HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2000-10-20HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 2000
CITY OF KITCHENER
Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor J. Haalboom, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the
following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner and
Messrs. P. Bufe, E. Lucy, B. Scott, W. Stauch and S. Sykes.
Others Present: Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist.
1. COMPASS KITCHENER UPDATE
Ms. Marie Morrison, Compass Kitchener Project Co-ordinator, appeared as a delegation to provide
an update on the Compass Kitchener project and what steps will be taken in the future. Committee
members were provided with the following printed information; Summary of Compass Kitchener
Input - Strategic Directions #14~5, Community Vision and Strategic Directions - June, 2000 and
Compass Kitchener Directions #4 - Community Health.
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Morrison reviewed the "Compass Kitchener Top
Ten Countdown", the Community Vision and Strategic Directions of June 2000 and future
processes. Ms. Morrison then reviewed, in depth, Direction #4 - Community Health, which
includes Heritage/History.
Councillor J. Haalboom questioned what measuring stick would be used to indicate that the
process is moving forward and Ms. Morrison advised that they are currently researching useful
indicators to use in this process.
When questioned as to how the process would proceed from here, Ms. Morrison advised that an
internal inventory of the five directions adopted by Council is being compiled; staff orientation and
brainstorming is being undertaken. Also, a new leadership structure is to be identified and they will
continue to involve special and advisory committees of Council. Ms. Morrison advised that the
Compass Kitchener Committee will be reconstituted in approximately DecembedJanuary and their
role will be to monitor, oversee, identify potential input and initiate groups to become involved in
this project.
73 QUEEN STREET NORTH - WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL -
ALTERATION APPLICATION
Messrs. B. Bechtel and Y. Cyr of the Region of Waterloo, along with Messrs. P. Sapounzi and C.
Tacker, Architects, appeared as a delegation in relation to the remaining items in the application of
the owner to alter the designated property, municipally known as 73 Queen Street North (Waterloo
County Governor's House and Gaol).
Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that portions of the August 9, 2000 alteration application
had been approved by Council in August and the owner requests that the remainder of the
application be dealt with today. He then referred to his letter to Mr. Brian Bechtel, Project Manager,
dated 2000-10-10, attached to the Agenda, advising that the contents of the letter are generally
the opinion of the Sub-committee and is before this Committee today for its consideration and
approval.
The Committee then discussed Item #1 in Schedule "A" to the alteration application being the
request to remove the bars from the gaol windows. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the
restoration date for the Gaol, and was advised that there is no specific date for the restoration of
the Gaol; however, the house is being restored to circa 1920.
Mr. Bensason pointed out that the Gaol functioned both as a prison and the residence for the
Turnkey until 1930. In the evidence available, there were no bars on the Gaol in 1915. During an
earlier restoration, approximately 1920, there were bars on the left side of the building, but none
on the right, which was the Turnkey's residence. Further, Mr. Bensason advised that available
evidence for 1915 shows there were three window configurations; 6/6, 2/2 and 1/1; advising that
the applicants prefer 1/1 windows and that the Sub-committee prefers 2/2 windows, but would
accept 1/1.
Dealing with some of the other issues of the application, Mr. Bensason advised that the application
includes a request to remove archstones; however, the Sub-committee wants the existing
archstones to remain. Concerning doors, Mr. Bensason noted that door-styles are not
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73 QUEEN STREET NORTH - WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL -
ALTERATION APPLICATION (CONT'D)
part of this application but door openings are. He noted the opinion of the Sub-committee that any
door designed with a sidelight is not in keeping with the date of restoration.
Mr. Brian Bechtel then displayed elevation drawings on the overhead projector, and referred to
Item #5 in the application: to relocate the existing arch in the courtyard wall to allow vehicular
traffic to the parking area, rebuilding existing arch to match existing wall and install new man door.
Mr. Bechtel advised that they will recreate the existing arch, will leave the existing arch and recess
the doorway for the new man door. He advised that a decision will have to be made respecting the
opening and they would like to recess the doorway by one foot.
Mr. Bensason pointed out that the overhead drawing shows a door with windows as well as a
transom and noted that this design is not historically correct.
Mr. Bechtel then referred to Item #7 in their application advising that they are withdrawing the
request and will leave the archstones in place.
The door in relation to Item #8 in the application was then discussed. Mr. Bechtel advised that all
proposed door openings would be a standard door size and he agreed not to put sidelights on the
door for the rebuilt rear entrance to the Governor's house. When questioned about a transom for
that door, he pointed out that it is the barrier free access to the building and that there are currently
two independent arches there. Councillor Haalboom noted that in order to accommodate the
arches they would need to install a transom.
Mr. Bechtel then reviewed the vents proposed for the gable ends as requested in Item #9 in the
application. He advised that the large vents originally proposed in the application are no longer
being proposed and they would prefer to use a size of vent proportional to the gable end, and in
keeping with the size of vents used in other parts of the Gaol. Mr. Tacker noted that they would be
approximately two thirds the size of those originally proposed.
Mr. Bechtel then reviewed Item #12 in the alteration application being the rebuilding of the front
entrance of the Gaol. He noted that the actual details of the door will be part of a future application.
The Committee then considered the upper windows, bars, archstones and keystones.
Reviewing Item #1 in the application, the Committee generally agreed to the removal of the steel
mesh in the windows. With respect to the steel bars, Mr. Bechtel advised that they proposed to
leave the bars on the three windows on the ground floor level to the left of the entrance and the
two ground floor windows on the left side of the building. He noted that there will be an historic
display area inside the windows. Mr. P. Bufe questioned whether bars in five windows would be
sufficient. He noted that the bars date from two different periods and questioned whether the bars
could be representative of the period of the restoration. Mr. Bechtel responded that they would use
whichever bars the Committee chooses. Councillor T. Galloway recommended that bars remain on
8 windows, and following further discussion the Committee generally agreed that 8 windows
should have bars. In addition to those referred to by the applicant, the three windows on the right
side of the entrance should also have bars.
The Committee then discussed window configuration. They again questioned the restoration date
for the Gaol and Mr. Sapounzi advised that there is no specific date for the restoration of the Gaol,
rather it is a cumulative history for the Gaol up to 1978 to allow flexibility. He suggested that the
window configuration should allow for the new use. No sample of the proposed windows was
available but Mr. Bechtel advised that they will be double hung windows, either vinyl clad wood or
wooden painted windows. Mr. Bufe suggested that all windows used in the restoration be 1/1
wooden painted windows and that as far as possible, the existing 1/1 windows be reused. It was
generally agreed that a decision on the style and material for the windows be deferred for the
applicant to provide samples of the proposed windows.
Each item in the application was discussed and voted on separately resulting in the following
recommendation:
2. 73 QUEEN STREET NORTH - WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL -
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CITY OF KITCHENER
ALTERATION APPLICATION (CONT'D)
On motion by Mr. P. Bufe-
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council approve the outstanding
items in Schedule "A" to the application of the owner, dated August 9, 2000, to alter the
designated property municipally known as 73 Queen Street North (Waterloo County
Governor's House & Gaol), as follows:
Item #1 - That the steel mesh be removed from the Gaol windows; and further,
That the bars remain on the three windows, on the main floor, on either side
of the rebuilt front entrance on the west elevation of the Gaol and on the two
main floor windows on the south elevation of the Gaol.
Item #5 -
That a new arch be installed in the Gaol courtyard wall, immediately adjacent
to and identical to the existing arch, to allow for vehicular access to the
parking area; and,
That the existing arch be infilled with stones to match the wall, the infill
material to be recessed 1 foot, subject to the archstones and keystone being
maintained in their existing position; and further,
That the opening for the new man door shall not accommodate a transom or
sidelight.
Item #7 -
That acknowledgement be given to the fact that the applicant has withdrawn
its request to remove existing archstones.
Item #8 -
That the door opening to the rear entrance to the Governor's House be of a
size to accommodate a transom but no sidelights.
Item #9 -
That oval vents be installed in the gable end on the north and south
elevations of the Gaol, to be identical in proportion to the plaster detail in the
gable ends on the east and west elevations of the Gaol.
Item #12 -
That the front entrance of the Gaol be rebuilt as shown in drawing A-3-1
submitted with the application; subject to the bars remaining in the upper
windows with the bricks to remain behind the bars in the two narrow windows
and the configuration of the centre window being 1/1 ."
Mr. C. Tacker then reviewed with the Committee his concerns for the longevity of the Gaol wall,
particularly in those areas where it will abut the new addition, and explained the water problems
that would be experienced. He proposed a lead on copper cap for those areas of the wall which
will abut the new addition. He also suggested that this lead on copper cap continue along the top
of the whole wall, for better preservation. He noted that if funds were not available a parged cap
could be used on those portions of the wall which do not abut the new addition. He also advised
that the lead coated copper cap is removable. He asked the Committee for its approval of this
alteration.
On motion by Mr. P. Bufe-
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council approve the request of
the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 73 Queen Street North
(Waterloo County Governor's House and Gaol) by installing a lead over copper cap on
those portions of the Gaol wall adjacent to the new addition; and further,
That if funding is available, the lead over copper cap be continued along the entire Gaol
2. 73 QUEEN STREET NORTH - WATERLOO COUNTY GOVERNOR'S HOUSE AND GAOL -
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ALTERATION APPLICATION (CONT'D)
wall, and in the event that funding is not available, the remainder of the Gaol wall be
protected with a parged cap."
3. 31 YOUNG STREET (FORSYTH PROPERTY) - WINDOW COLOUR
Mr. Dale Holland, Circa Development, appeared as a delegation with respect to the exact
colour for the windows for the model suite at 31 Young Street, as previously approved by
Council. Mr. L. Bensason displayed photographs of the building for the Committee's
information and advised of his recent site visit and testing for the original paint colour. The
Committee then discussed window configuration of 6/6 and 1/1.
Councillor T. Galloway left the meeting at this time.
Mr. Holland distributed paint samples in shades of green, noting his preference for sample
#351. He also advised of his preference for a 6/6 window configuration; double hung windows
made of vinyl covered wood. He reminded the Committee that the approval given by Council
is for the seven wiindows in the model suite only and what has been presented today is not a
change from the approval already given.
The Committee generally agreed with the colour sample #351, as presented by Mr. Holland,
for the seven windows for the model suite, in a 6/6 configuration.
171 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (SANDHILLS RESIDENTIAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY) -
DEMOLITION APPLICATION
Messrs. Glen Woolner and David Gardy appeared as a delegation to represent the request of the
Sandhills Residential Retirement Community Inc. to demolish the property municipally known as
171 Queen Street South, Kitchener. The Committee had been provided with a copy of the
application, a site plan and a letter of explanation from the applicant, in the agenda.
Mr. L. Bensason displayed slides of the properties along the Queen Street frontage, and noted
that it was always intended that the three buildings along the Queen Street frontage of the property
be demolished, but not until Phase II of the project. A few months ago the applicants applied for
and received approval of demolition of 161 Queen Street South to allow access to the site; which
was ahead of the original schedule. He then referred to the letter of explanation supplied by the
applicant, noting that the materials from the demolition will be used in the restoration of the
Schmalz House at 189 Queen Street South. Mr. Bensason then referred to a memorandum from
Mr. Wayne Pearce, Building Inspector, dated October 19, 2000, which was distributed at the
meeting, noting the building to be in good structural condition and requiring very little in the way of
repairs over the short term of 1-2 years.
Mr. Gardy advised the Committee that the Schmalz House will be the presentation centre for this
project. The exterior of the Schmalz House is falling apart and the building at 171 Queen Street
South matches perfectly; consequently they would like to use the materials from 171 Queen Street
South to repair the Schmalz House. He stated that there are other practical reasons to demolish
the house, including the fact that the site is tight and room is required for materials storage. With
respect to the finances for #171, Mr. Gardy advised that they have lost their tenants, the remaining
two will vacate by December, and the building is hard to rent because of construction on the site.
Mr. Bensason noted that the bricks from 161 Queen Street South could have been used to restore
the Schmalz House and Mr. Gardy advised that they did not have the finances or the space to
undertake the restorations at that time.
When questioned by the Committee as to commencing the next phase of construction, Mr. Gardy
advised that their intention is to start the next phase right away; however, they have to get a
sufficient base. He suggested that even if they do not start right away, the streetscape would still
be attractive.
171 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (SANDHILLS RESIDENTIAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY) -
DEMOLITION APPLICATION (CONT'D)
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Mr. Brian Scott stated that the demolition of 161 Queen Street South has had a detrimental impact
of the vista and the demolition of #171 would have a greater impact; as the ultimate goal is to have
a pedestrian scale. He advised that there are many examples of projects which did not come to
fruition and the reason cited for this demolition should not be considered. The demolition of 171
Queen Street South should still be tied to the commencement of the next phase of this project. He
stated that there must be some other way to approach the Schmalz House; suggesting
investigation of a tax rebate for this property, and Mr. Gardy advised that he has been in touch
with the tax office.
Mr. Bensason advised that the applicants have also submitted a demolition control application and
recommendations on both applications should proceed to Council at the same time, so that
Council can have all the information at once. Mr. Scott recommended that consideration of this
application be deferred to the next meeting, pending further information on the restoration of the
Schmalz House and an indication of any possible tax relief, which was generally agreed to by the
Committee.
HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROGRAM - CLARIFYING AREAS OF INTEREST
Councillor J. Haalboom introduced Ms. L. Stephenson of the Lower Doon neighbourhood and Ms.
D. Kuehl of the Civic Center neighbourhood, both of whom appeared as delegations to present the
historic and architectural importance of their respective neighbourhoods and to present reasons
why their neighbourhoods should each be considered as the next Heritage Conservation District
undertaken by the City.
Mr. Bensason advised that, in 2001, there is money in the budget to initiate one Heritage
Conservation District. He suggested that the Committee host a public meeting in each area to
determine the level of neighbourhood support for a district. He suggested that both areas are
worthy of consideration but are very different. He then displayed a map of the Lower Doon area,
noting the delegation's concern in preserving the streetscape, and explained the issues a Heritage
Conservation District can address. He questioned whether other means should be used to
preserve the character of the neighbourhood.
Ms. P. Wagner stated that she did not agree with the area previously proposed for the district in
Lower Doon. She suggested the area of Pinnacle Drive between Doon Valley Drive and Old Mill
Road, both sides of Old Mill Road from the Homer Watson House to Sydenham Street where the
curbs start, and along the rear lot lines of the properties on Pinnacle Drive. She stated that the
vista is important.
The Committee then reviewed a map of the Civic Center neighbourhood. Mr. Scott suggested a
district bound by Victoria, Weber and Queen Streets, starting at the rear lot lines of the properties
fronting onto Victoria Street.
Councillor Haalboom questioned whether these neighbourhoods could request special zoning as
a faster method of protection than a Heritage Conservation District, and Mr. Bensason pointed out
that the Civic Center has some special zoning. He advised that he would have to discuss this
matter with the senior staff in his department.
Mr. P. Bufe recommended that an area of interest be established for a Heritage Conservation
District in Lower Doon and Mr. Scott recommended the same for Civic Centre. Ms. P. Wagner
suggested that the area of interest for the Civic Center reflect the boundaries for Old Berlin.
Mr. Bensason stated that he would investigate his department's position on a Heritage
Conservation District in an area slated for high density development and the appropriateness of
the boundaries for a Heritage Conservation District in the Civic Center. He advised that he will also
report as to whether a Heritage Conservation District is the most appropriate planning tool to deal
with the issues in Lower Doon.
6. FAREWELL
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Councillor J. Haalboom thanked the members of Heritage Kitchener and staff for their hard work
on and with the Committee. She stated that it was with sadness that she is leaving this role.
7. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Dianne H. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator
