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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1996-03-01LACAC\1996-03-01 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 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 Councillor B. Vrbanovic and Ms. S. Burke. Others Present: Mr. L. Bensason and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN Mr. N. Hill was in attendance to present the contents of the first draft of the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan. He presented one printed copy to the Chairman. Mr. Hill highlighted the features of the plan. He stated that there are 377 buildings and Victoria Park in the plan and that this area will be the largest heritage conservation district in the province. Mr. Hill then explained the contents of the plan advising that it has three goals; heritage, social and economic. The difference from other districts is that this area has 98% of it's buildings in good condition and 93% are from medium to high authenticity. The attempt has been made not to upset the people in the area; therefore, the plan is not regulatory. Rather than using regulations, the plan has been written with guidelines and policies. The major thrust is on education rather than regulation. The plan is full of guidelines for conservation, maintenance and repair. Mr. Hill then provided a printed example of the guidelines contained in the plan. Mr. Hill went on to talk about Victoria Park advising that it is a fine example of the Eighteenth Century Romantic Landscape Style. The major thrust of the plan is to try to ensure that in another 100 years it is still a magnificent example of that style. Mr. Hill then discussed corridors stating that the streetscapes are special and identifiable. The plan contains four recommendations in this regard: replace and renew trees on the boulevards; distinct lighting; pillars to be constructed at entry streets to the district and distinct street signs in the district. Mr. Hill then stated that it has been a privilege to work on this plan. Councillor M. Wagner thanked Mr. Hill and advised that the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District Plan will be the lead item on the April agenda and he invited Mr. Hill to attend. The Committee members were asked to review the plan and provide any comments at the next meeting. A brief discussion then took place concerning non-compliance with the plan and the Benton Street diversion. 2. PIONEER TOWER WEST UPDATE While Mr. Hill was still in attendance, an up-date was provided on what has recently taken place in the Pioneer Tower West Area. Councillor T. Galloway advised that the official plan amendment and subdivision are now being processed. There have been meetings with the neighbours and the owner and two things have been identified; the need to preserve the heritage and the fact that the area is quite isolated. This will be a community unto itself and will never have enough population to warrant public facilities such as schools. Because the area is unique, there needs to be a focal recreational facility. A parkland dedication will be required and the theme should be to tie heritage and recreation and to acquire the heritage features. It may be possible to shift the 5% parkland dedication from other developments in this area. Councillor Galloway continued that it seems that if the recreational component is brought into the picture a case can be made for a land swap or purchase; however, it will have to be justified from the recreational aspect. He further advised that the two neighbourhoods in this area are pushing for this. Councillor Galloway then advised that he thought it appropriate for L.A.C.A.C. to go on record sometime, as supporting the acquisition of the five lots on the ridge and to ask the City to preserve the ridge any way it can. He anticipated that the plan of subdivision would go before Council in May or June. Mr. N. Hill then gave a brief explanation of what is to happen with the heritage structures. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 1996 - 9 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Jake Smola questioned what the five lots will be used for. Councillor T. Galloway explained that the purpose is to open up the vista down the river and the land will be used for park purposes, with various outdoor amenities. The Committee then considered Councillor T. Galloway's request for a motion supporting the acquisition of the five lots. On motion be Ms. E. Essenberg it was resolved: "That the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee recommends that every effort be made, through the planning process, to retain the five lots on the south side of street "A" in draft plan of subdivision 30T-95016, for heritage conservation." 3. MINUTES On motion by Ms. D. Westman it was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee of February 9, 1996, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 4. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS Councillor M. Wagner thanked Ms. B. Buchanan, Ms. P. Costigan and Mr. L. Bensason for their work on the L.A.C.A.C. display at the Heritage Showcase. Councillor Wagner then briefly discussed the Governor's House and Goal and potential multiple uses for these buildings. 5. DEMOLITION APPLICATION - ST. JEROME'S HIGH SCHOOL It was agreed that consideration of the owners request to demolish the designated property known as St. Jerome's High School would be deferred to this Committee's meeting scheduled for April 12, 1996, with a recommendation being forwarded to City Council for it's meeting of April 29, 1996. Ms. S. Campbell advised that the friends of St. Jerome's would like to make a presentation to this Committee at the April meeting and so would the owner. 6. REGIONAL HERITAGE INVENTORY DATABASE The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. E. Salter, Culture Consultant to the Waterloo Region Heritage Task Force, dated February 13, 1996, asking each Task Force member to consult with their LAC.AC. to determine if they can agree on the standard fields to be included in the database and commit to entering and maintaining those fields. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee agrees with the standard fields shown on the final draft file layout and can commit to having the data entered and maintained." 7. LETTERHEAD Mr. M. Badran distributed sample letterhead which he had developed. Ms. B. Buchanan suggested that the Ministry be contacted to investigate a common letterhead and logo for all L.A.C.A.C.'s in Ontario. Ms. Buchanan's suggestion was discussed and it was generally agreed that the Committee would rather develop its own. 7. LETTERHEAD - CONT'D LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 1996 - 10 - CITY OF KITCHENER A sub-committee composed of Mr. R. Coo, M. Badran and D. Gowland would work on designing a new letterhead and logo. Mr. M. de Groot suggested using a stylized Berlin Vernacular House on the letterhead. There was a brief discussion on the possibility of getting students from Conestoga College or one of the local high schools to be involved in this project. Mr. M. Badran suggested offering a reward if this done. 8. ADAPTIVE REUSE SUB-COMMITTEE Councillor M. Wagner advised that the Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Building Sub-Committee is one or two meetings away from finalizing two years work. There will be a big meeting to consider the recommendations which will be put forward by the Sub-Committee. 9. 1996 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE There was a short discussion on the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation 1996 Awards of Excellence. Mr. R. Coo agreed to nominate Kaufman Footwear, Ms. D. Westman agreed to nominate 181 Park Street and Mr. L. Bensason agreed to look into a nomination for the Clock Tower. 10. KAUFMAN FOOTWEAR DESIGNATION CEREMONY Ms. P. Costigan advised that the Kaufman's are not available for a designation ceremony on a Saturday and it has been suggested that the ceremony take place on a L.A.C.A.C. meeting day. Ms. Costigan suggested the May meeting. It was noted that Councillor Wagner will look after the press release and it was suggested by Ms. E. Essenberg that the release should go to the broader media. 11. DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mr. V. Tarbutt was the Committee's representative on the Doon South Community Plan Review last year. There are ten properties in this area not currently on the inventory but perhaps should be. Mr. Bensason advised that he will bring these properties to the attention of the Evaluation Sub-Committee. If the properties are added to the inventory then they can be identified in the plan. 12. Mr. L. Bensason then gave a brief update on the progress of the Evaluation Sub-Committee. NEW BUSINESS Mr. L. Bensason distributed an outline of an Urban Design Project being undertaken at the University of Waterloo on Industrial Heritage, for the City of Kitchener. Mr. L. Bensason distributed information on a video which has been produced by English Heritage, on standards for pointing techniques. The total cost to purchase the video is $44.00. After a brief discussion is was generally agreed that the video be purchased. Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mrs. J. Haalboom, on behalf of S.P.U.D. would like to appear before this Committee, at is next meeting, to review those aspects of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan still to be implemented. Mr. E. Bow reported on a Heritage Day event taken place in Wilmot Township. It was agreed that agendas and minutes of L.A.C.A.C. meetings will be sent to Messrs. P. Bufe, W. Ristau and V. Tarbutt who still wish to maintain a connection with this Committee. 13. 1610 WESTMOUNT ROAD EAST Mr. L. Bensason reminded the Committee that the demolition permit for 1610 Westmount Road LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMI1-FEE MINUTES MARCH 1, 1996 - 11 - CITY OF KITCHENER East is still pending and that the owner has agreed not to demolish the property until L.A.C.A.C. can make an inspection. He suggested that the property be inspected after the April meeting and that members wear/bring appropriate clothing. 14. MAY MEETING Councillor M. Wagner advised that the May meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held at the Steckle Heritage Homestead. 15. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist