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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-06-04H E RI TAG E\1999 -06 -04 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JUNE 4, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:05 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner, Messrs. P. Bufe, E. Lucy A. Majauskas and B. Scott. Mr. M. Badran was in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Ms. T. Seedhouse. Others present: Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison, Ms. S. Barber, Messrs. L. Masseo and L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT SUDDABY SCHOOL Mr. L. Bensason displayed slides of Suddaby School and Councillor J. Haalboom explained the location of those windows proposed to be changed. Councillor Haalboom gave some background information to the request noting that the McQuarrie Enrichment Centre is closing and the Enrichment Program is being moved to the basement of Suddaby School. She explained the need to do something with the windows. Mr. L. Bensason provided a history of the window replacement for this building. He had provided the members with minutes from Heritage Kitchener meetings in 1994, at the time of the last request to alter windows at the school. He noted that the windows on the rear elevation had been approved to be changed and a few weeks later, when the Board got more money, they came back to replace more windows. The Committee had refused the second request, the matter had been debated at Council and ultimately the request was approved. He noted that they now want to use the same type of windows to replace all the basement windows. Mr. Bensason noted that the basement windows are now covered with a metal mesh screening for protection. Some of the windows have been painted shut but the wood is in good condition. He noted that the matter is not that the existing windows can not be used but the cost involved in doing that. Mr. Bensason noted that there was a recent meeting with the School Board employees, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison and Councillor Haalboom to discuss what could be done to preserve the existing windows. The conclusion of the meeting was an agreement to share the cost of hiring a window specialist to look at the windows and to determine in anything can be done to restore the existing windows. Mr. M. Badran entered the meeting at this time. Mr. C. Smith and Mr. D. Simpkins, employees of the Board of Education, along with Mr. R. Braun, Principal of Rosemount Public School and Mr. W. McAndrew, a parent, were in attendance to represent this request. The Committee members were provided with letters from the Waterloo Region District School Board to Mr. L. Bensason, dated June 3, 1999, with respect to the window retrofit project for Suddaby School along with information to clarify restoration cost estimates for windows at Suddaby School. Mr. Simpkins addressed the Committee advising that one of the key issues is the fact that they have a specific funding envelope and they have to be as efficient as possible. He noted that the Board is maintaining its commitment at Suddaby School but it is under-used in terms of the new Provincial funding. In order to keep Suddaby open, they have to move the Enrichment Program from McQuarrie to use this building to capacity. He noted that the students in the Enrichment Program are only there one day per week for their program. He felt it was a perfect fit. They must renovate the basement for this use. Mr. Smith advised that the new windows would allow the security screens to be removed. Mr. Smith advised that their concern is timing as McQuarrie has to be closed and this program has to be in Suddaby School by September. He advised that they are looking for support from this Committee to get a building permit for the first of July. Mr. Simpkins addressed the Committee advising that they are in a time crux as the program for enrichment has to be completed by September. He noted that there is not enough time for wood restoration and the retrofit could be completed by mid-August. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the timing issue, as the closing of McQuarrie has been on HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 42 - CITY OF KITCHENER WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT SUDDABY SCHOOL - CONT'D the books for a long time. She questioned when the Board made its decision. Mr. Smith advised that the Board made its decision at the December meeting but the window replacement was not decided until later. Mr. Simpkins stated that they are dealing with a five-year forecast which started in the early nineties. It has taken five years to get more money to look after Suddaby School. Mr. C. Martindale questioned how many students there would be at one time and was advised that there would be sixty a day, in the basement, from McQuarrie. Mr. Smith noted that, in addition, the washrooms for the whole school are in the basement, there is a general purpose room and there are also two non-school uses. Ms. Martindale then questioned whether, as the school is under- used, there is space upstairs for this program and Mr. Smith responded that there is not as the library is being moved upstairs. Ms. P. Wagner noted the replacement windows in the building do not match the old windows. She questioned whether the windows open as there are no screens. Mr. Simpkins advised that they do not use screens because of replacement costs. A discussion then took place with respect to tempered glass and insulated glass. Mr. P. Bufe questioned why the Board could not achieve its objectives with storm windows. He noted that, from the information provided, the cost of new windows is twice as expensive as installing storm windows. Mr. Simpkins advised that part of the program is to remove lead paint from the building, including windows. He noted that there is a liability of maintaining that volume of windows. The cost would be $18,600.00 to paint all the windows every seven years. He also noted that storm windows protrude and would possibly get in the way of children. A discussion then took place with respect to comparing the cost of retrofit windows to maintaining the existing windows and the cost of installing storm windows. Councillor J. Haalboom advised the Board staff that they now have a good idea of where the Committee stands and the Committee's concerns. She noted the Committee's role and that the Committee does understand that Suddaby needs to remain viable. Councillor Haalboom stated that it was unfortunate that they did not start working with Heritage Kitchener in December. Mr. L. Bensason advised that he would contact a window specialist and get a report. He stated that there could be a special Heritage Kitchener meeting with the recommendation to go to Council at the July 6th meeting. Mr. C. Smith asked that the Committee aim for the Council meeting of June 21 st. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener cost share on a 50/50 basis, to a maximum of $300.00, with the Waterloo Region District School Board, for a report from a window specialist concerning the existing basement windows at Suddaby School." SCENIC ROADS ANALYSIS - WOOLNER DRIVE AND ZELLER DRIVE Councillor J. Haalboom advised that the Region has considered the environmental assessment for the Fairway Road extension. She noted that Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive are in the top 10 per cent of scenic roads in the Region. A letter to the Regional Engineering Committee has reminded them of the ratings for these roads and that they are being reviewed for possible scenic road designation. Councillor Haalboom advised that Ms. S. Barber and Mr. L. Bensason have been out to rate these roads according to the scenic roads criteria. Mr. L. Bensason showed slides of these roads while advising of the data collected about each and their rating. He noted that Woolner Drive from Lackner to Zeller Drive has been rated, on the data sheet, at 73 per cent. He noted that Zeller Drive had been divided into three sections. The first section of Zeller Drive is from Susan and Janet Courts to the ESP area and the Huber farm. This first portion of Zeller Drive has scored at 66 per cent. The second portion of Zeller Drive starting at the Huber property to Woolner Drive has scored 66 per cent. The third portion of Zeller Drive, from Woolner Drive to the Grand River, has scored 86 per cent. 2. SCENIC ROADS ANALYSIS - WOOLNER DRIVE AND ZELLER DRIVE - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 43 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Bensason then advised that, in 1994, when the official plan review was started, for heritage policies, the question of which roads should be designated as scenic or potentially scenic was considered and these roads were not included. He noted that the community plan did not consider these roads for that reason. Mr. Bensason advised that both these roads are the only means of access to the subdivision for plans of subdivision proposed in the area; therefore, the roads will be upgraded. These are necessary because they are the only means of access. Mr. Bensason advised that for the third portion of Zeller Drive, there is an opportunity to consider the scenic value of this portion of the road because there will be another road which will be the primary means of access to the subdivision. He asked the Committee to consider what can be done to the third portion of Zeller Drive to maintain its scenic quality. Mr. Bensason then advised that through the EA process, Woolner Drive is recommended as the alignment for the extension of Fairway Road. He recommended that the third portion of Zeller Drive would be the portion to try to protect. Mr. M. Badran referred to Beaver Creek Road in Waterloo which has not been widened. Mr. Bensason advised that the applicant will work with staff to see how the scenic qualities of the road could be preserved. When questioned by Councillor Haalboom, Mr. Bensason advised that an effort will be made to preserve the woodlot at Zeller Drive and Woolner Drive. He also noted that the preferred alignment for Fairway Road has not been decided. With respect to Fairway Road T-ing at Zeller Drive, Councillor Galloway noted that this is the preferred alignment but has not yet been approved. He noted that the corridor is wide enough to allow for various possibilities between Zeller Drive and the river. There was some suggestion by the Committee that the road be moved north and Mr. Masseo explained the reasons why it could not be moved north. Councillor Haalboom questioned the Region's approval of the EA and Councillor Galloway advised that EA's consider various factors and, under the environmental category, some weight is given to the scenic quality. He noted that this alignment allows avoidance of the Woolner property. Councillor Haalboom then questioned at what point in the process Heritage Kitchener could give information about the design. Councillor Galloway advised that there were two opportunities and one is more or less gone. The second one is when the road is being designed and the plan of subdivision stage. He noted that there might be some opportunity to save some vegetation and scenic qualities. He noted that the EA is now setting the broad alignment plan. Mr. P. Britton addressed the Committee and advised that he was in support of Mr. Bensason's recommendations and would be willing to work with Heritage Kitchener, particularly with respect to the third part of Zeller Drive. He noted that the Fairway Road extension, over the river, is not something his clients need. Mr. Britton advised that through the EA process there is some flexibility adjacent to Dr. Fung's woodlot. This would allow an opportunity to look at interrelated issues. With respect to servicing standards for Zeller Drive, Mr. Britton advised that there is a possibility of looking at slightly different engineering standards and he would be willing to work with Heritage Kitchener in this regard. Councillor Haalboom questioned the engineering service standards and Mr. Britton advised that they would include the width of the right-of-way, how it is built and how it looks, for example curbing. Councillor Haalboom questioned whether they could try for a rural appearance for this standard and Mr. Britton advised that, with respect to the third portion of Zeller Drive, that would not cause his clients a problem. With respect to Woolner Drive, Mr. Britton advised that he could not make those representations. He also noted that with respect to the other two portions of Zeller Drive, he would be willing to look at the possibility of revised engineering standards. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. Mr. L. Bensason advised that basically this is information to staff to take these matters into consideration. Heritage Kitchener may want to have this information about the scoring of Woolner Drive forwarded to H.P.A.C. How they use the information is up to them. Mr. P. Bufe suggested making this more official and making it a definite request. 2. SCENIC ROADS ANALYSIS - WOOLNER DRIVE AND ZELLER DRIVE - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 44 - CITY OF KITCHENER After a brief discussion, Mr. L. Masseo suggested that, though not officially designated, there are scenic qualities which Heritage Kitchener would like to preserve and they could request that staff work with the developers regarding reduced engineering standards. He also advised that the Committee could request the Region consider the scenic qualities of Woolner Drive when choosing the final alignment of the Fairway Road extension. The Committee could also pass a resolution asking staff to work on the designation of the third leg of Zeller Drive as a scenic road. Mr. Masseo advised that the Region will consider a by-law for the Fairway Road extension on the 23rd June. He suggested that the Committee could forward a resolution stating that if at all possible, the scenic features or qualities of the roadway be preserved. He also suggested a resolution that the construction be done in such a way to add qualities. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that these resolutions would be considered at the next meeting. She then questioned the Committee as to whether there was a motion that this information be passed on to the Regional Heritage Planning Advisory Committee. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That the Region's Heritage Planning Advisory Committee be requested to do everything possible to preserve the existing scenic qualities of Woolner Drive as outlined in the Region's Scenic Road Study and Heritage Kitchener's Scenic Roads Analysis." With respect to the future EA process, Mr. Britton suggested that Heritage Kitchener forward a recommendation supporting an alignment which would avoid the Woolner property. He suggested that it would be good for the Committee to go on record now. 3. ALTERATION REQUEST - 37 ROLAND AVENUE Mr. and Mrs. I. Smith were in attendance to represent their request to alter the designated property at 37 Roland Avenue, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. Mr. L. Bensason circulated copies of the Smith's letter along with copies of elevation drawings. Photographs of the house were shown. It was noted that this is the second to last house on Roland Avenue and it faces Victoria Park. Mr. Bensason then explained the first part of the alteration request which is a rear addition with terraced porch. He noted that this alteration would not be very visible from the street. Mr. Bensason then went on to explain the second part of the application being the addition of a terraced deck at the front of the house. Mr. Smith then explained their request. Mr. B. Scott noted that in the "Busy Berlin Book 1912", the existing sunroom at the front of the house was not enclosed and questioned whether the Smith's would consider going back to the original. Mr. Smith advised that this would not meet his family's needs. Mr. Scott felt that the proposal would be an imposing front view. He requested that the two parts of the application be voted on separately, which was done and each portion of the application was carried. On a motion by Ms. G. Engel - it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 37 Roland Avenue, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, by constructing a 280 square foot addition onto the rear of the existing house, with a terraced deck, and by adding a 12' x 12' deck to the front of the house with an extension of the stucco wall with a concrete top cap, to match the existing house, all shown on the elevation drawings considered by Heritage Kitchener at its meeting of June 4, 1999." 4. 379 GLASGOW STREET - TENTATIVE DESIGNATION CEREMONY After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Ms. G. Engel and Ms. L. Majauskas would work on a designation ceremony for 379 Glasgow Street. 4. 379 GLASGOW STREET - TENTATIVE DESIGNATION CEREMONY - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 45 - CITY OF KITCHENER A discussion then took place with respect to an open house at Westmount School concerning the road realignment, on June 16th between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mr. Majauskas was requested to attend and pickup information and report back to this Committee. Mr. M. Badran agreed to act as a backup. DISTRICT SIGNAGE FOR UPPER DOON Mr. L. Bensason advised that the sketch prepared for the logo for the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Signage did not lend itself well, and as a result a more free flowing design would be developed by staff; which requires more time. REDEVELOPMENT OF KNELL HARDWARE SITE Mr. Bensason advised that he and Mr. B. Scott met with Drewlo Holdings concerning their proposed redevelopment of the Knell Hardware property. He advised that their preliminary site plan shows townhouse units fronting and backing onto Henry Street along with 2 x 8 storey apartment buildings. Mr. Bensason noted that the property is immediately on the edge of the district and there are no heritage structures beside the property. He noted the relationship between the property and the backyards on Henry Street and the view from the park. Mr. Bensason advised that the floor space ratio is important for them and they exceed the permitted floor space ratio. He stated that he has advised them of the policies in the plan and they have agreed to come back with a more detailed analysis as to how they would meet the policies of the plan. Mr. Bensason advised that he will provide an update at the next meeting. FREEPORT BRIDGE - REASONS FOR DESIGNATION The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a draft Heritage Property Report for the Freeport Bridge, prepared by Ms. S. Barber. Mr. Bensason advised that staff had told the Region that they would provide them with the specific features to be included in the designation. The Region has advised that they will consider an engineering study over the summer including a structural analysis. Ms. S. Barber gave a PowerPoint presentation of the contents of her report outlining the six features of the bridge which are significant. She noted the fourteen concrete bowstrings, the railings and the balustrades, the six-foot sidewalk on the west elevation, the concrete piers and deck beams. Councillor Haalboom commented that the real significance of the bridge is the openness, so you can see the river. Councillor Haalboom also noted that the Freeport Bridge comes up as #1 in the Regional Bridge Study. The Committee was advised that the Region will be doing repairs to the bridge and they feel that the bridge can hold the required loads. Mr. B. Scott left the meeting at this time. Mr. A Majauskas questioned whether it has been determined that the structure can keep going for the next twenty-five years. Mr. Bensason responded that the Region's expectation is that it can be maintained for the next 25 - 30 years. Councillor Haalboom referred the features contained in the designated property report and questioned the openings. She requested an amendment to the designation recommendation in the second last line in which the decorative concrete balustrades are noted. She asked that after the word balustrades the following be included "to include existing openings between balustrades". Mr. Bensason advised that he would be forwarding this property report to the Region and they will respond. 3040 OLD MILL ROAD - PROPOSED DESIGNATION The Committee had been provided with copies of a memorandum from Mr. W. Pearce, Building 8. 3040 OLD MILL ROAD - PROPOSED DESIGNATION - CONT'D HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 46 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. Inspector, with respect to the existing condition of the property at 3040 Old Mill Road. Slides of the property, both inside and outside of the building, and the barn were shown. Mr. Bensason referred to Mr. Pearce's report indicating that the total estimated cost to bring the property up to standard is $17,000.00. Ms. P. Wagner advised that her research showed that the property was built in approximately 1867 - 68. An historic photograph of the property was circulated. Councillor Haalboom questioned where the Committee wanted to head with this. She asked how much time and energy had been spent in researching this property so far and Ms. P. Wagner advised that she had spent a minimum of 25 hours on historic research, Mr. P. Bufe had spent six to seven hours in the Registry Office, Ms. C. Martindale and Ms. G. Engel had spent approximately eight hours each and in addition there had been two site visits made. Councillor Haalboom questioned whether the Committee should ask for a heritage impact assessment. She also questioned why this is a heritage resource. Committee advised that historically the property had been in existence since 1867 and the Committee reviewed those families who had owned the property. It was noted that Janet Kunsch is the last link to the Kinzie family. Mr. L. Bensason questioned, if Heritage Kitchener thinks a heritage impact assessment should be required, where it should focus. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that it concentrate on the house. Mr. L. Bensason cautioned that the requirement of a heritage impact assessment does not assume, outright, designation. On a motion by Mr. E. Lucy - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener requests that Business and Planning Services staff consider making a heritage impact assessment for the house at 3040 Old Mill Road a requirement for any development application for that property." Councillor J. Haalboom questioned what should be considered and was advised that staff would write the terms of reference for a heritage impact assessment. Ms. P. Wagner questioned the possibility of an archaeological assessment. STUDENT WORK PROJECTS Ms. S. Barber advised of her projects for the summer work term including: 1) update Heritage Inventory in Amanda system 2) Freeport Bridge 3) Pioneer Tower West 4) Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District sign locations 5) scenic roads assessment Ms. Barber also mentioned some involvement with the Downtown West Side Connection Study and its impact on the Heritage Inventory. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that there would be a meeting with regards to the Pioneer Tower log cabin on June 15, 1999, at 4:00 p.m. She also noted the meeting of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation on June 8, 1999. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator HERITAGE KITCHENER JUNE 47 1999 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER