HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK - 2021-06-01 - Item 5 - Permanent Indigenous Space in Victoria ParkDate:May 27, 2021
To:Members of Heritage Kitchener
From:Victoria Grohn, Heritage Planner
cc:Josh Joseph, Manager, Neighbourhood Development Office
Alanah Jewell, Parks Engagement Associate
Subject:Permanent Indigenous Space in Victoria Park
Background
In June 2020, some members from local Indigenous communities established the O:se
Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp in Victoria Park and identified the need for permanent
Indigenous spaces on public lands for gathering and ceremonial purposes. Further outreach
through the City of Kitchener’s Parks Engagement Associate with local Indigenous leaders and
organizations have confirmed the need to create welcoming spaces for Indigenous peoples.
Also in 2020, work to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan by the Region and all area
municipalities began. This will provide a framework for listening, learning, building relationships,
supporting local Indigenous-centred initiatives, and taking actions to implement the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)’s Calls to Action.
The Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group is exploring how local municipalities can support
Indigenous placekeeping on lands within Waterloo Region to Indigenous groups, agencies, and
individuals for the purpose of cultural ceremonies, land-based education, exploration, and other
community-based needs.
Permanent Indigenous Space
In response to the above,the City of Kitchener is working with local Indigenous communities to
create permanent space in Victoria Park. The site will be a safe and culturally appropriate space
for members of local Indigenous communities to honour their history and celebrate their heritage
and culture. The permanent Indigenous space initiative will be an Indigenous-centered and led
project, with the support of an Indigenous consultant, with the goal of creating a physical space
for local Indigenous communities.
The eventual form of the space and how it will function is not yet known; this is being developed
through Indigenous-centred, City supported, Indigenous-led design work. However, it is
considered likely that some form of shelter will be part of the eventual designs along with seating
to support gathering.
5 - 1
Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District and Permitting Process
Victoria Park is located within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District (VPAHCD)
and is designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. The VPAHCD Plan contains building
conservation policies and guidelines and landscape policies and guidelines.
th
These policies seek to ‘conserve and enhance the 18
century Romantic Landscape style of
Victoria Park’ through preserving its:
Naturalistic character
The lake
Woods
Sweeps of grass
Meandering drives and paths
‘Antique’ buildings and monuments
Vistas
A series of policy statements are developed in the VPAHCD Plan that mirror these objectives.
While a concept is yet to be developed, many of these statements are likely well aligned with the
desires for a gathering space for Indigenous community at Victoria Park. Structures (such as a
gathering area with a possible shelter which might form part of an eventual design) are considered
and indeed, supported, within the VPAHCD Plan.
While preserving the naturalistic character of the site, built form should seek to be indivisible from
the landscape. Buildings and monuments that enhance ‘visual delight’ are encouraged, and
should build on a tradition of handcraftsmanship, using natural materials and blend with the
landscape. Landscaping will be essential within the context of any building or monument.
TheVPAHCD Plan seeks to support the heritage of the park setting, but reflects on the
contemporary needs of the siteas a park serving the contemporary population of the City and
seeks to actively ensure that the park meets the needs of the communities of Kitchener. Likewise,
Indigenous space in Victoria Park seeks to support heritage of the area now known as Kitchener
and seeks to build a park that actively serves the contemporary population of Kitchener.
Heritage permit applications are typically required for works that are regulated by policy within the
VPAHCD Plan. It remains unclear yet as to whether the eventual design for Indigenous space at
Victoria Park would require a permit, however, a permit may be required if a design includes the
construction and/or installation of new buildings or monuments within the park landscape. The
Ontario Heritage Act requires that apermit be obtained to erect any building or structure on
property situated within a heritage conservationdistrict. The Ontario Heritage Act and the
VPAHCD Plan do not provide guidance or policy direction with respect to Indigenous spaces
within heritage conservation districts.
The City is committed to honouring the original caretakers of these lands and that means, among
other things, reconsidering how we view ‘heritage’.
5 - 2
Heritage Planning staff surveyed the Ontario Heritage Planners Network, an organized group of
municipal Heritage Planners across Ontario, about any experiences with Indigenous spaces
within heritage conservation districts. The responses received indicate that Heritage Planners
across Ontario do not have experience with this type of project and that there is noprecedent or
case study to follow to guide an approach. However, permanent Indigenous space initiatives give
the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo the opportunity to set important precedents for other
municipalities across Ontario.
The City of Kitchener prides itself on its spirit of innovation and is committed to a journey of
reconciliation that demands that we re-examine our community spaces to ensure they are
inclusive and reflects and provides space for the ongoing culture and tradition of the original
caretakers of the land currently known as Kitchener. Indigenous space at Victoria Park provides
unique opportunity to provide leadership in reconciliation through placemaking.
To foster relationship building with local Indigenous communities,support the need for Indigenous
gathering and ceremonial space, remove barriers of systemic anti-Indigenous racism and
discrimination, and advance the City’s commitment to the TRC’s Calls to Action, Heritage
Planning staff are proposing to remove red tapeto make this Indigenous-centred initiative happen
as seamlessly as possible and are seeking endorsement from the Heritage Kitchener committee
members on this approach.
Next Steps
Workshops to further engage with local Indigenous communities are scheduled to occur
throughout the summer. A consultant will be retained to guide and support the Indigenous-led
design of the permanent space. Once the final design of this space is ready for circulation, public
engagement will take place with the surrounding neighbourhood and with the Heritage Kitchener
committee. Project updates will be available to members of the Heritage Kitchener committee at
appropriate times during this process.
_____________________________
Victoria Grohn, BES
Heritage Planner
5 - 3