HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2015-05-05 - Council Minutes regarding 79 Moore Ave - 54-68 Shanley St COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 13,2015 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Council of the City of Kitchener met this date with all members present. Councillor B. loannidis
was in attendance for part of the meeting.
1.COMMENCEMENT—
The meeting began with the singing of"O Canada" by the Carmel New Church School Choir.
2. MINUTES—
On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes, the minutes of the regular meeting held March 23, 2015 and
special meetings held March 23&30 and April 2, 2015, as mailed to the Mayor and Councillors, were
accepted.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF—NIL
4.COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE—NIL
5. PRESENTATIONS—
5.a. Certificates of Service
Ms. J. Ouellette, Facilitator of Volunteer Resources, gave a presentation celebrating the 2015
National Volunteer week and thanked the thousands of volunteers who give of their time to positively
contribute to the community.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged the following individuals as recipients of the City's Certificate of
Service which recognizes service on special Committees and Boards:
Certificates of Service
Allan Hoch
Earl McCluskie
Sean Puckett
Gary Tomic
Richard Wagner
Arthur Lise
Holly Duff
Mary Sehl
Peter Walberg
Eric Johnson
Kristen Porritt
Brendan Sheehan
John Stevens
5.1b. United Way`2014 Community Impact Award'
Mr. M. Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and Services, advised the City of Kitchener
along with Carizon Family and Community Services jointly won the United Way of KW & Area `2014
Community Impact Award'.
5.c. Canadian Cancer Society—Daffodil Month
Ms. Diane Hawrylenko and Karen Griffiths, Canadian Cancer Society (Waterloo Region), addressed
Council regarding the Society's community initiatives in the coming months and presented daffodil
pins as part of the 'Daffodil Month' campaign.
6, DELEGATIONS—
Designation of 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68 Shanley Street
Council considered Community Services Department report CSD-15-041, dated April 2, 2015
recommending the designation of the property known as 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68 Shanley Street
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; listed as Item 1 on the Heritage Kitchener report. Mr. L.
4 - 1
COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 13, 2015 -61 - CITY OF KITCHENER
Bensason, Co-ordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning, presented the report, advising the Diocese of
Hamilton has provided written confirmation they will be withdrawing the application to demolish the
former convent at Sacred Heart Church. He stated the withdrawal of the demolition application is
meant to provide the Diocese and the City time to find a solution that would address the needs of the
Diocese while conserving the former convent building. He indicated staff had previously proposed to
the Diocese that if they withdrew the demolition application, then in an act of good faith City staff
would abandon the immediate efforts to designate the Sacred Heart Church property. He added staff
is of the opinion this approach is preferred and will assist in building a positive working relationship
with the Diocese moving forward. He continues to believe this building has good potential for
adaptive re-use and is encouraged by the responses received from Joe Mancini of The Working
Centre and the Regional Director of Housing Services, both of whom expressed an interest in
possibly using the building and the potential of this site for affordable and supportive housing options.
Mr. Bensason outlined that as a result and in light of this new information, notwithstanding the
recommendation made in Report CSD 15-041, Heritage Planning staff are now recommending
Council take no action on the recommendation to publish a notice of intention to designate.
In response to questions, Mr. Bensason advised this approach would still enable City Council to
consider a heritage designation at some point in the future, including a designation in response to
another application to demolish,should there be such a situation.
Bishop Douglas Crosby, the Diocese of Hamilton, addressed Council confirming the Diocese has
withdrawn its demolition permit application for the subject property. He advised the convent has not
been used for that purpose for nearly 30 years, adding the building condition assessment identified it
as being in a great state of disrepair. He indicated that Sacred Heart Church only has seven parking
spaces and requires additional parking to accommodate parishioners. He noted while he would
oppose any future attempts to designate the subject property, he looks forward to working with the
City to find a solution to this matter.
Ms. Kay Elgie, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario — North Waterloo Branch, addressed Council in
support of the proposed designation of 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68 Shanley Street as being of
cultural heritage value and interest. She submitted a proposal to accommodate the addition of 20
parking spaces to the subject property without demolishing the convent.
Mr. Patrick Kraemer circulated correspondence to Council, which outlines his support for the
designation of 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68 Shanley Street. He noted as an area resident it would be
a significant loss to the community if this building was permitted to be demolished.
Ms. Charlotte Woodley expressed her support of the preservation of 79 Moore Avenue and 54-68
Shanley Street through designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
In response to questions, Mr. M. May, Deputy CAO — Community Services, agreed staff would
endeavor to work with the Diocese to explore the parking issues related to the subject site.
Moved by Councillor S. Marsh
Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider
"That no action be taken at this time 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."
Carried Unanimously on a recorded vote.
6.a. Democracy and Accountability Issues
Ms. Moira Magee addressed Council expressing concerns with the City's policy related to the
handling of utility arrears.
6.b. Chris Farrell, Manager,Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Ms. Chris Farrell, Manager,Waterloo Region Small Business Centre,gave a summary of the Centre's
2014 activities, which included responding to 15,715 inquiries and assisting with the creation of 460
start-ups.
4 - 2