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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1998-11-13H E RITAG E\1998-11-13 HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 11:55 a.m., with the following members present: Ms. S. Campbell, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner, Mr. P. Bufe, Mr. R. Coo and Mr. D. Pullen. Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. T. Seedhouse, Mr. M. Badran and Mr. E. Lucy were in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Ms. E. Heinrichs. Others present: Counillor M. Yantzi, Ms. P. Bacon, Ms. S. Barber, Mr. L. Bensason, Mr. L. Masseo and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. DRAFT PLANS OF SUBDIVISION - GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY - ZELLER DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. L. Masseo, Intermediate Planner, giving notice of applications for draft plan of subdivision and zone change for properties in the Grand River South Community. Mr. Masseo was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. L. Bensason distributed copies of a map of this area to the Committee members. The map located the lands which are the subject of these applications and the heritage properties in the vacinity. Mr. Bensason noted that, last year, Dr. Fung asked that his property be removed from the Heritage Inventory and the same applies to the Huber property. Mr. L. Masseo advised that the Department of Business and Planning Services has been working on the community plan for the last two years and it is substantially complete. Staff are working on finalizing the community plan and will work the subdivision plans into the community plan. Mr. Masseo advised that, up to this point, the designation of scenic roads hasn't been included in the community plan. If this Committee wants scenic roads addressed in the community plan, then the Department will have to address that issue. Mr. Masseo then suggested that, if this Committee needs more time than the twenty-one day statutory time, to comment on these applications, it should pass a formal resolution to that effect. Mr. M. Badran and Mr. E. Lucy entered the meeting at this time. A brief discussion took place with respect to the woodlot in the area. Ms. P. Wagner suggested doing a tour of the house on the Rockway Holdings property and questioned how that might be arranged. Councillor J. Haalboom, noting that there are heritage roads and properties in the area, questioned whether the Committee wanted to follow-up as suggested by staff. Mr. L. Bensason provided the Committee with wording for a possible resolution. On motion by Mr. R. Coo It was resolved: "That, given designated and listed Heritage properties are located in the vacinity of the lands subject to Draft Plan of Subdivision Application 30T-97012, 30T-97013, 30T-97014 and 30T- 97015 and given the pending deadline for comments requested in the Department/Agency circulation letter; City staff be made aware that Heritage Kitchener may want to make comments on the subject applications and will endeavor to provide such comments to staff within the next two meetings of the Committee. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned which Committee members would like to review these properties and report back to the Committee and Ms. P. Wagner, Mr. M. Badran and Ms. C. Martindale volunteered to do this work. Councillor T. Galloway and Ms. T. Seedhouse entered the meeting at this time. 14 & 18 ST. GEORGE STREET - SANDHILLS PROJECT - DEMOLITION APPLICATION The Committee was in receipt of a Designated Heritage Property Alteration/Demolition Application for the properties municipally known as 14 & 18 St. George Street, Kitchener. Attached to the application was background information including a report from Mr. W. Pearce, Building Inspector, outlining the heritage materials which could be salvaged from the buildings and the site plan and concept drawings for the proposed redevelopment of this site. Messrs. G. Woolner, T. Schaner and D. Gossen were in attendance to represent the demolition application. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor J. Haalboom noted that the demolition permit was discussed at this Committee approximately 1 year ago. Mr. L. Bensason showed slides of the St. George Street and Queen Street frontages in the area of the proposed development. Mr. Bensason noted that the Committee must make a recommendation to Council on the demolition, under the Ontario Heritage Act, and as a condition of approval can ask for a recording of the property. Mr. Woolner addressed the Committee and distributed colour elevation drawings of the proposed project. He advised that the project would involve the whole block, in two phases and that the first phase would contain 58 units and the second phase would contain 120-140 units and that they have applied for Iongterm care beds. He briefly reviewed the history of contact with Heritage Kitchener concerning this proposed development. He noted that 50% of the first phase has been sold and they would like to break ground on this phase soon. Mr. Schaner spoke of the design and historic features that will be kept and will be included in the design of the project. Mr. Goosen advised the Committee that the demolition contractor will be Kieswetters who will take the time to salvage the features noted in Mr. Pearce's report. He advised that he did not know if they could include all of these features in the new development and didn't want that to be a condition of demolition. Mr. D. Pullen questioned when they would prepare the proposal for doing the work on the bookend houses and questioned whether the salvaged materials could be used in those houses. A brief discussion took place in this regard. Mr. L. Bensason clarified that the current request is for the demolition of 14 & 18 St. George Street, to facilitate the construction of Phase 1 of the Sandhills Christian Community project. There is no request to demolish the Queen Street properties at this time. If Phase 2 of this project does not proceed, the Queen Street properties will not be demolished. If Phase 2 does proceed, the owners will have to make an application for demolition and site plan approval. The demolition application for Phase 2 will have to come before this Committee. On motion by Ms. S. Campbell It was resolved: "That, subject to the properties being recorded to a standard acceptable to the City's Heritage Planner, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve the request of the owner to demolish the designated properties municipally known as 14 & 18 St. George Street, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District." Mr. P. Bufe questioned whether a site plan is in place for this project, as he was concerned about the demolition going forward without one. Mr. G. Woolner advised that the site plan application will be submitted in the next couple of weeks. Ms. P. Bacon, Planner, explained what has taken place so far and the timing for the site plan application and demolition application. She noted that when the site plan is submitted for Phase 2, it will be the trigger to come back to this Committee with the site plan and demolition application. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that Heritage Kitchener wants staff to keep them informed at each stage of this development. It was noted that the real impact to the Heritage District is the streetscape of Stage 2. The questioned was raised as to whether it would be possible to have someone go on a walk through with a video camera. Mr. L. Bensason noted that the Department of Business & Planning Services has a video camera. He advised that he could accompany Mr. Woolner when he goes through to do the photographic recording. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DOON SOUTH DRIVE ENTRANCE FEATURE The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Green Scheels Pidgeon, dated October 30, 1998, a design brief and elevation drawings, concerning the proposed renovation and landscape improvements to the Doon South Drive streetscape. The information particularly addresses the entrance feature at Doon South Drive at Doon Village Road. Mr. L. Bensason displayed some digital photographs of the entrance to Doon South Drive. Mr. G. Scheels was in attendance to explain the request and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. Mr. J. Vernhout of Monarch Construction was also in attendance. Mr. Scheels reviewed the history of this entrance, including the previous involvement with L.A.C.A.C. Mr. Scheels noted that this is a very wide street and Monarch would like to establish a bit of character and definition. Mr. Scheels explained how they worked towards and arrived at the design and the elements and the material of the design. He also advised that they have taken into consideration the policy of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan. Ms. P. Wagner advised of her impression that the walls suggested an American gated community. Mr. Scheels advised that, from a pedestrian scale, the walls drawn the entrance in and there is not intention to include gates whatsoever. Councillor T. Galloway questioned ownership of the features in the entrance. Mr. Scheels noted that the entrance is located on public land. He noted that there are long term maintenance implications and they are choosing plant materials with a long life expectancy. Mr. E. Lucy noted that there could be traffic visibility problems and Mr. Scheels advised that they are reviewing that matter with City Traffic staff. Mr. Lucy also noted that Upper Doon is getting locked. He questioned a possible change in the name to draw the two communities together. Mr. Scheels advised that Monarch is looking at this issue, as they want to forge better ties between the old and new communities. Mr. L. Bensason advised that he met with Traffic & Engineering staff that morning and they had some concerns about the proposal. Mr. Scheels stated that he is aware of these concerns and realizes that the plans will have to be modified somewhat. Mr. Scheels stated that he is looking for approval, in principle, today subject to approval by Engineering staff. On motion by Ms. S. Campbell It was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we approve, in principle, the request of the owner to alter the entrance feature on Doon South Drive, located in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, as presented to Heritage Kitchener on November 13, 1998, subject to the owner obtaining approval from City Engineering staff." 4. MINUTES On motion by Ms. P. Wagner It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener, of October 2, 1998, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 5. WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. D. Drackley, Principal, Stanley Consulting Group Ltd. with respect to the Downtown Kitchener West Side Connection Study Class Environmental Assessment. Mr. L. Bensason provided the Committee members with an extract from the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan called "Movement" and the Queen/Benton Diversion. He advised that he wanted the Committee to be aware of the position of the plan on this matter. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 56 - CITY OF KITCHENER Ms. P. Wagner advised that she attended the meeting and it was well attended. She spoke of the different concerns brought out at the meeting. She recommended that the Committee put their concerns in writing. She emphasized that the traffic lights on Queen Street need to be looked at. Mr. D. Pullen stated that some of the problems exist because other places have been shut off and it was suggested at the meeting that before new roads are opened up existing roads which have been closed should be reopened. He stated that he felt that the meeting had been orchestrated and that it was not a spontaneous public meeting. He felt that it was important to analysis what the problem really is. Mr. Pullen suggested that someone from this Committee should sit on the citizen advisory group and someone from the neighbourhood should also be on that group. Mr. Pullen then spoke of the problems with the street through the park and also Schneider and David Street and advised that the neighbourhood is tired and angry. Mr. Pullen suggested that a member of Heritage Kitchener and a Victoria Park Neighbourhood representative should sit on the advisory group to make sure that the principles from the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan are properly considered. Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mr. T. Boutilier is organizing the group and that names of representatives from this Committee should be forwarded to him. Mr. P. Bufe put forward the opinion that the Benton Street Diversion and Queen Street South are not an option and he recommended that those options not be considered. Councillor T. Galloway felt that it was premature to make a motion at this time. He noted that there should be a member of Heritage Kitchener involved in the study team and that the Committee should wait for a report before making a motion. Mr. D. Pullen volunteered to serve as the Heritage Kitchener representative but noted that he would not be seeking reappointment to this Committee for 1999. The Committee generally agreed that Mr. Pullen should represent Heritage Kitchener on the Connection Study Team and report back to this Committee. 6. DEVELOPMENT PERMIT BY-LAW SYSTEM The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, dated September 15, 1998 enclosing a document entitled "Development Permits: A Streamlined Approach To Development - A Discussion Paper On the Proposed Development Permit System In Ontario. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of the Department of Business & Planning Services response to this discussion paper. Councillor J. Haalboom introduced this matter stating that it seemed quite positive to heritage and suggested that putting in the Heritage Kitchener comments to affirm the importance of Heritage. Mr. Bensason referred to Ms. Ladd's comments attached to the agenda and explained what staff think happened, as things are still vague. Councillor Haalboom questioned what the Committee could endorse. There was a discussion concerning the possibilities through this development permit system and on how to protect Heritage through the system. Ms. S. Campbell stated that she was not quite sure she understood what they were proposing. She was concerned that this Government was not pro heritage but pro business and was not quite clear on what the discussion paper really says. It was suggested that Ms. M. Evans be invited to attend a meeting of this Committee to explain the proposal. Mr. D. Pullen suggested inviting the other L.A.C.A.C.'s in the area and having Ms. Evans come and speak to all the L.A.C.A.C.'S. 7. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE Mr. L. Bensason brought samples of the proposed Heritage Conservation District Signs for the Committee's benefit. Two different colour schemes were displayed one with a white sign and green letters and the other a green sign and white letters. Mr. Bensason advised that Mr. D. Snow HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 57 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. was of the opinion that green letters on a white background is more visible. Mr. Bensason advised that the cost to produce and install these signs is approximately $100.00 and $150.00 for the larger sign. Mr. Bensason questioned where, exactly, the sign should be located and it was agreed that this matter would be discussed at a future meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that he would make arrangements for the temporary installation of the signs to see what they look like on location. 1999 Mike Waqner Heritaqe Awards Mr. L. Bensason advised that a subcommittee needs to be formed to develop criteria for the 1999 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards. He noted that last year the Committee agreed that it would put an add in the paper inviting nominations from the public. Mr. R. Coo, Mr. P. Bufe and Ms. T. Seedhouse volunteered to form the subcommittee and Mr. Bensason advised that he would meet with them in the next two weeks. 1999 HERITAGE DAY Councillor Haalboom advised that she was looking for suggestions on what could be done to celebrate Heritage Day in 1999. Mr. L. Bensason suggested inviting members of the public to bring old photographs which could be scanned by the City and archived. He noted that a scanner could be set up in the rotunda. It was suggested that documents and portraits could also be scanned. A second idea was a brown bag lunch - lunch time seminar and that the English Heritage Videos could be shown. Mr. R. Coo volunteered to help with the Heritage Showcase again in 1999. Mr. Coo also suggested putting that display in the library the week before Heritage Day. Having something on Rogers Cable and possibility of a tour were also discussed. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. L. Bensason advised that he needed a volunteer from this Committee to be on the steering Committee for the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District. It was noted that Ms. S. Barber would like to be involved with this steering committee and Ms. C. Martindale volunteered to be on the steering committee. Mr. Bensason advised that the steering committee will work with the property owner, staff and the consultant. Mr. D. Pullen noted that being on the steering committee for the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District was a very interesting project. Mr. Bensason advised that the draft terms of reference will be circulated to the Committee at its next meeting. The next step would be to hire a consultant early in 1999 as Council has budgeted funds for this district in 1999. Mr. Pullen congratulated Mr. Bensason on the marvellous meeting that he ran to introduce the residence of the whole area to the idea of the Heritage Conservation District. He noted that people responded very well. Mr. L. Bensason advised that from that meeting he already has twenty volunteers from the neighbourhood who would like to be on the steering committee. REGIONAL INVENTORY Ms. P. Wagner advised that, of the list of designated structures that the City of Kitchener forwarded to the Region for their Heritage Inventory, it is necessary to go through the list and determine which buildings are of Regional significance. Ms. Wagner suggested the need for a subcommittee to report to this Committee on recommendations which should be made to the Region in this regard. It was agreed that this matter would be discussed at the Committee's next meeting. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 58 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. U P DATES Concerning the property at 234 Frederick Street, The Forsyth House, it was noted that photographs have been obtained showing the bay. Councillor Haalboom updated the Committee with respect to 237 Frederick for which Council had turned down the recommendation for designation. It was noted that Council approved the demolition of the rear addition and the owner has promised to restore the original front portion of the house. 13. SCHNEIDERS Ms. P. Wagner suggested trying to designate the Schneider factory and house before it is sold to the American company. She gave a brief history of the family and the business. Ms. Wagner suggested designating these properties on their historic merit. She noted that the houses are still there and the first factory is still there. The Committee generally agreed with Ms. Wagner's suggestion. Councillor Haalboom suggested that a member of this Committee should find out who owns the buildings and meet with the owners to discuss the proposal. Further historic research should also be undertaken. 14. SCOTT PAVILION The Committee was advised that the Grand River Hospital is proposing to demolish the Scott Pavilion to make room for new development on the Grand River Hospital site. The architect wants to know which features of the building Heritage Kitchener wants to save. It was suggested that arrangements should be made to walk through the building. Mr. D. Pullen suggested leaving this project until the new Committee takes over. 15. CONSTRUCT CANADA '98 Mr. L. Bensason advised of heritage restoration and construction seminars being held in Toronto at the beginning of December at Construct Canada '98. He distributed copies of seminar outlines and registration forms. Ms. T. Seedhouse advised that she would like to attend the seminars. 16. LETTER FROM MICHAEL GRAVELLE, M.P.P. Ms. P. Wagner noted the article titled "An Open Letter to Ontario's Heritage Community" in the October 1998 issue of the C.H.O. News. She questioned whether the Committee could have Mr. Gravelle come and speak. She also suggested writing a letter of support. On Motion by Ms. P. Wagner It was resolved: "That a letter of support be sent to Mr. Michael Gravelle, M.P.P. advising that Heritage Kitchener supports the concerns raised in his letter to The Honourable Isabelle Bassett, Minister, Citizenship, Culture and Recreation dated August 14, 1998. 17. THANKS Councillor J. Haalboom noted that Mr. R. Coo and Mr. D. Pullen will not be returning to the Committee. She offered her thanks to them for all they have done over the years in support of Heritage. HERITAGE KITCHENER NOVEMBER 13, 1998 - 59 - CITY OF KITCHENER 18. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary