Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Action - 1992-12-03DAC\1992-12-03 KITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEEKITCHENER DOWNTOWN ACTION COMMITTEE December 3, l992December 3, l992 The Kitchener Downtown Action Committee met this date under the Chairmanship of Karen Simoneau with the following members present: Paula Saunders, David Ryan, Gerry Graham, Lorna Ferguson, Nancy Brawley, James Richard, Doug Marshman. Others PresentOthers Present:: George Borovilos, Jeff Ontonovich, Ken Tribby, Martha Welsh, Leon Bensason, Grant Nixon, Lesley MacDonald and Debra Arnold. Alderman Stortz was in attendance at an emergency Council meeting and will join the Committee as soon as possible. 1.Approval of AgendaApproval of Agenda On motion by Paula Saunders it was resolved:it was resolved: That the Kitchener Downtown Action Committee Agenda of December 3, 1992, be accepted. CarriedCarried 2.Approval of MinutesApproval of Minutes On motion by David Ryan it was resolved:it was resolved: That the minutes of the Kitchener Downtown Action of October 1, 1992, be approved. CarriedCarried 3.Introduction of Staff Inspector Joe MacDonaldIntroduction of Staff Inspector Joe MacDonald Karen Simoneau welcomed Staff Inspector Joe MacDonald and introduced him to the members of the Committee. Staff Inspector MacDonald has taken over this position from John Westbrook. Staff Inspector MacDonald assumed this position October 18, 1992. He gave the Committee a brief background on his career from 1963 to date with the Police Force. He will continue where John Westbrook left off in doing what they have to do downtown and play an active role in the downtown core. He noted he will work closely with politicians, citizens and Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 69 - CommitteeCommittee business people. 4.Heritage DistrictsHeritage Districts Leon Bensason was in attendance to explain to the Committee the reason for establishing Heritage Districts and the City's direction with regard to designating such districts. He went on to say that a phased program to undertake the preparation of Heritage Conservation District Plans within the City of Kitchener is being initiated at this time as part of the Heritage Planning function of the Planning Division of the Department of Planning and Development. Implementation of the Heritage Planning function was approved by City Council in February, 1992. The Ontario Heritage Act enables the municipality to designate groups of buildings, streets and open spaces which collectively give an area its special character and is given the title "Heritage Conservation District". The City of Kitchener in conjunction with the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (L.A.C.A.C.) is recommending the following areas be designated as Heritage Conservation Districts: Victoria Park, Civic Centre, Downtown (King Street Retail Area (Queen to Gaukel) and the Warehouse District and Breithaupt Street Area), Spadina Road, Mill Courtland - Woodside Park, and Central Frederick. When an area is designated it is through the passing of a by-law by City Council which establishes certain specific policies or guidelines which generally are meant to protect and enhance specific elements or characteristics which are identified as having significance. Mr. Bensason went on to explain the process involved in studying, in detail, the reasons for designation within a particular neighbourhood or district in preparing a Heritage District Plan. In preparing such a plan a great deal of public input and participation, especially with affected property owners is needed if it is to be successful. The level or degree of heritage conservation in a given area is specifically tailored to that area. This can range from protection against demolition of existing buildings, the design and scale of new construction, or to preservation and restoration to restore an area to the appearance at an earlier date. Mr. Bensason noted that Kitchener's only existing Heritage Conservation District is Upper Doon. He reported that Heritage Conservation District designation does not represent a freeze on development but establishes a Plan which is aimed at balancing heritage objectives with an ability to adapt to and accommodate some measure of change in the future. Alderman Wagner entered the meeting at this point. Alderman Stortz entered the meeting at this point and assumed the Chair to preside over the balance of the meeting. Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 70 - CommitteeCommittee Ms Martha Welsh then continued the presentation by noting that L.A.C.A.C. is an advisory committee appointed by Council to inform them of heritage possibilities. She advised that the Ontario Heritage Act is changing and will be a much stronger Act and L.A.C.A.C. is preparing for the changes in the new Act. She said this group wish to take a proactive not reactive role in heritage planning. The Committee was told of two downtown buildings where meetings between representatives of L.A.C.A.C. and the owners/developers resulted in an agreeable conclusion for development while preserving the heritage value of the Walper Terrace Hotel and St. Jerome's School. The Committee entered into general discussion where some concern was expressed that a heritage designation may eliminate development downtown. Alderman Mike Wagner assured the Committee that cooperation between L.A.C.A.C., owners and developers is now being addressed. It was also pointed out that incentives are being created to maintain heritage elements and prevent financial loss to developers in an area scheduled for development. There was concern expressed that the expense involved to preserve may undermine all else and that a balance between duplicating exact materials with possible alternatives in a manner that looks the same should be considered. Moved by Lorna FergusonMoved by Lorna Ferguson Seconded by David RyanSeconded by David Ryan The Downtown Action Committee accepts the recommendation of Heritage Districts as outlined in the Planning and Development Department Report PD 120/92. CarriedCarried 5.Zoning/Property Standards EnforcementZoning/Property Standards Enforcement Alderman Stortz introduced Ms. Lesley MacDonald of the Legal Department. Ms. MacDonald takes Zoning and Property Standards cases to Court. Ms. MacDonald said that part of the problem of enforcement is a public perception problem. She noted that the Court House has their own way of doing things and part of that is legal basis and part is the administration of the Court House. The public believes that if they lodge a complaint, the City can resolve it overnight, and that doesn't happen, nor is it likely to ever happen. The Committee was made aware of some cases where violators use the judicial system to delay sentencing. It was noted there is a fine balance between a person complaining expecting the problem rectified immediately and the violater who has as many rights as the person complaining. She reported that 60% of Property Standards violations are resolved after an initial letter. Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 71 - CommitteeCommittee 90% of Property Standards violations are settled two months after the initial complaint. There is only 5% that are problem cases and these are those who know the system and use it. Ken Tribby, Zoning Co-ordinator spoke on reorganization within the Planning and Development Department of a number of enforcement services within the City that allows the public, as close as practical, a one stop approach for zoning, lot maintenance, signs and snow removal complaints. He noted there is better co-ordination between Enforcement Officers under this reorganization. A concerted effort is being made by the City to deal with complaints on the first call. His target is a one week turnaround for dealing with complaints, unless life and safety hazards are involved and these are dealt with immediately. The Committee entered into discussion on snow removal and Mr. Tribby explained that once a complaint has been lodged the Inspector visits the site and not only warns that occupant but also gives notice to all others on the block violating the snow removal by-law. The fine structure for snow removal is $75.00 if the City has to go in and clear it away and $2,000. to $5,000. if prosecuted in Court. 6.Other BusinessOther Business Anna Kaljas Square Mr. Gerry Graham provided the Committee with a copy of a letter from Mr. Wilf Howey, President of the Cameron Heights Kiwanis Club suggesting that Anna Kaljas be honoured by designating the new City Hall Square the "Anna Kaljas Square". A copy of Mr. Howey's letter is attached and forms part of these minutes. Mr. Graham noted he wanted this recommendation to be tabled for consideration. Parking Meters Downtown Alderman Stortz reported the additional parking meters are in and occupied. The response has been positive from both customers and business people. Nancy Brawley noted she has seen no change in the traffic patterns now that the meters are in. Brubacher/Lancaster Neighbourhood Alderman Stortz advised the problems that the Cedar Hill area experienced over the years has now moved into this area. The residents have formed a watch group to try and make those involved in illegal activities aware that they are being watched and reported to the Kitchener Downtown ActionKitchener Downtown Action- 72 - CommitteeCommittee police. Downtown Activities over the Christmas Season Nancy Brawley outlined some of the activities and services that are planned for shoppers downtown over the Christmas Season. She provided the members with a calendar showing scheduled events. Speakers Corner Grant Nixon advised that the Parks and Recreation Department have requested budget approval of $14,000. for site improvements at Speakers Corner. Facade Interior Loan Program Grant Nixon advised there has been tremendous response to the extension of the Facade Program to include interior work. He noted that the Building Division has taken over this program now in consultation with the Parks and Recreation Department. YMCA - Market Square Alderman Stortz reported that the YMCA is opening a Child Care Centre and Counselling Service in the Market Square in the space previously occupied by Grant and Toy. 7.AdjournmentAdjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. Gayle Redgwell Committee Secretary