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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1996-04-12LACAC\1996-04-12 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1996 CITY OF KITCHENER The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, under the Chairmanship of Councillor M. Wagner, commencing at 12:05 p.m., with the all members present except Ms. E. Esenberg. Regrets: Ms. E. Esenberg Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Messrs. T. B. Stanley, L. Bensason, W. Sleeth and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. MINUTES On motion be Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of March 1, 1996, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor Wagner advised that he had received an invitation from the Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. inviting Kitchener L.A.C.A.C. to a joint meeting on Tuesday May 14, 1996, at 7:30 p.m., in Waterloo. Councillor Wagner advised of a letter received from Dr. J. Steckle concerning the J. Steckle Heritage Homestead Annual General Meeting to take place on Thursday April 18, 1996, at 7:30 p.m., at the Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship Church, 68 Bean Drive and that all L.A.C.A.C. members were invited to attend. Councillor M. Wagner advised of a letter received by the Mayor's office from the Ontario Heritage Foundation concerning the Heritage Community Recognition Program. This program allows every Municipality to make one nomination each year to reward individual local heritage achievement. Councillor Wagner asked for a volunteer to take over this matter. Councillor M. Wagner then advised that the German Canadian Business Association is interested in erecting a base/platform, in Victoria Park, similar to the one that held up Kaiser Wilhelm's bust, with a plaque on it. They would like to meet with L.A.C.A.C. in this regard. Councillor Wagner showed a page out of a magazine advertising "This Old House" magazine and suggesting that the Committee subscribe. Councillor M. Wagner advised that he had received a written submission from Mr. M. deGroot, the contents of which will be discussed at a subsequent L.A.C.A.C. meeting. 3. DELEGATION - FRIENDS OF ST. JEROME'S Mr. D. Bourgeois was in attendance on behalf of Friends of St. Jerome's to advised the Committee on what they have been doing in attempt to save the former St. Jerome's High School. Mr. Bourgeois distributed printed copies of his presentation. Councillor M. Wagner asked the Committee if they would put forward a recommendation to City Council to refuse the demolition application for St. Jerome's. On motion by Ms. S. Campbell it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 34 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, we refused the request of the owner to demolish the designated property at 100 Duke Street West (St. Jeromes High School)." Mr. Bourgeois then went on to explain the proposal as contained in phase 1 of the Study, which had been undertaken by Friends of St. Jerome's. The intention is to convert the building to a Community Art Center with complimentary uses. They would maintain the bulk of the features that are included in the designation. Mr. Bourgeois also explained some of the distinctive LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1996 - 18 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DELEGATION - FRIENDS OF ST. JEROME'S - cont'd features on the inside of the building and suggested that they be inventoried. Further, it has been determined that the buildings are structurally sound. Mr. Bourgeois advised that Phase 1 of the Study contains a detailed market analysis and Phase 2 will contain details on what the costs of renovation will be. Ms. S. Campbell volunteered to appear before City Council on April 29, 1996, to represent L.A.C.A.C.'s recommendation. 4. PINCOTT PROPERTY - DEMOLITION APPLICATION Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that staff suspect that they will soon receive a demolition permit application for the Pincott Property at 381 Pioneer Tower Road. This property is beside the Calder Property and within the area proposed for the Heritage Conservation District. He advised that it would be likely that they will be asked to produce a Heritage Impact Assessment, as the owners of the Calder Property were asked to do. Councillor T. Galloway advised that this came as a great surprise. He stated the opinion that they should be able to accommodate these buildings into a lotting plan. Further, this property is a major heritage resource. Ms. S. Burke stated that if these buildings are demolished, the Committee may as well forget a Heritage Conservation District in this area. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that the Committee should be considering designation immediately. Mr. L. Bensason advised that he has the cooperation of the Chief Building Official to delay issuance of a demolition permit to allow for an opportunity to inquire about future plans. A discussion then took place over the need for an immediate recommendation to designate this property, whether a by-law could be registered with the existing legal description or whether to wait until the next meeting to allow staff an opportunity to discuss the matter with the owners. Councillor Wagner advised that he would be willing to call a special meeting to deal with the matter if need be. It was finally agreed to wait on a decision until the next meeting. In the meantime, Mr. L. Bensason is to discuss the matter with the owners and advise them of L.A.C.A.C.'s grave concerns. Designation will be considered at the May L.A.C.A.C. meeting. 5. PIONEER TOWER WEST HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT Mr. L. Bensason distributed copies of a report titled "Preferred Option" which was a written report plus a map. He advised that the 1830's house and drive shed are to be contained on a separate lot which will be covered by a Heritage Conservation easement. The barn will be contained on a parcel of land which is to be dedicated to the City as parkland. Mr. L. Bensason continued to explain the purpose of all the lots shown on the south side of street "A" as shown on the plan attached to the report. Councillor M. Wagner advised that Councillor T. Galloway is to be congratulated for all his work and negotiations in this regard. A discussion then took place concerning the barn and removal of the super structure. Mr. T. B. Stanley advised that the City isn't prepared to pay $150,000 to do all that is necessary to stabilize the barn. Councillor T. Galloway referred to Block 1 on the map and advised that the acquisition of Block 1 has no taken place yet. The owner has given the City first chance to acquire these lands, which he doesn't have to do. He stated that Council has to be convinced of the necessity of purchasing these lands. It will come down to necessity and the City may not be able to acquire LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1996 - 19 - CITY OF KITCHENER PIONEER TOWER WEST HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT - cont'd these lands. There are also more lands to be considered, such as the Pincott lands and Shirk lands. Further, the owner has agreed to a Heritage Conservation District which will contain building controls. Ms. S. Burke felt that it was necessary to keep the whole of the barn and retrofit it. She felt it should be used as an interpretive centre for the District. Mr. N. Hill asked that if circumstances concerning the barn change, the owner be notified. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN Mr. N. Hill was in attendance to discuss and receive comments on the March 28 draft of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan. He advised that this draft contains all of the revisions requested in the first draft. He also advised that the Parks and Recreation Department has been working with him on the Victoria Park section of the plan and they are happy with it. Ms. S. Burke advised that she tried to look at this plan in view of the Upper Doon Plan. She felt that there may not be enough in the way of guide lines for L.A.C.A.C. She was of the opinion that the buildings should be ranked. She questioned which buildings were most important to preserve and suggested that there be an A,B,C list as there is in the Upper Doon Plan. She also suggested that a citizens or peer committee be established. Mr. N. Hill responded that there is no ranking because ranking is against the spirit of the District. As a group, these buildings have a value greater than their individual value. Ranking is a fractious approach which makes one building more important than another. Because of the age of all of the buildings in the area, ranking is not necessary. Mr. Hill also advised that ranking the buildings would take months and would change the focus of the plan. Councillor T. Galloway explained that the ranking in the Upper Doon Plan has to do with the dates of construction of the buildings, as there are some very old buildings along with more recent infilling. The Victoria Park Area is more homogeneous. Councillor J. Smola left the meeting at this time. Mr. Hill referred to page 99 in the plan containing guidelines for work that does not significantly change the features of a building. He explained that the thrust is guidelines and education. There should be a newsletter, workshops and recognition. Any major work to be done on a building would have to be approved through the normal route. Ms. S. Burke suggested that communication is implicit in the plan. There needs to be a peer committee who will conduct workshops, visit new owners and be watchdogs in the neighbourhood. Mr. Hill stated that he is trying to make the plan manageable by trying to phase it in. Further, the study found very little change in the area. He wanted the plan to come in quietly and supportively. Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he agrees with the education approach which has been well accepted by the neighbourhood. Further, there is a real market for workshops. He advised that he would prefer the plan to come in light and get stronger only if necessary. He also advised that he agrees with the community committee. Councillor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he was happy that the plan is light handed. He questioned whether controls could be easily added. Mr. T. B. Stanley advised that staff could add an enabling paragraph in the document to allow for a review process. Councillor T. Galloway and Mr. D. Gowland left the meeting at this time. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1996 - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN - cont'd Councillor M. Wagner asked that wording which will allow for future changes to the plan be presented at the next meeting. He also asked that a sub-committee meet to consider controls/lack of controls and also to define the neighbourhood committee. This sub-committee is to be composed of Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. N. Hill, Mr. L. Bensason, Ms. S. Burke and Mr. R. Coo. A general discussion then took place on the park itself. Mr. R. Coo suggested that it is important that the City take the lead in doing something in the park. The Committee was advised that the City departments have this document as a reference as they prepare to undertake public works each year. Ms. S. Burke suggested that a stronger statement or strategies be included in the plan to deter or lessen traffic in the park. Mr. L. Bensason advised that any necessary changes will be made to the plan prior to the next L.A.C.A.C. meeting and that staff are expecting a recommendation from L.A.C.A.C. to go to City Council at the May 10th meeting. 7. KAUFMAN DESIGNATION Ms. P. Costigan distributed copies of a report containing the organizational details for the Kaufman Footwear Designation Ceremonies, to take place on Friday May 10, 1996, at 3:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers. 8. DESIGNATION SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Ms. P. Cositgan distributed a printed report concerning the state of preparation of materials for properties which the sub-committee wishes to designate. Ms. S. Campbell volunteered to complete the historical portion of the report for 85 Walter Street. Ms. D. Westman and Mr. R. Coo volunteered to research historic and architectural information for the Greenbrook and Strange Street pumping stations. On motion by Ms. P. Costigan it was resolved: "That 67-69 Aaron Street West be added to the inventory of Heritage Buildings and proceed to designation." 9. VICTORIA PARK PAVILION ROOF The Committee was advised that tendering of the roof on the Victoria Park Pavilion will soon take place. They were also advised that staff would encourage them to pass a resolution to opt for cedar shingle roofs in the park. On motion by Ms. S. Burke it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener use original/historic materials when renovating buildings in the area proposed as the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District." 10. 1222 DOON VILLAGE ROAD - SEVERANCE Mr. L. Bensason identified the property at 1222 Doon Village Road and explained the existing zoning. He advised that he is letting the Committee know about this proposed severance in order to obtain their comments on the proposal. Mr. Bensason requested that any comments in this regard be made directly to him within the next week, as the owner would like to be made aware of any concerns before he submits his application. 11. ADJOURNMENT LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES APRIL 12, 1996 - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist