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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1996-05-10LACAC\1996-05-10 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 10, 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 following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. P. Costigan, Ms. D. Westman, Ms. B. Buchanan and Messrs. M. Badran, E. Bow, R. Coo, D. Gowland and M. deGroot. Regrets: Councillors B. Vrbanovic and Jake Smola. Others Present: Councillor M. Yantzi, Messrs. T. B. Stanley, T. Boutilier L. Masseo, W. Sleeth, L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor M. Wagner reminded the members of the joint L.A.C.A.C. meeting, being sponsored by the City of Waterloo L.A.C.A.C. on Tuesday May 14, 1996, at 7:30 p.m., in the Erb Room, Waterloo City Hall. Councillor Wagner advised that he had received correspondence from Community Heritage Ontario asking if Kitchener L.A.C.A.C. would be interested in hosting a conference in the City of Kitchener. Councillor Wagner advised that he would correspond with C.H.O. advising that their request would require some discussion before a decision could be made. Councillor Wagner advised that a request has been received from Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro to demolish the Harvey Graber Transformer Station at 133 Graber Place. Councillor Wagner stated that many have worked hard over the past three years to find a buyer but to no avail. The owners are now requesting a demolition permit. Mr. L. Bensason gave an explanation of the position of the Ontario Heritaqe Act when a Notice of Intention has been published but no by-law approved. Councillor Wagner advised that the matter would be placed on the June L.A.C.A.C. agenda. Councillor Wagner advised that he had received a request from Mr. P. Britton for street names for Pioneer Tower West. He also advised that Mrs. P. Wagner had already provided Mr. Britton with these suggested names. 2. MINUTES Mr. L. Bensason advised that he wished to clarify a statement with respect to the demolition of the Pincott property on page 18 of the minutes, item no. 4. The demolition permit is only being delayed because, at Council's direction, properties more than 50 years old must come before L.A.C.A.C. for consideration when any applications are received by the Planning Department. Ms. P. Costigan requested that the minutes be amended for the proper spelling of Ahrens Street. On motion by Ms. P. Costigan it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of April 12, 1996, as mailed to the members and amended this date, be approved." 3. VICTORIA PARK PEACE MEMORIAL The Committee members were provided with copies of a proposal being made by the German Canadian Business & Professional Association to erect a monument in Victoria Park to replace the Peace Memorial, which honoured the 1871 Friedensfest. Messrs. J. Breithaupt and W. Ristau were in attendance to present the proposal and ask for the Committee's support, in principle. 3. VICTORIA PARK PEACE MEMORIAL - CONT'D LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MAY 10, 1996 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. J. Breithaupt advised that he recently became involved with this project and was in attendance this date to provide information and get the Committee's advice. It is the hope that a plinth to resemble to original will be in place for an unveiling on August 25, during the Victoria Park 100th birthday celebrations. He also advised that he will be meeting with other Committee's and staff to gain approval. Mr. Breithaupt advised that he is seeking comments from this Committee and, if possible, approval in principle. Councillor M. Wagner advised that this presentation will be made to the Community Services Committee on May 13, 1996, for approval in principle and also will go to other community groups. The Committee then viewed the drawings and plans attached to the proposal received this date. Councillor M. Wagner commented that it is proposed to be a replica of the original monument with some modifications and without the Kaiser's bust. The two proposed locations were discussed. The question was raised as to how tall Queen Victoria's monument is and it was estimated to be 30 ft. tall. Ms. S. Burke stated that the plinth should be of the proper scale, perspective and location or setting and she encouraged this from an historic perspective. Mr. R. Coo referred to page 83 of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan dealing with plaques and memorials in Victoria Park. There followed a brief historic discussion on the size of and location for the memorial. Councillor M. Yantzi suggested that Mr. Breithaupt contact the Veteran's Association. 4. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN Councillor M. Yantzi, Mr. N. Hill and members of the steering committee for this plan were in attendance along with some of the residents of the Victoria Park Area. The Committee was advised that the steering committee had met the day before and a few changes and additions were recommended to the version of the plan dated May 1996. The Committee members were provided with printed copies of the changes recommended by the steering committee. The members of L.A.C.A.C. had copies of the May 1996 version of the plan prepared by Nicholas Hill, Architect Planner; which had been distributed with the Agenda. The members of the Steering Committee were introduced by Councillor M. Yantzi. Councillor Yantzi thanked staff for their dedication and work on this plan. He advised that three small amendments to the plan have been requested by the Steering Committee. Mr. N. Hill addressed the Committee and offered his thanks to the staff involved in assisting with the preparation of the plan. He advised that L.A.C.A.C.'s requested amendments have been included in the plan, except for ranking the buildings and rezoning. He then explained the most recent changes. Councillor M. Wagner explained that changes to verandahs and windows were considered minor in nature. He felt there was some confusion over what is "substantially alter". He then gave some examples. He felt it would be helpful if some examples of what is a substantial alteration could be included in the plan. Ms. S. Burke raised a concern about siding. Mr. N. Hill asked the Committee to keep in mind the social make-up of the neighbourhood. He suggested that the Committee must think about the community they are dealing with and think about the social aspects as well as the architectural aspects. 4. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN - CONT'D LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MAY 10, 1996 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. D. Gowland discussed the street lighting purposed for all streets in the area. He questioned whether lighting of this character ever appeared on many of these streets. He asked if there was a cost associated with this type of lighting replacement. He questioned whether the plan is really maintaining the neighbourhood with this type of lighting. Mr. N. Hill responded that this a long- term replacement program and guidelines for City Council and staff when the time comes. Mr. D. Gowland then pointed out the $500.00 grant and suggested that it was pitting one neighbourhood against the others. He questioned why this has been proposed for this one neighbourhood only. Councillor M. Wagner responded that if implemented, it would not be public money and it would be available to all districts and all designated properties. Mr. L. Bensason addressed the Committee and referred the Committee to page 3 of the plan advising that the boundaries have changed. He advised that 7 requests have been received to remove properties from the plan and six of these have been taken into consideration. They have been accepted because they are on the periphery of the plan or because they are always kept in good shape. Mr. B. Toderian was in attendance on behalf of the owner of the property at the northwest corner of the intersection of Queen Street and Courtland Avenue, the property which has been vacant for 9 years. The current zoning on the property is CR3 under By-law 85-1. This zoning category allows for high density residential use. Mr. Toderian advised that the owner has a recent perspective purchaser and the offer ends on May 14. The Heritage Conservation District is a concern to the perspective purchaser and staff are reluctant to have the property removed from the plan because it is central to the plan. He advised that the perspective purchaser is looking for consistent dealing with all requests for removal from the plan. Mr. Toderian went on to explain that there is concern about possible undue delays because of the additional approvals required. He stated that they are extremely willing to work with staff and have lowered the scale of the buildings from what was last approved by the City. Councillor T. Galloway questioned design considerations and policies. He questioned whether the closing would be extended if there was no answer today. Mr. Toderian advised that he didn't have that information; however, he knew that they wanted to proceed quickly. Councillor T. Galloway then questioned how long the approval for the Heritage District would take. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the matter must be referred to Council then the by-law must be approved by the Ontario Municipal Board. He advised that the policies would not be final until the Ontario Municipal Board approval is received. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that he had suggested that the applicants go through the normal site plan procedures and get L.A.C.A.C. approval. Site plan approval normally takes 4 to 6 weeks. Mr. B. Toderian responded that the Heritage Conservation District Plan Policies do not have a time limit. Further, the owner does not mind L.A.C.A.C. being involved in the site plan stage; however, within the time normally taken for site plan approval. They don't want the time of an additional processing stage. Mr. T. Boutilier suggested that because OMB approval probably won't be receive before fall, that there is an opportunity to work within the normal site plan process and work these matters out with L.A.C.A.C. He suggested that the property remain in the plan and that all parties work together to try and come up with an acceptable site plan and building design up until the OMB hearing. Mr. B. Toderian advised that he wanted to make it clear that he is here today on behalf of the owner and perspective owner, to have the property removed from the plan. If L.A.C.A.C. is willing to remove the property from the district and work within the usual site plan time frame, he thought the owner may be agreeable. Perhaps a sub-committee of L.A.C.A.C. could be involved with staff, in the site plan. 4. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN - CONT'D Mr. T. Boutilier then suggested that the property be removed from the District and the owner work with staff and L.A.C.A.C. If the proposed development meets with the district plan guidelines, the LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MAY 10, 1996 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER property can be put back into the District at the OMB hearing. Councillor T. Galloway generally agreed with Mr. Boutilier's suggestion. He also suggested that an undertaking be obtained from Mr. Toderian's client stating that he will attempt to comply with the plan guidelines. After site plan approval the property could be put back into the District. He felt it was necessary to put the property back into the District for the long term future alterations. Ms. P. Costigan felt that this situation is detrimental to L.A.C.A.C. L.A.C.A.C. is an advisory committee to serve the community. It is important for L.A.C.A.C. to show that it can work with the community to its benefit. Ms. S. Burke stated that there seems to be a double standard, as the property on the other corner is more important and should be included in the District. Some of the properties opting out of the District are some of the most important buildings in the area. The Arrow Shirt Company, The York Apartments and the row housing on Courtland Avenue are all worthy of designation in their own right. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he is interested in a compromise for the property at Courtland and David. He suggested that some direction be given that L.A.C.A.C. will be co-operative and timely and that the property be left out of the plan at this time. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the vacant property, bounded by Queen Street, Courtland Avenue West and David Street, be removed from the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District at this time, to be added to the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District once site plan approval has been received; subject to the owner working with a sub-committee of L.A.C.A.C., through the site plan approval process, whose purpose is to expedite the process." Mr. B. Toderian advised that he will talk to his client and get direction from him. Councillor T. Galloway questioned whether language has been included to allow for upgrading of the plan over time. Mr. N. Hill responded that Mr. L. Bensason will monitor the plan and will report to L.A.C.A.C., with changes and modifications coming through a 2 year review. Councillor M. Wagner stated that this is the second Heritage Conservation District and it is less restrictive than that for Upper Doon. Further, this will become the model for other Heritage Conservation Districts. District Plans of this nature place a great deal of responsibility on the neighbourhood. Mr. L. Bensason pointed out to the Committee that 90 Heins Avenue, which is on the inventory, has been purchased by the City and will be demolished for a public work. Mr. L. Bensason then advised that two recommendations are required. The first will be to recommend to Council that the area shown on Schedule A of the Plan be designated as a Heritage Conservation District and that the Legal Department be directed to prepare a by-law. The second resolution should recommend that the plan be deemed Council's Policies with respect to this area and he requested that this recommendation not be forwarded to City Council until it's meeting of June 17, 1996 at which time Mr. Hill will make a presentation to Council. On motion by Mr. E. Bow it was resolved: 4. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN - CONT'D "That, pursuant to sub-section 41 (1) of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18, the Legal Department be directed to prepare a by-Law, to be considered at the June 17, 1996 Council Meeting, to designate as a Heritage Conservation District the Victoria Park area, as identified in Schedule A, as amended, to the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan prepared LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MAY 10, 1996 - 26 - CITY OF KITCHENER by Nicholas Hill, Architect Planner, dated May 1996." On motion by Mr. E. Bow it was resolved: "That, the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan, as prepared by Nicholas Hill, Architect Planner, dated May 1996 (as amended), be adopted and constitute Council's policy with respect to the conservation of the Victoria Park area." On motion by Ms. D. Westman it was resolved: "That the Victoria Park Area Heritage Committee be struck; and further That this Committee decide on it's Terms of Reference and Structure and refer same to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee." On motion by Ms. S. Burke it was resolved: "That the Queen Street South Corridor Development Committee be struck to deal with development pressures in that area." UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT It was noted that Ms. J. Halboom had had to leave the meeting prior to this matter being discussed. On motion by Ms. S. Burke it was resolved: "That a sub-committee, composed of Ms. S. Burke, Ms. P. Costigan and Mr. R. Coo, work with the Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon to address the issues set out in the Society's letter dated May 8, 1996." 1610 WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST - DEMOLITION Mr. L. Bensason advised the Committee that as a follow-up to the inspection of the property at 1610 Westmount Road East, after the last meeting, that the Steckle Heritage Homestead will make use of the barn material. He suggested that this Committee's recommendation include the request that the historic building materials be salvaged if at all possible. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the City's Chief Building Official be advised that the Local Architectural Advisory Conservation Advisory Committee has no objection to the issuance of a demolition permit for the property known municipally as 1610 Westmount Road East; and further That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee strongly encourages the salvaging of the historic building material, if at all possible." 381 PIONEER TOWER ROAD - DEMOLITION Mr. L. Bensason advised that a Demolition Application for 381 Pioneer Tower Road has been received by the City two days previous and the applicants for the permit are the owners children. Councillor T. Galloway suggested that L.A.C.A.C. should pursue a meeting with the owners, as they seem to be under the impression that these buildings are a liability. Further, he advised that LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MAY 10, 1996 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER what they are doing is premature, as the future development is 2 to 5 years away. It was his opinion that L.A.C.A.C. needs to be proactive and perhaps some L.A.C.A.C. members need to visit with the owners. Prior to leaving the meeting to prepare for the designation ceremony for Kaufman Footwear, Councillor M. Wagner requested written reports from the evaluation and designation sub- committees. Councillor M. Wagner then left the meeting and Mr. R. Coo, Vice-Chairman, assumed the Chair. On motion by Ms. B. Buchanan it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18, the City Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to designate the property known municipally as 381 Pioneer Tower Road (Pincott Property) as being of historic and architectural significance and further, That, the designation include the Mennonite Georgian residence and Pennsylvania style Bank Barn with the specific features of the main residence to include: all elevations including the rear summer kitchen annex with one storey verandah with square posts and balusters; single bay pediment stoop entrance with turned posts and side benches; all window openings and windows including 6/6 double hung sash and storms, 6 pane end lights and twin light cellar sashes; door openings and front entrance panelled door with 5 pane transom and three pane side lights and kitchen annex entrance panelled door with twin gothic windows; roof and roofline including wooden moulded frieze, return eaves and west gable end chimney. Features to be designated on the Pennsylvania style Bank Barn include: all elevations, fieldstone foundation, vertical board siding, roof and roofline, old hay rack lift and original ladders." Councillor T. Galloway and Ms. S. Burke volunteered to talk to the owners of the property. Mr. L. Bensason was asked to find the name of the applicants of the demolition application. Councillor Galloway suggested that the Mayor maybe willing to get involved. 1750 OLD MILL ROAD - HOMER WATSON HOUSE Mr. L. Proulx, Project Manger and Director, was in attendance to represent the report, attached to the agenda, concerning the maintenance and repair of the Homer Watson House. He advised the Committee that he has developed a significant repair program which is to take place over the next two years. He also advised that the permission of the Ontario Heritage Foundation has been received, as they have an easement on the property. Mr. Proulx then explained the repair program. On motion by Ms. S. Burke it was resolved: "That, pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritaqe Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter, O.18, we approve the request of the owner to maintain and repair the designated property known municipally as 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House) in accordance with the report of Mr. L. Proulx, Project Manager & Director, dated May 1, 1996, as presented to the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on May 10, 1996." ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist