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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-466 - Notice of Intention to Designate 53 Church Street Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Heritage Kitchener DATE OF MEETING: November 5, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Garett Stevenson, Director of Development and Housing Approvals, 519-741-2200 ext. 7070 PREPARED BY: Michelle Drake, Senior Heritage Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7839 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 9 DATE OF REPORT: September 26, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD-2024-466 SUBJECT: Notice of Intention to Designate 53 Church Street 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 53 Church Street as being of cultural heritage value or interest. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: The purpose of this report is to request that Council publish a Notice of Intention to Designate 53 Church Street Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. An updated Statement of Significance describing the cultural heritage value or interest of 53 Church Street has been drafted by Heritage Planning staff. The key finding of this report is that 53 Church Street meets five (5) of nine (9) criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22) and has been confirmed to be a significant cultural heritage resource recognized for its design/physical, historic/associative, and contextual values. 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 at their September 3, 2024 committee meeting. Should Council choose to give Notice of Intention to Designate, such notice shall be served to the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust and published in a newspaper. 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: th 53 Church Street is a two-storey late 19century brick church built in the Vernacular architectural style with Romanesque influences. The church is situated on a 0.49-acre parcel of land located on the south side of Church Street between Benton Street and Peter Street in the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the church. A full assessment of 53 Church Street has been completed, including: field evaluation and archival research. The findings concluded that the subject property meets five (5) of nine (9) criteria for designation under Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). An updated Statement of Significance describing the cultural heritage value or interest was presented to the Heritage Kitchener Committee on September 3, 2024. The Committee recommended that pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the cultural heritage value or interest of 53 Church Street should be confirmed by pursuing designation of the subject property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. This work was undertaken as part of the CityMunicipal Heritage Register (MHR) Review, initiated in February of 2023 response to amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act introduced in January of 2023 through Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. Bill 200, the Homeowner Protect Act, 2024, extended the time municipalities have to designate properties listed on their municipal heritage registers until January 1, 2027. 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 contacted via a second letter. The property owner for 53 Church Street was contacted via second letter sent by mail dated September 11, 2024. This letter was accompanied by the updated Statement of Significance and a prepared in June any comments, questions, or concerns. Per standard procedure, should Council support the Notice of Intention to Designate (NOID), the property owner will be contacted a third time through a letter advising of the served on the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust, and the newspaper ad is posted, there will be a 30-day appeal period in which the property owner 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 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 conservation of cultural heritage resources for future generations. Designation recognizes the importance or interest; 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 these chang value or interest. 53 Church Street is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values. It satisfies five (5) of nine (9) criteria for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act Regulation 9/06 (amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22). A summary of the criteria that is or is not met is provided in the table below. Criteria Criteria Met (Yes/No) 1. The property has design value or physical value because it is a Yes rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, material, or construction method. 2. The property has design value or physical value because it No 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 because it Yes 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 it Yes 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 because it Yes 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 important in Yes defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area. 8. The property has contextual value because it is physically, No functionally, visually, or historically linked to its surroundings. 9. The property has contextual value because it is a landmark. No Table 1: Criteria for Designation under Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22) Design/Physical Value The property municipally addressed as 53 Church Street demonstrates design/physical th value as a rare example of a late 19 century, religious building, displaying Vernacular architecture with influences from the Romanesque Revival architectural style. The th Romanesque Revival architectural style originates in 19 century romanticism and is distinguished by its use of round arches. These round arches were considered primitive, not widely accepted, and often the primary distinction between the Romanesque Revival and the Gothic Revival architectural style. The design/physical values relate to the design, composition, craftsmanship and details of the church with many intact heritage attributes in good condition. Historic/Associative Value The property municipally addressed as 53 Church Streethas historic/associative value given the use of the land, the various congregations that have occupied the land and building over time, and the architect and builder of the 1952 annex. The congregations that used the land and building, include the Wesleyan Methodist Church (1842- c. 1880); the United Brethren in Christ Church (c. 1880-1907); the Congregational Church (1907-1921); the Grace Tabernacle Church (1921-1935); the Mennonite Brethren Church(1935-1953); the Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church (1953-1966); and, the Martin Luther Evangelical Church (1966-present). The 1952 annex was designed by W.H.E. Schmalz, a local architect who was born in Berlin (now Kitchener) and designed various buildings and structures. The 1952 annex was built by Oscar Wiles and Sons Ltd., a local contractor known for building houses, churches, schools and factories in Kitchener. Contextual Value The contextual values relate to the contribution that the church makes to the continuity and character of the Church Street streetscape. The placement and massing blend with adjacent buildings and much of the building stock on both sides of Church Street, particularly in terms of setback and height. Heritage Attributes The heritage value of 53 Church Street resides in the following heritage attributes: All elements related to the design/physical value of the church built in the Vernacular architectural style with influences from the Romanesque architectural style, including: o Orientation towards and setback from Church Street, two-storey height, rectangular plan, buff (yellow) brick, buttresses or pilasters between each bay and steeply pitched front-gabled roof; o All elements of the three-bay front (east) elevation, including: The central bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; front-gabled roof with brick corbels; round window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones; paired semi- circular 1/1 windows and window openings with brick hoodmould, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; front-gabled entrance with semi-circular door opening; and, wood doors with square panels, elongated lites and wood paneled transom. The left bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front-gabled roof with brick corbels; semi- circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill; and, paired semi- circular windows and window openings with brick voussoirs and angled sills. The right bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front-gabled roof with brick corbels; and, semi-circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill. o All elements of the side elevations, including: Width of seven bays; buff (yellow) brick construction on the second storey; primarily concrete ashlar parging on the first storey; brick pilasters; semi-circular 1/1 windows and window openings, with brick hoodmoulds, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; and, segmentally arched window openings. 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 September 11, 2024. Section 29(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act requires Council to consult with the Municipal Heritage Committee (Heritage Kitchener) before giving Notice of Intention to Designate (NOID) 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. Should Council choose to proceed with a NOID, such notice will be served on the property owner, the Ontario Heritage Trust, and published in the local newspaper (The Record). Once notice has been served, the property owner has the right of appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Should Council decide not to proceed with a NOID then the building will remain on the Cit7, after which it will be removed in accordance with the legislative changes enacted by Bill 200. Once removed from the MHR, it cannot be re-listed on the MHR for five (5) years (i.e., January 1, 2032). PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: Ontario Heritage Act, 2022 Ontario Regulation 9/06 (Amended by Ontario Regulation 569/22) Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review (DSD-2023-225) Municipal Heritage Register Review August 2023 Update (DSD-2023-309) Municipal Heritage Register Review January 2024 Update (DSD-2024-022) Municipal Heritage Register Review February 2024 Update (DSD-2024-056) Municipal Heritage Register Review March 2024 Update (DSD-2024-093) Municipal Heritage Register Review April 2024 Update (DSD-2024-131 Municipal Heritage Register Review May 2024 Update (DSD-2024-194) Bill 200, Homeowners Protection Act, 2024 Municipal Heritage Register Review June 2024 Update (DSD-2024-250) Municipal Heritage Register Review August 2024 Update (DSD-2024-333) Municipal Heritage Register Review September 2024 