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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1992-12-11LACAC\1992-12-11 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 1992 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:05 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Alderman M. Wagner, with the following members present: Mr. V. Tarbutt, Mr. E. Bow, Ms. B. Buchanan, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. J. Chivers-Wilson, Ms. E. Esenbergs, Mr. R. Fuller, Ms. J. Kramer, Mr. D. Parrish, Mr. W. Ristau, Mrs. P. Wagner and Ms. M. Welsh. Alderman T. Galloway was in attendance for part of the meeting. 1. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No conflicts of interest were declared at this time. 2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN The Clerk requested nominations for the above two positions. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - it was resolved: "That Alderman M. Wagner be appointed Chairman of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee for a term expiring November 30, 1993." On a motion by Ms. P. Welsh - it was resolved: "That Mr. V. Tarbutt be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee for a term expiring November 30, 1993." 3. NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alderman M. Wagner assumed the Chair and introduced the new members. Past members introduced themselves and outlined their areas of interest and expertise. 4. MINUTES On a motion by Mr. E. Bow - it was resolved: "That the minutes of the November 13, 1992 meeting of the Local Architectural Advisory Committee, as mailed to members, be adopted." 5. ALTERATION REQUEST - 122 FREDERICK STREET (REGISTRY OFFICE) The Committee was in receipt of plan and elevation drawings dated November 26, 1992 from the Canadian Home and Renovation Team Inc. Mr. Sosnoski advised that staff responsible for alteration of the City owned building were unable to attend, and outlined the nature of the proposed work comprised of a new door to be created on the rear elevation above ground floor level, a new stairway and handrail. Mrs. Wagner suggested that consideration of this item be deferred pending further clarification by staff of the work proposed. Ms. Buchanan suggested that an elevation drawing showing the visual impact of the work may be required and Ms. Burke advised that in her opinion it is inappropriate to make any changes in the absence of a clear idea as to the future use of the building. On a motion by Mrs. P. Wagner - it was resolved: "That consideration of the request under the Ontario Heritage Act to alter the designated property at 122 Frederick Street (Registry Office) be deferred until the staff responsible for the project are in attendance." LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 73- DECEMBER 11, 1999 6. UPDATE - VICTORIA PUBLIC SCHOOL RESTORATION Alderman Wagner advised that due to a death in the family, Ms. Frenette was unable to attend and advise of progress to date. He suggested, and the Committee generally agreed, that this item be deferred to the January 8, 1993 meeting. Alderman Wagner suggested that the Committee may wish to address the paint scheme and asked members to view the building before the January meeting. Ms. Burke questioned why the colour scheme was not presented to L.A.C.A.C. before repainting was undertaken. Mrs. Wagner added that some concrete surfaces of the building have been painted which were previously exposed. The Committee also expressed interest in touring the premises at a future date. 7. COMMITTEE MEMBER ORIENTATION Alderman Wagner advised that he had spoken with Mr. Sosnoski concerning a presentation for new members outlining the Committee's mandate and various related processes under the Ontario Heritage Act. He proposed, and the Committee generally agreed, that the presentation would take place following the meeting on January 8, 1993. He asked that the agenda for that date be limited to 1 1/2 hours in length. 8. RESTORATION WORK - SUDDABY SCHOOL The Committee was in receipt of a specification for proposed work to the school dated November 12, 1992 along with an extract from a Ministry of Culture and Communications report on standards for the use of abrasive grits. Mr. Bufe advised that he had visited the site with other Committee members and outlined the two proposed methods involving sandblasting and the use of sodium bicarbonate. He explained that school maintenance staff felt the latter method would be slower than sandblasting and could increase the cost. Mr. Bufe expressed the opinion that based on the test patches, sandblasting would not likely affect the longevity of the building material or its appearance. He acknowledged that there is some pitting of the surface where sandblasting is involved and added that he would recommend this option if it were significantly cheaper, otherwise he would prefer the bicarbonate solution. Mrs. Wagner added that Gail Sussman of the Ministry of Culture and Communications was present during the test and agreed to provide a report outlining her comments. Mr. Fuller suggested that abrasives other than sand could also be examined. In response to a question from Mr. Parrish it was clarified that the project involves removing paint from concrete surfaces in order to reduce maintenance costs. Mr. Parrish expressed the opinion that sandblasting would not significantly affect the ability of concrete to absorb water, but suggested the owner may wish to consider a sealer in the event there were previous water problems. Mr. Sosnoski reminded the Committee that the legislation requires a determination of whether the reasons for designation are affected by the proposed work. He noted that the by-law is also unclear as to which elevations of the building are in fact designated. Ms. Burke expressed the opinion that if sandblasting is involved, this would unreasonably alter the structure. On a motion by Mrs. P. Wagner - it was resolved: "That consideration of the request of the Waterloo County Board of Education concerning proposed work to the designated property known as Suddaby School be deferred and referred to a future L.A.C.A.C. meeting pending receipt of an evaluation report from the Ministry of Culture and Communications, and that the owner be so informed." LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 74- DECEMBER 11, 199~ 10. 11. HURON COMMUNITY PLAN Mrs. Wagner gave a verbal report on the planning issues as they relate to heritage resources within the plan boundaries. She advised that planning within this area is being undertaken by the Department of Planning and Development rather than a private developer, and staff have assured her that consideration will be given to the heritage structures. She referred to specific properties and their attributes and asked that the Committee prepare reports for the Planning and Economic Development Department using the standard building report format, and beginning with the properties at 1940 Westmount Road and 710 Huron Road. Mr. Parrish expressed concern over the impact on future development of these as well as adjacent lands. Alderman Wagner explained that L.A.C.A.C. is trying to avoid confrontation with developers by advising as early as possible of any significant heritage structures which could be recommended for designation. He added that he plans to meet next year with each individual developer. Mr. Tarbutt reported on transportation corridor alternatives presently under consideration which would have an impact on the Huron Community Plan. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Sosnoski advised that Mrs. M. Rowell has completed approximately 400 preliminary reports for buildings within the study area outlined by the Committee. He advised that a list of the properties will be circulated with the January agenda, and the Committee will be asked to consider adding these to the inventory. Mr. Sosnoski advised that the Federal government is presently considering the designation of the Kitchener railway station under the Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act and an announcement is expected in February, 1993. Alderman Wagner asked that consideration of any action relative to the 1993 Heritage Showcase sponsored by the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation should be deferred to one of the sub- committees to be discussed this date. Alderman Wagner corrected the reference in the December agenda to Lang Green indicating that the parkette is at the intersection of Joseph and Victoria Street. Alderman T. Galloway entered the meeting at this time. Alderman Wagner informed the Committee of a recent meeting involving representatives of the Regional L.A.C.A.C.s. Mr. Tarbutt reported that Mr. J. Clinkett, Vice-Chairman of the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, suggested area L.A.C.A.C.s standardize their building inventory formats to allow for future cross-referencing Alderman Wagner also advised that the area L.A.C.A.C.s have decided to submit a joint bid to host a future Ontario L.A.C.A.C. conference. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Tarbutt circulated copies of a sub-committee plan dated December 11, 1992 and explained that the document is in response to earlier Committee discussions on strategic planning. He outlined the purpose of each of the proposed sub-committees. Alderman Wagner explained that with regard to the Promotions Committee, all L.A.C.A.C. members will be ex-officio members, as would be the case with the Research/Designation Sub- Committee. Mr. Tarbutt asked that reference to further discussion of this item be included in the January agenda, and that the Committee be prepared to offer their comments at that time. Ms. Burke questioned whether the Committee had previously discussed two separate sub-committees to deal with L.A.C.A.C.'s mandate and a strategic plan. She expressed the LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 75- DECEMBER 11, 1999 11. OTHER BUSINESS (cont.) opinion that at present, L.A.C.A.C. does not have a cohesive framework to collect built heritage. Mrs. Wagner suggested combining the Strategic and Inventory Sub-Committees. Ms. Welsh suggested that the mandate of the Heritage Conservation District Sub-Committee be expanded to include creation of a procedures format, as well as monitoring the collection of background information. Alderman Wagner explained that a final recommendation concerning the sub-committees will be made to Council at the January meeting and asked that any comments be delivered to Mr. Tarbutt in the interim. He also indicated the following chairpersons for the respective sub-committees: Committee Title Individual Heritage Districts Finance Inventory Strategic Planning Promotions M. Welsh J. Chivers-Wilson P. Wagner S. Burke V. Tarbutt Alderman Wagner asked that anyone interested in chairing the Designation/Research Sub- Committee advise him later this date. He also asked that individual committee members consider which of the sub-committees they will serve on, noting that each will meet approximately once per month. Ms. Welsh provided an update on the additional heritage conservation districts proposed by the Committee and staff. She advised of presentations to the Planning and Economic Development Committee and the Kitchener Downtown Business Association. It was noted that the latter had expressed some concerns regarding the economic repercussions of a district in the downtown. Ms. Welsh also advised of a presentation to the Downtown Action Committee on December 3, 1992 with the members offering unanimous support for the staff recommendations. She also expressed the sub-committee's concern over a public perception that designation is a method of dealing with property standards issues. Mrs. Wagner suggested that the next step should be the determination and recording of preliminary district boundaries, and Ms. Welsh advised that she is looking for volunteers in this regard. She also acknowledged the assistance of Proctor Redfern in providing office space and supplies. Alderman Galloway advised that the City has received an Official Plan Amendment application which would, if implemented, remove Pioneer Tower Road entirely. He also suggested that any district boundaries be clearly labelled as "Preliminary". Mrs. Wagner circulated a report concerning 1541 Westmount Road East, which is owned by the City of Kitchener. She noted that the report is in response to a request from the Building Division for L.A.C.A.C.'s comments on the historic and architectural significance of the property. She advised that as indicated in her report, she does not recommend designation, however, would wish to see the evergreens along Westmount Road and the windbreak to the north of the property preserved. She also expressed concern that the City, operating as the landlord, would allow the property to deteriorate to its present level. Alderman Wagner noted that he would request a list of City owned properties, including an evaluation of their present condition. On a motion by Mrs. P. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the Building Division be advised that L.A.C.A.C. does not feel the property at 1541 Westmount Road East merits designation under the Ontario Heritage Act for either historic or architectural reasons, and further, LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 76- DECEMBER 11, 199~ 12. 13. 14. That the Committee is of the opinion that the evergreen trees along Westmount Road and the windbreak to the north of the subject property must be preserved." UNFINISHED BUSINESS Alderman Wagner asked that the items listed on the agenda this date regarding designation of 132 Young Street and 67-69 Ahren Street be referred to the January 8, 1993 meeting for consideration. A discussion took place concerning whether L.A.C.A.C. in its capacity as an advisory committee to Council should recommend a name for the new civic square. Alderman Wagner indicated that he had received opinions, both pro and con. A motion by Ms. S. Burke that L.A.C.A.C. recommend a name to Council was voted on and Lost. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held on Friday, January 8, 1993 commencing at 12:00 noon in Committee Room 4. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk