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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-03 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3.2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:03 p.m. Present: Mr. G. Zeilstra-Chair Councillors F. Etherington and Ms. E. Rudland, Ms. Glenn-Graham, Ms. M. Heath and Messrs. J. Stevens, S. Thomson, S. and S. Burrows. Staff: Ms. P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services Ms. M. Drake, Heritage Planner Ms. D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator 1. CSD-13-110 - LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-110, dated November 18, 2013 recommending listing various properties on the Municipal Heritage Register. Ms. M. Drake reviewed the report. With regard to 69 Agnes Street, Mr. G. Zeilstra advised that Heritage Planning staff is in receipt of correspondence from the new property owner requesting a deferral of consideration of listing the property on the Municipal Heritage Register for six months. He indicated that Ms. Drake has confirmed support of staff of the request defer consideration of the matter to the Heritage Kitchener meeting on June 3, 2014. Mr. Zeilstra referred to 10 Bingeman Street stating that the property owners have spoken with staff resulting in a revision to the Statement of Significance to exclude the garage in order that they pursue its removal. Mr. Zeilstra advised that 31-43 Cedar Street North should also reference 187-189 Duke Street, and clarified that the Statement of Significance for Cedar Street also identifies the Duke Street addresses. He stated staff has advised that all owners of the properties have been notified. Ms. Drake elaborated that the recommendation within the report should be modified to identify the Duke Street addresses as well as the 31-43 Cedar Street, as there are a collective of nine properties that should be recognized for cultural heritage value or interest. With regard to 40 College Street, Ms. Drake indicated that she has communicated with the property owner who had a number of questions regarding the process of listing the property on the Municipal Heritage Register and designating under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. She advised that the property owner did not have any objections to the listing of 40 College Street. In response to questions, Ms. Drake stated that they are being considered based on the evaluation of the Heritage Kitchener Inventory by the Field Team Evaluation Sub-Committee as well as the Planning Around Rapid Transit (PARTS) Project. She noted that the process is lengthy, with the Field Team evaluation of approximately 200 properties and 40 additional properties which have been identified through PARTS to go through the 4-Step Listing Process. Mr. Bill Rietzel appeared in opposition of the timeframe for listing 31-43 Cedar Street North, stating he was not provided with adequate time to respond to the Notice. He explained that he was in receipt of correspondence dated October 30, 2013, and received November 7, 2013 which indicated delegations were to register to appear before the Committee by the November 15, 2013. He expressed concern that he has no choice if his property were to be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register and feels pressure due to the the Light Rail Transit and intensification of the core. He expressed opposition to listing the property until he has further time to obtain information on the impact of listing the property. Mr. David McLaren, owner of 33 Cedar Street North and 39 Cedar Street North, expressed similar concern with the timing provided for the listing of the properties on the Municipal Heritage Register. He indicated that he was not aware the property was being considered for possible designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. He inquired if there is pressure to designate or list properties because of the light rail system. Ms. Drake responded that the properties have been re-prioritized in the central area, noting that staff has been working through the listing process for a number of years. Mr. McLaren stated that although he supports the designation of heritage buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act, he would like to HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3.2013 -32 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-13-110 - LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER (CONT'D) request additional time to consider the impact of listing his properties on the Municipal Heritage Register. Mr. Rietzel responded to questions from the Committee advising that although Ms. Drake had responded to his inquiry regarding the 4-Step Listing Process, he would like to request additional time for education and information. Ms. Drake advised that there are options to deal with the listing of the row houses at 31-43 Cedar Street North and 187-189 Duke Street East: the row house complex can be considered separately; deferral of the whole complex; deferral of the units owned by Messrs. Rietzel and McLaren; or, proceeding not to list. She stated that should the Committee defer the listing, she would meet with the owners to provide information on listing the property on the Municipal Heritage Register and designating under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as well as the steps involved. She reiterated that recommendations from Heritage Kitchener would require formal approval by Council in January 2014. Mr. Zeilstra noted that the owner of 69 Agnes Street has requested deferral of consideration by Heritage Kitchener until June 3, 2014 and indicated