Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1995-02-10LACAC\1995-02-10 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 CITY OF KITCHENER The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Mr. V. Tarbutt, commencing at 12:10 p.m. with the following members present: Mr. M. Badran, Mr. E. Bow, Mr. P. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Mr. R. Coo, Ms. P. Costigan, Mr. W. Ristau and Mrs. P. Wagner. Regrets: Ms. B. Buchanan, Ms. E. Essenberg and Ms. D. Westman. It was also noted that the members of Council on this committee were not in attendance as they were at Councils Budget meeting. Others present: Messrs L. Bensason, T. Boutilier and Ms. D. Gilchrist. MINUTES On motion by Mr. E. Bow, It was resolved: "That the Minutes of the regular meetings of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of January 13, 1995, as mailed to the members, be accepted." Ms. Burke clarified that at the January meeting she had offered to take on responsibility for the policies and procedures/inventory sub-committee. UPDATES a) 30 FRANCIS STREET SOUTH Ms. S. Burke gave a quick report on events that had taken place at the Council meeting in January when she had attended as a delegation to represent L.A.C.A.C. concerning the recommendation to designate 30 Francis Street South. She advised that there was quite a lot of discussion and controversy which took place among the members of Council however, ultimately, the recommendation to designate this property was unanimously approved by Council. It was her feeling that L.A.C.A.C. is in a strong position with this Council. Mr. V. Tarbutt thanked Ms. Burke for attending the Council meeting on behalf of L.A.C.A.C. and for the excellent presentation given. A brief discussion took place over the fact that an advisory committee is given the same status as any other delegation before Council. It was suggested that an advisory committee should be permitted a longer time to make presentations before Council then other delegations. b) THE VICTORIA PARK HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that he has spoken with the City's Legal Department who are preparing the by-law to examine this area for a proposed Heritage Conservation District. The Legal Department has advised that they need a more detailed map to show the lots being considered as part of the District; which is now being prepared by the Planning Department's Drafting Division. He advised that he is attempting to have the by-law before Council before the March break which would be in keeping with the critical path outlined for this plan. The first steering committee meeting would be held with the consultant. Mr. Bensason then explained the hiring process which must be taken for hiring the heritage consultant. Ms. S. Burke questioned whether locally, we had the required talent to complete such a plan a suggested that the advertisement should be placed in a newspaper with a wider circulation. The question was raised as to who would be the L.A.C.A.C. representative on the steering committee and a discussion took place over whether it was appropriate for Ms. Burke to be the L.A.C.A.C. representative as she owns property in the area. The committee was then directed to a memorandum provided by Mr. J. Shivas, City Solicitor, concerning municipal conflict of interest. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 -5- CITY OF KITCI:IENER UPDATES - cont'd On motion by Mr. P. Bufe, It was resolved: "That, contrary to the resolution passed at the January L.A.C.A.C. meeting, Ms. S. Burke be appointed as the L.A.C.A.C. representative on the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Steering Committee." c) KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR LIMITED - 410 KING STREET WEST Mr. R. Coo addressed the Committee advising that discussion have taken place with Kaufman's representatives concerning having an A.C.O. specialist do an architectural assessment of the property. He advised that he obtained a verbal approval for this. He further advised that Kaufmans are going to do their own assessment of the middle two buildings, as they want to know if they are structurally sound. Mr. Tarbutt explained that if Kaufmans want to apply to change the use of the buildings, they must have a report stating that the buildings are structurally sound. Further he advised that Kaufmans is asking for L.A.C.A.C.'s wish list. Mrs. Wagner advised that Kaufmans do not want to be in an adversarial situation with L.A.C.A.C. before City Council. It is their wish that the matter can be settled before any recommendation is forwarded to City Council. A general discussion took place over potential problems involved with the designation of this property. The Secretary advised that written authorization from the owner would be required before the consultant from A.C.O. could undertake the architectural assessment. Mrs. P. Wagner advised that the designation sub-committee should begin the historic research on this property. On motion by Mr. R. Coo it was resolved: "That, subject to obtaining written permission from the property owner, the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee be permitted to apply to the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario to perform an architectural assessment of the property municipally known as 410 King Street West (Kaufman Footwear Limited) at their nominal fee of $200.00 plus expenses." d) 10 SPETZ STREET Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that approximately one year ago a Demolition Permit had been applied for by the owners of 10 Spetz Street. At that time a sub-committee composed of Ms. B. Buchanan, Ms. J. Kramer and Mr. Bensason had viewed the property and advised this Committee that they had no objection to the demolition of 10 Spetz Street; however they requested that photographs of the property be taken. At the time, when Mr. Bensason had attended at the property to take photographs, it was discovered that the owner had filled the basement with file cabinets and photographs could not be taken. The owner has now advised that he is ready to demolish the property and Mr. Bensason requested a formal motion from this committee concerning the demolition. Ms. S. Burke put forward a motion that L.A.C.A.C. has no objection to the demolition of the property but would like staff to be allowed to photograph the cellar prior to its demolition and that the Regions Heritage Planner be requested to look at the building. This motion was voted on and lost. Mr. P. Bufe was of the opinion that L.A.C.A.C. should not be promoting the demolition of historic buildings. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 -6- CITY OF KITCI:IENER d) 10 SPETZ STREET - cont'd On motion by Ms. S. Burke it was resolved: "That, although the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee regrets the loss of this historic building, they will not oppose the demolition of the building known municipally as 10 Spetz Street; and further That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee requests that the City's Heritage Planner be permitted to photograph the cellar prior to its demolition; and further That the Regional Heritage Planner be permitted/requested to examine the cellar prior to its demolition. Mr. Bensason advised he would attend at the property to take photographs and would contact Mr. D. Newlands of the Region to view the property." e) 1252 DOON VILLAGE ROAD Mr. Bensason advised that 1252 Doon Village Road, being a property in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District is owned by the City. He reminded the Committee that approximately a year ago that the demolition of this building had been considered and a sub-committee was established to consider signage for the District on this property. On motion by Mr. P. Bufe it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, we have no objection to the demolition of the property municipally known as 1252 Doon Village Road (City of Kitchener), a property located in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District." f) FORSYTH SHIRT FACTORY Mr. Bensason advised that in the last month he has provided copies of the drawings which had been prepared of this building to two consultants who have clients who may be interested in buying the property. He advised that copies of the drawings have not yet been submitted to the property owner and suggested that the L.A.C.A.C. Chairman be requested to write a letter of thanks to the owner and send copies of the drawings. It was generally agreed that the Chairman be requested to send a letter to the owner of the Forsyth Shirt Factory thanking them for their cooperation in allowing students on the site to prepare drawings and plans of the building and that a copy of the plans be sent along with the letter. g) SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Minutes of the special meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee which was held on Monday January 9, 1995 were distributed to the committee members. Mr. Bensason questioned whether a member of the committee would go through the minutes and pull out items requiring action and bring them forward to a regular meeting of this Committee. Mr. V. Tarbutt suggested that this exercise should be done by a member of the Policy and Procedures sub-committee. 3. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. L. Maseo, Planner, advising of the first meeting of the Doon South Community Technical Review Committee, which is to take place on Tuesday February 14, 1995, and requesting that a L.A.C.A.C. representative be appointed to this review LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 CITY OF KITCI:IENER committee. Mr. V. Tarbutt volunteered to be L.A.C.A.C.'s representative. 3. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE - cont'd Mrs. P. Wagner asked for a map of the area as 393 Tilt Drive is of special interest. The land is owned by Monarch however the logs are owned by the tenant. She also had a concern that there are more buildings in this area which are of interest to L.A.C.A.C. 4. WATERLOO REGIONAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION - 1995 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE It was suggested that if anyone on the Committee has any ideas of projects or people to be recommended for this award that they contact the Chairman for permission to make the application and then submitted the application, which must be received by the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation by March 31, 1995. 5. MINISTRY OF CITIZENSHIPS - VOLUNTEER AWARD Mrs. P. Wagner requested that the Secretary find out how long each of the members of L.A.C.A.C. has been on the Committee and then she would initiate the application forms. 6. LETTER FROM ROBERT COO The Committee was in receipt of a letter from Mr. R. Coo, dated January 5, 1995, making suggestions as to how L.A.C.A.C. could improve its effectiveness as a catalyst for preservation in Kitchener. Mr. Coo suggested that L.A.C.A.C. look into the possibility of tax incentives as a means of encouraging preservation. He also suggested that the Committee take a less confrontational approach and be more flexible in what can be done with a building. Mr. Ristau advised that he was in support of Mr. Coo's suggestion regarding tax incentives and Mrs. Wagner referred to a court case in Ottawa which may be a precedent for this kind of incentive. She volunteered to investigate this case. Ms. S. Burke questioned the mandate of the Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings Sub-committee and whether L.A.C.A.C. could have a representative on it. Mr. Bensason advised that he sits on that Committee and acts as the link between the two. Ms. Burke suggested that L.A.C.A.C. should be proactive in dealing with the Reuse Committee. Mr. Bufe suggested that the Reuse Committee look at bonusing to encourage owners to keep heritage buildings. Mr. V. Tarbutt suggested that the Reuse Committee be requested to give a presentation to L.A.C.A.C.. He also questioned whether they have a written mandate. Mr. L. Bensason gave a brief review of what the Reuse Committee has been involved with over the last year. Mrs. P. Wagner suggested that L.A.C.A.C. give a list of their priority industrial buildings to the Reuse Committee. On motion by Mr. V. Tarbutt it was resolved: "That the Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings Sub-committee be requested to send a representative to a meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to present their mandate and method of operation; and further That a member of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee be permitted to make a similar presentation to the Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings Sub-Committee. 7. 31 TILT DRIVE - REQUEST TO ALTER Mr. L. Bensason requested that this matter be deferred to a future meeting as the owners have not provided drawings to show their requested alteration, at this time. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 -8- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 8. INTEGRATING HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN THE PLAN OF SUB-DIVISION PROCESS The Committee members were in receipt of a copy of the Department of Planning & Development staff report PD 94/91, dated October 3, 1994, containing recommendation and background information regarding a process to ensure that plans of subdivision provide for the conservation and protection of heritage resources. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the recommendations contained in the report. He advised that within the next two weeks he needs to have feedback from this committee on the recommendations contained in the report. In addition, staff provided the committee members with copies of the Staging And Development report prepared by the Department of Planning & Development for 1995 to post 1996. Mr. V. Tarbutt suggested that the designation sub-committee review subdivision plans which are eminent to determine which contain heritage resources that may be recommended for designation. Ms. S. Burke advised that this is the first major step in this process and that she completely supports staff in this regard. 10. 39 ROLAND STREET Mr. L. Bensason advised that he had received a request from a builder concerning the listing of this property on the Committees Heritage Inventory, as it was destroyed by fire last year. The builder is requesting that a notation be placed on the inventory to say that the building has been destroyed by fire. He wants some assurance that L.A.C.A.C. is not going to intervene in the redevelopment of the site. On motion by Mr. V. Tarbutt it was resolved: "That, with respect to 39 Roland Street, a notation be made, opposite the address in the Heritage Inventory Index stating that this building has been destroyed by fire." Coucillors M. Wagner and Jake Smola entered the meeting at this time. 11. PIONEER TOWER WEST Mr. T. Boutilier advised the Committee that three plans of subdivision have been submitted for the Pioneer Tower West area of the City and that the plans are now out for comment. He stated that Messrs. W. Green & P. Britton along with Ms. J. Given, Senior Planner, would like to give a presentation to L.A.C.A.C. at its March 3 meeting concerning these proposed subdivisions. They also wish to hear L.A.C.A.C.'s comments on the historic aspect of this area. Ms. S. Burke requested that, in the plans to be shown to the Committee, the heritage resources should be noted on them. Ms. Burke was then asked to meet with the Senior Planner prior to the March 3 meeting. Further, Ms. Burke was requested to review L.A.C.A.C.'s interest in the view sheds as well as the built heritage at the Committees next meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that the Pinncot and Eastern families have indicated that they do not want to be involved in a Heritage Conservation District; however, a Heritage Conservation District could be done on the publically owned lands, which are quite extensive. Further, Mr. Bensason advised that an archaeological assessment has been requested for the J. H. S. lands and the Regional Archaeologist does not find any cultural significance on these lands. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 -9- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 12. 13. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES/L.A.C.A.C. SUB-COMMITTEES OUTLINES The Committee members will provided with recommended policies on L.A.C.A.C. sub-committees and Ms. S. Burke explained the purpose behind the report. She advised that their is still one report missing and that Ms. E. Essenberg will provide this in time to be distributed and discussed for the March meeting. It was requested that anyone having comments on these reports should contact the appropriate sub-committee chairman with their comments before the March meeting. Councillor M. Wagner thanked Ms. Burke and Mr. Tarbutt for the extensive work which they have done in this regard and stressed that the focus for L.A.C.A.C. for 1995 will be on the inventory and on designation. Mr. L. Bensason then reviewed the Heritage Property Report. DESIGNATION PRIORITY LIST Mrs. P. Wagner addressed the Committee in this regard and advised that discussions have taken place on various properties which had previously been brought forward for designation over the last year. Mrs. Wagner then spoke of properties which have been identified by members of this Committee as being worthy of consideration for designation, which she has put into categories: INDUSTRIES Kaufman Footwear Limited Forsyth Shirt Factory HOMES 12 Wellington Street North 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North 189 Queen Street North (Greengables) 393 Tilt Drive 45 Walter Street (L. O'Krafka) SCHOOL King Edward Public School Margaret Avenue Senior Public School BUSINESSES 80 Queen Street North & Toronto Dominion Bank CEMETERIES First Mennonite Cemetery Ms. S. Burke spoke about the First Mennonite Cemetery advising that it was her opinion that L.A.C.A.C.'s interest would be well received. Mr. L. Bensason suggested that the Committee put together a small package of information to present to the owners of these properties asking if they would be willing to consider Heritage Designation. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that the members of the Committee drive by these buildings before the next meeting. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 - 10- CITY OF KITCI:IENER 13. DESIGNATION PRIORITY LIST - cont'd Ms. P. Wagner explained the process in which there has to be a working group for each building. The working group would prepare a designation report to be considered by the whole of L.A.C.A.C. which would be a matter of working through the Heritage Property Report. She stated that the working group would have to look at the building elevations from the foundation up. She asked for two or three people to form working groups to examine and report on each of these properties. Further, a title search would need to be done and the working groups would have to learn how to do a title search. Mr. Bensason suggested that the Designation Sub-Committee prepare a letter to the owners of these properties and that the working groups prepare a brief report to be sent to the owners. If the owners have no objection, then the working group could go into a more detailed report. Mr. P. Bufe volunteered to work with Ms. O'Krafka concerning the designation of 45 Walter Street. Mr. V. Tarbutt volunteered to investigate the property at 12 Wellington Street North. Ms. S. Burke and Ms. P. Costigan agreed to work on the First Mennonite Cemetery and Mr. W. Ristau agreed to work on the properties at 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North. Mrs. P. Wagner advised that she would be investigating the Designation By-law for K.C.I. and that there were a group of people called the Boys of the Thirties who may be of assistance in this regard. Ms. P. Wagner advised that in addition to designating properties, the Designation Sub-Committee would be involved in preparing a designation handbook. 14. DELEGATIONS Councillor K. Redman (Centre Ward) was not able to attend the L.A.C.A.C. meeting this date and it was agreed that this matter be deferred to the Committee's meeting of March 3, 1995. 15. COMMUNICATIONS The Committee acknowledged receipt of the following for information purposes: a) A.C.O. Winter Newsletter b) C.H.O. - Call For Nominations - Board of Directors c) C.H.O. - Annual Conference - London - May 26 - May 28, 1995. d) History of Stained Glass in Kitchener-Waterloo- Tuesday February 21, 1995, 7:30 p.m., James J. Brown Auditorium, Waterloo Public Library. e) Township of Wilmot, Council & L.A.C.A.C. - Heritage Day Celebrations - Saturday February 25, 1995, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Haysville Community Centre. f) Wellington County Museum & Archives & Heritage Fergus - Five Heritage Lectures 16. NEW BUSINESS Mrs. P. Wagner spoke of the fire at Sauders and advised that they had an archives in the basement of the store. She wanted to preserve the Sauders archives if at all possible. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES FEBRUARY 10, 1995 - 11- CITY OF KITCI:IENER qT. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee is scheduled for Friday, March 3, 1995, in the Conestoga Room, Main Floor, City Hall, commencing at 12 noon. Dianne H. Gilchrist