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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1993-03-05LACAC\1993-03-05 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 5, 1993 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:10 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Mr. V. Tarbutt, with the following members present: Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. E. Bow, Ms. B. Buchanan, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. E. Esenbergs, Ms. J. Kramer, Mr. D. Parrish, Mr. W. Ristau, Mrs. G. Stoner, Mrs. P. Wagner and Ms. M. Welsh. Other present: Messrs. L. Bensason, T.B. Stanley, J. Shivas, G. Kett, G. Sosnoski, Ms. B. Newell and Mrs. D.H. Gilchrist. 1. MINUTES Mrs. P. Wagner clarified the issue in the minutes of the regular meeting of February 12, 1993, with respect to 1101 Doon Valley Road, advising that the owners had been contacted by the sub- committee and correspondence had been sent to the owners. The proposed alteration was with respect to a change in use to a duplex. There was no formal application to change the zoning to permit the duplex and a duplex is not permitted under the existing zoning. On a motion by Mrs. G. Stoner - It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, of February 12, 1993, as mailed to members, be adopted." 2. SUDDABYSCHOOL The Committee was reminded that the proposal before them is for sandblasting of concrete window sills and horizontal frieze on the school in order to remove the paint. The 90 day time period within which Council must respond to the request, will soon expire. Staff has had no response from the Ministry of Culture and Communications concerning the test patch which was done last Fall and neither has the School Board. Mr. P. Bufe suggested that the request be broken into two parts: should the paint be removed and what is the preferred method of removal. Mr. G. Sosnoski advised that L.A.C.A.C. must determine if this proposal affects the reasons for designation. The question was raised as to whether these portions of the school were painted at the time of designation. Ms. S. Burke questioned whether it was necessary to make a decision now or wait until the weather was more conducive to this outdoor work. Mrs. G. Stoner questioned whether the School Board would be applying for a grant. It was Ms. Burke's opinion that the building would be affected if sandblasting was to take place, as at Victoria School, and that concrete should not be treated any differently than brick. She was of the opinion that this proposal does affect the reasons for designation. Mr. D. Parrish suggested that concrete can more readily accept sandblasting and that the concrete would probably be sealed with another substance for maintenance purposes. He suggested that this proposal is intended to make maintenance of the building easier and suggested that the Board be permitted to proceed with their proposal. When questioned by other members, Mr. Parrish advised that this concrete would not likely be much different to modern concrete. Mrs. P. Wagner recommended that the Board of Education be asked to wait until a report is received from the Ministry of Culture and Communications. Mr. Bufe advised that he has no objection to the removal of the paint and suggested that a bicarbonate of soda procedure be used if possible. Mr. Ristau suggested that if the School Board is going to repaint the concrete, a colour close to the colour of the concrete be used. Mr. Bufe put forward a motion that there is no objection to the removal of the paint and that method other than sandblasting be chosen if at all feasible. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 11- MARCH 5, 1993 2. SUDDABY SCHOOL (cont.) Ms. Burke advised that she has a problem indicating in any way that sandblasting is acceptable. She felt it would be setting a precedent. It was suggested by L.A.C.A.C. that the School Board be required to contact the Ministry directly. Mr. Sosnoski advised that he could leave the meeting and phone the Ministry for information and make it available before the Committee makes a final decision. Mr. Sosnoski left the meeting and returned with a faxed letter from Ms. G. Sussman, Ministry of Culture and Communications, outlining guidelines for microabrasive cleaning using sodium bicarbonate which he read aloud to the Committee. On a motion by Mr. P. Bufe - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, the Waterloo County Board of Education be advised that Council has no objection to their request to remove the paint from all concrete window sills and concrete horizontal frieze at Suddaby School, Frederick Street, Kitchener; and further, That their request to remove the paint by sandblasting, as outlined in their Maintenance and Construction Department specifications, dated November 12, 1992, be refused and a method which will not permanently damage the concrete and surrounding material be used; and further, That the Ministry of Culture and Communications guidelines on microabrasive cleaning using sodium bicarbonate, as outlined in the letter from Ms. G. Sussman, dated February 23, 1993, be made available to the Waterloo County Board of Education." 3. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION - 25 MAYNARD AVENUE Mr. G. Sosnoski advised the Committee that the owner of 25 Maynard Avenue was given approval by the Committee of Adjustment for a variance to the zoning by-law to install a driveway in the front yard. He also pointed out that the designating by-law for this property referred to 29 Maynard Avenue, in the body of the by-law, and not 25 Maynard Avenue. He suggested that the Committee may want to consider a housekeeping amendment to the by-law to correct this error. Ms. B. Buchanan showed some photographs of the subject property and questioned why this matter had gone before the Committee of Adjustment first. Mr. Sosnoski advised that the owners had applied to the Committee of Adjustment and have not applied to alter the property under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Ms. Buchanan advised that she had a copy of the letter of objection which had been submitted to the Committee of Adjustment and stated that it was her understanding that there were other letters of objection to the Committee of Adjustment. Ms. M. Welsh advised that she does not object to this proposal and sees no problem with parking in the front of the house, further advising that this is quite common in older areas in Toronto. Ms. Buchanan advised that it is possible to make alternate parking arrangements on a neighbouring property. Mr. Sosnoski suggested that this proposal involves both planning and heritage issues and it is necessary for L.A.C.A.C. to decide whether the reasons for designation are being affected. Ms. S. Burke was of the opinion that the reasons for designation are being affected. Further, she stated that this property is in an area of a proposed heritage district and it may be important to stop front yard parking now. Mr. Bufe suggested that a car parked in the front yard would intrude on the front facade. 3. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION - 25 MAYNARD AVENUE (cont.) Mr. Sosnoski suggested that whatever decision the Committee may make, they should be able to defend it at a Conservation Review Board Hearing. He also suggested that the Committee may LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES - 12 - MARCH 5, 1993 need to request Council to appeal the Committee of Adjustment decision if they recommend that the driveway not be permitted under the Ontario Heritaqe Act. Mr. J. Shivas advised that it is likely that both approvals are required. Council may not have to appeal the Committee of Adjustment approval. The Committee of Adjustment does not speak for Council and their approval does not preclude the requirement for Council's approval under this Act. Mr. Ristau suggested that, on principle, and for the record, L.A.C.A.C. should show they are against this proposal. Mr. D. Parrish suggested that L.A.C.A.C. consider the relative importance of this building. The context of setting is important for very important buildings. This building may be one which is not of very high significance. He questioned the quality of the building stating that L.A.C.A.C. is currently rating all buildings on an equivalent basis, which is not necessarily the case. Alderman T. Galloway advised that he agreed with Mr. Parrish; however if this area is to become a heritage district, then the streetscape does become jurisdiction of this Committee. Mr. Sosnoski advised that Planning staff recommended that the Committee of Adjustment approve this application. If the Committee does not care about having Council appeal the Committee of Adjustment decision, they may wish to consider requesting the owner to come to the next meeting of L.A.C.A.C. to discuss the proposal. Mr. J. Shivas suggested that the Committee of Adjustment would not usually make a decision which would contravene another law. They can defer making a decision or make a conditional decision. Further, he advised that planning considerations do not always include heritage matters. On a motion by Ms. S. Burke - It was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, the owners of 25 Maynard Avenue be advised that their proposal to install a driveway in the front yard of this property, as approved by the Committee of Adjustment on March 2, 1993 (Submission No. A21/93) affects the reasons for designation; as it affects the context of setting, siting of the house and detracts from the appearance of the front elevation; and further, That staff be directed to contact the owner to advise them that Council approval under the Act is required in addition to approval from the Committee of Adjustment." Ms. M. Welsh, Mr. D. Parrish and Ms. J. Kramer voted in opposition to the motion. Mr. L. Bensason advised that there will be a change in administrative procedure and in the future the Committee of Adjustment will be requested to defer consideration of applications affecting heritage properties pending comments from L.A.C.A.C. 4. HERITAGE PLAQUE - 39 DOON VALLEY DRIVE Mrs. P. Wagner displayed some photographs of the house at 39 Doon Valley Drive, advising that the tenant is concerned about placing the heritage plaque on the front wall of the building; as she is concerned about water seeping into the stone work. Mrs. Wagner advised that there are four posts out at the street and posts on the house to which the plaque could be attached. She requested suggestions from the Committee. HERITAGE PLAQUE - 39 DOON VALLEY DRIVE (cont.) Mr. D. Parrish advised that the posts out at the street are not on this property, but are located on the adjacent condominium property. The Committee was also advised that the City worker installing the plaque would use caulking to seal the wall. It was generally agreed that the preferred location for the plaque is the front wall of the house. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 13 - MARCH 5, 1993 5. ALTERATION REQUEST - PROTESTANT MAUSOLEUM (WOODLAND CEMETERY) The Committee was in receipt of a memo from Mr. G. Kett, dated February 5, 1993, requesting the Committee's consideration of a proposal to repoint the building fabric and carry out minor stone repairs and resetting. They were also in receipt of a specification for the project. Mr. Kett was in attendance to answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. He advised that the two mausolea were repointed in 1977-78 and the same repointing needs to be done again. He advised that they wish to commence the project as early in the Spring as the weather will allow. General discussion took place over this proposal and Mr. L. Bensason advised that if the Committee was concerning with the mortar mix, it is possible to have a test patch prepared but someone from the Committee would have to be there to look at the results. It was generally agreed that consideration of this matter be deferred to the meeting in April to allow Mr. Kett to get better specifications on the restoration work and it was suggested that Mr. Kett contact the Ministry of Culture and Communications to get extra data on masonry restoration and to have someone from the Ministry come out and look at the work to be done. 6. SIGNAGE - IMPERIAL DINING ROOM Mr. F. Stocker, owner of the Imperial Room Dining Lounge, was in attendance and Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that this proposal is specifically for signage for the restaurant. Mr. Bensason distributed drawings of the proposed signage. He also showed a video of the building and the adjacent streetscape for the Committee benefit. Ms. S. Burke gave a report of the sub-committee advising that they did do a site visit to look at this proposal. The sub-committee was concerned with preserving the integrity of the building and continuity of colour with other signs on the building. The existing signs on the building consist of two green canopies over the Queen and King Street entrances to the building. Existing shop signs over both frontages are dark green with gold lettering and a new off white colour on the cornices. Further, she advised that the signs for the North American Trust which have recently been approved, are gold and purple on three sides of the canopy which is backlit. The proposal for the Imperial Dining Room signage consists of a small arched canopy over the doorway with a second canopy over the windows which will be royal blue in colour. The light standards are to be maintained. It was the opinion of the sub-committee that the awnings should be the same shape as the existing awnings on the building and there should be some consistency with respect to the colour of the signs. It was suggested that the large sign should be flat and similar to other signs on the building and be backlit as this would tie in visually with other signs on the facade. Mr. Stocker addressed the Committee advising that the restaurant is adjacent to the Big V which has a sign that sticks out approximately 36" from the face of the building. It was his opinion that a flat sign over the restaurant windows would be hidden by the Big V sign. He stated that his proposal is to have a canopy with only the words on the sign to be lit. It was his opinion that a flat neon box sign would cheapen the restaurant and the whole hotel. Mr. D. Parrish addressed the Committee advising that this building is one of the most important buildings in Kitchener as it defines the downtown. The lower portions of the building relate very little to the upper portions and that there is no redeeming features about the 6. SIGNAGE - IMPERIAL DINING ROOM (cont.) existing first storey facade. He questioned whether the proposal before the Committee really does detract from the existing facade. It was his opinion that there were no redeeming qualities in this proposal; however it was not worse than what is already existing there. Mr. Stocker agreed to work with this sub-committee to refine this sign proposal and Mr. D. Parrish was requested to join the sub-committee. 7. MUNICIPAL PLAN Ms. B. Newell gave a very brief presentation on the Municipal Plan proposed for the City of Kitchener. It was agreed that this item would be put on the Committee's next agenda for LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 14 - MARCH 5, 1993 consideration and Ms. Newell requested any comments the Committee might have no later than their May 1993 meeting. Mrs. P. Wagner asked the Committee to give serious consideration to the heritage policies contained in the proposed Municipal Plan. 8. COMMUNICATIONS a) Heritaqe/Scenic Road Policies Mr. T.B. Stanley advised the Committee that there are five questions to help define what is a scenic road. He advised that he would send this information out to the Committee members and requested a response from them. b) 1188 Ottawa Street South Mrs. P. Wagner referred to the zone change proposal which has been received for this property and advised that the applicant has also made applications to the Committee of Adjustment for severance, which will be considered at their meeting of March 23, 1993. 9. NEW BUSINESS Mrs. P. Wagner requested, as Chairperson for the Regional Heritage Foundation, feedback from the Promotion Committee on the heritage displays at the Conestoga Mall. She questioned whether L.A.C.A.C. wished to go back to the Fairview Mall for this purpose. 10. WALPER TERRACE HOTEL Mr. L. Bensason advised that the Building Division has received an application for a building permit for the main floor of the Walper Terrace Hotel for government offices. He stated that he talked to the architect and has been advised that there are no architecturally significant features in this area. The owner has agreed to allow him to look at the area under renovation and he suggested that he may be able to take one person from L.A.C.A.C. along with him. The Committee pointed out to Leon the mosaic and tile floors throughout the first floor level of the hotel and suggested that he may be concerned with any alterations affecting the floor. 11. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held on Friday, April 2, 1993. 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Secretary