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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2004-04-06HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 6, 2004 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. Z. Janecki, Chair Ms. J. Armstrong Ms. L. Harris Ms. D. Kuehl Ms. A. Moore Mr. F. Bishop Mr. J. Countryman Mr. K. Kirby Mr. M. Stranz Staff: L. Bensason, Heritage Planner P. Bacon, Senior Development Officer D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. VICTORIA PARK- PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE BOATHOUSE Ms. P. Bacon advised the Committee that the City has issued a request for a proposal for the Boathouse in Victoria Park. Mr. D. Brzak and Mr. S. Maslam have submitted a proposal to operate a restaurant in the Boathouse; and, although their proposal has not yet been accepted by City Council, they are coming forward today with a preliminary proposal as to how they would like to alter the Boathouse should their proposal be accepted by the City. It is understood that the Boathouse is located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, and a Heritage Permit Application will be required before any alterations to the building take place. However, the proponents do not wish to make formal application at this time as their proposal has not yet been accepted, and their plans are not yet finalized. Mr. Brzak circulated a computer generated sketch of a proposed two storey terrace addition to the Boathouse, showing its location at the rear of the Boathouse over the Victoria Park Lake. He explained the proponent is paying a great deal of attention to the fascade and look of the building, which he intends to operate as a high end restaurant and bar. In addition to the two- storey terrace, the proponent will be undertaking interior renovations. Mr. Bensason advised that the Boathouse is not an historic building, having been constructed in 1967, after the previous Boathouse was destroyed by fired. He noted the roofline on the Boathouse is completely different than the one on the original Boathouse. Mr. Bensason explained the Ontario Heritage Act requires the submission of a Heritage Permit Application because Victoria Park is located within the Heritage Conservation District. If significant alterations are to be made to the building they must be in keeping with the Romantic Style of the Park. The terrace must be in keeping with the overall style of the Park, and he suggested the possibility that it contain some of the design elements of the gazebo on the island in the Park. Ms. Armstrong voiced her concern with the two storey terrace, particularly the upper level, and the effect it will have on views and vistas in the Park, and on the Romantic Style of the Park. Ms. Armstrong questioned what the views of the Park would be from the upper level of the terrace, and the views of the two storey terrace from various places in the Park. She noted that vistas, or outlooks, are important within the Romantic Landscape, and this is more true of the upper level than the lower level of the terrace. Mr. F. Bishop requested that the proposal presented to the Committee this date be presented to the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association. Ms. Bacon questioned how the impact of the views would be assessed. Mr. Bensason responded that the proponents should be aware that the City is very interested in bringing people to the Victoria Park, and that City staff, Heritage Kitchener, and the proponents can work together on their proposal. However, the proposal should respect and reflect the Romantic Landscape Style of the Park. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6~ 2004 - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. VICTORIA PARK - PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE BOATHOUSE (CONT'D) Mr. Bensason pointed out other matters which must be taken into consideration as well as the Romantic Landscape Style: impact on the neighbourhood, noise in the Park in the evening, lighting, illumination, and signage. 1021 DOON VILLAGE ROAD- FUTURE RENOVATIONS- TOUR OF THE PROPERTY Mr. L. Bensason displayed images of the property and house at 1021 Doon Village Road, being the birthplace of the painter Homer Watson, the property being located in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. He advised that the new owner is contemplating renovations to the house and would like to have preliminary discussions with this Committee in this regard. He advised that the owner has invited Committee members to have a tour of the property. Mr. Bensason agreed to arrange the tour one day between April 13-27, 2004. Members were requested to notify the Committee Administrator as to what dates and times they are available. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS - SIGNAGE Mr. Bensason advised that thematic signage has been installed in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, with the sign containing the logo of the Clock Tower. Signage should now be erected in Upper Doon and the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District. He displayed images of the proposed sign with the logo on the sign for the St. Mary's District being a Poppy, and on the Upper Doon signage being the Doon Twines Mill. The Committee reviewed a map of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District with proposed sign locations noted. Mr. Bensason advised that in addition to the thematic street signage, entrance signs were also proposed. He also advised that due to budget cuts, all of the signs previously intended cannot be installed, and requested the Committee review the previously proposed locations, and reduce the number. The Committee recommended thematic signage to be placed in the following locations in Upper Doon: Doon Village Road at Doonbrook Place, Doon Village Road at Tilt Drive, Doon Village Road across from the intersection with Oregon Drive, Doon Village Road across from the intersection with Wilfong Drive, and two signs on Doon South Drive on either side of its intersection with Doon Village Road. Two wooden entrance signs, containing an image of the Doon Twines Mill, should be located as follows: at Tilt Drive and Doon Village Road, and on Doon Village Road between Doon South Drive and the bridge. Mr. Bensason suggested the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon be informed of these sign locations. Mr. K. Kirby advised that he will approach the family that owned Doon Twines to see if they would sponsor the entrance signs. It was generally agreed that Mr. Bensason and Mr. Kirby will walk the St. Mary's District to determine appropriate locations for thematic signage. Mr. Kirby recommended that sign locations be coordinated with the walking tour for this district. Mr. Bensason advised that the rights to use the Poppy are owned by the Royal Canadian Legion, and permission must be obtained from them before the image of the Poppy can be placed on the signs. The request to the Legion must include information on why we want to use this symbol, where it will be used, and what it will look like. Ms. Kuehl suggested requesting a grant from the Legion for the cost of the signs. On motion by Mr. K. Kirby - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener request permission from the Royal Canadian Legion to use a symbol of the Poppy on thematic street and entrance signage for the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District, being the first Heritage Conservation District in Ontario to recognize the significance of Veterans' Housing." HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6~ 2004 - 12 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. PROPOSAL TO RENAME LORNE GREEN Mr. K. Kirby brought this matter to the Committee's attention, noting that in 2003, this Park was renamed "Lorne Green" by City Council, and at the time there was no consultation with the area residents or with Heritage Kitchener. Residents in the St. Mary's District would like to have this Park renamed "Veterans Park". Mr. Bensason noted that changes made within Heritage Conservation Districts, by the City, should be presented to Heritage Kitchener prior to being made, and he will continue to work with City staff in this regard. 5. 2004 DESIGNATED HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT APPLICATIONS Ms. A. Moore declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as she is the owner of the designated heritage property at 320 Dodge Drive, which is the subject of one of the designated heritage property grant applications, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. The Committee viewed images of the following properties for which applications have been received, and Mr. Bensason provided information on the work to be undertaken on each, as well as the costs, and the amount of the grant for each: · 89 David Street - chimney repair and repair front steps, · 149 Queen Street South - front porch restorations, · 156 Lorne Crescent - new asphalt shingle roof, · 108 Rex Drive - new asphalt shingle roof, · 77-79 Schneider Avenue - chimney repair, · 67 Rex Drive - new asphalt shingle roof, · 561 Queen Street South - exterior painting of house, · 54 Benton Street - reproduce levers in bell tower, · 320 Dodge Drive - reproduce front doors, reproduce bell tower, rebuild front veranda and steps, door frames and transom, · 811-831 Bleams Road - reproduce windows for dotty house. Mr. Bensason advised that the total amount in the grant fund in 2004 is $24,380, and the total amount of the grants requested is $25,036.10. Grants can be a maximum of $3,000. or half the cost of the restoration, whichever is least. Priority will be given to work of a structural nature. Mr. Kirby advised that he is opposed to issuing grants for the asphalt roofs in the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District. Following discussion, it was generally agreed that only one grant per property will be awarded for asphalt roofs in the St. Mary's District, and only for one layer of shingles, given that asphalt shingles are an original material for houses in this district. 6. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - DECORATIVE LIGHTING Mr. Bensason advised that the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District plan recommends decorative lighting in the District. He advised that staff now want input from this Committee on styles and types of decorative lighting. A sub-committee composed of Ms. J. Armstrong, Mr. F. Bishop and Mr. L. Bensason will meet and make recommendations to City staff in this regard. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Bensason advised that the Committee will be considering two Heritage Permit Applications at the May meeting: one for signage for the "Your Kitchener Store" in the former Public Utilities building, and the second is for the signage at the Walper Terrace. Ms. Armstrong made reference to the e-mail from the Region of Waterloo suggesting it would be premature to consider heritage designation of the Bridgeport Bridge prior to the Environmental Assessment Study to commence next year. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6~ 2004 - 13 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. NEW BUSINESS (CONT'D) Ms. Armstrong suggested the Environmental Assessment is not relevant to the designation. Mr. Bensason responded that designation will have an effect on the cost and method of repairs. Ms. Armstrong stated it is important to make sure heritage is part of the discussion on the future of this Bridge, and the environmental process should include the significant heritage of the Bridge. Mr. Bensason advised that he will make it known to the Region's Heritage Planning Advisory Committee that Heritage Kitchener has an interest in the Bridge and has concerns about its future. Ms. Armstrong advised of the status of lands records which were used at the Registry Office, prior to the new electronic registration of documents. She advised they are now in the possession of the Region and are not being properly cared for. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator