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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Kitchener - 2002-12-03HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 2002 CITY OF KITCHENER Heritage Kitchener met this date, chaired by Councillor M. Galloway, commencing at 4:00 p.m., with the following members present: Ms. D. Kuehl and Messrs. F. Bishop, R. Dyck, R. Green, Z Janecki, J. Kerr, K. Kirby, W. Nixon, J. Pavia and M. Stanz. Others Present: Ms. D. Gilchrist and Mr. L. Bensason. 1. CITIZEN CO-CHAIR Mr. Z. Janecki was acclaimed as citizen co-chair of Heritage Kitchener for a term to expire November 30, 2003. RESIGNATION Mr. R. Green advised that because of other commitments he is tendering his resignation from Heritage Kitchener. On motion Councillor M. Galloway - it was resolved: "That with regret, we accept the resignation of Mr. R. Green from Heritage Kitchener." 3. INTRODUCTORY SESSION FOR NEW MEMBERS The new members of Heritage Kitchener were provided with binders of printed material relative to their role as members of Heritage Kitchener. Mr. L. Bensason provided the members with an introductory, educational session, relative to their role as members of Heritage Kitchener. Copies of the Power Point presentation used by Mr. Bensason will be distributed to all members. Councillor M. Galloway left the meeting at this time and Mr. Z. Janecki assumed the chair. 4. 31 YOUNG STREET (FORSYTH PROPERTY) Mr. M. de Groot was in attendance on behalf of the Cultural Venues Working Group, an informal committee that reports to the City's Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, with respect to 31 Young Street. Specifically, he informed the Committee of the renewed interests within the community to develop live / work units in the Centre Block, particularly 31 Young Street. The purpose of Mr. de Groot's appearance at this meetings was to advise the Committee of concerns over the physical state of the building, given it is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, and to inform them of the renewed interest in the development of live / work units. As most of the Heritage Kitchener members are new, they requested staff provide background information on 31 Young Street. 5. DOORS OPEN WATERLOO REGION Ms. Jill Armstrong, Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation, was in attendance to request this Committee's participation in Doors Open Waterloo Reqion, which will be a weekend of free public access to interesting, historic properties not usually open to the public. It is the intention of the Heritage Foundation to involve all of the municipalities within the Region in this project. As the Region of Waterloo will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2003, there is particular interest in showcasing properties that are at least 150 years old. Heritage Kitchener was requested to participate in the events organizing committee and to nominate properties that meet the following criteria: · sites must be of historic, cultural or architectural interest, · sites must be interesting to tour, · sites must be capable of taking a large number of visitors, HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 37 2002 - 47 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DOORS OPEN WATERLOO REGION (CONT'D) · mills, churches, meeting houses, town halls, schools, libraries, industrial buildings, train stations and civic buildings are all likely candidates, · sites must be safe, accessible, secure and insurable, · walking tours, driving tours and maps may also be included as part of the Doors Open Event. Ms. Armstrong advised that there will be no admission charge to the buildings included in this event. The members generally agreed to consider this request and bring forward suggested properties and volunteers for the January 7th meeting. 6. 2003 MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARDS Mr. L. Bensason explained the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards program and displayed images of the three properties nominated for awards this year. The Committee was also in receipt of nominations forms and background information for these properties, attached to their agenda. On motion by Mr. R. Dyck - it was resolved: "That 73-77 Queen Street North (former Waterloo County Governor House and gaol) be presented a 2003 Mike Wagner Heritage Award in the Outstanding Achievement category." Ms. D. Kuehl suggested that in future information on the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards be provided to neighbourhood associations and they be invited to nominate properties. Mr. Stranz requested that the 2004 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards be included in the August agenda to allow time to consider the nomination process for 2004. BILL 179 - THE GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY BILL - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT Mr. L. Bensason provided the Committee with a brief explanation of the effect of Bill 179 - The Government Efficiency Bill on current heritage legislation. He advised that this Bill, if passed in its current form, will repeal the City's Private Legislation and incorporate the requirement that designated properties which receive demolition approval will have to be redeveloped within a specific time frame. Another change in the Legislation will allow that properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act can be included in Heritage Conservation Districts. 72 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH & HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM Mr. Bensason advised of a request received from the owners of 72 Victoria Street South to have this property designated pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, and to enter into a heritage easement agreement with the City of Kitchener, in anticipation of the City's proposed Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program. Mr. Bensason then explained the City's proposed Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program, being part of the City's Urban Investment Strategy. The Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program is permitted by new Provincial Legislation and allows for a rebate of 10% - 40% of the Municipal portion of the property tax bill. For qualifying properties, the Province will rebate the Education program of the tax bill. Mr. Bensason noted the following benefits of this program being: · it encourages the conservation of built heritage resources, HERITAGE KITCHENER DECEMBER 37 2002 8. 72 VICTORIA (CONT'D) - 48 - STREET SOUTH & HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX CITY OF KITCHENER REBATE PROGRAM 10. · it increases the redevelopment / adaptive reuse attractiveness of a property, · it increases the tax assessment base of the City; and, · it contributes to preserving a distinctive local identity and attracts tourism. The property classes recommended for the Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program are: residential, multi-residential, commercial, industrial and farm. For the residential and farm property classes, staff are recommending qualifying properties receive a 40% tax rebate. For the multi-residential, commercial and industrial property classes, staff are recommending a 40% rebate limited to a 5 or 10 year period. Mr. Bensason noted that there are a limited number of properties that would qualify for this Rebate Program, in order for properties to qualify they must be subject to a heritage easement agreement with the City. The City will only enter into a heritage easement agreement for properties that are the only example or an outstanding example of a particular architectural style or are historically significant properties. Staff will be recommending the Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program to Council in the New Year. Mr. Bensason advised he will provide this Committee with a report on the designation and heritage easement agreement for 72 Victoria Street South at the January meeting. He requested that any Committee member who wishes to tour the property prior to the January meeting advise him, so that arrangements can be made to access the building. HERITAGE SHOWCASE The Committee was advised that annually Heritage Kitchener participates in the Heritage Showcase sponsored by the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Showcase will take place at Fairview Mall on Saturday February 15, 2003, and provides an opportunity for Heritage Groups in the Region to inform the public of their existence, and display important aspects of the heritage of the area. A theme must be determined and a display prepared. The display can also be shown at the City Hall during Heritage Week. Any member interested in participating in a working group to develop the display is requested to call Dianne Gilchrist at 741-2277 by December 13, 2002. ADJOURNMENT On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator