HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2023-465 - Notice of Intention to Designate 67 King Street East
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener
DATE OF MEETING: November 7, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Manager of Development Review, 519-741-2200
ext. 7070
PREPARED BY: Jessica Vieira, Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7291
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9
DATE OF REPORT: October 11, 2023
REPORT NO.: DSD-2023-465
SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 67 King Street East under Part IV of
the Ontario Heritage Act
RECOMMENDATION:
That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to
publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 67
King Street East as being of cultural heritage value or interest.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to request that Council direct the Clerk to publish a Notice
of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 67 King Street East
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
taken to the Heritage Kitchener Committee on August 1, 2023. On this meeting date,
the Committee recommended that pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act,
the cultural heritage value or interest of 67 King Street East be recognized, and
designation pursued.
The key finding of this report is that the property municipally addressed as 267 King
Street East meets the criteria for designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (amended
by Ontario Regulation 569/22) and has been confirmed to be a significant cultural
heritage resource. The property is recognized for its design/physical,
historical/associative, and contextual value.
There are no financial implications.
Community engagement included informing residents by posting this report with the
agenda in advance of the Heritage Kitchener committee meeting, providing written
correspondence to the property owner, and consulting with Heritage Kitchener. In
addition, should Council choose to give notice of its intention to designate, such notice
will be served to the Owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust.
This report supports the delivery of core services.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the south side of King Street East, between where
Benton Street intersects to the east and Queen Street South intersects to the west. The
th
property contains a two-storey late 20 century commercial building, constructed in the
International architectural style. The commercial building is situated on a 0.22-acre parcel
of land in the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that
contributes to the heritage value of the property is the commercial building.
Figure 1: Location Map of Subject Property
A full assessment of 67 King Street East has been completed and included a field
evaluation and detailed archival research. The findings concluded that the subject
property meets the criteria for designation. An updated Statement of Significance on the
August 1, 2023. On this meeting date, the Committee recommended that pursuant to
Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 67 King
Street East be recognized and designation pursued. This work was undertaken as part of
the City of Kitchener Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) Review, initiated in February of
2023. The MHR to amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act
introduced in January of 2023 through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. The City
contacted owners of listed properties through an initial letter dated May 23, 2023, to inform
them of this undertaking. Owners of properties recommended for designation were
Heritage Planner with any comments, questions, or concerns. Per standard procedure,
should Council support the Notice of Intention to Designate, Owners will be contacted a
third time through a Notice of Intention to Designate (NOID) Letter. An ad for the NOID will
also be published in a newspaper. Once the letter is served and the ad posted, there will
be a 30-day appeal period in which Owners may object to the designation.
REPORT:
Identifying and protecting cultural heritage resources within the City of Kitchener is an
important part of planning for the future, and helping to guide change while conserving the
buildings, structures, and landscapes that give the City of Kitchener its unique identity. The
City plays a critical role in the conservation of cultural heritage resources. The designation
of property under the Ontario Heritage Act is the main tool to provide long-term protection
of cultural heritage resources for future generations. Designation recognizes the
value; encourages good stewardship and conservation; and promotes knowledge and
understanding about the property. Designation not only publicly recognizes and promotes
awareness, but it also provides a process for ensuring that changes to a property are
appropriately managed and that thes
value and interest.
Figure 2: View of Subject Property from King & Benton Intersection
Figure 3: Side Facade of Subject Property Viewed Through Speakers Corner
67 King Street East is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and
contextual values. It satisfies five of the nine criteria for designation under Ontario
Regulation 9/06 (amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). A summary of the criteria that is
met or not met is provided in the table below.
Criteria Criteria Met (Yes/No)
1. The property has design value or physical value Yes
because it is a rare, unique, representative or early
example of a style, type, material, or construction
method.
2. The property has design value or physical value No
because it displays a high degree of craftsmanship or
artistic merit.
3. The property has design or physical value because it No
demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific
achievement.
4. The property has historical value or associative value Yes
because it has direct associations with a theme, event,
belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is
significant to a community.
5. The property has historical or associative value because No
it yields, or has the potential to yield, information that
contributes to an understanding of a community or
culture.
6. The property has historical value or associative value Yes
because it demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of
an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is
significant to a community.
7. The property has contextual value because it is Yes
important in defining, maintaining or supporting the
character of an area.
8. The property has contextual value because it is Yes
physically, functionally, visually, or historically linked to
its surroundings.
9. The property has contextual value because it is a No
landmark.
Design / Physical Value
The design and physical value of the subject property resides in the architecture and
physical construction of the building. It is a unique and representative example of the
International architectural style in a commercial building. The building was constructed in a
two-storey rectangular form and is in good condition as the original appearance of the
structure has been largely maintained.
Historical / Associative Value
The building possesses historical and associative value due to its original use and
ownership. The building was originally owned and operated by the Canada Permanent
Trust Company, whose origins as a trust company date back to 1855. After World War II
the company contributed significantly towards continued growth and development in cities,
as they focused on mortgage lending within urban areas as well as lending to corporations
investing in plans and equipment. At the time that 67 King Street East was constructed,
Canada
Permanent now named Canada Trust grew to be the largest trust and loan financial
institution in the country with almost 400 branches. In 2000, Canada Trust was acquired
by the TD Bank Financial Group.
The architecture firm which designed the building also contributes to the historical and
associative value of 67 King Street East. The building was designed by the prominent
architecture firm that was at the time known as Rieder and Hymmen, previously called
Barnett Rieder Architects and later Rieder, Hymmen and Lobban Inc. Architects. This was
the firm of prolific local architect Carl Rieder, who in the 47 years of his career made
significant contribution to the development of the Modernist architectural style in
Southwest Ontario and in the Waterloo County region specifically.
Contextual Value
The contextual value of 67 King Street Eastrelates to its importance in maintaining the
commercial character of the surrounding area, as well as its physical, functional, visual,
and historical link to its surroundings. The subject property is located within the Downtown
Cultural Heritage Landscape, which is within the City Centre District. This area is
recognized as the heart of the downtown and historically was the focal point of early
development in what was then Berlin. Hotels and inns, banks, offices, and other
thth
commercial enterprises anchored this core area. Many of these late-19 and early-20
century remain today, and the mix of uses continues. The building currently operates as
the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington office this is a
continuation of the original office use of the building and supports the function and
character of the surrounding area. Further it is located in-situ within a notable setting, as
the building provides a frame for the adjacent Speakers Corner Park space. Other
historical buildings are located adjacent to or in proximity to the property, including
properties within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 67 King Street East resides in the following attributes identified
below.
All elements related to the construction and International architectural style of the
building, including:
o Two storey rectangular form;
o Flat roof with large overhang
o Rectangular steel support pillars placed at regular intervals;
o Smooth neutral limestone cladding on 1/3 of the side façades;
o Extensive use of glazing from ground floor to roofline;
o Repetitive and even patterning of windows;
o Steel framed doors and windows;
o Horizontal textured steel panels that wrap in a band around the building
above both the first and second storey windows; and
o Steel canopy above entrances.
All elements related to the contextual value, including:
o Location of the building and the contribution that it makes to the continuity
and character of the King Street streetscape;
o Setting that is provided to the adjacent Speakers Corner Park space.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
of the Heritage Kitchener committee meeting.
CONSULT Heritage Planning staff have consulted with the Heritage Kitchener committee
regarding designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Property owners were invited to
consult via two separate letters dated May 23, 2023 and August 25, 2023. A
th
representative of the property owner contacted heritage staff via email on September 8,
2023, to ask a singular question regarding signage. No other concerns were identified with
the proposed designation.
Section 29(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Council to consult with the Municipal
Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener) before giving notice of its intention to designate a
property. Heritage Kitchener will be consulted via circulation and consideration of this
report (see INFORM above). Members of the community will be informed via circulation of
this report to Heritage Kitchener and via formal consideration by Council. In addition,
should Council choose to give notice of its intention to designate, such notice will be
served on the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and published in the local
newspaper (The Record). Once notice has been served, the owner has the right of appeal
to the Ontario Land Tribunal. It should be noted that should Council decide not to proceed
Heritage Register until January 1, 2025, after which it will be removed according to the
changes enacted by Bill 23. Once removed, it cannot re-listed on the Register again for
five (5) years, i.e. January 1, 2030.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Ontario Heritage Act, 2022
August Kitchener Municipal Heritage Register Review Update (DSD-2023-309)
REVIEWED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director of Planning
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Statement of Significance for 67 King Street East
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
67 KING STREET EAST
Summary of Significance
Design/Physical Value Social Value
Historical Value Economic Value
Contextual Value Environmental Value
Municipal Address: 67 King Street East
Legal Description:
Year Built: c. 1976
Architectural Style: International
Original Owner: Canada Permanent
Original Use: Bank
Condition: Good
Description of Cultural Heritage Resource
th
67 King Street East is a two-storey late 20 century commercial building, constructed in the International
architectural style. The commercial building is situated on a 0.22 acre parcel of land located near the
south west corner of Benton Street and King Street in the City Commercial Core Planning Community
of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the
heritage value is the commercial building.
Heritage Value
67 King Street East is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual value.
Design/Physical Value
The design and physical value of the subject property resides in the architecture and physical
construction of the building. It is a unique and representative example of the International architectural
style in a commercial building. The building was constructed in a two-storey rectangular form and is in
good condition as the original appearance of the structure has been largely maintained.
Front Façade (East Elevation)
The building is located on a corner lot, with the front principal façade positioned along Benton Street.
The roof is flat, thick and cantilevered over the front wall, supported at equal intervals by eight thin
rectangular steel pillars. The thinness of the supporting pillars creates an interesting juxtaposition
against the thick and heavy appearance of the roof overhang. The front façade makes extensive use
of glazing, with 21 evenly spaces glass panels dividing the elevation vertically. Black textured steel
panels span the width of the façade and provide a horizontal division between the first and second
storey, with a thinner textured steel band wrapping above the second-storey windows. Two double
doors are set centrally within the front façade with a steel canopy positioned above. Both the windows
and the door frames make use of anodized aluminum framing.
An artistic installation was added in front of the building in 2015. Though technically located on the
adjacent property, this installation frames the entrance to the building and significantly alters the
visual appearance of the front façade. The structure is a refurbished 23-bell Glockenspiel situated on
a four-metre high, free-standing frame built by Melloul Blamey Construction. The Glockenspiel has an
enclosure façade decorated with a banner and two inscriptions in gothic font on either side; the
inscription on the left is written in German while the English translation is on the right. It reads
choir song make man happy all lifelong is capable of playing an animated show of
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to a variety of different tunes.
Right-Side Façade (North Elevation)
The right-side façade is positioned along King Street East. The cantilevered roof design continues
from the front façade to the side facades, supported by three thin rectangular steel pillars.
Approximately one-third of the cladding of the side façade is a neutral limestone. On the other two-
thirds of the side façade the glazing of glass with textured steel bands continues. There is an
additional double-door entrance with steel canopy on this side façade.
Left-Side Façade (South Elevation)
The left-side façade mimics the right-side façade. The only differentiation is the presence of a service
door set into the limestone cladding.
Rear Façade (West Elevation)
The rear façade of the building is directly against the adjacent building and is not visible.
Historical/Associative Value
The building possesses historical and associative value due to its original use and ownership. The
building was originally owned and operated by the Canada Permanent Trust Company, whose origins
as a trust company date back to 1855. After World War II the company contributed significantly towards
continued growth and development in cities, as they focused on mortgage lending within urban areas
as well as lending to corporations investing in plans and equipment. In 1959 Canada Permanent
became the first trust company to sponsor a mutual fund. These actions earned the company a
reputation as a leader in developing and providing a wide range of personal and business services,
including deposit-taking, lending, mutual funds, financial planning, and investment management. At the
time that 67 King Street East was constructed, Canada Permanent was the oldest trust company in
Canada. In the now named Canada Trust grew to be the largest
trust and loan financial institution in the country with almost 400 branches. In 2000, Canada Trust was
acquired by the TD Bank Financial Group.
The architecture firm which designed the building also contributes to the historical and associative
value of 67 King Street East. The building was designed by the prominent architecture firm that was at
the time known as Rieder and Hymmen, previously called Barnett Rieder Architects and later Rieder,
Hymmen and Lobban Inc. Architects. This was the firm of prolific local architect Carl Rieder, who in
the 47 years of his career made significant contribution to the development of the Modernist
architectural style in Southwest Ontario and in the Waterloo County region specifically. Notable
examples of his work within Kitchener includes Eastwood Collegiate Institute (1955-56), Highland
Baptist Church (1958), the Kitchener Public Library (1959-61), and Centre in the Square (1979). He
had a significant impact on the built landscape of the region.
Contextual Value
The contextual value of 67 King Street East relates to its importance in maintaining the commercial
character of the surrounding area, as well as its physical, functional, visual, and historical link to its
surroundings. The subject property is located within the Downtown Cultural Heritage Landscape,
which is within the City Centre District. This area is recognized as the heart of the downtown and
historically was the focal point of early development in what was then Berlin. Hotels and inns, banks,
th
offices, and other commercial enterprises anchored this core area. Many of these late-19 and early-
th
20 century remain today, and the mix of uses continues. The building currently operates as the
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington office this is a continuation of the
original office use of the building and supports the function and character of the surrounding area.
Further it is located in-situ within a notable setting, as the building provides a frame for the adjacent
Speakers Corner Park space. Other historical buildings are located adjacent to or in proximity to the
property, including properties within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District.
Heritage Attributes
The heritage value of 67 King Street East resides in the following:
All elements related to the construction and International architectural style of the building,
including:
o Two storey rectangular form;
o Flat roof with large overhang
o Rectangular steel support pillars placed at regular intervals;
o Smooth neutral limestone cladding on 1/3 of the side façades;
o Extensive use of glazing from ground floor to roofline;
o Repetitive and even patterning of windows;
o Steel framed doors and windows;
o Horizontal textured steel panels that wrap in a band around the building above both the
first and second storey windows; and
o Steel canopy above entrances.
All elements related to the contextual value, including:
o Location of the building and the contribution that it makes to the continuity and character
of the King Street streetscape;
o Setting that is provided to the adjacent Speakers Corner Park space.
Photographs
67 King Street East Front Elevation
67 King Street East Side Elevation