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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHK Minutes - 2022-03-01 Heritage Kitchener Committee Committee Minutes March 1, 2022, 4:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting Present: S. Hossack, Chair Councillor C. Michaud Councillor D. Chapman Councillor J. Gazzola D. Vongphakdy, Member I. Bodendorfer, Member J. Haalboom, Member J. Baker, Member M. Asling, Member P. Ciuciura, Member S. Eckel-Braun, Member V. Mance, Member Staff: G. Stevenson, Manager, Development Review D. Choudhry, Heritage Planner S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The Heritage Kitchener Committee held an electronic meeting this date, commencing at 4:00 p.m. On behalf of the Committee, the Chair congratulated member Jean Haalboom, who recently received the Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and thanked her for her support of this Committee and her exceptional contributions to heritage conservation. 2. Discussion Items 1 2.1 Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) - 22 Weber Street West, Proposed Development to Construct a 19-storey Multiple Residential Building, DSD- 2022-093 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022- 093 dated February 14, 2022, regarding a Heritage Permit Application (HIA) for the property municipally addressed as 22 Weber Street West. The subject property is currently used as surface parking and is located within the Civic Centre Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District (CCNHCD). The Chair noted written submissions had been received concerning this matter from Kathryn Forler; Neil Baarda and Elizabeth Thayer; Lori Reiser; Peter Nikiforuk; Neil Jensen; T. Wagner; Andrew Milne; Kate Dingle; Roy Cameron; ACO North Waterloo Region Branch; and, Bob Martindale on behalf of Friends of Olde Berlin Town. D. Choudhry provided a brief overview of the HIA and noted that staff were seeking feedback to be considered as part of staff's review of the HIA and processing of related Planning Act applications. D. Currie, MHBC Planning, and J. Meader, Turkstra Mazza, were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. M. Rowell, ACO North Waterloo Region Branch, presented to the Committee regarding the designation of the CCNHCD and the guidelines for what development is compatible. M. Rowell stated that infill along Weber Street would negatively impact the area's heritage character unless sensitively undertaken. M. Rowell expressed concern about the scale, massing, streetscape, and footprint regarding neighbouring low-rise developments and opposition to any proposed building height greater than the eaves of the surrounding churches. A. Milne spoke to the Committee to acknowledge the need for housing downtown but stated their opposition to the proposed building height and the need for a gentler transition from low-rise residential and heritage properties. In response to questions from the Committee, A. Milne discussed density downtown and the fit of the proposed development. Further, A. Milne expressed concern about massing and proximity to the sidewalk and neighbouring buildings. A. Milne spoke in support of the environmental and social benefits for low and mid-rise developments. R. Cameron spoke in support of preserving the heritage district and character as a community asset, the guidelines of the CCNHCD, and infill that follows those guidelines. In response to questions from the Committee, R. Cameron noted their concern for the proposed setbacks and disruption to the streetscape. 2 B. Martindale, Martindale Planning, presented to the Committee on behalf of the Friends of Olde Berlin Town, reviewing the purpose of the CCNHCD, and detailing how the proposed development does not protect, manage, or enhance the heritage attributes of the community. B. Martindale opposed the proposed setbacks, stepbacks, shadowing, angular plane, and non-compatibility with nearby structures as incompatible with the guidelines of the CCNHCD. In response to questions from the Committee, B. Martindale discussed Provincial Policy Statements prioritizing the preservation of existing heritage resources and the importance of not prioritizing intensification over heritage conservation, especially in designated heritage conservation districts. Further, B. Martindale stated their belief that the proposed setback would negatively impact the streetscape. B. Martindale explained the angular plane would better suit a five to six-storey building when measuring from the rear lot line. In response to the Committee, D. Currie explained the angular plane analysis was conducted similarly to other previous comparable applications to minimize impact to neighbouring low-rise residential properties and the planned use of the surrounding lands. G. Stevenson explained that due to the ongoing Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) proceedings, both staff and the applicant could not give planning opinions concerning this matter. Instead, G. Stevenson noted staff were requesting feedback from the Committee regarding the proposed HIA to refine the City's issues list as part of the OLT proceedings while providing an opportunity for public engagement. G. Stevenson advised that the OLT would now make any decisions regarding this matter. Following a third case management meeting where a revised application was presented that increased the proposed development from 16 to 19 storeys, the City was directed by the OLT to undertake their typical engagement, which included public engagement meetings and bringing the HIA to this Committee for their review and feedback. G. Stevenson clarified that staff would combine input from the Committee regarding heritage considerations with other issues lists prepared by the City, with topics such as urban design, transportation, and land use planning. The Committee provided feedback to staff that the proposed development was incompatible with the purpose and provisions outlined in the Civic Centre Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District (CCNHCD). The Committee reiterated opposition to the proposed building height, scale, massing, built form, step back, transition, shadowing, angular plane analysis, streetscape impact, and use of the ground plane, as they were incompatible with the CCNHCD. The Committee heard comments from its member that the proposed development does not preserve heritage resources or character nor enhance the public realm 3 and would therefore negatively impact residents and the community. The Committee acknowledged the opposition received concerning this matter from members of the public as well as the need for affordable housing and housing stock. The Committee advised that the applicant might develop a more appropriate application through more significant public consultation and alignment with the guidelines outlined in the CCNHCD. 2.2 Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) - 234 and 240 Frederick Street, Proposed Development to Construct a 4-storey Freestanding Apartment Building, DSD-2022-094 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022- 094 dated February 14, 2022, regarding a Heritage Permit Application (HIA) regarding a proposed development to construct a four-storey freestanding apartment building in the rear of a lot municipally addressed as 240 Frederick Street, a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest, and adjacent to 234 Frederick Street, a Part IV designated property. Both properties are located within the Central Frederick Neighbourhood Cultural Heritage Landscape (CFNCHL). D. Choudhry provided a brief overview of the HIA and noted that staff were seeking feedback from the Committee respecting this matter. L. Benjamin, WSP, presented to the Committee reviewing the project location, the heritage value of 234 and 240 Frederick Street, and the proposed development for a residential duplex or triplex. L. Benjamin spoke to incorporating a flat roof, yellow brick relocating the existing wrought iron fence where possible, and landscaping design considerations. L. Benjamin noted that the applicant had refined the previous site plan to increase the separation distance between the properties to mitigate impacts to the existing structures. Further, L. Benjamin described that while minimal intervention in the built heritage assets is preferred, gentle development will support the property's use and conservation in the long term. In response to questions from the Committee, L. Benjamin spoke to the neighbouring buildings and nearby heritage-designated properties. Additionally, L. Benjamin described considerations that informed the flat roof design, window materials, and a colour palette to provide a neutral backdrop for the heritage buildings. The Committee heard comments from its members supporting the revised application and the proposed development's incorporation of the existing heritage assets. The Committee provided further remarks to support the compatibility in height, scale, setbacks, ground plane, impact to the public realm, and 4 preservation of the streetscape and heritage character. The Committee noted the potential for designation of 240 Frederick Street. 2.3 Sub-Committee Updates The Chair invited the Heritage Kitchener Sub-Committees to provide updates on their recent meetings and efforts. Decolonizing the Heritage Process Members: R. Schwarz, V. Mance, J. Baker, M. Asling The Committee heard an update from the Decolonizing the Heritage Process Sub-committee noting that their meetings would resume in March. Designation and the Municipal Heritage Register Members: P. Ciuciura, D. Vongphakdy, M. Asling, S. Hossack, Councillor Chapman The Committee next heard an update from the Designation and the Municipal Heritage Register Sub-committee regarding the group's next course of action to review the list of approximately 100 known properties of heritage interest or significance and support them on the path to heritage designation. The Committee discussed community outreach and exploration towards adding properties to the list, and Councillor Chapman and J. Hallbloom noted interest in supporting the review. The Effects of Heritage Designation on Affordability Members: M. Asling, J. Baker The Committee next heard an update from the Effects of Heritage Designation on Affordability Sub-committee noting that research efforts are ongoing. Promoting Cultural Heritage Members: J. Haalboom, I. Bodendorfer, S. Hossack, Councillor Michaud The Committee heard an update from the Promoting Cultural Heritage Sub- committee reviewed promotions through the Record and social media of the City's Heritage Districts and walks in connection with February events for Heritage Month and Family Day. 2.4 Status Updates - Heritage Best Practices Update and 2022 Priorities, Heritage Impact Assessment Follow-ups There were no updates to share at this time. 5 3. Information Items 3.1 Heritage Permit Application Tracking Sheet 4. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Sarah Goldrup Committee Administrator 6