Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-03-05H E RI TAG E\1999 -03 -05 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 5, 1999 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. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. T. Seedhouse, Ms. P. Wagner, Messrs. M. Badran, P. Bufe, E. Lucy, and A. Majauskas. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Regrets: Mr. B. Scott Others present: Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. D. Arnold, Messrs. B. Stanley, L. Bensason, P. Wetherup and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. PROFESSOR BILL FITZGERALD - ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS Councillor J. Haalboom introduced Professor Bill Fitzgerald of Wilfrid Laurier University, who was in attendance to review with the Committee the Ministry's requirements for archeological assessments, with specific reference to the archeological assessment recently done in Doon. Councillor Haalboom noted that Doon Village Road is going in a spot which causes some concern. Professor Fitzgerald advised that he would review what archeologists look at when archeological assessments are done. He also advised that he would review his recommendations for the Ministry on how to tighten up their guidelines for archeological assessment. Professor Fitzgerald distributed copies of notes on his presentation, which are attached hereto and form part of these minutes. Professor Fitzgerald noted that there had been a Stage One archeological assessment done at the Doon site, prior to his assessment. He stated that the first assessment had missed a large number of things on the site, missing about 99% of the Heritage resources. He felt that this situation could be avoided in the future. Professor Fitzgerald reviewed the Ministry's current requirements for Stage One assessments. Using the Doon site as a case study, Professor Fitzgerald, with the aid of slides and overheads, reviewed the Ministry requirements and how changes to those requirements could help to do a more thorough Stage One assessment. Professor Fitzgerald advised that there are three stages to an archeological assessment but the Stage One assessment is the most crucial. He explained that if the Stage One assessment is not done properly, any archeology will be destroyed. Professor Fitzgerald noted that the Ministry's staff resources are limited. He suggested that the guidelines be revised to require local residents to review the Stage One reports before they go to the Ministry, to see if anything is missing. He then reviewed the current guidelines pointing out some of their shortcomings and how they could be improved. He noted that, if the Ministry was a little more demanding, problems could be eliminated in the future. He noted that this would be an educational process. Then, referring to the Doon Twine Stage One archeological assessment, Professor Fitzgerald noted that the Stage One assessment requires the least time but is crucial for its subsequent stages. He then reviewed the 1997 study done by the consulting archeologist, which was completed for the purpose of aligning the road. He noted that the duration of the study was less than one day, done from out of town and the site was never viewed. He noted that this is typical of assessments done elsewhere. Ms. S. Campbell questioned standards of practice for consulting archeologists. Professor Fitzgerald responded that archeologists are licensed by the Province. What is more important is monitoring the results. He felt there should be local sets of eyes to look at the reports first, in order to help the government evaluate the reports. Ms. B. Stanley suggested that staff would like an opportunity to review the material presented by Professor Fitzgerald and report back to this Committee. Mr. E. Lucy thanked Professor Fitzgerald for the work done in Doon. Councillor Haalboom thanked the Professor for his work in Doon and for taking the time to come to the Committee with this presentation. HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 -16- CITY OF KITCHENER 1. PROFESSOR BILL FITZGERALD - ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS - CONT'D On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener request that staff review the "recommendations for improvement" for a Stage One archeological assessment, as contained in the report of Professor Bill Fitzgerald considered by Heritage Kitchener on March 5, 1999, to see how these recommendations would fit into the current procedures, determine any problems and report to Heritage Kitchener." 2. 748 ZELLER DRIVE - HERITAGE EASEMENT The Committee was in receipt of Business & Planning Services staff report PD 99/40 dated February 24, 1999. Copies of a letter from Mr. S. Head, Dryden, Smith & Head Planning Consultants Ltd. dated November 3, 1998, and extract from the draft Grand River South Community Plan, dated October 20, 1998 and copies of a letter from Ms. D. Ross, Principal Planner, Region of Waterloo, dated January 25, 1999. Mr. L. Bensason introduced this item, noting that the owners of 748 Zeller Drive were in attendance along with Ms. S. Head, the planning consultant. Mr. Bensason provided background information and reviewed the impact this may have on the alignment of the Fairway Road extension, to beyond Zeller Drive. Mr. Bensason then explained that a heritage easement would be a further measure of protection for this property. It will also require that the property be adequately insurance and maintained. He also noted that the property could not be demolished unless all parties to the easement agree. Mr. Bensason advised that the staff report had been circulated to the Region, as the property is located in the corridor for the proposed extension of Fairway Road. He advised that he has discussed this matter with the Legal Department who advised that the easement would no preclude the Region from extending Fairway Road across these lands. He noted that establishing a municipal interest would be taken into consideration through the E.A. process. Mr. Bensason advised that the staff report had been distributed to interested parties for their comments. The following responses were received and distributed at this meeting: a letter from Mr. P. Mason, Director of Development, Region of Waterloo, dated March 4, 1999, a letter from Mr. R. Winslow, General Manager, Preston Sand & Gravel, dated March 2, 1999 and Mr. P. Pupolo, Planning & Engineering Initiatives Ltd., consultants for the Grand River Conservation Authority, dated March 4, 1999. Mr. Bensason summarized by advising that if this property warrants an easement, it should be known and taken into consideration during the E.A. process. He noted that the letters received asked that any Heritage Kitchener recommendation be forwarded to the Planning & Economic Development Committee for further discussion. Ms. S. Campbell put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. Councillor T. Galloway questioned why this matter would be referred to Planning Committee. He suggested that the neighbours could come before Council to have the debate; or the matter could be deferred to the next Heritage Kitchener meeting for discussion and debate. Councillor Galloway advised that he was in agreement with the staff recommendation. He questioned what it would look like if the City did not accept the generous offer of the owners to designate and to enter into an easement agreement. If anyone wants to debate or discuss this matter, it can be done at Council and it has happened before. Mt. S. Head, consultant for the owners, advised that they are in support of the staff recommendation. He stated that they are in agreement with entering into an easement agreement with the City. He noted that they are not asking their neighbours to do the same thing. He noted that there has been a discussion about the E.A. and the easement will not jeopardize the E.A. process. The E.A. process will look at the options for the extension for Fairway Road and will eventually determine the preferred alignment. He asked that the HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER 748 ZELLER DRIVE - HERITAGE EASEMENT - CONT'D Committee forward this recommendation to Council and not to Planning Committee. The Chair recognized Ms. O. Gomes of Planning & Engineering Initiatives Ltd. and Mr. D. Bennett of MacNaughton, Hermsen, Britton, Clarkson Planning, seated in the audience, inviting them to address the Committee. Both advised that they had no comments to make. On a motion by Ms. S. Campbell, it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 37 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council pass a by-law providing for the entering into of an easement with the registered owner(s) of the property municipally known as 748 Zeller Drive, and further, That the Legal Department prepare the necessary by-law and easement agreement for an easement on the property municipally known as 748 Zeller Drive, and further, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign an easement agreement for 748 Zeller Drive, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor." 3. 5 MAURICE STREET - PROPOSED REPAIRS Mr. L. Yusyp of Kitchener Housing Inc. was in attendance to advise the Committee of needed repairs to 5 Maurice Street, a property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. Yusyp advised the Committee that a chunk of the stucco has fallen off the house and the paint is falling off the stucco. His purpose in coming to the Committee today was to generate discussion, get some ideas and plan for the future alteration. Mr. Yusyp provided the Committee members with the following information: a letter from Sze Straka, a report from Totten, Sims, Hubicki Associates, Engineers Architects and Planners, a report from M. M. C. Inc. Architects and a meteorological summary for the Ontario Region from Environment Canada. Mr. Yusyp reviewed this material with the Committee. He advised that they went on site noting that the first storey of the Shantz House is three bricks thick, it was observed that the outside, middle layer of brick is soft and powdery. He noted that they observed no standing water and it was determined that the water is vapour from the inside trying to get out. Mr. Yusyp advised that in the process of working on this designated building to convert it into housing, it was insulated. He believed that, as a consequence of insulating the building a dew point was created inside the wall. Mr. Yusyp then referred to the meteorological summary, noting mean relative humidity and temperature. He advised that they went to the site and took readings of the relative humidity. Mr. Yusyp advised that these conditions will get worse and Kitchener Housing would like to take appropriate action. Because the building is designated, they would like to cooperate and work with this Committee. A discussion then took place on the possibility that there is a problem with the vapour barrier and the possibility that the water could be infiltrating from outside. It was agreed that a sub-committee be formed to work with Kitchener Housing on this project. Messrs. P. Bufe, M. Badran and E. Lucy volunteered for this sub-committee. Mr. A. Majauskas left the meeting at this time. 4. 144 - 150 KING STREET WEST - PROPOSED REPAIRS The Committee was in receipt of the tender call for the repair and renovation proposed for the property municipally known as 144-150 King Street West, a property listed on the Heritage Inventory. Mr. W. Pearce of the Department of Business and Planning Services was in attendance to review with the Committee the work proposed for this building and the materials to be used. He noted that, through the renovations, they may be able to expose some of the HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 -18- CITY OF KITCHENER 4. 144 - 150 KING STREET WEST - PROPOSED REPAIRS - CONT'D Heritage features of the building. Mr. Pearce noted that there are some structural problems in the upper storeys which will be repaired. He then explained the finish proposed for the building and displayed photographs of other buildings which have used this technology. Mr. Bensason questioned whether the end result will mimic the original fabric and Mr. Pearce assured him that it will look identical. 5. 3040 OLD MILL ROAD - DESIGNATION Mr. L. Bensason introduced this matter advising that the house is on Old Mill Road near Conestoga College. Mr. Bensason advised that Ms. P. Wagner and Mr. B. Scott viewed the property and he showed the slides of the property taken by Mr. Scott. Mr. Bensason noted that this property will eventually be impacted by a future Plan of Subdivision. Mr. M. Code, Planning Consultant for the owners, advised that it was the family home of Janet Kunsch until she married. The property has a total area of 20 acres. Doon Valley Golf Course, the neighbouring property to the west wants to purchase 5 acres. Mr. Code advised that Mr. Kuntsch wants to develop this property as his last project. Mr. Code noted that the house sits in the centre of a 10-acre property. A consulting team has been assembled and a zone change has been applied for. The proposed development will probably be a Iow-rise retirement community. Mr. Kunsch would prefer to take the house down; however, a townhouse development could probably be designed to go around the house, so it would not need to be demolished. He noted that there is no road going through this area. He advised that Mr. Kunsch does not want to have to put money into the house to make it habitable. Mr. Code noted that Mrs. Kunsch would like to keep the house. Ms. P. Wagner noted that the property faces Old Mill Road and runs back to the Grand River. She noted that consideration of what is to happen to the house is important to the owner. She advised that the proposed development suggests gardens and walks along the river. She noted the Grand Trunk Railway along the river and the possibility of linking up with walking trails. Ms. Wagner noted that Mr. Code had suggested preparing a Heritage report to help the owners with their decision. Ms. Wagner then advised of the origin of the building fabric and described the features of the interior of the house. She advised that she and Mr. Scott felt that a Heritage report should be prepared for this property. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether there was some doubt about the development of a subdivision and Mr. Code advised that it could be a condominium. Councillor Galloway advised that there was considerable interest in this property through the comprehensive zoning by-law. Some of the neighbours were concerned because of students housing. He advised that the City is interested in golf course lands. Although the City has bought some land in Cambridge, the City is keen on some of this land, adjacent to the second hole. A discussion then took place concerning the road alignment. Councillor T. Galloway noted that the Committee has had advance notice and should try and cooperate as much as possible. On a motion by Ms. P. Wagner, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener prepare a Heritage report for the property municipally known as 3040 Old Mill Road, to assist the owner and their consultant." When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Code advised that a site plan application will be submitted in one month. It was agreed that Ms. P. Wagner would do the historic research and Mr. P. Bufe would do the title HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 -19- CITY OF KITCHENER search, 6. 921 GLASGOW STREET 10. Mr. L. Bensason showed digital photographs of the property municipally known as 921 Glasgow Street and Councillor J. Haalboom advised that this is a 10-acre property close to Resurrection School. Councillor Haalboom described some of the architectural features of the house. Mr. Bensason suggested establishing a sub-committee and making arrangements to view the property. A preliminary report could be prepared and given to the registered owners of the property, who can decide what they want to do. The Committee generally agreed to proceed in this fashion. UPDATES Regarding the proposed designation of the Freeport Bridge, Mr. Bensason advised that he and Councillor Haalboom had a meeting with the Region and they wanted to know what designation would mean. They have agreed to provide background information and Mr. Bensason has agreed to provide details on what parts of the structure will be designated. They will then determine how the designation will affect the repair work they may need to do. Mr. Bensason noted that the Region seemed willing to work with the Committee on designation. He suggested that Committee members contact their Ward Councillors and talk to them of the importance of designating this bridge. Mr. P. Bufe submitted a title search for the property municipally known as 379 Glasgow Street which was reviewed by the Committee. Mr. Bensason advised that the next stage would be to do the historic research. He advised that he would meet with the owners to do the architectural report. He suggested that something be prepared for the April meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that expressions of interest for the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District were received. He noted that there is an opening on the Selection Committee for a member of this Committee. A meeting will be held as soon as possible after the March Break to review the submissions. Mr. P. Bufe questioned what was happening with 70 Victoria Street North and a discussion took place as to what had transpired at the Committee of Adjustment meeting. Mr. P. Bufe suggested designating the property. Ms. T. Seedhouse suggested putting together a working group to work with the Downtown Team on Adaptive Re-Use buildings. Ms. P. Wagner spoke of the recent decision to close off census material. She noted that the issue was privacy and the people had been promised that their information would be protected. NEW BUSINESS It was suggested that, as a millennium project, property owners be invited to have their properties designated. It was suggested that letters be sent to owners of inventory properties. Mr. L. Bensason advised that as part of his 1999 objectives, he will be reviewing this Committee's objectives. He advised that he will review these objectives at the April meeting and suggested making a priority list of two or three of the objectives. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of Heritage Kitchener is scheduled for Friday April 9, 1999, commencing at 11:45 a.m., in the Conestoga Room. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER Committee Administrator HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 57 1999 - 15 - CITY OF KITCHENER