided the Committee with background on the project, advising that new
washrooms are required within Victoria Park as the existing washrooms at the Boathouse will
not be available for public use under the terms of a new lease agreement for the facility. He
stated that a Public Open House was held on January 30, 2013 during which 30 residents
attended to provide consultation on the proposed location of the washroom facilities. He then
presented four proposed options for the location of the washrooms within Victoria Park. He
further advised that a staff report would be brought forward with a recommended location at the
February 25, 2013 Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting.
The following comments were provided by the Committee with respect to the 4 options
proposed for the location of the new washroom facility:
Option #1 - Convert the existing seasonal washrooms near the playground to a year round
Facility
Councillor F. Etherington inquired if consideration had been given to converting this facility to
year-round as well as an additional facility in Victoria Park. Mr. Sleeth indicated that there has
not been any interest expressed, nor need determined, in expanding the hours of patronage
beyond the existing seasonal use.
Option #2 - Public washrooms at a renovated 79 Joseph Street
Committee members commented that the location at 79 Joseph Street is too far from the
existing public washroom facilities at the Boathouse. It was felt by members, that park patrons
are familiar with the existing location; therefore, 79 Joseph Street would not be the preferred
location for the washroom facilities. However, members did appreciate that the renovation of
79 Joseph Street would place the facilities in proximity to the entrance/exit to the Park which is
of value to patrons. In addition, members requested consideration be given to potential at-risk
activity, when determining the preferred option. Further comments were made with respect to
the importance of ensuring a safe facility for park patrons in a location highly frequented with a
lot of activity should be included in the consideration when determining the preferred option.
Mr. Sleeth agreed to contact the Waterloo Regional Police for comments during the
consultation phase of the project.
Option #3 - A new washroom building near the parking lot at David Street/Jubilee Drive
Intersection
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PROPOSAL TO LOCATE NEW PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN VICTORIA PARK (CONT’D)
4.
Members expressed concerns related to the reduction in parking if the washroom facilities
were located in a newly constructed building in the existing parking lot at David Street and
Jubilee Drive. Mr. Sleeth responded that 6-8 parking spaces would be removed to
accommodate the structure within the parking lot. He stated that it is free to park at this lot,
which serves the Downtown core and as an overflow for the medical centre. He acknowledged
that parking would be impacted, stating that the parking lot is typically in use by park patrons
during the evening hours and on weekends.
Further concerns were expressed related to the impact a new building would have on the
existing Cultural Heritage Landscape. Mr. Sleeth advised that input from Heritage Kitchener is
very important to the process and acknowledged that a Heritage Impact Assessment to
evaluate the impact to the cultural heritage resource may be required if this option is approved.
Mr. Sleeth stated that the proposed location at the periphery of the parking lot is in accordance
with the preliminary analysis and the objectives in the Heritage Conservation District Plan.
Option #4 - Installation of washrooms in the ‘Front Garage’ near the Water Street entrance
to the Park
Mr. Sleeth responded to questions related to Option #4, advising that the garage is located
near the Water Street entrance to the Park and is currently used as a maintenance garage. He
added that City staff use the building for ice rink maintenance equipment and storage;
however, the equipment could be stored at another location, should Option #4 be approved for
the washroom facilities.
Members of the Committee expressed concern regarding the proximity of the proposed
facilities to the residential backyards on Water Street. It was felt that the area is very secluded
and that the light which would be required to ensure safety of the patrons would be intrusive
and affect the privacy of the residents. Ms. E. Rudland indicated that with adequate lighting
and signage, the renovation of the Water Street garage would be her preferred option as it
represents the least impact to the heritage landscape of the Park.
Mr. Bensason indicated that Option #4 is proposing an existing structure for renovation, posing
little intervention to the characteristics of the Park and would be preferable at this stage
considering the design for the new facilities has not been finalized. With regard to lighting, he
inquired if the lighting would reflect historic design elements. Mr. Sleeth indicated lighting will
be carefully designed to be compatible with the historic design of the existing lighting.
With regard to the location of the ‘Front Garage’, Mr. Sleeth stated that comments received
during the Public Consultation meeting indicated that the Water Street location is too secluded;
however, in his evaluation of the proposed options, all are on the periphery of the Park, with
none being more secluded than another.
Members generally commented that the location of the washroom facilities in Victoria Park
should be in close proximity to the Boathouse as existing patrons are familiar with this location.
In addition, it was felt that the facilities should be located near major activity in order to assure
safety to washroom patrons.
ROCKWAY CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY AND BUSINESS CASE
5.
The Committee was in receipt of a notice of a presentation and facilitated discussion
scheduled for February 11, 2013 for the Rockway Centre Feasibility Study and Business Case.
Mr. L. Bensason indicated that members could register to participate in the facilitated
discussion and alternately, attend the open-house at the Rockway Centre, later the same day
which does not require registration.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
Daphne Livingstone
Committee Administrator