that it may be an appropriate timeframe for the Cedar Street North and Duke Street row houses as well. Ms. E. Rudland suggested that staff speak with all of the property owners to provide additional information on the process. On motion by Mr. S. Burrows- it was resolved: "That the listing of 69 Agnes Street, 187-189 Duke Street East, and 31-43 Cedar Street as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Registered be deferred for consideration by Heritage Kitchener on or before June 3, 2014." On motion by Ms. E. Rudland - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the following properties be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register each as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest, in accordance with the respective Statement of Significance attached as Appendix 'A'to Community Services Department report CSD-13-110: • 8-16 Arthur Place; • 10 Bingeman Street; • 142 Church Street; • 40 College Street; • 46-56 College Street; • 63 Courtland Avenue East; • 107 Courtland Avenue East; • 160 Courtland Avenue East; • 283 Duke Street West; • 286 Duke Street West; • 400 East Avenue; • 33 Eby Street South; • 181 Frederick Street; • 67 King Street East; • 69 King Street East; • 3570 King Street East; • 914 King Street West; • 148 Madison Avenue South; • 13-15 Oak Street; • 86 Victoria Street South; and further, HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3.2013 -33 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. CSD-13-110 - LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER (CONT'D) That the 4-Step Listing Process, as previously outlined in Staff Report DTS-05-213 and DTS-09-160, be refined for the purposes of the Planning Around Rapid Transit Stations (PARTS) project to use existing resource material, where available and if appropriate, in lieu of developing an updated, full Statement of Significance." 2. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT(HIA) -30-40 MARGARET AVENUE - PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING The Committee considered the Heritage Impact Assessment for 30-40 Margaret Avenue for a proposed residential building. Ms. Drake gave an overview of the property advising that the ownership of the property has changed since 2008 and a new Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) proposing residential development is before the Committee for comments this date. Mr. Owen Scott gave a presentation stating that a prior conditionally approved HIA took place in 2008 and a scoped HIA was required for setbacks from streets and side yards. He reviewed the changes in the proposal, noting that the original structures have been demolished, and provided an overview of the historical setting of the location. He explained the configuration of the proposed residential building in context of the guiding principles for heritage conservation. He reviewed the parking requirements stating that 16 spaces would be in the rear of the building with the remaining parking in a two-level parking garage with southern entry. He noted that a number of trees would not be preserved to accommodate the development but that all trees on the rear and northern property lines would be identified for conservation in the tree conservation plan. Mr. James Fry,Architect, responded to questions advising that the initial proposal was for 210 units which has since been reduced to 200 units. Mr. Burrows indicated an appreciation for the detail but inquired if the entranceway could be emphasized in the design. He expressed concern about the trees that would be removed and asked for conservation, regardless of the cost, as the trees had likely been there for hundreds of years. Mr. Scott responded that the three street trees would be preserved as would all of the trees at the north and rear of the property. He indicated that other options that would impact the building footprint, thereby preserving trees such as increasing the height of the building would not be conducive to the Heritage Conservation District. He also pointed out that a number of trees have not been well cared for and indicated that some trees would be replaced. Ms. Glenn-Graham inquired about community engagement related to the development and the implications of the increased traffic on the neighbourhood as a whole. Mr. Scott responded that the original proposal had received community input but the revised proposal had not. With regard to parking, he stated that there is one entrance to the underground parking lot and limited surface parking on the north end of the site which would accommodate a maximum of 16 cars. He indicated that the original design scheme had proposed a ramp with very high retaining walls with the new proposal set back further from the Queen Anne house in order to reduce impact to the neighbouring property. In response to further questions, Mr. Fry indicated that the parking ratio is about 1.45 to 1.5 per dwelling unit so approximately 300 spaces would be underground. Ms. Lisa Langweider appeared in support of the development but expressed a number of concerns related to the proximity to the Queen Anne house and the impact the increased traffic would have on the neighbourhood. She stated that her home is a Group `A' Heritage Home and would like the developers to consider an alternative design with a greater sideyard setback to reduce the shadow and impact to the property and neighbourhood. Ms. Drake noted that all comments received from the Committee can be conveyed to the applicant for consideration during the site plan process. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3.2013 -34- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT(HIA) -30-40 MARGARET AVENUE - PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING (CONT'D) Mr. Larry Masseo, Activa Group, responded to questions on behalf of the developer. He advised that that there was tremendous amount of public engagement when the original development application was before the Committee and Council prior to 2008. He stated that the site has been zoned for a number of years,with tight regulations to guide development. He noted that the site is within the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District (HCD) with conservation and preservation guidelines, and stated that Activa Group has purchased the property and is working within the guidelines of the site specific zoning and HCD. In response to questions, Mr. Masseo stated there was a side setback in the previous design due to the mansard roof. He reiterated that the proposed design fits within the existing zoning and does not impose any additional impact in terms of shadow. He stated that the footprint of the building has been reduced but achieves a certain level of development required for the site. Ms. B. Glenn-Graham expressed the concern that the impact of the development has not been properly assessed and encouraged more public engagement as the process moves forward. Mr. Masseo acknowledged her concerns and indicated he would consider all comments and appropriate changes that could work or result in an accepted design. 3. VICTORIA PARK PRESENTATION Ms. Drake introduced the Victoria Park Statue Project stating that as Victoria Park is within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District, Heritage Kitchener is being presented with an initial opportunity to learn about the project and provide feedback. She indicated that Heritage Planning staff will require a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and a Heritage Permit Application (HPA)which will be brought to Heritage Kitchener for consideration. Messrs. David Caputo and Jim Rodger gave a presentation detailing the project, advising that the proposal is to procure and install life size statues of Canada's Prime Ministers in Victoria Park Commons to coincide with the 2017 sesquicentennial. Mr. Caputo described the inception of the project for statues of the prime ministers in Canada indicating that the Hon. David Johnston supports the project and fits in to the concept of celebrating leadership. He stated that it is a three-part project which includes an open source curriculum relative to Prime Ministers. He indicated that Desire to Learn has expressed an interest in participating in the project. He noted that the second part of the project is the statue park — A Celebration of Leadership at Victoria Park; and thirdly, the securing of recasting rights for recreating the statues. He described the vision of the Commissions, noting that each statue would be highly detailed and unique with hidden meanings or symbols with historical accuracy. He stated that there will be four working groups with extensive public consultation, noting that there have been many endorsements for the project thus far. Ms. Pauline Houston appeared as the Staff Liaison to bring the project forward. She advised that Planning &Strategic Initiative Committee members have approved the recommendation to table the proposal for public consultation, with detailed design, HIA and HPA's still required. She encouraged the Committee to provide feedback and input on the proposal that could be incorporated in to the detailed design, noting that the HIA and HPA will be submitted in Spring 2014. Ms. M. Heath indicated that there is exceptional value in the educational benefits but expressed concern that the statues would be located in Victoria Park, as it is a place of open space and natural beauty. She suggested that the project would be better suited to a different location. Mr. Caputo responded advising that the project could be located anywhere and pointed out that the statues would be the size of humans. Mr. J. Stevens spoke in support of the proposal, stating that it is fitting with the heritage concept and is hopeful the project will work. Ms. E. Rudland expressed excitement for the project and inquired if the statues could be spread throughout the entire park. Mr. Caputo responded that during the detailed site plan the exact locations will be determined; however, he noted the vision is not to have them in a static HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3.2013 -35- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. VICTORIA PARK PRESENTATION (CONT'D) straight line and that they could be placed unobtrusively throughout the park. Mr. S. Burrows spoke in support of the project and indicated the idea is tremendous and linked with history and would work with the vistas and walk within the park. Mr. Caputo reiterated that the project would be completed in a non-partisan way. Mr. Burrows suggested expanding the idea to scatter the statues through-out the park and congratulated the delegation on the success thus far on the funding. 4. APPOINTMENT TO HERITAGE KITCHENER -ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE Ms. Livingstone circulated copies of the subject application in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act(MFIPPA). On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - It was resolved: "That Kerry Kirby be appointed to Heritage Kitchener as the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District representative for a term ending November 30, 2014." 5. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. Daphne Livingstone Committee Administrator