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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2000-12-08H ERITAGE\2000-12-08 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 87 2000 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor M. Galloway, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the following members present: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner and Messrs. P. Bufe, R. Green and E. Lucy. Others Present: Messrs. F. Pizzuto, Z. Janecki, L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR On motion by Ms. P. Wagner- it was resolved: "That Councillor M. Galloway be appointed Chair of Heritage Kitchener for a term to expire November 30, 2001 ." On motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Ms. P. Wagner be appointed Vice-chair of Heritage Kitchener for a term to expire November 30, 2001 ." 2. 24 PINNACLE DRIVE - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION Mr. L. Bensason brought to the Committee's attention the Demolition Control Application submitted by the property owner of 24 Pinnacle Drive, Kitchener. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation he showed photographs of the subject property noting that it is adjacent to 20 Pinnacle Drive which is a designated property, and has recently been purchased by that property owner. He noted that 24 Pinnacle Drive has no formal Heritage status and has been brought to this Committee's attention because it is in the area of interest as discussed for a proposed Heritage Conservation District in Lower Doon. He advised that, for the January meeting, he would provide the Committee with the Building Inspector's report. It was also suggested that a member of the Committee attend the property with the Building Inspector. 171 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - DEMOLITION APPLICATION - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. G. Woolner, Sandhills Residential Retirement Community Inc., appeared as a delegation to represent the application for demolition for 171 Queen Street South, under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Committee was in receipt of the Demolition Application, correspondence from Mr. Woolner, dated October 2, 2000, and a site plan of the property. At the meeting, Committee members were provided with copies of staff report BPS-00-163, dated November 28, 2000, recommending refusal of application DC 00/08/Q/LR under the Demolition Control By-law. Mr. L. Bensason, with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, displayed photographs of the buildings along Queen Street on this site. A copy of a concept plan for Phase II of the project, showing live-work units along Queen Street South was also displayed. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the applicant's reasons for requesting demolition, as identified at this Committee's October meeting. He pointed out staff's recommendation that the Demolition Control Application be refused, as it is premature. He noted that originally, when this project was first presented to Heritage Kitchener, the owners had advised that the Queen Street properties would not be demolished until Phase II was ready to begin, and that Phase II would mimic the pedestrian scale of the existing development. He advised that staff are concerned that Phase II will not proceed. Mr. G. Woolner circulated photographs of the current phase of construction on this site. He advised that the two churches involved in this project, being two of the oldest churches in downtown Kitchener, had a vision around housing an aging population. Initially they had purchased these properties to create a parking lot for the churches. He advised that this is a not-for-profit project which has taken a considerable amount of time and a great financial commitment. Part of the owner's concern has been to stop the financial bleeding, suggesting that the three Queen Street properties have been a financial concern because of damage and HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 8, 2000 - 48 - CITY OF KITCHENER maintenance costs. Also, the purchasers In Phase I of this project have identified their 171 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - DEMOLITION APPLICATION - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (CONT'D) concerns that these houses, with their associated problems, will remain. He stated that 171 Queen Street South is now vacant and will be boarded up, which is to be done for practical reasons, as they can then save money on taxes. He noted that this has not been an easy decision. Mr. Woolner then referred to the staff report stating that it is not entirely accurate. He explained that the previous owners of 161 and 171 Queen Street South have salvage rights; however, Sandhills plans to use bricks and windows from 171 to restore the Schmalz House at 189 Queen Street South. When questioned by the Committee, Mr. Woolner advised that Phase I has 159 units which are 70% sold and Phase II is proposed to have 120 units. They are also working on the possibility of continuum care units in this project. Mr. L. Bensason then reviewed the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act and the City's private legislation, noting that should Council refuse this application it would not prevent demolition ultimately. It would prevent demolition until the applicant has building plans; noting that refusal of this application will only prevent speculative demolition. When questioned as to the proposed commencement of construction of Phase II of this project and restoration of the Schmalz House, Mr. Woolner advised that timing had not been decided. Mr. E. Lucy stated his concern that boarding up this building would be detrimental to the streetscape. The Committee then discussed with Mr. Woolner the possibility of working with another downtown agency, such as The Working Centre, to use this building for housing. Following the discussion Mr. Bufe advised that this Committee's focus is heritage preservation, and that this proposed demolition is premature and should be coincident with the commencement of Phase II. On motion by Ms. P. Wagner- it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council refuse the application of the owner to demolish the designated property municipally known as 171 Queen Street South, Kitchener, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District." 4. 173 WOOLNER DRIVE - PLAN OF SUBDIVISION The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Mr. W. Pearce, Building Inspector, dated October 31,2000, providing his opinion as to the condition of the house at 173 Woolner Drive and the estimated costs of repairs to bring this house up to current standards. Mr. L. Bensason with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation displayed photographs of the subject property and a copy of the lotting and street plan for this portion of the proposed subdivision, which will affect the buildings on the property. Mr. Bensason noted that this property is listed on the Heritage Inventory, and although not proposed for demolition at this time, will ultimately be demolished. He advised that the purpose in bringing this matter to the Committee is to obtain their comments as to whether a Heritage Impact Assessment ought to be a condition of subdivision approval. He noted that the Department of Business and Planning Services is leaning towards not making it a requirement. Mr. Bensason then advised that the building was constructed in approximately 1848 and is the Mennonite Georgian style. The exterior is in good structural condition but the interior has been substantially altered. The property owner has no intention of preserving the building as it stradles the flood plain and there are severe slopes only a few feet from the main elevation of the house. He noted Mr. Pearce's estimate of $118,500. to bring the house up to acceptable standards. He also advised that the property is zoned Service Commercial. He stated that given the obstacles, staff doubt that a Heritage Impact Assessment will be required. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 8, 2000 - 49 - CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee then discussed the significance of this property, Mr. P. Bufe suggesting that it 173 WOOLNER DRIVE - PLAN OF SUBDIVISION (CONT'D) might be more saleable as Residential than Service Commercial. Ms. P. Wagner stated that this is a stone structure that is still in good condition and could be used as a commercial office. She stated that it is historically significant and was part of the Woolner farm, also noting that the Committee previously passed a motion that Woolner Drive and Zeller Drive be designated as Scenic Roads. She suggested that an Archaeological Assessment of this property be required. Mr. W. Green, consultant for the property owner, was in attendance and advised that he had not come to make a presentation but would be prepared to answer questions. He agreed that the house is of interest because of its age and architecture but pointed out that there is a substantial crack in the brickwork at the bottom right hand corner of the rear wall of the house. In response to Ms. Wagner's remarks about an Archaeological Assessment, Mr. Green advised that the Region of Waterloo will require an Archaeological Assessment. A discussion then took place concerning Walking Trails and whether the building could be used as a type of Community Centre. Mr. Green advised that there will be extensive trails in that area, but not necessarily in the vicinity of the house. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener does not recommend a Heritage Impact Assessment as a condition of approval of the subdivision application relative to 173 Woolner Road, Kitchener; and further, That Heritage Kitchener requests staff explore all possibilities to preserve the buildings at 173 Woolner Road and report back to Heritage Kitchener." GRANT SUPPORT FOR GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY HERITAGE DAY WORKSHOP The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. B. Veale of the Grand River Conservation Authority requesting financial support from Heritage Kitchener and the City of Kitchener for the 4th Annual Heritage Day Workshop to be held at the Walper Terrace Hotel on February 19, 2001. The Committee Administrator advised of a telephone conversation with Ms. Veale where she advised that the amount of the grant request has been reduced to $3,000. as they have obtained $2.000. from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener supports the application of the Grand River Conservation Authority for a grant in the amount of $3,000.00 for the Heritage Day Workshop to be held at the Walper Terrace Hotel, 1 King Street West, on February 19, 2001 ." BPS-00-156 PROPOSED MUNICIPAL HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM The Committee was in receipt of staff report BPS-00-156, dated November 9, 2000, which describes and recommends a Municipal Heritage Property Grant program for owners of designated properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. Bensason explained the proposed grant program noting its similarity to the previous Provincial Grant program, with grants of up to $3,000. per property per year, to a maximum of $15,000. per year. He advised that he will be seeking Council's approval of this program and is requesting this Committee's endorsement. Mr. E. Lucy questioned whether such a program would create ill will, as there are far more designated properties than the funds could accommodate. Mr. Bensason noted that the funding is typical of other Municipalities and suggested that the criteria for awarding the grants, urgent need and structural need before aesthetics, will alleviate that problem. When questioned by Ms. P. Wagner, Mr. Bensason advised that the program is not requested to commence until 2002 because of the time needed to develop criteria and promotional material. HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 8, 2000 - 50 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. BPS-00-156 PROPOSED MUNICIPAL HERITAGE PROPERTY GRANT PROGRAM (CONT'D) On motion by Mr. E. Lucy- it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener endorses the Heritage Property Grant Program as described and recommended in staff report BPS-00-156, dated November 9, 2000." 7. WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL Mr. Bensason gave notice that Regional staff will be appearing at Council on December 18, 2000 to object to this Committee's recommendation with respect to bars on eight windows of the Gaol. Councillor M. Galloway left the meeting at this time and Ms. P. Wagner assumed the chair. 8. MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARDS Mr. L. Bensason advised that he has circulated pamphlets and nomination forms for the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards to all owners of designated properties in the City of Kitchener, and the deadline for submissions is Friday, December 15, 2000. Mr. Bensason requested volunteers to form a sub-committee to shortlist the nominations and Messrs. R. Green and P. Bufe volunteered. The Committee discussed possible nominations for these awards and also for the Mike Wagner Adaptive Re-use Awards. On motion by Ms. G. Engel- it was resolved: "That should Mike Wagner Adaptive Re-use Awards be undertaken in 2001, the properties at 72 Victoria Street South and 1188 Ottawa Street South be considered." 9. HURON ROAD BRIDGE RESTORATION The Committee was in receipt of staff report PW-00-064, dated November 14, 2000, which had been considered by Council at its meeting of November 27, 2000, with respect to the restoration work undertaken by City staff on the Huron Road Bridge. Mr. Bensason gave a PowerPoint presentation which had been presented at the Council meeting. He noted that the bridge is on the Heritage Inventory. 10. INFORMATION ITEMS Mr. L. Bensason advised that a Demolition Application has been received for the property municipally known as 209 Frederick Street which is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act along with 211-215, 219-221, and 223 Frederick Street and 122 Lancaster Street West. He noted that the properties other than 209 Frederick Street are listed on the Heritage Inventory. Mr. Bensason stated that the application was received on November 30th, and from that date there are 90 days in which Council can respond to the application. He noted that a Demolition Control Application has also been submitted for these properties; staff will be preparing a report and the Building Inspector will be inspecting these properties. He advised that the Demolition Application for 209 Frederick Street will come back to this Committee at the January meeting. Mr. L. Bensason briefly reviewed a proposed development in the region of Oregon Drive and the 50 foot natural buffer required, noting that the proponents are now requesting a reduction in the buffer to 25 feet. He advised that they will be meeting with staff and communtiy representatives to negotiate this reduction. It was suggested that, at the January meeting, the Committee identify its objectives for the year. Mr. P. Bufe raised the issue of an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a reduction in HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 8, 2000 10. 11. - 51 - CITY OF KITCHENER INFORMATION ITEMS (CONT'D) setback for the development of a large highrise at the corner of Queen and Weber Streets. Mr. L. Bensason advised that a site plan application has been received for this property for the development of two 8 story apartment buildings. ADJOURNMENT On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator