HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-27
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee met this date, commencing at 1:52 p.m.
Present: Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock - Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki,
S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, F. Etherington and P. Singh.
Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer
D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance and Corporate Services
M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services
P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services
L. Johnston, Director of Communications
C. Fletcher, Director of Facilities Management
S. Turner, Director of By-law Enforcement
A. Pinard, Director of Planning
M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services
J. Witmer, Director of Operations
K. Carmichael, Interim Director of Transportation Services
S. Allen, Manager, Engineering Design and Approvals
D. Ross, Manager, Development Review
L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning
A. Pinnell, Senior Planner
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
CSD-13-046 - LIMITING DISTANCE AGREEMENT
1.
- 269 & 299 TRILLIUM DRIVE
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-046, dated April
29, 2013 recommending approval of a limiting distance agreement for 269 & 299 Trillium Drive.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a limiting distance agreement, to
the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, with the registered owners of 299 Trillium Drive,
pursuant to Section 3.2.3.1. (8) Div. B of the Building Code, to permit the construction of
an addition with the limiting distance of the exposing building face being measured to a
point beyond the property line on the adjacent property, 269 Trillium Drive
INS-13-049 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST
2.
- QUEEN STREET SOUTH RECONSTRUCTION
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-049, dated May
8, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request for construction work on Queen
Street South.
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock advised that any recommendation arising from the Committee
regarding this matter would be considered at the special Council meeting scheduled for later
this same date.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That the City of Kitchener and its contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of
Chapter 450 Noise of Kitchener Municipal Code Article 6 Construction Work during the
Queen Street Reconstruction Contract #T13-013 preparation from Courtland Avenue to
Charles Street, and Joseph Street from Queen Street to Ontario Street, in the City of
Kitchener; and further,
That the requested noise by-law exemption shall apply only between the hours of 7:00
PM to 7:00 AM for the period from May 8, 2013 to May 31, 2013
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-13-050 - ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS - COLLEGE STREET
3.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-050, dated May
15, 2013 recommending the conversion of two on-street parking spaces on College Street to
30 minute parking time limit areas.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to implement a 30 minute parking time
limit on College Street from a point 26 meters north of King Street to a point 16 meters
north thereof
INS-13-052 - ON-STREET STOPPING RESTRICTIONS - WOODFIELD STREET
4.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-052, dated May
8, 2013 recommending a stopping prohibition on Woodfield Street.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended to prohibit stopping from 8:00 AM - 4:30
PM, Monday to Friday, on the east side of Woodfield Street from a point 30 metres
north of Apple Ridge Drive to a point 25 metres north of Woodfield Court.
CSD-13-054 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST- 139 FRANKLIN STREET NORTH
5.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-054, dated May
15, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request for an event being held on
June 1, 2013 at 139 Franklin Street North.
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock advised that any recommendation arising from the Committee
regarding this matter would be considered at the special Council meeting scheduled for later
this same date.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to Jared Marantha for a family celebration to be held at 139 Franklin Street
North on Saturday, June 1, 2013, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM.
CSD-13-055 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST- HENRY STURM GREEN FESTIVAL
6.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-055, dated May
15, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request to the Victoria Park
Neighbourhood Association for their Henry Sturm Green Festival being held on June 2, 2013.
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock advised that any recommendation arising from the Committee
regarding this matter would be considered at the special Council meeting scheduled for later
this same date.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association for The Henry Sturm Green
Festival on Sunday, June 2, 2013, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-13-056 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST- 552 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD
7.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-056, dated May
21, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request for an event being held on
June 15, 2013 at 552 Hidden Valley Road.
It was noted that the subject property was located in Ward 3 and not Ward 4 as indicated in the
staff report.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to Michael Saunders for a birthday party to be held at 552 Hidden Valley Road
on Saturday, June 15, 2013, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 11:00 PM
CSD-13-057 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST
8.
- 1446 KING STREET EAST
- 98.5 FM
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-057, dated May
17, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request to 98.5 FM - CKWR for an
event being held on June 15, 2013.
Councillor Z. Janecki declared a pecuniary interest as he has an association with the
proponent and accordingly abstained from all discussion and voting regarding this matter.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to 98.5 FM - CKWR for a 40th anniversary celebration at 1446 King Street East,
on Saturday, June 15, 2013, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
CSD-13-058 - NOISE EXEMPTION REQUEST
9.
- 108 SYDNEY STREET SOUTH
- KW HABILITATION
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-058, dated May
17, 2013 recommending approval of a noise exemption request to KW Habilitation for their
fundraising event being held on June 27, 2013.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted to KW Habilitation for a community fundraising event to be held at 108 Sydney
Street South on Thursday, June 27, 2013, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
CSD-13-048 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC13/04/A/AP
10.
- 1 ADAM STREET
- 175, 217, 225 ST. LEGER STREET
- 316, 320, 340 LOUISA STREET
- 1841362 ONTARIO INC.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-048, dated April
30, 2013 recommending approval of Zone Change Application ZC13/04/A/AP to remove
Holding Provisions 21H and 48H and allow for the redevelopment of 1 Adam Street.
It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter would
be considered at the special Council meeting being held later this same date.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-13-048 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC13/04/A/AP
10.
- 1 ADAM STREET
- 175, 217, 225 ST. LEGER STREET
- 316, 320, 340 LOUISA STREET
- 1841362 ONTARIO INC.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
That Zone Change Application ZC13/04/A/AP (1 Adam Street, and 175, 217, 225 St.
Leger Street, and 316, 320, 340 Louisa Street; 184136 Ontario Inc.) for the purpose of
changing the zoning by removing Holding Provisions 21H and 48H from the lands
-
attached to Community Services Department report CSD-13-
approved.
CSD-13-049 - PRIVATE STREET NAMING
11.
- 1 ADAM STREET
- 175, 217, 225 ST. LEGER STREET
- 316, 320, 340 LOUISA STREET
- 1841362 ONTARIO INC.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-049, dated May
15, 2013 regarding the naming of private streets and lanes as well as a public park within the
proposed multiple residential redevelopment located at 1 Adam Street.
Mr. Chris Kraemer addressed the Committee in support of the proposal to name the public
par
In response to questions, Mr. A. Pinnell clarified that Council approval is required for naming
private streets as well as public parks. He confirmed that staff are supportive of naming the
public park within the 1 Adam Street redevelopment to commemorate the 25 years of service
that Oscar Lauber gave to this community.
It was noted that any recommendation arising from the Committee regarding this matter would
be considered at the special Council meeting being held later this same date.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
That the City of Kitchener acknowledge that 1841362 Ontario Inc. proposes to name
private streets and lanes within the proposed multiple residential redevelopment located
at 1 Adam Street, 175, 217, 225 St. Leger Street and 316, 320, 340 Louisa Street; and,
preparation of the necessary By-law for the naming of the private streets and lanes; and
further,
That the public park to be conveyed to the City through Draft Approved Plan of
Subdivision 30T-11203 be named Oscar Lauber Park
INS-13-055 - GLASGOW STREET TRAFFIC CALMING
12.
The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-055, dated May
15, 2013 recommending the installation of two medians and two chicanes on Glasgow Street
from Fischer-Hallman Road to Knell Drive as well as bicycle lanes between Knell Drive and
Belmont Avenue. Mr. K. Carmichael reviewed the report.
Mr. Dan Pronovost, area resident, addressed the Committee expressing concerns with the loss
of parking spaces along the south side of Glasgow Street from Westmount Road to Knell
Drive. He further questioned the proposed installation of a sidewalk on the north side of
Glasgow Street from Westmount Road to Knell Drive, commenting that it would appear to
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-13-055 - GLASGOW STREET TRAFF
12.
serve little to no purpose as pedestrians would need to cross Glasgow Street to use it. He
suggested that the sidewalk should end at 588 Glasgow Street and should not continue across
the golf course lands. He added that by virtue of not extending the sidewalk, the additional
road width could be used to add parking bays on the south side of Glasgow Street from Knell
Drive to Inwood Drive. He stated that only two options were put forward for this section of
Glasgow Street, which seemed to pit residents on the north side against those on the south
side of the road. He noted that no opportunity has been provided for the public to comment on
the proposed reconstruction of Glasgow Street and requested that staff be directed to re-
examine this matter.
In response to questions, Mr. Pronovost advised that the correspondence that was sent to
meeting was dated May 20, 2013; accordingly, the
public was afforded a limited amount of time to formulate a response to the proposed traffic
calming measures. He reiterated that to his knowledge no public meetings have been held on
the reconstruction of Glasgow Street, which means no opportunity has been provided to
comment on the proposed installation of the sidewalks verses the parking bay options. He
stated that due to the inconclusive survey results, no traffic calming measures are being
proposed to be installed between Knell Drive and Westmount Road; however, it seems that by
default, the road reconstruction will result in the loss of on-street parking and the installation of
unwanted sidewalks.
Mr. Doug Good, area resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the traffic calming
measures proposed for the section of Glasgow Street from Knell Drive to Fischer-Hallman
Road. He expressed support for the proposed installation of the two medians and two
chicanes in this area, noting that they should serve to affectively reduce speeding. He
proposed that as bicycle lanes would also be installed, the medians / chicanes should be
designed with a mountable curb to reduce the likelihood of a collision between a car and a
bicycle.
attempt at installing permanent chicanes on a roadway, noting that this type of traffic calming
measure is used extensively throughout North America. He stated that two separate matters
were being raised by the delegations, one concerning the traffic calming measures and the
other pertaining to the future road reconstruction work planned for Glasgow Street. He added
that throughout the entire traffic calming process, it was clearly identified that should residents
not want the proposed traffic calming measure the general road reconstruction work would still
take place; which includes the installation of bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time.
Mr. S. Allen confirmed that the results of the traffic calming process were being used to feed
the design of the road reconstruction. He commented that Engineering staff need to know
what traffic calming measures are being installed to determine if there is sufficient room to
accommodate the sidewalks and bicycle lanes. He stated that a public information session is
anticipated to be held in the Fall of 2013, at which time residents will be given an opportunity to
comment on the design for the road reconstruction. He indicated that even with the traffic
calming measures it has been identified that there would be ample room on the north side of
the road right-of-way to accommodate the inclusion of the proposed sidewalks. Mr.
Carmichael noted a challenge in relation to sidewalks or any infiltration into what residents
believe as being their front-yards, is that this land actually forms -of-way.
Questions were raised as to the possible impact of deferring the proposed traffic calming
measures to allow additional time for public input. Mr. Allen advised that there may not be
sufficient time to hold any additional public information sessions and still meet the established
construction schedule.
On motion, Councillor B. Ioannidis brought the recommendation contained in Report INS-13-
055 forward for consideration.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER
INS-13-055 - GLASGOW STREET TRAFFD)
12.
A motion was brought forward by Councillor Z. Janecki to defer consideration of the installation
of bicycle lanes on Glasgow Street between Westmount Road and Knell Drive, to the June 17,
2013 Community & Infrastructure Services Committee meeting, to allow time for area residents
to be circulated copies of the staff report along with a map depicting the potential re-design of
that section of Glasgow Street.
Carried Unanimously
on a
recorded vote. Councillors B. Vrbanovic and Y. Fernandes were not in attendance for this
portion of the meeting.
Carried
The following motion was then voted on Clause by Clause and was , as amended.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
That a series of two (2) medians and two (2) chicanes be installed on Glasgow Street
between Fischer Hallman Road and Knell Drive; and,
That bicycle lanes be installed on Glasgow Street between Belmont Avenue and
Westmount Road; and,
That consideration of the installation of bicycle lanes on Glasgow Street between
be deferred to the June 17, 2013 Community &
Westmount Road and Knell Drive,
Infrastructure Services Committee meeting
to allow time for staff to circulated to
affected area residents copies of Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-055
along with a map depicting the proposed re-design of that section of Glasgow Street;
and further,
That the Uniform Traffic Control By-law be amended accordingly
Councillor B. Vrbanovic re-entered the meeting at this time.
ROCKWAY CENTRE REPORTS
13.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-051, dated May
16, 2013 regarding the future redevelopment of the Rockway Centre. The Committee was in
receipt of Report CSD-13-047, dated May 14, 2013 outlining the results of the Rockway Centre
Feasibility Study and Business Case. In addition, the Committee was in further receipt of
Report CSD-13-052, dated May 7, 2013 regarding the proposed designation of the Rockway
Gardens and Rockway Centre properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
Mr. M. May advised that the recommendations contained in the staff reports are intended to
strike a balance between a number of various policy objectives and community interests while
at the same time moving toward a long-term vision for the Rockway Centre. He stated that
while the Feasibility Study identified building an addition onto the Forest Heights Community
Centre as the preferred option from a service and program perspective, the reality is that the
City has no funding allocated to accommodate such a project. He added that given the limited
funding available to the City through traditional sources, such as taxes or Development
Charges (DC), staff are recommending that direction be given to explore the possibility of
undertaking a partnership with the private sector for a new modern fully accessible facility on
the Rockway Centre property. He pointed out that while there is no guarantee of success by
engaging the private sector in such a partnership, this has the potential to facilitate building a
new centre that is part of a larger seniors focused redevelopment. He commented that staff
are also recommending that that the heritage value of the Rockway Gardens and Rockway
Centre be recognized through the following three steps: first, the proposed designation of
Rockway Gardens under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; next, list the Rockway Centre on
the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR); and finally, include specific heritage
requirements with respect to the Rockway Centre as part of the Request for Proposals (RFP)
process for the redevelopment of that site. He stressed that what is before the Committee this
date is only the start of what is projected as being a lengthy process. He stated that pending
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ROCKWAY CENTRE RE
13.
direction from Council, staff intend to report back with additional details outlining the process
that will be followed as well as projected costs and the content of the proposed RFP. He
added that multiple opportunities will be afforded to members of Council to provide input into
this process prior to the issuance of the RFP. He noted that Peter Benninger, Coldwell
Banker, was in attendance to address any questions the Committee may have regarding the
development concepts report that he prepared.
Mr. Robert Lockhart, The RETHINK GROUP presented the highlights of the Rockway
Feasibility Study and Business Case, advising that over 2000 people were consulted as part of
this process. He stated that by 2031, approximately 35% of Kitchener residents are
anticipated to be over 50 years old. He commented that from a demand point of view, the
leisure expectations of older adults is changing. He added that although the Rockway Centre
is a focal point for older adult programming, it has significant physical and configuration
challenges, which make it increasingly less capable of meeting the evolving leisure needs of
Rockway Centre even though registration of adult 50+ programming is up at all of the other
community centres that offer those services. He stated that the assets and issues associated
with the Rockway Centre and site, including a facility condition assessment and a cultural
heritage impact assessment were analysed, which resulted in the following eight options:
1. Repair the Rockway Centre and modify the facility to meet accessibility requirements;
2. Expand the Rockway Centre and preserve the heritage exterior of the original building;
3. Replace the Rockway Centre with a purpose-built full service older adult centre on the
same site;
4. Expand and modify Forest Heights Community Centre to incorporate a full service older
adult recreation centre;
5. Build an older adult recreation centre on another site;
6. Build a multi-storey, mixed-use structure, including a full serviced older adult recreation
centre, on another site;
7. Build a multi-storey, mixed-use structure, including a full serviced older adult recreation
centre, as an addition to the Rockway Centre; and,
8. Build a multi-storey, mixed-use structure, including a full serviced older adult recreation
centre, in place of the Rockway Centre, on the same site.
Mr. Lockhart advised that based on a review of all of the existing information, technical input
and analysis, as well as community opinion, Option 4 was identified as the Project T
preferred solution. He stated that this Option provides the most cost effective means of
accommodating hile having
little to no impact on existing programming. He added that the expansion at this site would
evenly distribute the older adult centres, noting that this part of the City has been identified as
having a high concentration of adults over the age of 50.
Mr. David Cuming, MHBC, gave a presentation, which provided an overview of the Heritage
Impact Assessment (HIA) that was completed on the Rockway Centre and Rockway Gardens.
He advised that the HIA concluded that the identified heritage attributes of both sites satisfy all
of the criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest; and therefore, warrants
designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. He noted that this assessment is
supported by Heritage Planning staff as well as Heritage Kitchener.
Mr. Lew Ford advised that he was invited to be a part of the Rockway Project Team as the
representative fro Kitchener Seniors (MACKS). He
commended the methods that were followed by the Project Team in acquiring all of its
information, noting that this resulted in a conclusion that can be tested and validated.
Mr. Harald Drewitz spoke in support of the proposed public / private partnership as a means of
redeveloping the Rockway Centre site. He questioned the justification used by the Project
Team to support the expansion of the Forest Heights Community Centre, suggesting that in his
opinion, such a move was not supported by the overall community. He proposed that if more
space was needed to accommodate the expansion of the Rockway Centre, the City should
consider utilizing a portion of the Rockway Golf Course lands.
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ROCKWAY CENTRE REPOR
13.
Mr. Brian Harvey commented on the role that the Rockway Centre has played with respect to
his adjustment to being retired. He spoke in support of maintaining the heritage value of the
Rockway Centre and Rockway Gardens, noting the importance of retaining both sites.
In response to questions, Mr. Harvey confirmed that he would be amenable to having the older
adult programming displaced for approximately two years, if it meant that the Rockway Centre
would be retained.
Mr. John Arndt suggested that the Rockway Centre, Rockway Gardens and Rockway Golf
Course should all be identified as a cultural heritage landscape. He noted support for retaining
the Rockway Centre and spoke to the heritage significance of the building. He indicated
a desire to eventually see it designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. He
commented that while he is in favour of the proposed public / private partnership, he hopes
that the Rockway Centre would be maintained as it acts as a gateway to this community.
Ms. Kae Elgie, President, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario - North Waterloo Region
Branch, gave a presentation outlining the heritage value of the Rockway Centre as a unique
example of mid-century modern architecture. She spoke in support of the recommendation to
designate Rockway Gardens and asked for the immediate designation of the Rockway Centre
as well. She suggested that if designation of the Rockway Centre was not pursued at this
time, the City should at a minimum develop a conservation plan for the site.
Ms. Elizabeth Gallaher, area resident, addressed the Committee in support of the continued
preservation of the Rockway Centre, Rockway Gardens and Rockway Golf Course. She
commented on the changes that have taken place in the neighbourhood in the vicinity of the
Rockway Centre, adding that there would be a net loss to taxpayers if something were to
happen to that building. She suggested that the City should explore a partnership with the
Region of Waterloo to utilize the building as a tourism centre; thereby ensuring that those
lands remain in public ownership.
In response to questions, Mr. May estimated that this process in its entirety could take
approximately six years, which would include two years for any potential construction. He
advised that while the addition to the Forest Heights Community Centre was identified as the
preferred option from a service and programming perspective, no funds have be budgeted to
accommodate this option; accordingly, it cannot be implemented at this time. He stated that
consideration would be given to that option when the findings of the Rockway Feasibility Study
Development Charges (DC) review. He added that concurrently, work would commence on
the RFP for the Rockway Centre. He clarified that staff are not recommending an addition to
the Forest Heights Community Centre at this time. He further indicated that the work on the
Rockway Feasibility Study and Business Case cost approximately $60,000., the HIA cost
$18,000., and the development concepts report cost $15,000. for a total of $93,000. He
acknowledged that the project started with a more limited scope and as the Project Team
moved forward additional options arose that necessitated the use of additional resources.
Questions were raised regarding the composition of the Project Team. Mr. Lockhart advised
that the Project Team was made up of four community members, including two Rockway
members, one member from MACKS and one Neighbourhood Association representative as
well as the Ward Councillor and ten members of staff. He stated that when the Project Team
presented the options to the community, approximately 150 people attended the initial open
house at the Rockway Centre. He added that 650 people participated in a survey which rated
the various options. He stated that the results of that survey identified Option 3 as the
preferred solution followed very closely by Option 4. He noted that the Project Team factored
all of this into its reasoning when selecting its preferred option.
advised that listing is a temporary measure, which affords protection against demolition. He
added that it also recognises some of the cultural heritage value and significance of the
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ROCKWAY CENTRE REPOR
13.
property. He stated that while in his opinion the Rockway Centre is worthy of designation,
when taken into consideration within the broader scope of challenges and issues related to this
site it is reasonable to only list the property at this time.
In response to questions regarding the public / private partnership, Mr. May advised that a final
would not be made until the details of such a
partnership has been worked out. He stated that given the limited amount of funding available
to the City for this project, the value of the land would most likely comprise the largest portion
of the Cnancial contribution. He pointed out that repairs to existing facilities are not
eligible to be funded through DCs, clarifying that those repairs would need to be
accommodated through the tax base. He estimated that it was unlikely that the RFP would be
released by the end of this year.
Questions were raised regarding the funding available to maintain the existing facility. Ms. C.
Fletcher advised that a general provision account exists within the 10-Year Capital Forecast to
keep the Rockway Centre operational. She stated that depending on the direction given this
date, Facilities Management as well as Program and Resource Services staff will map out a
distinct maintenance plan for the Rockway Centre. She estimated that as part of the Capital
Budget process additional funding may need to be added to the general provision account for
the Rockway Centre. She clarified that the City does not currently have $1.5M earmarked for
the Rockway Centre or any other City facility. She agreed to provide additional information on
this matter prior to the June 10, 2013 Council meeting.
Further questions were raised as to whether the listing of the Rockway Centre on the MHR
would limit its marketability as part of a public / private partnership. Mr. May advised that there
are varied opinions on that matter, noting several examples within Downtown Kitchener where
a listed property was successfully redeveloped.
Mr. Peter Benninger estimated that from the perspective of the development community, there
is no differenc
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. He added that in his opinion, undertaking either
could impact the number of proposals the City might receive. He stated that the RFP needs to
provide certainty, which could include a list of the specific feature that should be preserved.
He noted that this would be a preferred alternative to listing and/or designating the property.
Mr. L. Bensason further advised that he is not aware of any evidence that indicates listing on
the MHR impacts the value of a property. He confirmed that there is nothing that would
prevent Council from pursuing listing or designation of the Rockway Centre following the
completion of the RFP process.
On motion, Councillor F. Etherington brought the recommendation contained in Report CSD-
13-051 forward for consideration.
Councillor S. Davey acknowledged that while there may be some historical value associated
with the Rockway Centre, it was not originally constructed to accommodate older adult
programming. He stated that, in his opinion, if the City were to pursue the designation of the
Rockway Centre under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act it could result in a less functional
redevelopment of the site. He expressed concerns that pursuing designation would increase
the costs associated with the future redevelopment of the Rockway Centre.
On motion, Councillor Davey brought forward several amendments proposing to strike out the
Clauses pertaining to listing and designation of the Rockway Centre under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act, as well as adding a clause stipulating that through the RFP process,
special consideration should be given to proposals that incorporate the heritage elements of
the Rockway Centre.
the City owns the Rockway Centre, it retains control over the redevelopment process and
could pursue designation sometime in the future. In addition, this could provide more flexibility
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 60 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ROCKWAY CENTRE REPOR
13.
in terms of the proposals that are submitted to redevelop the site. It was noted that further
weighting could be given to the evaluation criteria towards the preservation of the historical
aspects of the building.
Carried
on a recorded vote, with
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway-Sealock, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, S.
Davey, B. Vrbanovic and P. Singh voting in favour; and Councillors J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki and
F. Etherington voting in opposition. Councillor Y. Fernandes was not in attendance at this
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
The following motion was on a recorded vote by all members present.
On motion by Councillor F. Etherington -
it was resolved:
Services Department report CSD-13-047, be received for information and staff be
directed to undertake the following actions prior to a final decision being rendered on
this matter:
Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) Update and Development Charges (DC)
review for prioritization against other recreational needs within the community;
and,
gather all relevant information and begin the Request for Proposals (RFP)
process for the redevelopment of the Rockway Centre (736 Charles Street East /
1405 King Street East) into a medium-to-high density residential building that
includes a ground floor older adult/community centre (to be operated by the
municipality with the option to own), as well as possible ancillary medical/dental,
retail or office type uses; and,
through the RFP process, special consideration be given to proposals that
incorporate the heritage elements of the Rockway Centre; and,
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish
a Notice of Intention to designate the property known as the Rockway Gardens (7 Floral
Crescent and 1405 King Street East) as being of cultural heritage value and interest,
with specific recognition given to Rockway Gardens being identified as a cultural
heritage landscape; and further,
That the Rockway Centre facility remain in its current configuration (i.e. without making
any significant renovations or upgrades), and be maintained to a reasonable standard
that is inline with other municipally owned facilities, until a final decision has been
implemented for the long-
A motion was then brought forward by Councillor B. Ioannidis to direct staff to investigate a
strategy for additional seniors' programming in strategically located community centres across
the City as part of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan (LFMP) update, which should include the
possibility of public / private partnerships for those strategic locations.
questioning the intent of directing staff to undertake a City-wide examination of the potential for
a similar public / private partnership, when such research may never be needed. It was
suggested that it was premature to undertake such an examination at this time.
Councillor Ioannidis advised that the Rockway Ce
programming, adding that there is an identified need for more space to accommodate these
change, the need for these services will only increase; accordingly, it makes sense to
COMMUNITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE
MAY 27, 2013 - 61 - CITY OF KITCHENER
ROCKWAY CENTRE REPOR
13.
undertake this examination as to how this additional programming could be offered as part of
the LFMP update. He commented that it is not being proposed that construction should
immediately commence on these new facilities; rather, the LFMP provides a long-term
perspective in terms of the items that the City should be planning for in the future.
Carried
The following motion was voted on and was on a recorded vote, with Mayor C. Zehr
and Councillors K. Galloway-Sealock, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic
and P. Singh voting in favour; and Councillors J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki and F. Etherington voting
in opposition. Councillor Y. Fernandes was not in attendance at this meeting.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis -
it was resolved:
effective utilization of existing space, for additional seniors' programming in strategically
located community centres across the City as part of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan
(LFMP) update; and further,
That staff be directed to investigate possible public / private partnerships for those
ADJOURNMENT
14.
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:29 p.m.
C. Goodeve
Committee Administrator