Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2000-04-07H E RI TAG El2000 -04-07 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 7, 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Ms. P. Wagner, commencing at 12:00 noon with the following members present: Ms. C. Martindale, Messrs. P. Bufe, J. Countryman, E. Lucy, W. Stauch and B. Scott. Councillor T. Galloway and Ms. G. Engel were in attendance for part of the meeting. Regrets: Councillor J. Haalboom and Mr. S. Sykes. Officials Present: Ms. L. Marshall, Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist 1. REDEVELOPMENT OF WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL Mr. K. Noonan, Director of Facilities Management, Region of Waterloo, Mr. P. Sapounzi of C. A. Ventin Architect and Mr. B. Bechtel, Project Manager, appeared as a delegation to advise of the Region's proposal to convert the Waterloo County Governor's House and Gaol for use for the Provincial Offences Court. He advised that the Region has approved a budget of $3.3M for this project. Ms. G. Engel entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Noonan then reviewed the project elements including the historical restoration of the Governor's House, the Millennium Courtyard Garden and the adaptive re-use of the Gaol for the Provincial Offences Court and offices for thirteen Provincial Offences staff. He noted that the amount of space required for the court and offices is double that of the existing Gaol. Mr. Noonan then reviewed the scope of the work with respect to the Governor's House including restoration of the interior and exterior, the scope of the work required for the Millennium Garden and the adaptive re-use of the Gaol. The preliminary scope of work for the adaptive re-use of the Gaol would include, among other things, an archeological survey, restoration of the Courtyard and building walls, replacement of the roof and windows and an interior demolition. Mr. Noonan then advised the Committee that the Region would be looking for Heritage approvals in approximately June or July. Mr. Noonan then reviewed the Region's intent which would be to restore the exterior of the Governor's House as well as possible. He advised that it would be necessary to install handicap washrooms. With respect to the Gaol, Mr. Noonan advised that they would try to retain the significant features. He advised of their intention to try and keep any new structure within the height of the Courtyard walls. He advised that they intend to give major public access to the old part of the building which will require the partial demolition of the link between the Governor's House and Gaol. He noted that the link was for administrative purposes and they want to restore what was the main entrance of the Gaol. Councillor T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Noonan then reviewed their intentions with respect to the location of parking on the site. Mr. Noonan then reviewed the historic concerns including the modification/addition of entrances, the main public entrance, barrier free access and partial demolition of the link. He advised that his request to this Committee is that they review the information provided and provide Regional staff with preliminary feedback on architectural features of note and their priorities to assist the Region during the design/development stage. The Committee then discussed the various aspects of the presentation. Mr. L. Bensason questioned whether Regional staff had measured drawings or photographs of what exists with respect to these buildings. Mr. Sapounzi advised that they will do a complete bibliography of the building and that they have some drawings which do not include great detail. He suggested that if the Committee was interested in having measured drawings that it hire a student to do more detailed drawings. A discussion took place concerning the reversibility of the adaptive re-use alterations. It was suggested that it may be cost prohibitive; however, Mr. Noonan advised that staff would investigate the feasibility. He did suggest that there would be sufficient detail to allow for the recreation of the altered features. A discussion then took place with respect to use of the existing windows in the Governor's House. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2000 - 16 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. REDEVELOPMENT OF WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE & GAOL - CONT'D Ms. P. Wagner advised of the upcoming tours of the Governor's House and Gaol suggesting that Committee members take the tour and make a list of the important features. It was generally agreed that a special meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19th, 2000, to discuss this proposal and prepare comments/concerns to be forwarded to the Region. 2. 79 JOSEPH STREET (KOR STUDIOS & GALLERY) - APPLICATION FOR GROUND SIGN Mr. L. Bensason noted that the registered delegation was not in attendance and that he had not been provided with any drawings from the Kor Gallery with respect to their proposed signage. Mr. B. Scott advised of his concerns that any sign would be erected without proper approval. Mr. Bensason advised that he would write a letter to the Kor Gallery noting that approvals for signage have not been given because they have not submitted drawings and did not appear at this meeting. 3. 381 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - REVIEW OF HERITAGE DESIGNATION The Committee has been provided with a memorandum from Mr. L. Bensason, dated March 29, 2000, providing background information with respect to the heritage designation of 381 Pioneer Tower Road. At the meeting, Mr. Bensason distributed draft copies of a proposed designating by- law for this property. He reviewed the background circumstances with respect to designation of this property Pursuant to Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. He advised that subsequent to the Committee's recommendation that this property be designated, a Heritage Impact Assessment was prepared which noted significant interior features. Mr. Bensason showed slides of these features. Mr. Bensason then reviewed his request to the Committee that he would like to approach the property owner to consider a change in the proposed designation which would include specific interior features. With respect to the barn on the property, Mr. Bensason noted that the Heritage Impact Assessment identified various conservation options. He suggested to the Committee, that as there is now a reference plan for this property designating the barn on a separate parcel from the house, it may be appropriate to have this parcel of land designated under the Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. This would allow for the including of policies and guidelines in the Heritage Conservation District Plan relative to redevelopment of this site should the house be sold separately from the barn. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he agreed with Mr. Bensason's suggestion that the barn property be designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act as that he felt there was a high likelihood that the barn property would become residential. He thought that the Part V designation would give more opportunity to ensure design criteria for the District. Ms. P. Wagner commented that she thought the interior of the house should be looked at in great detail and included in the designation. With respect to removing the barn from the Part IV designation and including it in the Heritage Conservation District Plan, she questioned the time lapse. Mr. Bensason advised that it is his intention to have the Heritage Conservation District Plan completed by the end of the year. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener is in support of City staff pursuing a revised Heritage designation for 381 Pioneer Tower Road, such that the portion of the property on which the farmhouse is located be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act with both exterior and interior features of the farmhouse included in the reasons for designation, and the remaining property being designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2000 - 17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1 KING STREET WEST (WALPER HOTEL) - AGREEMENT FOR USE OF ARTIFACTS FROM 1924 CITY HALL Ms. L. Marshall, Associate City Solicitor, was in attendance and provided the Committee members with a draft copy of the proposed agreement between the City and the owners of the Walper Hotel for use of artifacts from the 1924 City Hall. Ms. Marshall reviewed the contents of the draft agreement. The Committee discussed the contents and suggested a schedule of care be included along with a requirement that any damage to the artifacts be reported forthwith. On a motion by Mr. J. Countryman - it was resolved: "That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the owners of the Walper Hotel, 1 King Street West, for use of artifacts from the 1924 City Hall in their Queen Street Lobby, substantially as contained in the draft agreement considered by Heritage Kitchener on April 7, 2000; subject to the inclusion of a Schedule of Care and a requirement that any damage to the artifacts be reported forthwith." 5. NOMINATIONS FOR WATERLOO REGIONAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION AWARDS The Committee had been provided with a letter from Ms. D. Shantz, Secretary, Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation with respect to their request for nominations for Awards of Excellence and The Sally Thorsen Award of Excellence for the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. It was noted that at the January 7, 2000, Heritage Kitchener passed a motion to nominate the Krug Staircase for a Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation Award. The following is also agreed to as nominees for awards: Mr. L. Bensason for The Sally Thorsen Award, Mr. J. Hayes for an Historical Award and a Letter of Endorsement for the Homer Watson House Foundation's nomination of Mr. Gerald Newman. 6. 31 MARGARET AVENUE - PROPOSED ALTERATIONS The Committee had been provided with sketches of the proposed and existing situation at 31 Margaret Avenue. Mr. Bensason showed slides of the subject property noting that the garage; box window and solarium are to be demolished to allow for access to the rear yard for parking. He also noted that Property Standards requires that they fix the front porch. He noted that this item is before the Committee today because the property is listed on the Heritage Inventory and the property owner is requesting suggestions from the Committee. Mr. P. Bufe noted that this property used to be the home of the first principal of Suddaby School and he suggested that this property be designated. Mr. Bensason noted that this property has been left to deteriorate for the last ten years and anything the new owner would do would be an improvement. Mr. B. Scott suggested that discussions take place with the owner on the possible designation of this property. Mr. Bensason agreed to advise the owner that Heritage Kitchener would like to designate the property. 7. 379 GLASGOW STREET - DESIGNATION CEREMONY The Committee briefly discussed possible dates with Mr. J. Countryman, owner of 379 Glasgow Street, for a designation ceremony for this property. The Committee tentatively agreed on Friday May 12, 2000, in the early evening. 500 DOON VALLEY DRIVE (DOON VALLEY GOLF CLUB) HOUSE RENOVATIONS TO CLUB Mr. L. Bensason advised that he has had discussions with the City's Facilities Management Division and that the City wants to make some significant alterations to the Clubhouse of the Doon Valley Golf Course. He advised that the alterations may involve exposing more of the original house and partial restoration. He asked that a sub-committee be formed to work with HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2000 8. -18- 500 DOON VALLEY DRIVE (DOON VALLEY GOLF CLUB) HOUSE - CONT'D CITY OF KITCHENER RENOVATIONS TO CLUB him and the Community Services Department on the proposed alteration. On a motion by Mr. B. Scott - it was resolved: "That 500 Doon Valley Drive be added to the Heritage Inventory." A sub-committee composed of Mr. W. Stauch and Mr. B. Scott agreed to work with Mr. Bensason on this project. Mr. B. Scott suggested adding the Clubhouse at Rockway Golf Club to the Heritage Inventory as well. INVESTIGATION OF HERITAGE RESOURCES LEADING TO POSSIBLE MUNICIPAL 10. 11. ACQUISITION Mr. L. Bensason referred the Committee to the discovery of the log house at 146 Pioneer Tower Road and its purchase by the City of Kitchener. At that time, Council requested staff to determine how the City could obtain heritage resources of interest through heritage Impact Assessments or other planning applications. He advised that the Planning Act allows for conditions through the Plan of Subdivision process. Mr. Bensason advised of the need to identify resources early in the process and staff are looking for the authority to conduct heritage inspections so that if a heritage resource is discovered, they may require a Heritage Impact Assessment. He advised that staff would also be investigating whether the City could offer a tax receipt for the value of the resource. Mr. Bensason advised that he hoped to have a report for this Committee for the May meeting; however, staff may have to present the report to the Planning and Economic Development Committee prior to that. ST. MARY'S AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - UPDATE Mr. Bensason distributed extracts from the draft St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District Study with respect to Heritage Conservation District Boundary Delineation and the summary of the St. Mary's Study Area Heritage Attributes. He noted that this extract deals with proposed changes in the study area boundary and that the conclusion of the draft study is that the boundaries should reflect those of the original Plan of Subdivision. Mr. Bensason advised that he would review the full study and discuss with the consultant's what the next step should be. 5 MICHAEL STREET Mr. Bensason distributed an extract from the Heritage Inventory concerning the property located at 5 Michael Street formerly the Charles A. Ahrens Shoe Company. He displayed slides of the subject property and noted that a business owner wishes to move into this property, which is an industrial building. Their intention is to add retail space, consequently they require a Zone Change and a Municipal Plan Amendment. The proposed owners have been advised that if they enter into an Heritage Easement with the City of Kitchener they would not require a Municipal Plan Amendment. Mr. Bensason then explained some of the proposed renovations to the interior and exterior of the buildings. He suggested that there are interior and exterior features of the building which are worthy of an easement. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Messrs. L. Bensason and B. Scott review features of the building at 5 Michael Street to determine those which should be included in a Heritage Easement; and further, That Messrs. Bensason and Scott work with the owner and the Legal Department to prepare a draft Heritage Easement for the property for consideration by Heritage Kitchener." HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2000 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 12. TREE ASSESSMENT REPORT - 124 WATER STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Nihls, Supervisor of Forestry, dated March 10, 2000, with respect to the Committee's request for a tree assessment for the sugar maple located on the front lawn of 124 Water Street South, in relation to the property owner's request to locate a new driveway in the vicinity of the tree. Mr. Bensason noted that he had discussed the situation with the City's Supervisor of Forestry and was advised that the City does have the legal authority to prevent a driveway from being constructed in this location through the Tree By-law. Mr. Bensason then showed a slide of a particular kind of block which could be placed in the location of the new driveway using two strips for the parked tires only. He suggested that these blocks be used in place of a full driveway. He advised that he would discuss this option with the City's Aborist and with the property owner and their agent. 13. COMPASS KITCHENER - COMMUNITY INPUT: ROUND II Ms. S. Noonan and Ms. N. Denome of the Waterloo Regional Health Unit were in attendance to review with the Committee, Round II of the Compass Kitchener community input. Workbooks had been provided to the Committee members prior to the meeting. Mr. B. Scott noted that this has been an intensive process but may not have met the needs of certain sectors of the community. He noted that in the initial discussions and workshop, several participants requested the inclusion of arts, culture and heritage as a directive and although the draft Division Statement included arts, culture and heritage the final document did not. He suggested that groups such as Heritage Kitchener have an obligation to see that culture and heritage appear in the final document. He asked that, when answering the questions in the workbook, that the Committee members' answers include the importance of arts, culture and heritage. The delegation agreed with Mr. Scott suggesting that the time frame to come up with a draft Division Statement was too short and there were things discussed in the workshop which did not materialize in the final product. He suggested that it was vital to come with an all-inclusive statement. Some of the members of the Committee noted other aspects such as health and safety which were discussed as the workshop but not included in the final product. It was suggested and requested that the members of Heritage Kitchener take the time to review the questions in the workbook carefully and include and clearly state their concerns that arts, culture and heritage be part of the final product of Compass Kitchener. 14. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator