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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 1999-08-13HERITAGE\1999-08-13 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES AUGUST 13, 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: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner and Mr. P. Bufe. Mr. B. Scott entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. S. Barber, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. KITCHENER DOWNTOWN WEST SIDE CONNECTION STUDY Mr. D. Drackley of Stantec Consuting and Mr. D. Banks of the Region's Transportation Division were in attendance to advise of the outcome, to date, of the Kitchener Downtown West Side Connection Study. The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. Drackley dated June 18, 1999, addressing some of the Committee's concerns. The Committee was also in receipt of a copy of a public information newsletter, dated July 1999, containing study conclusions and recommendations. Messrs. Drackley and Banks made a presentation to the Committee, which had been made at a public meeting in May. The presentation covered the following: study background, objectives, management, traffic findings, traffic improvement alternatives, final traffic improvement candidates, evaluation criteria and conclusions. Mr. Drackley advised of the operational improvement proposed: a centre turning lane for Queen Street and widening Victoria Street South to four lanes. He noted that the preliminary estimate is that Victoria Street can be widened within the existing right-of-way. Mr. Drackley then advised that the next step is to hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 1999, at 7:00 p.m., in the Regional Council Chambers. The recommendations will then be presented to a committee of the City of Kitchener and a committee of the Region and finally to the Councils in November. Messrs. Banks and Drackley then answered questions from the Committee. When questioned by Mr. B. Scott, Mr. Drackley advised that the widening of Victoria Street is to take place in three phases between the years 2000 - 2005. A brief discussion then took place concerning the centre turning lane proposed for Victoria Street and Mr. Scott requested that the effects on the Joseph Schneider Haus be monitored. Mr. P. Bufe questioned whether the Queen/Benton diversion would no longer be pursued and Mr. Drackley stated that it will be recommended not to proceed with the Queen/Benton diversion. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener requests of the Region of Waterloo that the Kitchener Downtown West Side Connection Study take into consideration monitoring the proposed improvements, particularly the centre left turn lane proposed for Queen Street; and further, That the effectiveness of the pedestrian crossing at the Joseph Schneider Haus be reviewed for improvements." 2. CITY VISIONING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Ms. B. Newell of the Department of Business and Planning Services was in attendance to give a PowerPoint presentation on the City Visioning and Community Development Plan. The presentation covered: the background, approach and objectives, work plan and reporting structure. Ms. Newell advised that the City is taking a leadership role in coordinating this project which is part of the City's Strategic Plan. Ms. Newell then reviewed the various phases of the project including: the Steering Committee, project development, the consultation process, the draft plan and its review and the final plan. Ms. Newell then requested that two members of Heritage Kitchener be appointed to the working group. She advised that she would need to know who the members would be as early as possible in September. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 137 1999 -51 - CITY OF KITCHENER ALTERATION APPLICATION - 48 SCHNEIDER AVENUE Mr. L. Bensason advised that he has a conflict of interest with this matter as the property is next door to his home. He left the room during consideration of this application. The Committee was provided with two packages of information, from Mr. B. Scott, on the request to alter 48 Schneider Avenue, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. The first package contained a report of the sub-committee meeting which took place on July 28, 1999 and a copy of the building permit application and accompanying drawings. The second package of information contained the Designation Heritage Alternation Application and revised building drawings. Ms. P. Ellis, property owner, was in attendance to explain her request and answer any questions the Committee might have. Ms. Ellis advised that the house is too small and they need to construct an addition. She stated that, initially, she was not aware of the policies in the Heritage Conservation District Plan. When she did become aware of the policies, modifications were made to the proposed addition. The addition will contain a main floor family room and a bedroom on the second floor. The addition is proposed for the side of the house because the basement wall currently leaks and there is a large room and deck on the rear of the house. Regarding the exterior of the addition, Ms. Ellis advised that board and batten style vinyl siding is proposed because it is maintenance free. She felt it would not take away from the appearance at the original house and could blend in well. She then provided examples of houses in the immediate vicinity where vinyl siding has been used. She advised that she would propose to use vinyl windows in the addition. Ms. Ellis had samples of the vinyl siding proposed for the addition. She then referred to Elevation "A" attached to her Alternation Application, noting that a gable had been added to the front of the addition as suggested by the sub-committee. When questioned by the Committee, Ms. Ellis advised there will be two windows in the first floor of the side of the addition, as there is in the side of the existing house, plus one window on the second floor. A brief discussion took place concerning reuse of the two side windows from the house. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, we approve the request of the owner to alter the property municipally known as 48 Schneider Avenue, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, to construct a 1-1/2 storey addition on the west side of the existing house, as shown on Elevation "A" attached to their Designated Heritage Property Alteration Application, with the addition to have a gabled front, to have a 4 ft. setback from the front wall of the existing house, vinyl board and batten style siding, vinyl windows and/or reuse of the original windows from the side of the house, and permission to relocate the driveway from the west to the east side of the house." POSSIBLE DESIGNATION - FIRST MENNONITE CHURCH CEMETERY AND FERRIE MILL Councillor J. Haalboom advised that the members of the First Mennonite Church are now more favourable to the designation of the church cemetery. Mr. Bensason advised that a detailed report had been sent to the church some time ago. Previously they were concerned about any financial obligations on the part of the church and the families of the people buried there. They were also concerned as to whether designation would affect their abilities to repair the tombstones. He questioned whether the tombstones should be included in the designation. Ms. P. Wagner advised that she had some information on cemeteries and designation. Councillor Haalboom suggested having a meeting with the members of the Church and asked for volunteers for this purpose. With respect to the designation of the Ferrie Mill, Councillor Haalboom advised that she would like to proceed with this designation. She gave a brief history of the mill and agreed to pursue this designation. SCENIC ROADS ANALYSIS - WOOLNER DRIVE AND ZELLER DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of an extract of their meeting minutes for June 4, 1999, with respect to the Scenic Roads Analysis - Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive. Mr. L. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 137 1999 - 52 - CITY OF KITCHENER Bensason SCENIC ROADS ANALYSIS - WOOLNER DRIVE AND ZELLER DRIVE - CON'TD introduced this matter speaking to the third portion of Zeller Drive as outlined in the previous minutes. He stated that since the last meeting subdivisions have been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board because of the proximity of the airport. He stated that all planning decisions with be dealt with at the Ontario Municipal Board. He suggested that if the Committee was concerned about the Scenic Roads Analysis for Zeller Drive that they pass a resolution today to be forwarded to staff so that it can be included in the planning discussions made at the OMB. Mr. Bensason then provided wording for the proposed resolution. A discussion then took place with respect to the proposed resolution and whether or not the wording was strong enough. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That given Heritage Kitchener is of the opinion that Zeller Drive and Woolner Road are of scenic significance; Heritage Kitchener requests that the scenic qualities of the Zeller Drive and Woolner Road be addressed in the planning and development of lands located in the vicinity of Zeller Drive in the Grand River South community." HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SIGNAGE FOR UPPER DOON Mr. L. Bensason advised that he had gone to Upper Doon and taken photographs of the most significant locations for the signage. He advised that he would prepare a map in time for the September meeting. With respect to Tilt Drive and Oregon Drive, Mr. Bensason advised that there may be changes over time due to development and this could be dealt with at the September meeting. A discussion then took place with respect to work done or proposed to be done in Victoria Park by the Parks and Recreation Department, which Heritage Kitchener has never been notified of. Councillor J. Haalboom questioned the process. Mr. Bensason advised that in the past, he has contacted the General Manager of Parks and Recreation about the Council approved policies in the District Plan which govern works in Victoria Park. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that she would discuss the matter with the General Manager of Parks and Recreation. HERITAGE CONSERVATION EASEMENTS Mr. Bensason spoke briefly of the proposed Heritage Conservation Easement for 748 Zeller Drive and of a meeting which had taken place with the owners earlier this day. He advised of their concerns with respect to insurance to rebuild the barn and flexibility in landscaping. He advised that the easement will be revised accordingly. With respect to 398 Tilt Drive, Mr. Bensason advised that there still needs to be a meeting between the owners and staff. Councillor Haalboom noted that it would be nice to have this property designated. POSSIBLE REDEVELOPMENT - KNELL HARDWARE SITE Mr. Bensason advised briefly that an alternation application is likely to come forward for September and that the applicants will apply for site plan approval, Committee of Adjustment approval and the Alteration Application at the same time. WESTMOUNT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS The Committee was in receipt of information in their agenda concerning Westmount Road improvements from south of Glasgow Street to John Street. Mr. M. Majauskus was not in attendance to present the information. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 137 1999 - 53 - CITY OF KITCHENER 10. 11. 12. 13. KILOMETRE OF CULTURE Ms. S. Barber introduced this matter and distributed copies of the proposed brochure and Mr. Bensason provided background information in this regard noting that last year's brochure which was produced by the Department of Parks and Recreation, showed the location of churches within the Kilometre of Culture and this year the brochure, as prepared by Ms. S. Barber, would show the location of designated properties in the Kilometre of Culture. EXTENSION OF BLOCK LINE ROAD - 151 BALZER ROADB Mr. L. Bensason showed slides of the property of 151 Balzer Road, which has come to the attention of the Committee as a result of a class environmental assessment for the Block Line Road Extension. He stated that it was not known if the building is threatened. He also noted that it was constructed in the late 1800's. Mr. Bensason advised that if it is determined that the road can cross the railway, he will contact the owners about the history of the property. He noted that a title search and historic research would be required for a report and Mr. P. Bufe volunteered to do the title search. ADDITIONS TO THE HERITAGE INVENTORY Ms. S. Barber displayed slides of various properties, each property being considered by the Committee and each property being voted on individually and it was resolved that the following properties be added to the Heritage Inventory: 394 Stirling Avenue South 398 Stirling Avenue South 20 Bridge Street West 60 Chestnut Street 32-34 Bingeman Street Inscription in the sidewalk at the South West Corner of Mansion and Locust "Kaiser Street - O.D. - 1913" Ms. S. Barber advised that she had several other properties for the Committee's consideration and it was agreed that they would be considered at the Committee's next meeting. UPDATES Elevation drawings of the building at 72 Victoria Street South were distributed to the Committee members. Mr. Bensason advised that the windows are being replaced. He noted that this is an example of an adaptive reuse project. With respect to the Freeport Bridge, Mr. Bensason advised that the reasons for designation went to the Region but there has been no response. He stated that their response is necessary in order to proceed. Councillor Haalboom advised that a response could be expected by the end of September or early October, as this matter has to go to the Region's Engineering Committee and Council. Mr. Bensason advised that staff are now processing a zone change application for 3040 Old Mill Road. Staff have yet to receive a site plan application, although he thought that the proposal would contain the Kunsch House. Councillor Haalboom advised that in September there will be a community meeting where residents can state their concerns. A discussion then took place with respect to Heritage impact assessments and archaeological assessments. The question was raised as to when this Committee has the right to ask for archaeological assessments and Mr. Bensason advised that he would check on any authority there is on this regard. Mr. Bensason advised that Architectural Services Inc. and others have been retained to do the plan in the St. Mary's area. Two informal newsletters have been sent out to update the neighbours and the first public meeting will be held in September. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 137 1999 - 54 - CITY OF KITCHENER 13. 15. 16. 17. UPDATES - CONT'D Councillor J. Haalboom advised the Committee of a proposal in the Provincial Budget Papers that, effective May 5, 2000, there will be a temporary retail sales tax rebate on building materials purchased for Heritage properties. She noted that the cap is $3,000.00 per property. Councillor Haalboom also advised of a SuperBuild Growth Fund proposed by the Province suggesting that there needs to be something added for Heritage structures. The Committee members were provided with copies of a proposed resolution put forward by Councillor Haalboom, which was reviewed and revised by the Committee. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "Whereas construction involving restoration/renovation of buildings provides opportunities for private sector job creation; Whereas restoration of heritage structures provides opportunities for training of skilled workers; Whereas the restoration/renovation of buildings contributes to the conservation of built and natural resources, extends their economic lifespan and represents a wise reuse of resources, Whereas heritage structures contribute to tourism's economic benefits; Therefore be it resolved that Heritage Kitchener requests that heritage structures be includes in the proposed Government of Ontario's Infrastructure Program of the $20 billion public/private SuperBuild Growth Fund; and further, That this resolution be forwarded to Wayne Wettlaufer, M.P.P., Community Heritage Ontario and the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation." PROPOSED ALTERATIONS - WALPER TERRACE Mr. L. Bensason displayed a colour rendition of a proposal to improve the entrance on the Queen Street elevation, to the Walper Terrace. The owners of the property will be submitting an alteration application. He noted that their proposal is remove the marquee and place it elsewhere in the building, to extend the cornice and make a few changes on the extension. He noted that inside the building on the ground floor elevation they want to make a lobby and reception area. A discussion then took place with respect to which portions of this building are actually included in the reasons for designation. Mr. Bensason then advised that Ms. Strom, Manager of the Walper Terrance Hotel has asked for suggestions of architects and requests that members of Heritage Kitchener form a sub-committee to work on this project. Mr. Bensason asked for two volunteers from the Committee and Ms. G. Engel and Mr. B. Scott volunteered for this sub-committee. GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Councillor Haalboom advised that Regional Council has passed a resolution directing staff to seek funding for reuse of the Governor's House and Gaol. She noted that the Province has downloaded provincial offences to the Region and that this is a possible use of the gaol. Another possibility is to let the Courts expand into this building. She also noted that some space could be used for display and also use by community groups. She noted that the Region will be applying for Millennium funding. STUDENT WORK TERM Mr. Bensason advised that this would be Ms. Barber's last meeting as the Heritage Kitchener student noting that her term ends at the end of August. He also advised that this is the third term in a row that Ms. Barber has worked for Heritage Kitchener. HERITAGE KITCHENER AUGUST 137 1999 - 55 - CITY OF KITCHENER 17. 18. STUDENT WORK TERM - CONT'D Ms. Barber then reviewed what she had done for the summer including: the scenic roads evaluations, walking tours, the Pioneer Tower Heritage District Study, the Heritage Inventory, the Freeport Bridge Designation Report. She also advised that she had worked on a template for newsletters and the web site. Ms. P. Wagner complimented Ms. Barber on her thesis on St. Mary's area suggesting that she apply to the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation for a grant to have it copied. On a motion by Ms. P. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener acknowledges, with thanks, the extent and quality and work done by Ms. S. Barber during her summer work term; and further, That Heritage Kitchener recognizes the need for a full-time Title Search and Heritage Researcher to expedite Heritage requests so developers and home-owners can have a reasonable response time." Mr. P. Bufe then requested an update from Mr. Bensason with respect to the window replacement at Suddaby School, which was provided. Mr. Bufe noted his concerns and frustrations in regards to this. Mr. Bensason advised that he had asked the Board to salvage the old wooden windows. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator