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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-05-07HERITAGE\1999-05-17 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MAY 7, 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the following members present: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner, Messrs. M. Badran, P. Bufe, E. Lucy and B. Scott. Others present: Ms. S. Barber, Messrs. L. Bensason and T. Boutilier and Ms. D. Gilchrist.. 1. 811 BLEAMS ROAD - STECKLE HERITAGE HOMESTEAD - ALTERATION APPLICATION Dr. J. Steckle was in attendance to represent her application to restore certain of the buildings at 811 Bleams Road. The Committee had been provided with copies of the Alteration Application. It was noted that the alterations were consistent with the Scheinman Report prepared in 1994 - 1995 and previously considered by this Committee. Mr. L. Bensason showed slides of the various buildings on the property which are proposed to be restored and Dr. Steckle explained the proposed renovations. Dr. Steckle thanked the Heritage Kitchener sub-committee and Mr. Bensason for their assistance in this regard. Dr. Steckle then spoke of the partnerships which have been formed with the Steckle Heritage Homestead resulting in an increased use of the homestead; which is why they wish to proceed with these renovations. She noted that they are trying to meet the needs of the school programs. Dr. Steckle summarized what work will be done, this year, on the well, barn roof, dawdy haus and horse stable and they have funding to do this. The Committee then questioned several aspects of the application. On a motion by Ms. C. Martindale, it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 811 Bleams Road (Steckle Heritage Homestead), with all alterations being done in accordance with the owner's Designated Property Alteration Application, signed May 7, 1999." Carried Unanimously A brief discussion took place concerning the potential for work at the homestead being a millennium project. Councillor Haalboom explained some of the criteria and suggested that Dr. Steckle contact Mrs. L. Ferguson in the Parks and Recreation Department. 379 GLASGOW STREET - DESIGNATION Councillor J. Haalboom advised that Heritage Kitchener's resolution, from the April meeting, had been forwarded to the Region's Heritage Planning Advisory Committee. In response, the Committee members were provided with a resolution from the Heritage Planning Advisory Committee, of their meeting of April 29, 1999, supporting the Heritage designation of 379 Glasgow Street. The Committee was in receipt of a Heritage Property Report for 379 Glasgow Street, prepared by Ms. G. Engel and Mr. L. Bensason. Mr. Bensason showed slides of the building, pointing out the features of the French Eclectic style. He also showed slides of the landscape of the property. Mr. Bensason explained the impact on the property should the Region install a right turn lane on Westmount at Glasgow. Mr. Bensason advised that he has spoken with the property owners who agree with the specific features of the designation, except for the dormer on the north elevation. They would like to replace the existing cladding with aluminum in a similar style. A discussion took place regarding the owner's request with Ms. P. Wagner and Mr. P. Bufe disagreeing with the request. Councillor Haalboom requested reasons for keeping the north elevation dormer in the specific features and the Committee advised as follows: preservation of original material; appearance of that facade; there is no other variation on the building; Heritage Kitchener sees this request in the same light as the Region's proposal to remove part of the flagstone sidewalk. HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 77 1999 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. 811 BLEAMS ROAD - STECKLE HERITAGE HOMESTEAD - ALTERATION APPLICATION - CONT'D A discussion then took place with respect to the landscaping and that it should be included in the specific features of the designation. Mr. L. Bensason stated a concern from a legal point of view as to whether trees can be included and the reasons for designation. The Committee generally agreed that they wanted the landscaping included. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to designate the property municipally known as 379 Glasgow Street, Kitchener, as being of historic and architectural value; and further, That the specific features of the designation include the following exterior and interior features of 379 Glasgow Street: Exterior Features: All building elevations including mixed wall cladding of brick and stone; window openings and original windows, glazing, muntin bars, sills and voussoirs; projecting towered principal entrance with wood panelled door, octagonal roof and metal crown royal symbol; all dormers including wood shingle cladding; rear bay clad in white stucco with half timbering; wood soffits, facia and bargeboard; roof and a roofline; brick chimneys with decorative cap; and the flagstone walkway from Glasgow Street to the principal entrance, and mature deciduous and coniferous trees located in the front and right sideyards including large maple, spruce and clump birch tree species. Interior Features: Primary staircase with wrought iron railing and polished oak wood hand rail; original 1930's floor, wall tile and built-in electric heater in both bathrooms; original polished metal door hardware; and door to walk-in safe in the basement." ADAPTIVE REUSEINCENTIVES The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services staff report BPS 99/69, dated April 29, 1999, with respect to the Economic Development Advisory Committee's request to investigate the use of Section 39 of the Ontario Heritage Act. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that she and Mr. Bufe own designated properties and questioned whether she may have a pecuniary interest in this matter. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that only those designated properties which are designated by Council as adaptive re-use sites would benefit from this proposal. Mr. Boutilier advised that this proposal has been developed by staff; which has been discussed at the Economic Development Advisory Committee. They have asked that the recommendation be forwarded to Heritage Kitchener, and Planning and Economic Development Committee on Monday May 10. Mr. Boutilier explained that there is an adaptive re-use program in the City of Kitchener which provides incentives to a selected number of sites. There are sixteen sites approved by Council and certain ones are entitled to more incentives than the others. He explained the process of designating certain areas of the City, such as the downtown, as community improvement areas. Mr. Boutilier then referred to Sonneck House, which is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. He advised that staff are asking Heritage Kitchener for its endorsement of this proposal and support to go forward to Council with this report. A discussion then took place as to the relationship between Heritage Kitchener and the Economic Development Advisory Committee in this program. Mr. B. Scott suggested that Heritage Kitchener should have a role in selecting the sites which would benefit from this program. Mr. L. Bensason stated that it is clear, under the Ontario Heritage Act, an applicant must come to this Committee for approval to alter a designated building. Getting a grant would not change that. He also advised that he gets many enquiries about financial HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 77 1999 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER assistance for designated properties. ADAPTIVE REUSE INCENTIVES - CONT'D Mr. Bensason then questioned whether an owner of a designated property could apply to be an adaptive re-use site. Mr. Boutilier responded that they could, but the site must be in an extreme condition to be an adaptive re-use site. Mr. Boutilier then explained that there are many incentives under the adaptive re-use program which would not have value for residential properties. He then explained the tax rebate and building permit fees. It may be possible to have a similar program for designated properties, such as waiving building permit fees. Mr. Bensason suggested 72 Victoria Street South as a candidate for the program. Councillor J. Haalboom read aloud the recommendation from the staff report. Mr. B. Scott requested an amendment to the recommendation that Heritage Kitchener work in partnership with the Economic Development Advisory Committee to determine which designation sites should be included as adaptive re-use sites. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener recommends that staff of the Business and Planning Services Department be directed to investigate the expansion of the current Section 28 Downtown Community Improvement Area, and the use of Section 39 of the Ontario Heritage Act to extend the adaptive re-use package of development incentives for designated adaptive re-use sites which are also designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; and further, That Heritage Kitchener partner with the Economic Development Advisory Committee in the identification of designated sites to be included as adaptive re-use sites to benefit from the package of development incentives." Carried Unanimously 3040 OLD MILL ROAD - POSSIBLE DESIGNATION Photocopies of old photographs of the building were shown at the meeting. Mr. L. Bensason advised that an on-site inspection meeting will be arranged. Ms. P. Wagner reviewed the historic research she had undertaken and some of the problems encountered. As well, a review of the title search was presented by Mr. P. Bufe. It was agreed that Ms. C. Martindale, Mr. E. Lucy and Ms. T. Seedhouse would do further research on the property. Mr. Bensason advised that a site visit would be arranged within the next two weeks. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that the owners will be submitting a development proposal very soon. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE Mr. L. Bensason displayed a map of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District showing possible locations for district signage, at entrances to the District. He noted that the small signs would cost $100.00 each and the large signs $125.00 each. In addition, there are three intersections where 4" x 4" posts need to be installed. He noted that signage is the only thing proposed for Victoria Park. It was also suggested that an interpretative sign about the park and the District be erected. Mr. Bensason noted that there is $25,000.00 in the budget this year to implement the policies in the District plans. Of that money will come the costs for the Interpretative Centre for Upper Doon. Mr. Bensason advised that he would work with the Traffic Division to determine which corner of each intersection would be best for the signs. The Committee generally agreed that staff should proceed with erection of the District signage for the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, as shown on the map displayed at the meeting this date. Mr. B. Scott again, requested an interpretative sign in the District to tell about the District and the park. HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 77 1999 - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE - CONT'D Regarding the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, Mr. E. Lucy advised that letters have been circulated to all residents in the District. The letter indicates the proposed sign locations and logo. He indicated that six responses have been received so far. Mr. Lucy advised that there is a need for five signs at five intersections. In addition, he requested that a significant sign be placed at the entrance to the village. Mr. Lucy then distributed the design for the logo. Mr. Bensason briefly explained the interpretative centre proposed for Upper Doon at the millrace for Doon Twine. He then advised that he would discuss the proposed Upper Doon signage locations with Traffic staff and he also agreed to have them prepare a sign with the logo. 6. GRAND RIVER SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN - SCENIC ROADS Mr. Bensason provided some background information in this regard noting that work on the Grand River South Community Plan has been stalled. He advised that he met with Mr. J. Willmer to discuss a scenic road study. He also advised that Zeller Drive and Woolner Drive are not identified as scenic roads in the Municipal Plan. He also noted that to do a scenic road study on Woolner Drive may not be useful. Concerning Zeller Drive, Mr. Bensason advised that he will formally look at it as a scenic road and rate each section according to the criteria. It was noted that Mr. P. Britton is receptive to looking at portions of Zeller Drive as a scenic road. Mr. B. Scott questioned whether anyone from Heritage Kitchener worked on the environmental assessment process and Mr. Bensason responded that he did not think that had happened. He stated that, unfortunately, Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive were not listed in the Heritage Inventory as scenic roads. If they had been, Heritage Kitchener would have expected to be informed and included in the environmental process. He suggested that Heritage Kitchener review roads which should be included in the inventory. He suggested the possibility that Heritage Kitchener could pass a resolution asking that prior to the EA information being given to Council, Heritage Kitchener complete a scenic roads analysis for consideration. Mr. Bensason noted that, in 1998, the Region undertook a scenic road study and these roads were in the top 10-12 percent of the most scenic roads in the Region. Councillor Haalboom asked what the Committee wished to do and Mr. Bufe suggested that they be put on the Heritage Inventory. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive be added to the Heritage Inventory." Mr. Bensason advised that he and Ms. Barber would proceed to rate both Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive. It was requested that this information be provided at the next meeting. The role of HPAC was questioned with respect to roads included in the Region's scenic road study. It was suggested that, if a Regional work will impact a Regional road included in this study that HPAC should be included. Mr. D. Bennett of MacNaughton, Hermsen, Britton, Clarkson was in attendance to address the Committee with respect to the Fairway Road extension. He advised that the Fairway Road EA would be going to Council in the near future. He noted that the Region currently owns part of the right of way east of Lackner. There are certain limitations on where it can go, which is one of the reasons why the Woolner Drive alignment was recommended. He noted that any opportunity to deviate to the south has an impact on ESPA's. Anything else was less desireable to cross the river. He noted that there was very little opportunity to deviate to the south. Mr. Bennett then clarified certain of Mr. Bensason's comments. HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 77 1999 - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. PUBLIC WORKS IN VICTORIA PARK Mr. Bensason brought to the attention of the Committee the extensive work being undertaken in Victoria Park; specifically the Park Street sanitary and storm sewers. He suggested that assistance is needed to deal with the impact these works will have on designated properties. He mentioned 82 Heins Avenue and the property owned by Ms. S. Burke. Mr. Bensason then spoke of ways to lessen vibration impact on heritage homes, suggesting that this is an issue the Committee may want to look into further. Mr. B. Scott suggested that Heritage Kitchener be involved in the planning stages for these types of public works in the future. 8. 146 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - LOG HOUSE Mr. Bensason reviewed the situation with respect to the log house purchased by the City of Kitchener formally located at 146 Pioneer Tower Road. He noted that the neighbourhood association has done a lot of research to find a site to relocate it. A sub-committee composed of Mr. Bensason, Mr. M. Badran, Ms. G. Engel and Ms. P. Wagner was established to work with the community in this regard. 9. UPDATES Concerning repairs to 5 Maurice Street, Mr. Bensason advised that a sub-committee composed of Messrs. P. Bufe, M. Badran and E. Lucy would meet with Ms. K. Kwiatkowski of Kitchener Housing Inc. on May 11th in this regard. Concerning the designation of the Freeport Bridge, Mr. Bensason advised that he is in the process of identifying the specific features to be included in the designation, for agreement by the Region. The property report is being prepared. Mr. Bensason advised that he has receive a telephone call advising that the owners are interested in submitting a demolition application for 209 Frederick Street (Bingeman Cottage). Mr. Bensason has advised them that the property is designated. Further, the private members bill will apply. He advised that a demolition application has not yet been received. Regarding the demolition at 62 King Street East, Mr. Bensason advised that as a result of the on-site meeting, specific features of the building have been salvaged. The side of the TD Bank will be stuccoed in a colour to match the rest of the building. Mr. Bensason advised that the property at 72 Victoria Street South has been purchased and the property is proposed to be converted to offices. The new owners are interested in co- operating with this Committee with regard to the exterior of the building. A sub-committee composed of Mr. P. Bufe and Ms. G. Engel was formed to work with the owners. It was noted that the sub-committee members for 921 Glasgow Street are Ms. S. Barber, Ms. G. Engel and Ms. C. Martindale. Mr. Bensason advised that a pre-application meeting took place regarding a proposed development for vacant land close to the CN Rail (Knell Hardware) in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. The proposal is for two eight-storey towers with townhouses at the back. Mr. Bensason noted that he has advised the City's planners that the property is located in the District and the rules concerning new buildings apply. He noted that the owner may apply to the Committee of Adjustment for nine storeys and those applications would go to him for comment. A brief discussion took place as to whether zone changes could be applied for during the conservation district plan stage. Mr. B. Scott noted that there is a secondary plan review process coming up for the Victoria Park Area. Mr. Scott agreed to work on this proposal on behalf of the Committee. 10. WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 77 1999 - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mr. D. Pullen had provided him with information on some of the WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY- CONT'D options being considered by the West Side Connection Study Steering Committee. A copy of the options was distributed to the Committee. Mr. Bensason pointed out the suggested operational improvements for Queen/Courtland and Queen/Charles. He pointed out that the Queen/Courtland proposal would require a widening on the south side of Courtland. He noted that there would be a public meeting in this regard on May 20th. Mr. B. Scott noted that this option along with Option #5 are the two preferred options. He advised that he would attend a special meeting in this regard the following week and he would take a resolution from this Committee to the meeting. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener recommends that Stantec Consulting and the Downtown Kitchener Westside Connection Study Steering Committee remove the widening of Courtland Avenue between Benton and Queen Streets from their operational improvement options, as outlined in the Interim Report No. 2 Evaluation of Alternatives, April 1999, Section 2.3.2 "Alternative I-Intersection Improvements, Page 8"; as property on either side of Courtland Avenue, between Benton Street and Queen Street is of significant heritage importance." It was requested, that at the next meeting, this Committee consider a recommendation to the City and the Region that this option will not be pursued and that the properties owned by the City and Region will be sold. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Councillor Haalboom advised that Archaeological Services Inc. has been hired to prepare the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District Plan. She briefly spoke of the members of this company. KOR GALLERY AND STUDIOS Councillor Haalboom reviewed with the Committee what Council had approved with respect to the alteration of the Kor Gallery and Studios, 79 Joseph Street. She noted that opening day is proposed for June 15th. MILLENNIUM COMMITTEE Councillor Haalboom spoke of the Millennium Committee and the listed categories for Millennium projects. She noted that the funding must come from a community group. It was suggested that the restoration of the Governor's House and Gaol should be recommended for a Millennium project and this Committee could pass a recommendation in support. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe, it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener requests that Council seriously consider the restoration of the Governor's House and Gaol as a millennium project." GENERAL DISCUSSION It was noted that at the North Waterloo ACO meeting on May 11th at 7:30 p.m. Ms. S. Frenette would be speaking on the adaptive re-use of older buildings. Ms. P. Wagner noted that at the winter CHO meeting there was a discussion about that organization becoming political provincially. Questions should be raised with political candidates about the review of the Heritage Act. A brief discussion took place about writing letters and HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 7~ 1999 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 14. 15. lobbying. GENERAL DISCUSSION - CONT'D It was requested that the Huron Road Bridge at Doon Heritage Crossroads be added to the Heritage Inventory. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator