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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2001-04-06HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 6, 2001 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor M. Galloway, commencing at 12:00 noon, with the following members present: Ms. G. Engel, Ms. C. Martindale, Ms. P. Wagner and Messrs. P. Bufe, E. Lucy, B. Scott, W. Stauch and J. Clinckett. Regrets: Mr. R. Green Others Present: Ms. D. Gilchrist and Mr. L. Bensason. 1. DOON VILLAGE ROAD TRAFFIC PATTERNS It was noted that this matter was on the Agenda at the request of Mr. E. Lucy. The Committee members had been provided with copies of a letter dated 2001-03-27, from Mr. Barry Cronkite of the Traffic and Parking Division, to the residents of Doon Village Road. Attached to this letter is a traffic control questionaire asking if residents wish to have the existing one-way restriction on Doon Village Road removed or that it remain. Councillor M. Galloway provided background to the survey advising that two or three residents from the Village had contacted him with respect to their concerns about the one-way traffic flow on Doon Village Road. The City is undertaking this survey of Village residents only to determine their feelings about the current traffic pattern along Doon Village Road. Mr. E. Lucy asked for an opportunity to provide history to the current traffic situation, noting that, as personnel at the City changes, history is lost. He advised that when development began in the Wyldwood Subdivision, Monarch Construction and City staff agreed that construction traffic would not flow through the Village, and they kept their word. As people have moved into the subdivision, the Traffic and Parking Division agreed to install a barrier to prevent traffic turning onto Doon Village Road. This effort to restrict traffic on Doon Village Road is consistent with the policies in By-law 88-17, the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan. In 1998 the School Board decided to take their buses off Doon Village Road; consequently, it became a passageway for small children. Due to this decision by the School Board, the Traffic and Parking Division came forward with some suggestions for change, and the final decision was to restrict traffic on Doon Village Road to one-way eastbound. This recommendation for one-way traffic was approved by Council. It was Mr. Lucy's opinion that when Heritage Kitchener and Council agree to a method of protecting a Heritage area, it is invincible. He noted that when areas surrounding Heritage areas start to grow, the Heritage areas start to deteriorate. Mr. Mike Douglas, 1122 Doon Village Road, appeared as a delegation to comment on traffic on Doon Village Road, in light of the survey being conducted by the City. He stated that he agreed with the presentation made by Mr. E. Lucy. He advised that traffic on Doon Village Road had been increasing steadily until the institution of one-way traffic. Since that time traffic has dropped off dramatically. He stated that closing off the street will make the area a real neighbourhood, and will also provide a good situation for school children. Mr. Richard Haalboom appeared as a delegation and it was noted that he had provided written copies of his presentation to Council, dated April 2, 2001, prior to today's meeting. At today's meeting he provided copies of extracts from the City's Municipal Plan: Upper Doon as a Special Policy Area, Local Streets, Scenic Heritage Roads and Doon Village Road, and an extract from the March 26, 2001 Public Works and Transportation Committee Agenda. Committee members were also provided with copies of a letter, dated March 29, 2001, from Mr. David Jones, Chair, Society for the Preservation of Upper Doon. Mr. Haalboom then referred to the extract from the City's Municipal Plan. He noted that Doon Village Road is a local road and a scenic road, as defined in the Municipal Plan. He stated that without controlling the traffic on Doon Village Road, the spine of the Village is cut. The Village of Upper Doon, in the eyes of the by-law, that adopted the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan, has a unique character. He pointed out that the original width of Doon Village Road is the width of the bridge, only wide enough for one-way traffic. Mr. Haalboom referrred to page 59 of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan noting that it has always been the intention to use Doon South Drive as the collector road in this area. Mr. Haalboom then noted that, although this request of Councillor Galloway to research the traffic patterns on Doon Village Road came before the Public Works and Transportation Committee on March 26, 2001, and to Council on April 2, 2001, Traffic and Parking staff have been conducting research in this regard HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6, 2001 - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DOON VILLAGE ROAD TRAFFIC PATTERNS (CONT'D) since March 16, 2001. Councillor Galloway stated that, as the Ward Councillor, he has an obligation to listen to all his constituents and he has received a request from two residents of Doon Village Road to review the traffic patterns on that road. He pointed out that he has reviewed the history of the current one-way traffic flow and referred to specific Council and Committee minutes throught the period 1997-1998. Ms. P. Wagner advised that the idea of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District was to maintain the village atmosphere of Upper Doon. She advised that she thought the current survey was being conducted at the request of Wyldwood residents; however, noted that Councillor Galloway stated it is being conducted as the result of inquiries from two village residents. She noted that it was her understanding the Doon Village Road diversion was to be constructed before building in Wyldwood commenced. Ms. C. Martindale gave her opinion that the matter of traffic patterns on Doon Village Road should not be debated at this time, as the decision with respect to traffic on Doon Village Road has already been made. She stated that the policies of the Heritage Conservation District Plan should be taken seriously and the Traffic and Parking Division should not have sent out this survey. Councillor Galloway suggested that Heritage Kitchener make a recommendation to Traffic and Parking staff, to be taken into consideration in preparation of their report to City Council. Mr. Bufe stated that it is Heritage Kitchener's role to advise Council. Councillor Galloway then advised the Committee that Doon Village Road will be cul-de-saced at Doonbrook Place when the Doon Village Road diversion has been constructed. On motion by Mr. W. Stauch - it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener does not support removing the one-way restriction along Doon Village Road; as such action would not be in keeping with the policies of By-law 88-17 'Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District'; and further, That the two written submissions of Mr. Richard Haalboom, submitted at the Heritage Kitchener meeting of April 6, 2001, and the written submission of Mr. David Jones, dated March 29, 2001, be forwarded to the staff of the Traffic and Parking Division for their consideration in preparing a report for Council." 253 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - FOTI GALLERY - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - ALTERATION APPLICATION Mr. Renato Foti and Mr. Robert Dyck, Architect, appeared as a delegation with respect to Mr. Foti's application for the property municipally known as 253 Queen Street South, located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District. The Committee had been provided with copies of the Alteration Application, dated March 6, 2001, attached to which are copies of Mr. Dyck's drawings A3.1 and A3.2, showing the proposed addition. Mr. Bensason displayed slides of the subject property. Mr. Foti advised the Committee that this is a multi-purpose building, his business is expanding and he would like to add to the art studio space. Mr. R. Dyck advised that the addition will add to bedroom space as well as studio and business space. The garage will be expanded and there will be two storeys above. The addition will be coated in a natural grey coloured "EIFS", exterior insulation finishing system. He also advised that, as the side elevation cannot contain windows, he proposes an elongated arch inside of which Mr. Foti can display artwork. Mr. B. Scott advised that he is supportive of the application. Several Committee members made suggestions with respect to specific features of the addition: straight rather than curved railings for the balconies, lights across the top of the balcony doors, and the appropriateness of artwork 253 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - FOTI GALLERY - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT- ALTERATION APPLICATION (CONT'D) HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6, 2001 - 23 - CITY OF KITCHENER on the side of the building. On motion by Mr. B. Scott- it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 43 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Council approve the application of the owner to alter the designated property municipally known as 253 Queen Street South (Foti Gallery) located in the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District, as outlined in his Alteration Application dated March 6, 2001 and drawings A3.1 and A3.2 prepared by Robert Dyck, Architect; including the use of a 'natural grey' coloured exterior insulation finishing system, and the conversion of the window in the gable to a door; and further, That the applicant give consideration to the following: a) revising the balcony railings to a vertical design, b) including a fenestration pattern on the south elevation; and, c) including transom lights over the balcony doors." 34 COURTLAND AVENUE EAST - VICTORIA PARK AREA HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - ALTERATION APPLICATION Mr. Bensason advised that this item has been withdrawn at this time, as the owner has not yet submitted the application. 970 DOON VILLAGE ROAD - UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - APPLICATION FOR CONSENT (TO SEVER) MINOR VARIANCE The Committee was in receipt of copies of an Application for Consent, Submission No. B2001-018, for the property municipally known as 970 Doon Village Road, located in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. The intent of the application is to divide the property into 2 lots and to construct a single family dwelling on the new lot to be created. Mr. A. D. Barron, Solicitor for the applicants, appeared as a delegation and provided an overview of the owner's proposal for the property. Mr. Bensason showed slides of the subject property. Ms. P. Wagner questioned whether the style and configuration of the proposed house will come before this Committee and Mr. Bensason advised that an Alteration Application for the new house should come to this Committee. The Committee generally agreed that they have no objections to the application, even though the lots will not meet the minimum lot area for the District, as this is an in-fill situation. On motion by Mr. E. Lucy- it was resolved: "That Heritage Kitchener has no objection to the approval of Submission No. B2001- 018, 970 Doon Village Road, recognizing that the lot area for the severed parcel of 0.38 acres is less than the 0.5 acres required in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan, as this is regarded as an infill situation." WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL Mr. P. Wetherup provided the Committee with a brief review of the progress being made on the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, and the preparation and installation of kiosks at each of the access points to the trail. He advised that each access point will have an information kiosk containing information about the flora, fauna and historic information. At this time there are WALTER BEAN GRAND RIVER TRAIL (CONT'D) sufficient numbers of people contributing historic information. Mr. Wetherup then explained the HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6, 2001 - 24 - CITY OF KITCHENER anticipated completion times for various portions of the trail. 6. 811 MORRISON ROAD (FORMERLY OLD CHICOPEE DRIVE) The Committee members had been provided with a brief written historic report on the property known municipally as 811 Morrison Road, formerly 811 Old Chicopee Drive, listed on the Heritage Inventory, along with copies of Plan of Subdivision 30%00204, on which Mr. Bensason had located the subject property. He then showed slides of the subject building noting that it was the gardener's cottage on the Sim's estate. Mr. Bensason advised that the Plan of Subdivision for the abutting lands is being circulated for comment at this time, and staff must determine whether subdivision approval should be subject to the completion of a Heritage Impact Assessment. He advised that this situation is being identified for the Committee's information only, at this time. He also advised that he will be making a site visit and requested volunteers from this Committee to attend the property with him. Ms. P. Wagner suggested designating the property and Mr. Bensason suggested first talking to the owner and viewing the property. Mr. Clinckett questioned the requirement for a Heritage Impact Assessment and Mr. Bensason advised that there has to be justification for a Heritage Impact Assessment. It must be determined whether the adjacent Plan of Subdivision will have an impact on the heritage structure. Mr. Bensason noted that the Plan of Subdivision shows a "Buffer and Community Trail" in front of the structure and noted the need to determine the nature of this right-of-way. Mr. Bensason again asked for volunteers to view this property and all Committee members in attendance advised that they wished to view the property. 7. ESTABLISHING SUB- COMMITTEES a) Ms. P. Wagner requested that another member of Heritage Kitchener view the building she thought to be the former Pequegnat Clock Company, as she believes it may be the original factory. She advised that the building is at the corner of Duke and Frederick Streets across from the Farmer's Market. b) Mr. L. Bensason asked for volunteers to walk around the Civic Centre area to determine the area of interest for a possible Heritage Conservation District. All members of the Committee volunteered for this sub-committee. c) Mr. Bensason advised that the owner of 161 Queen Street North is interested in having his property designated. Mr. Bensason showed slides of the subject property. Ms. P. Wagner and Mr. P. Bufe agreed to research this property. d) Slides of the property municipally known as 40 Ellen Street East were shown, and Mr. Bensason advised that the owners are interested in having the property designated. Mr. W. Stauch advised that he knows the owners, the Bender family, and volunteered to speak to them to get more background information. e) Slides of the property municipally known as 127-129 Water Street South were shown by Mr. Bensason who advised of a recent inquiry to have the property designated. Mr. B. Scott and Mr. J. Clinckett agreed to research this property. 8. 312 KING STREET EAST- EAST END HOTEL Mr. Bensason advised that the former East End Hotel has been purchased by the City of Kitchener as part of the lands for the new Farmer's Market. Kieswetter has been hired as the demolition contractor. Prior to demolition, staff went through the building and determined there was nothing of great interest about the building. During demolition, Kieswetter uncovered an old 312 KING STREET EAST- EAST END HOTEL (CONT'D) timber structure. Mr. Bensason then showed slides of portions of the timber structure advising that Kieswetter has agreed to do a full recording of the structure. They will keep the timbers and HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 6, 2001 - 25 - CITY OF KITCHENER documentation will be loaned to the City so it can be determined if the City wishes to acquire this timber structure. Mr. Bensason advised that other material of interest was uncovered during the demolition, being a box of old papers associated with the hotel, dating between 1931 and 1939. Kieswetter has given these papers to the City and it was Mr. Bensason's opinion that they will be an interesting source to use to prepare a picture of what the hotel business looked like in that time period. He advised that the Corporate Records Division is proposing to hire a summer student and part of their job will be to review this material. Mr. Bensason advised that staff are reviewing the possibility of a change to the City's standard contract with demolition companies to state that the City of Kitchener retains ownership of any and all documentation found during the demolition. 9. UPDATES a) Ms. P. Wagner advised that Mr. David Cuming, the consultant for the St. Mary's Area Heritage Conservation District has left and Ms. W. Scherer has taken over the leadership role. She advised that changes on the Steering Committee have also taken place. The Steering Committee has reviewed the Draft Heritage Conservation Plan and it will be distributed to area residents, with a resident's meeting to be held. Mr. L. Bensason advised that a workshop will probably be held on May 2nd. b) Mr. Bensason advised that a working draft of the Pioneer Tower West Heritage Conservation District Plan has been prepared and a meeting was held to discuss the draft recently. He pointed out that the majority of the buildings that will be located in the District do not exist at this time, and the major issue is the historic significance of the land and the impact of future development on the existing historic structures. There are design guidelines in the draft plan and the comments received from developers in that area are that they are not comfortable with the process for the design of new development. He advised that there is a possible alternate way to deal with design guidelines and staff are investigating the inclusion of conditions in the subdivision agreements. He advised that this matter will come back to Heritage Kitchener at a future meeting. 10. ADJOURNMENT On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator