HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-07 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2015 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Ms. B. Glenn-Graham-Chair
Councillors J. Gazzola and Z. Janecki, Ms. M. Bell, S. Halapija and Messrs. P. Ciuciura, S.
Miladinovic, B. Page, S. Thomson, M. Timmerman and G. Zeilstra.
Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator of Cultural Heritage Resources
M. Drake, Heritage Planner
D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator
1. CSD-15-035 - LISTING OF NEW NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL
HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE
REGISTER
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-035, dated
February 25, 2015 recommending listing various properties on the Municipal Heritage Register
(MHR). Ms. M. Drake advised that the Report number had been changed from CSD-15-023 as
listed on the Agenda to CSD-15-035 to correct an administrative error.
Ms. M. Drake presented the Report advising of the 4-Step Listing Process used for evaluation
of properties for inclusion on the Municipal Heritage Register as non-designated properties of
cultural heritage value or interest. She stated that 21 of the properties being considered this
date were previously identified on the Heritage Kitchener Inventory of Historic Buildings and
have been recommended by both the field team and the evaluation sub-committee to be listed,
and 6 properties were newly identified properties of cultural heritage interest and have been
recommended by both the field team and the evaluation sub-committee to be listed. She
reviewed the community engagement process as detailed in the Report and advised that five
property owners had submitted correspondence to staff. She provided an overview of the
comments received which are included in the Report as Appendix `C' and reviewed each
property being considered this date in terms of the design/physical, associative/historical and
contextual values.
Ms. Drake advised that property owners of 825 King Street West have requested a deferral of
consideration of listing the property as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or
interest on the MHR in order to consider their position and submit comments to staff.
In response to questions, Ms. Drake advised that the Open House held on February 10, 2015
was scheduled for all of the properties being considered this year and was attended by a total
of 24 property owners, including 2 or 3 from the group of properties being considered this date.
Mr. Robert Klink, 43-45 Highland Road, was in attendance and did not express any concerns
regarding the listing of his property as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or
interest on the MHR.
Ms. Kae Elgie, President, Architectural Conservancy Ontario-North Waterloo Region Branch,
addressed the Committee in support of staff's recommendation to list the 27 properties
identified in Report CSD-15-023 on the MHR. She indicated support for the inclusion of many
buildings that are of mid-century modern and mid-century vernacular architectural style.
Councillor J. Gazzola brought forward a motion to defer consideration of 825 King Street West
to the Heritage Kitchener of May 5, 2015, as requested by the property owner, to allow
additional time to submit comments to Heritage Planning staff.
Councillor Gazzola's motion was then voted on and was Carried.
Councillor Z. Janecki brought forward the recommendation within Report CSD-15-023, save
and except 825 King Street West.
It was noted that the following recommendation would be considered at the April 27, 2015
Council meeting.
HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2015 -9 - CITY OF KITCHENER
1. CSD-15-035 - LISTING OF NEW NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL
HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE
REGISTER (CONT'D)
On motion by Councillor Z. Janecki -
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,
as outlined in Appendix 'A'of Community Services Department report CSD-15-035:
• 141 Borden Avenue North;
• 40 Bridge Street West;
• 255 Carwood Avenue;
• 442 Caryndale Drive;
• 98 Corfield Drive;
• 255 Fischer Hallman Road;
• 31 Herbert Street;
• 43 Highland Road West;
• 135 Highland Road West;
• 10 Huron Road;
• 300 Lookout Lane;
• Old Mill Road (Ferrie Mill);
• 1755 Old Mill Road;
• 105 Onward Avenue;
• 754 Queen Street South;
• 834 Queens Boulevard;
• 5 Rusholme Road;
• 44 Rusholme Road;
• 285 Simeon Street,
• 100 St. Leger Street;
• 394 Stirling Avenue South;
• 396-398 Stirling Avenue South;
• 217 Strange Street;
• 265 Weber Street East;
• 278 Weber Street East; and,
• 49 Woolwich Street."
2. HERITAGE STATUS OF 79 MOORE AVENUE -DISCUSSION
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-041
recommending designation of 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68 Shanley Street under Part IV of the
Ontario Heritage Act (Sacred Heart Church, Rectory, Convent and Former Pastor Residence).
The Committee was in receipt this date of the Report which was circulated to the members via
email on April 2, 2015.
Mr. L. Bensason presented the Report advising that the subject property was listed in June
2013 as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the Municipal
Heritage Register (MHR). He explained that the principal resources that contribute to the
heritage value of the property are the church, convent, the rectory and the residential building
located at the property's far west end. He stated that these resources are recognized as
having design/physical, associative/historical and contextual values and reviewed each of
these attributes. He advised that a demolition application has been submitted for the former
convent building located on the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church property to gain needed
surface parking; and, that although the Diocese has offered to defer the acting on the
demolition for a period of time, once a demolition permit is issued the City loses the ability to
prevent the demolition and loss of the heritage resource. He stated that a Building Condition
Assessment has been completed which indicates that the convent building is not structurally
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2. HERITAGE STATUS OF 79 MOORE AVENUE—DISCUSSION (CONT'D)
unsound or unstable but would require approximately 1.75M to repair, and advised that staff is
requesting a peer review of the Assessment. Mr. Bensason advised that Staff have made
inquiries to the Region of Waterloo regarding the potential interest in using the convent for
affordable housing. He stated that the Regional Director of Housing has advised that former
convent buildings have potential to provide shared accommodation space, which is needed in
the Region, and that a tour of the building has been organized. Mr. Bensason noted that the
Diocese has been cooperative in making the building accessible to interested parties.
Mr. Bensason reviewed the heritage status of the property advising that under the Ontario
Heritage Act, the owner of a property listed on the MHR may not remove a building unless the
owner provides written notice of their intention to demolish along with plans and any additional
information required. He explained that once the notice, plans and information is received, a 60
day timeframe commences whereby the City must decide whether to pursue a heritage
designation as a means of preventing the demolition. He stated that May 8, 2015 represents
sixty days from the date when the application to demolish the convent building was received by
the City's Building Division. He indicated that Heritage Planning staff are of the opinion that the
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church property meets the criteria for designation under Part IV
of the Ontario Heritage Act, and should be designated at this time to prevent the demolition of
the former convent building.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Bensason clarified that a peer review of the
building assessment will examine minimum standards to protect heritage elements from
deterioration. He stated that the designation of the property does not require repair or
undertake adaptive reuse and only maintains minimum property standards. He advised the
Committee that Staff has been communicating with the Diocese through correspondence as
well as in meetings, which began with a letter detailing implications of the demolition
application, as the subject property is listed on the MHR. He explained that he has
communicated with the Diocese regarding the Heritage Kitchener meeting this date.
With regard to the potential adaptive reuse of the convent, Mr. Bensason indicated that Region
of Waterloo Housing staff have shown interest and will tour the building to understand layout
and condition, and will consider the next steps including potential funding. Ms. M. Drake
elaborated that there are a number of groups that have funding available but are without sites
or buildings.
Mr. Bensason responded to questions regarding the current parking situation for Sacred Heart
Church advising that there are seven spaces. In addition, the Diocese has an agreement with
the school board to utilize the parking lot at the adjacent school, and noted that until recently
staff was unaware of the urgent need for parking.
Ms. Kae Elgie, President, Architectural Conservancy Ontario-North Waterloo Region Branch,
addressed the Committee in support of staff's recommendation to designate the subject
property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. She expressed appreciation at the
opportunity to comment and stated that the ACO strongly supports the designation of the
property as it is of cultural heritage interest and advised that Sacred Heart Roman Catholic
Convent was designed by renowned architect, John McLeon Watt. In addition, Ms. Elgie
circulated a sketch of alternative parking arrangements that could be incorporated on to the
site and would not require demolition of the building.
Ms. Charlotte Woodley, Area Resident, addressed the Committee in support of the
recommendation to designate the property. She stated that she lives directly across from the
convent and is in support of adaptive reuse for social housing as it represents the diversity
within the community. She expressed appreciation for the detail contained within the Report
and stated that the property is unique in that it commemorates the polish community and
illustrates the diversity of the community. She elaborated that the convent is part of the
campus context within the neighbourhood, particularly as it is abutting the landmarks of
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2. HERITAGE STATUS OF 79 MOORE AVENUE—DISCUSSION (CONT'D)
cemetery, church and school. She emphasized that the site offers regional significance and it
is important to keep all of the buildings together to preserve the history of the entire property.
Ms. Kathy Mortimer, Area Resident, addressed the Committee in support of the designation
advising that she represents many neighbours that were unable to be in attendance. She
provided historical context and confirmed the tradition of the church, stating that her uncle was
the son of early polish immigrants and recently told her about bringing bread to the convent
many years ago. She stated that the Church will be 100 years old this year and expressed
concern that demolishing the convent for 20 parking spots is a short term solution. She
explained that as the neighbourhood continues to change and conversions take place in the
area, parking will continue to be at a premium. She indicated that a Secondary Plan for the
area would guide the future development of the area and protect the vision of the community.
She encouraged the City to help the Church leverage the potential benefits of the site, similar
to the City of Montreal which facilitated the preservation of a cathedral. She also noted that
there should be an immediate communication plan with the neighbours and the partners,
particularly if there is a timeline associated with permits, to improve communication in order to
learn about other opportunities.
Mr. Greg Burns, Area Resident, appeared in support of the recommendation and encouraged
the Committee to approve staffs recommendation to designate the convent. He expressed
appreciation of the historical character of the Sacred Heart buildings and would like the
character of the neighbourhood preserved. He indicated that he lives in very close proximity to
the Church and acknowledged that parking is an issue which causes congestion in the area,
but stated that as a neighbour he is willing to deal with the issues if it means preserving the
building. He advised that he is in support of adaptive reuse of the convent and sees it as an
opportunity for the community.
It was noted that the following recommendation would be considered at the April 13, 2015
Council meeting.
On motion by Councillor Z. Janecki -
it was resolved:
"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 79 Moore Avenue and
54-68 Shanley Street, as being of cultural heritage value and interest, as outlined in
Community Services Department report CSD-15-041."
3. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Daphne Livingstone
Committee Administrator