Update (DSD-2024-361) Municipal Heritage Register Review October 2024 Update (DSD-2024-413) APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Department ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A Statement of Significance for 53 Church Street STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 53 Church Street Summary of Significance Design/Physical Value Social Value Historical/Associative Value Economic Value Contextual Value Environmental Value Municipal Address: 53 Church Street Legal Description: Plan 394 Part Lot 41 Plan 393 Part Lot 45 Year Built: c. 1875 Architectural Style: Vernacular with Romanesque influences Original Owner: Unknown Original Use: Religious Condition: Good Description of Cultural Heritage Resource th 53 Church Street is a two-storey late 19 century brick church built in the Vernacular architectural style with Romanesque influences. The church is situated on a 0.49-acre parcel of land located on the south side of Church Street between Benton Street and Peter Street in the Cedar Hill Planning Community of the City of Kitchener within the Region of Waterloo. The principal resource that contributes to the heritage value is the church. Heritage Value 53 Church Street is recognized for its design/physical, historical/associative, and contextual values. Design/Physical Value The property municipally addressed as 53 Church Street demonstrates design/physical value as an th early example of a 20 century, religious building, displaying Vernacular architecture with influences from the Romanesque Revival architectural style. The Romanesque Revival architectural style th originates in 19 century romanticism and is distinguished by its use of round arches (Blumenson, 1990). These round arches were considered primitive, not widely accepted, and often the primary distinction between the Romanesque Revival and the Gothic Revival architectural style (Blumenson, 1990). The design/physical values relate to the design, composition, craftsmanship and details of the church. The church is an example of the Vernacular architectural style with Romanesque influences with many intact heritage attributes in good condition. Front Elevation (East Façade) The front elevation faces Church Street, is built with buff (yellow) brick, and features a three bay wide symmetrical façade with buttresses between each baby and a steeply pitched front-gabled roof. The central bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; front-gabled roof with brick corbels; round window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones; paired semi-circular 1/1 windows and window openings with brick hoodmould, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; front-gabled entrance with semi-circular door opening; and, wood doors with square panels, elongated lites and wood paneled transom. The left bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front- gabled roof with brick corbels; semi-circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill; and, paired semi-circular windows and window openings with brick voussoirs and angled sills. The right bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front- gabled roof with brick corbels; and, semi-circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill. Side Elevations (South & North Façades) The side facades are seven bays wide and feature: buff (yellow) brick construction on the second storey; primarily concrete ashlar parging on the first storey; brick pilasters; semi-circular 1/1 windows and window openings, with brick hoodmoulds, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; and, segmentally arched window openings. Historical/Associative Value The historic and associative value relates to the use of the land and the various congregations that have occupied the building over time, including Wesleyan Methodist Church (1842- c. 1880); United Brethren in Christ (c. 1880-1907); Congregational Church (1907-1921); Grace Tabernacle (1921- 1935); Mennonite Brethren (1935-1953); Bethel Evangelical Lutheran (1953-1966); and, Martin Luther Evangelical Church (1966-present). The land has a long history of religious use beginning with the Wesleyan Methodists in 1842 (Kolaritsch & Horne, 1984-85). The United Brethren in Christ congregation purchased land and a small frame building from Wesleyan Methodists in 1868 (Kolaritsch & Horne, 1984-85). The Wesleyan Methodist Mission dates to 1841 in Berlin (now Kitchener) when the congregation first began to meet in homes and other buildings (Uttley, 2008). By 1842, the Wesleyan Methodist Church purchased 1 acre of land on lot 41 for a chapel and cemetery (Kolaritsch & Horne, 1984-1985; Uttley, 2008). With their limited resources, the congregation of 120 people was able to construct a frame building (Uttley, 2008). The Trust of the Methodist Church of Canada sold a ½ acre of the property to United Brethren in Christ in 1868 (Kolartisch & Horne, 1984-1985). The United Brethren in Christ congregation retained the cemetery until 1876 when the lands were sold to William Moyer and the remains/ashes were move to Mount Hope Cemetery allowing for the cemetery lands to be sold for building lots (Uttley, 2008). In 1889, a division at the General Conference occurred when amendments were proposed to the Constitution of the Church resulting in division within the congregation (Uttley, 2008). The congregation on Church Street eventually joined the Congregational Church in 1906 (Ambrose, 1993). The Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church Golden Jubilee booklet (1999) provides a history of the congregation between 1949 and 1999. This congregation was founded by Pastor C.T. Wetzstein, who spoke both English and German. He welcomed refugees during and after WWII resulting in the need to establish a German language congregation in 1949 known as the Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church. This congregation bought the property at 53 Church Street in 1953 for $23,000 (Kolaritsch & Horne, 1984-1985). In 1952, contractor Oscar Wiles (b. February 26, 1893; d. March 27, 1980) started excavation for the foundation of the annex designed by W.H.E. Schmalz (Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1999; City of Kitchener, 1952). The church was re-dedicated on May 24, 1953 and provided German language services (KW Record, 1953). The Trust of the German Evangelical Martin Luther Church bought the property in 1966 for $33,000 (Kolaritsch & Horne, 1984-1985). W.H.E. Schmalz (b. July 29, 1890) was born in Berlin (now Kitchener), studied architecture at the University of Toronto, and apprenticed with the firm of Darling & Pearson (Hill, 2022). He worked as an architect from 1914 until c. 1960 during which time he designed or co-designed various buildings and structures such as the Economical Mutual Fire Insurance building on Queen Street North, several church buildings and additions, structures at Victoria Park (e.g., entry gates, boat house), and the Cenotaph now located at Duke and Frederick Streets (Hill, 2022). The 1952 building addition was constructed by Oscar Wiles and Sons Ltd, established in 1927 as Oscar Wiles General Contractor. This contracting company has built several houses, churches, schools, and factories within the area, with their first job being the construction of the former KW Record building located at the intersection of Duke and Queen Street. Contextual Value The contextual values relate to the contribution that the church makes to the continuity and character of the Church Street streetscape. The placement and massing blend with adjacent buildings and much of the building stock on both sides of Church Street, particularly in terms of setback and height. Heritage Attributes The heritage value of 53 Church Street resides in the following heritage attributes: All elements related to the design/physical value of the church built in the Vernacular architectural style with influences from the Romanesque architectural style, including: o Orientation towards Church Street, two-storey height, rectangular plan, buff (yellow) brick, buttresses or pilasters between each bay and steeply pitched front-gabled roof; o All elements of the three-bay front (east) elevation, including: The central bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; front-gabled roof with brick corbels; round window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones; paired semi-circular 1/1 windows and window openings with brick hoodmould, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; front-gabled entrance with semi-circular door opening; and, wood doors with square panels, elongated lites and wood paneled transom. The left bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front-gabled roof with brick corbels; semi-circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill; and, paired semi-circular windows and window openings with brick voussoirs and angled sills. The right bay features: buff (yellow) brick construction; buttresses with caps; continuation of the front-gabled roof with brick corbels; and, semi-circular 1/1 window and window opening with brick hoodmould, including keystone and dripstones, and angled sill. o All elements of the side elevations, including: Width of seven bays; buff (yellow) brick construction on the second storey; primarily concrete ashlar parging on the first storey; brick pilasters; semi-circular 1/1 windows and window openings, with brick hoodmoulds, including keystones and dripstones, and angled sills; and, segmentally arched window openings. References Ambrose, R. W. (1993). Waterloo County Churches: A Research Guide to Churches Established Before 1900. Kitchener, ON: Waterloo-Wellington Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society. Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church. (1999). Golden Jubilee Short History of Bethel 1949-1999. Kitchener, ON: Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church. City of Kitchener. (1952). Building Permit # 13547. Kitchener, ON: City of Kitchener. Hill, R. G. (2022). Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800-1950. Retrieved from http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/2721 on August 9, 2024. Horne, M. & Kolaritsch, D. (1984-1985). LACAC Report. Kitchener, 1984-1985. KW Record. (1953). Membership Gains Shown by Churches. KW Record: Kitchener, Ontario. Uttley, W.V. (2008). A History of Kitchener, Ontario. Milton, ON: Global Heritage Press. Photographs Front Elevation (North Façade) Front and Side Elevation (North and West Facades) Side Elevation (East Façade) CULTURAL HERITAGE EVALUATION FORM Michelle Drake 53 Church Street Address: Recorder: July 29, 2024 Description: Date: (date of construction, architectural style, etc) Photographs Attached: Front Facade Left Façade Right Façade Rear Facade Details Setting Recorder Heritage Kitchener Heritage Planning Staff Designation Criteria Committee 1. This property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No design value or Yes Yes physical value because it is a rare, unique, representative or early example of a style, type, expression, material or construction method. 2. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No design value or Yes Yes physical value because it displays a high degree of craftsmanship or artistic merit. 3. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No design value or Yes Yes physical value because it demonstrates a high degree of technical or scientific achievement. * E.g. - constructed with a unique material combination or use, incorporates challenging geometric designs etc. 4. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No historical value or Yes Yes associative value because it has direct associations with a theme, event, belief, person, activity, organization or institution that is significant to a community. * Additional archival work may be required. 5. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No historical or Yes Yes associative value because it yields, or has the potential to yield, information that contributes to an understanding of a community or culture. * E.g - A commercial building may provide an understanding of how the economic development of the City occured. Additional archival work may be required. 6. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No historical value or Yes Yes associative value because it demonstrates or reflects the work or ideas of an architect, artist, builder, designer or theorist who is significant to a community. * Additional archival work may be required. 7. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No contextual value Yes Yes because it is important in defining, maintaining or supporting the character of an area. * E.g. - It helps to define an entrance point to a neighbourhood or helps establish the (historic) rural character of an area. 8. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No contextual value Yes Yes because it is physically, functionally, visually or historically linked to its surroundings. * Additional archival work may be required. 9. The property has N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No contextual value Yes Yes because it is a landmark. *within the region, city or neighborhood. Notes Additional Criteria Recorder Heritage Kitchener Committee Interior: Is the interior N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No arrangement, finish, Yes Yes craftsmanship and/or detail noteworthy? Completeness: Does this N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No structure have other Yes Yes original outbuildings, notable landscaping or external features that complete the site? Site Integrity: Does the N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No structure occupy its Yes Yes original site? * If relocated, is it relocated on its original site, moved from another site, etc. Alterations: Does this N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No building retain most of its Yes Yes original materials and design features? Please refer to the list of heritage attributes within the Statement of Significance and indicate which elements are still existing and which ones have been removed. Alterations: Are there N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No additional elements or Yes Yes features that should be added to the heritage attribute list? Condition: Is the building N/A Unknown No N/A Unknown No in good condition? Yes Yes *E.g. - Could be a good candidate for adaptive re-use if possible and contribute towards equity-building and climate change action. Indigenous History: Could this site be of N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes importance to Indigenous heritage and Additional Research Required Additional Research Required history? *E.g. - Site within 300m of water sources, near distinct topographical land, or near cemeteries might have archaeological potential and indigenous heritage potential. N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes Could there be any urban Indigenous history Additional Research Required Additional Research Required associated with the property? * Additional archival work may be required. Function: What is the Unknown Residential Unknown Residential Co present function of the Commercial mmercial subject property? Office Other - Office Other Religious ________________ * Other may include vacant, social, institutional, etc. and important for the community from an equity building perspective. Diversity and Inclusion: N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes Does the subject property contribute to Additional Research Required Additional Research Required the cultural heritage of a community of people? Does the subject N/A Unknown No Yes N/A Unknown No Yes property have intangible value to a specific Additional Research Required Additional Research Required community of people? * E.g.- Waterloo Masjid (Muslim Society of Waterloo & Wellington Counties) was the first established Islamic Center and Masjid in the Region and contributes to the history of the Muslim community in the area. Notes about Additional Criteria Examined Recommendation Does this property meet the definition of a significant built heritage resource, and should it be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act? (Does it meet two or more of the designation criteria?) N/A Unknown No Yes If not, please select the appropriate action for follow-up Remove from the Municipal Heritage Register Additional Research Required Other: General / Additional Notes TO BE FILLED BY HERITAGE PLANNING STAFF: Date of Property Owner Notification: