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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2006-04-04 HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 4. 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby, Co-Chair Ms. D. Kuehl, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. L. Harris, Ms. J. Armstrong, Ms. S. Lauber and Messrs. J. Countryman, F. Bishop, T. Wilcox and M. Stranz. Staff: L. Proulx, Director of Facilities Management A. TenBruggencate, Facilitator of Emergency Preparedness L. Bensason, Heritage Planner R. Mounsey, Senior Planner S. Barber, Assistant Heritage Planner S. Rice, Zoning Officer C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT- CROSSCAN INVESTMENTS L TO. - SCOTT STREET / ISRAEL PLACE / PEARL PLACE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Rino Dal Bello, Planning and Engineering Initiatives, dated March 22, 2006 as follow-up to the issues raised by Heritage Kitchener at its January 3, 2006 meeting regarding the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for Scott Street / Israel Place / Pearl Place submitted by Crosscan Investments Ltd. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of excerpt from the January 3, 2006 Heritage Kitchener minutes. Mr. L. Bensason advised that decisions regarding HIAs are made by Planning Division staff and submitted to Council in conjunction with the applicable zone change and municipal plan applications. He outlined that comments made by the Committee this date will be taken into consideration by Planning Division staff when they make their decision concerning the subject HIA. Messrs. Rino Dal Bello, Planning and Engineering Initiatives Ltd. and Chris Andrea, Historica Research Ltd. reviewed their responses to the issues raised by Heritage Kitchener at its January 3, 2006 meeting. Mr. Dal Bello advised that upon further review they have reduced the underground parking facility from 1 to 2 levels, stating that the revised concept plan (Concept 1 C) shows the extent of the proposed site excavation. He added that as per the request of Mr. Bensason, they have prepared a new concept plan (Concept 1 B) showing an eleven storey apartment building, with the retention of the house at 87 Scott Street, and a play area and landscaping along Pearl Place. He pointed out that they are proposing to build five townhouses along Scott Street and Pearl Place and advised that Concept 1 B shows a massing relationship of 1 :1.1 of the height of the building to the width of Weber Street, which conforms to Kitchener's Urban Design Guidelines. Mr. Chris Andrea then provided an overview of the results of his investigation into the names 'Spetz' and 'Scott' as requested by the Committee at its January 2006 meeting. Mr. Dal Bello stated that their preferred concept is Concept 1 A, which consists of an eleven storey apartment building and the removal of 87 Scott Street and the remainder of the homes along Pearl Place. Mr. Dal Bello requested the Committee's support for their revised proposal. In response to questions, Mr. R. Dal Bello advised that regardless of which concept is selected, the underground parking facility will only be one level. He commented that there is not enough room to accommodate another townhouse where the proposed play area is located. He noted that other than the reduction in surface and underground parking spaces, their preferred option has not changed since January 2006. Mr. L. Bensason outlined that while he acknowledges the possible parking limitations this may pose, ideally he would like to see the introduction of townhouse units along Pearl Place to better frame the Pearl Place streetscape and enclave. He requested that this option be examined by the applicants. He stated that in his opinion 1-5 Israel Place is worthy of designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. He advised that he is willing to balance development and heritage interests and recommend approval of the HIA subject to the following conditions: · Concept 1 B be implemented; · 1-5 Israel Place be documented to HABS/HAER Standards; APRIL 4. 2006 HERITAGE KITCHENER -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT- CROSSCAN INVESTMENTS LTD. - SCOTT STREET I ISRAEL PLACE I PEARL PLACE (CONT'D) · Pearl Place and other buildings be documented through digital images and to a slightly lesser standard than HABS/HAER; · demolition of all buildings except 87 Scott Street be subject to demolition controls; · pursue applying conditions of demolition control approval to permit demolition only upon receipt of site plan approval and issuance of a building permit; and for the development to be complete within 2 years of the issuance of the building permit, or be subject to a fine in accordance with the Planning Act; · approval of the OPA/ZC will be subject to designation of 87 Scott Street under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; with the designation proceeding ahead of or concurrent with Council's consideration of the OPA/ZC; · Site Plan controls regarding building design, materials, etc. and landscaping site detail especially opposite the properties on Pearl Place; and, · the remainder of the recommendations outlined in the HIA being implemented. In response to questions, Mr. L. Bensason advised that if a balanced streetscape for Pearl Place cannot be accomplished through the construction of additional townhouse units, then he would prefer that the balance be maintained through landscaping. He added that if the townhouse units are constructed, he would require strict design controls to ensure that the new development compliments the houses located on the opposite side of Pearl Place. Mr. Bensason stated that while setbacks would be required for the aforementioned construction; he would work with Planning Division staff to ensure the continued integrity of the streetscape. He noted that to ensure that the 2 sides of Pearl Place continue to mirror each other, the existing houses could be added to the City's Heritage Register, or if that is not possible then the City could apply some form of urban design controls. 2. DTS-06-063 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2006-IV-003 -748 ZELLER DRIVE - PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A ONE-STOREY FRAME ADDITION AND REPLACEMENT OF ASPHALT REAR VERANDAH SHINGLES WITH CEDAR SHINGLES The Committee was in receipt of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-063, dated March 22, 2006 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2006-IV-003 (748 Zeller Drive) to permit the construction of a one-storey addition to the rear of the existing farmhouse and to replace the asphalt shingles on the rear veranda roof with cedar shingles. Ms. S. Barber reviewed the staff report and noted that 748 Zeller Drive is subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement along with being designated under Party IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. She then displayed photographs, circa 1906, which showed the farmhouse as having a gabled roof addition, in the same location as the addition being proposed by the applicants. Mr. Bob Woolner, applicant, advised that the previous addition, dismantled sometime during the 1960's, was a washhouse, noting that the purpose of the proposed new addition is a laundry facility. He suggested that the proposed addition is in keeping with the original heritage nature of the property. He stated that eventually he would like to re-shingle the entire house in cedar shingles. On motion by Ms. D. Keuhl - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2006-IV-003 (748 Zeller Drive) be approved, to permit the construction of a one- storey frame addition to the rear of the existing farmhouse and to replace the existing asphalt shingles on the rear veranda roof with cedar shingles as shown on the design drawings as attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 06-063. " APRIL 4. 2006 HERITAGE KITCHENER - 20- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. POSSIBLE HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION - 45-115 WOODSIDE AVENUE - HARRY CLASS COMMUNITY POOL - PROPOSED REMOVAL OF SKYLIGHTS The Committee was in receipt of the record of designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act for 45-115 Woodside Avenue, Harry Class Community Pool. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of digital photographs of the Harry Class Community Pool skylights, taken by Facilities Management staff on January 17, 2006. Mr. L. Bensason outlined that this issue was brought to the attention of Planning Division staff as a result of repairs required to be undertaken to the roof of Harry Class Community Pool, which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Mr. L. Proulx advised that the repairs to the roof at Harry Class Community Pool will be delayed for approximately one year so that the issue of the skylights can be addressed. He stated that the skylights would need to be lifted to facilitate the roof repairs and given the degree of rust on the skylights there is a concern that they might fall apart during that process. He added that this fragility also raises safety concerns. He commented that if staff pursues replacing the skylights they would use aluminium for the frame and try to match the colour to the original steel. He noted that the City's roofing consultant has indicated that the cost of replacing the skylights could be the equivalent to the cost of replacing the entire roof. In response to questions, Mr. L. Proulx advised that due to the rusting of the skylights' flashing, leaks have occurred around the frame of the skylights. He stated that there is no immediate danger of the skylights collapsing. Mr. L. Bensason advised that a Heritage Permit Application is not required in this instance as the skylights are not listed under the reasons for designation. He requested that Facilities Management staff put forward a report to Council outlining the feasibility of repairing, replacing and removal of the skylights as possible options for consideration. He noted that the sequence, with which he listed the options, is also his order of preference for which he would like them pursued. The Committee agreed that their preferred option is to see the existing skylights repaired and retained, subject to the plausibility of that option. Mr. L. Proulx agreed to undertake Mr. Bensason's suggestion, noting that he will also include the preference of Heritage Kitchener in his report. Mr. Proulx further agreed to investigate the possibility of Heritage Kitchener members undertaking a site visit to examine the skylights first hand and requested that interested members contact him directly. 4. 2062 BLEAMS ROAD - CONSERVATION AND POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF THE FARMHOUSE Mr. L. Bensason advised that 2062 Bleams Road (The Eby Estate) was identified by the Heritage Inventory Review Sub-committee as being worthy of preservation. He stated that while the owners of this property are interested in its preservation, due to the erosion of the farmhouses current location, it may need to be relocated. Mr. Bensason noted that Councillor M. Galloway and Mr. K. Kirby have volunteered to serve as the Heritage Kitchener representatives to meet with City staff and the owners to address the issues regarding the preservation of the farmhouse. Mr. Vaughn Bender, R.B.J. Schlegel Holdings Inc., advised that the owners are willing to work with Heritage Kitchener to develop a proposal that will be suitable to all parties. The Committee agreed to have Councillor M. Galloway and Mr. K. Kirby serve as their representatives regarding this matter and requested that staff arrange a site visit of the subject property before the May 2, 2006 Committee meeting. 5. WORK PROGRAMS REVISITED - WALKING TOUR BROCHURES The Committee was in receipt this date of the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour Brochure, developed by Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. D. Kuehl and Ms. L. Harris. Ms. E. Gallaher reviewed the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour APRIL 4. 2006 HERITAGE KITCHENER - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. WORK PROGRAMS REVISITED - WALKING TOUR BROCHURES (CONT'D) Brochure and expressed frustration with the lack of assistance she received in its development. She then outlined her disappointment with the feedback she received when the draft brochures were circulated; stating that in her opinion people were quick to identify what was wrong with the brochures but not quick to offer assistance with their revision. She pointed out that the current addition of the walking tour brochure has to be finalized by May 18, 2006 if it is to be distributed by September 2006 at Doors Open Waterloo Region. Ms. Gallaher advised that subject to the Committee's consent, she is prepared to finish the walking tours brochure independently of the Committee with some assistance from City staff. Ms. D. Kuehl requested that the possibility of additional staff being hired to assist the Committee in the development of the walking tour brochures be investigated. She also suggested that staff research if the walking tour brochures can be incorporated into any potential City-wide community tours initiative. All members expressed appreciation to Ms. L. Harris, Ms. D. Kuehl and particularly Ms. Gallaher for their work in developing the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour Brochure for the 2006 Heritage Day display. Further, the Committee agreed to the terms outlined by Ms. Gallaher for the completion of the walking tour brochure. 6. CIVIC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason advised that Stantec Consultants were successful in winning the contract to develop the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District Plan. He stated that this project is in the process of moving forward and noted that there will be a Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District Steering Committee meeting on April 12, 2006. 7. MIXED USE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR STUDIES - VICTORIA STREET / QUEEN STREET - POSSIBLE IMPACT ON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS The Committee was in receipt this date of the City of Kitchener Mixed Use Corridors Design Brief Strategies for the proposed Victoria Street North Mixed Use Transportation Corridor. Mr. L. Bensason advised that zoning changes have been proposed to facilitate the implementation of a Mixed Use Transportation Corridor along Victoria Street North, which may impact the proposed Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District. He stated that he has held discussions with the Planning Division staff responsible for this project, who have committed to re-evaluating the proposed zone changes to examine its potential impact on the proposed Heritage Conservation District. Mr. Bensason noted that under the newly revised Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Conservation District by-laws take precedence over all other by-laws including zoning. Ms. J. Armstrong expressed concerns with the potential impact that the proposed Queen Street Mixed Use Transportation Corridor may have on the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. She stated that the City's Official Plan is in the process of being amended to accommodate the Queen Street Corridor and requested that the committee be allowed to comment on the potential effects this may have on the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. Mr. R. Mounsey entered the meeting at this time and advised that he is the Senior Planner responsible for the development of the Mixed Use Transportation Corridors. He stated that he intends to come to the May 2, 2006 Heritage Kitchener meeting to seek the Committee's input into the possible impact that the proposed corridors might have on the Victoria Park and the proposed Civic Centre Heritage Conservation Districts. 8. ONTARIO HERITAGE TRUST - HERITAGE TOOL KIT REQUEST Ms. E. Gallaher requested that staff investigate the possibility of distributing Ontario Heritage Trust Heritage Tool Kits to the members of Heritage Kitchener and senior Planning Division staff. Mr. L. Bensason advised that he will examine the possibility of downloading and/or ordering copies of the applicable Heritage Tool Kits from the Ontario Heritage Trust website. APRIL 4. 2006 HERITAGE KITCHENER - 22- CITY OF KITCHENER 9. UPPER DOON HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT - LAND SEVERANCES The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Richard Haalboom, dated March 6, 2006 regarding land severances within the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District. Mr. L. Bensason advised that Mr. Haalboom has taken exception to a recent Committee of Adjustment decision to grant a land severance in the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District, in that the application was never brought before Heritage Kitchener as outlined in the District Plan. Mr. Bensason stated that all building permits and planning applications submitted to the City for any property located in any of the Heritage Conservation Districts are vetted by him to determine their possible impacts on the City's built heritage. Mr. Bensason noted that the land severance in question had no such impact and he determined that there was no need to bring the application before this Committee. He advised that it is not feasible to bring all of the planning applications the City receives before this Committee, noting that the District Plan is a guiding document and is not meant to be followed verbatim. The Committee expressed support for Mr. Bensason's ability to evaluate all building permits and planning applications to determine if they need to be considered by Heritage Kitchener. 10. POTENTIAL HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION -105 WATER STREET SOUTH The Committee was in receipt this date of detailed design drawings of the dormers at 105 Water Street South, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the owner of 105 Water Street South has altered the existing dormer on the east side of the roof from a gable design to a larger shed roof design. He stated that while working on the shed dormer the owner was advised by a building inspector that he requires both a building permit and a heritage permit to undertake such work. Mr. Bensason commented that subsequently the owner met with him earlier this date to discuss the possibility of submitting a Heritage Permit Application (HPA) to build a shed dormer on the west side of the roof to match the recently constructed shed dormer on the east side of the roof. Mr. Bensason noted that if the applicant had followed proper procedure and submitted a proposal prior to undertaking the work; staff would have been reluctant to grant approval of an HPA. Mr. Bensason reviewed photographs taken of the new shed dormer and the west side gable dormer and requested that the Committee provide comments in anticipation of considering a formal HPA at the May 2, 2006 Heritage Kitchener meeting. Most members were generally unsupportive of the design of the new/proposed shed dormer replacing the existing dormer. Mr. K. Kirby stated, and it was agreed, that if a Heritage Permit Application had been applied for before work commenced on the building, the Committee would have recommended a redesign of the dormer to match the dormer of the neighbouring property located at 109 Water Street South. Staff were directed to investigate the possibility of sending out a general mailing to the residents of all of the City's Heritage Conservation Districts outlining their responsibilities as owners under the Ontario Heritage Act. Ms. S. Rice advised that after examining the photographs reviewed by Mr. Bensason, the owner might be required to make an application to the City's Committee of Adjustment to pursue the proposed changes to the west dormer. She stated that it would appear that the house is situated almost along the lot line and as the construction of a shed dormer would cause that portion of the house to encroach on the required setback, a minor variance would be required. She noted that she would need to review a property survey to determine with certainty if an application to the City's Committee of Adjustment is required in this instance. On motion by Ms. D. Kuehl - it was resolved: "That consideration of the proposed changes to the east dormer of 1 05 Water Street South be deferred and referred to the May 2, 2006 Heritage Kitchener meeting to allow the applicant time to investigate the necessity of submitting a minor variance application to the City's Committee of Adjustment." APRIL 4. 2006 HERITAGE KITCHENER - 23- CITY OF KITCHENER 11. BRIDGEPORT BRIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - UPDATE Ms. D. Kuehl requested that information be circulated regarding the status of the Region of Waterloo's Bridgeport Bridge Environmental Assessment. 12. REGION OF WATERLOO CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN - TRUSSLER ROAD - POTENTIAL SCENIC HERITAGE ROAD Mr. L. Bensason advised that when the City of Kitchener owned Trussler Road it was identified as a potential scenic heritage road. He stated that due to various jurisdictional changes the Region of Waterloo now owns Trussler Road, adding that the Region is undertaking a Transportation Corridor Management Plan for Trussler Road. Mr. Bensason further advised that he has made preliminary comments to the Region regarding their proposed Management Plan, noting that the Region is prepared to work with the City to identify the scenic heritage views along Trussler Road. He commented that he will be meeting with Regional staff to undertake a site visit of their study area and suggested that any member who is interested in participating in the site visit to contact him bye-mail. Ms. E. Gallaher requested to be circulated a copy of Section 8.3.3 of the City of Kitchener's Official Plan, which deals with the area of the potential scenic heritage views along Trussler Road. 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator