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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2008-01-08HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES JANUARY $, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Co-Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. L. Brohman, Ms. S. Lauber, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. E. Brown and Messrs. J. Ariens, T. Benedict, L Mota, and L. Robertson. Staff: M. Selling, Director of Building J. Weber, Deputy Fire Chief A. Pinard, Manager of Long Range Planning L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage M. Wade, Heritage Planner S. Rice, Development Administrator C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-0$-00$ - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2007-V-012 - 134 DAVID STREET -PROPOSED REAR ADDITION Mr. L. Bensason declared a conflict of interest as he is a neighbour of the Applicant and did not participate in any discussion regarding this matter. The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 008, dated December 14, 2007 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-V-012, proposing the demolition and replacement of the existing one-storey rear addition at 134 David Street, which located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Ms. S. Rice advised that although the existing addition is over 75 years old it does not possess sufficient merit as a heritage attribute or significant contributing resource to the HCD to warrant its retention. She stated that the proposed new two-story addition would be setback approximately 7.5 metres from the front fagade and its location at the rear would ensure that it is subordinate to the existing house. She added that though the proposed addition would be partially visible from the streetscape, there would be a clear delineation between the old and new building designs. She noted that the proposed addition would not have a negative impact on the heritage character of the Victoria Park HCD and accordingly staff are recommending approval of HPA 2007-V-012. Mr. Art Jansen, Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of HPA 2007-V-012. On motion by Ms. L. Brohman - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-V-012 (134 David St) be approved, to permit the demolition of an existing one-storey rear addition and the construction of a new two-storey rear addition, as outlined in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-008." 2. 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH tBARRA CASTLE) -UPDATE Mr. J. Ariens declared a conflict of interest as he works for the firm that owns the property next door to 393-411 Queen Street South (Barra Castle) and did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding this matter. Mr. J. Weber advised that in early 2007 the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspected 393- 411 Queen Street South and served the owner with an order to comply concerning issues with the building's electrical wiring. He stated that in August 2007 Waterloo Regional Police Services contacted the Kitchener Fire Department to request assistance in removing the building's only tenant resultant to the building no longer possessing fire separation barriers between floors. He added that following this the ESA disconnected the building's hydro, as its electrical wiring continued to be in a state of non-compliance, which thereby deactivated the building's fire prevention equipment. He noted that without operational fire prevention equipment the Fire Department were required to secure the building to prevent any further occupancy until the hydro has been restored. Mr. Weber outlined that anyone entering the building while it is in its current state present a potential fire rescue situation and accordingly Fire personnel routinely monitor the building to ensure that it remains secure. HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY $, 200$ - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH tBARRA CASTLE) -UPDATE tCONT'D) Mr. L. Bensason advised that Heritage Planning staff learned of the current condition of 393- 411 Queen Street South, as a result of an article published in The Record on December 22, 2007. He stated that the ESA has informed staff that the owner would need to apply to them to have the building's hydro re-connected. He added that once that application has been made the ESA would re-inspect the building and if no defects are found, the ESA would contact the local hydro distributors to have the power restored. He noted that issues such as an over due account, could prevent the re-connection from being authorized. He added that staff have been unsuccessful thus far in their attempts to contact the owner to understand what steps the owner intends to take to resolve the situation. In response to questions, Mr. J. Weber stated that if hydro could be restored, the Fire Department could monitor the building via a direct detect system. He advised that Fire personnel are in the process of establishing a procedure with Kitchener Utilities to be notified a week in advance of when a person's services are scheduled to be disconnected. He added that once this procedure is in place, he will ensure that Heritage Planning staff are notified when services are being disconnected to an identified heritage property. Several members expressed concern with the potential for this building to further deteriorate as a result of it being abandoned and the hydro being disconnected. The Committee requested that staff follow-up with the ESA to potentially re-connect a portion of the building's hydro to enable the activation of a direct detect system. In addition, staff were requested to provide an update of this matter at the February 5, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting. 3. 200$ HERITAGE SHOWCASE -FEBRUARY 16. 200$ -REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation regarding the 2008 Heritage Showcase taking place on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Conestoga Mall. Mr. K. Kirby advised that the theme of the 2008 Showcase is 'Work That Endures -Careers in Built Heritage' and encouraged all members to participate in managing the Committee's display. Ms. L. Brohman and Ms. S. Lauber agreed to meet to organize the Heritage Kitchener display. 4. 3$1 PIONEER TOWER ROAD -UPDATE Mr. M. Seiling provided an update as to the current status of 381 Pioneer Tower Road. He advised that on November 20, 2007 a City Building Inspector examined the subject property and issued an order to remedy an unsafe condition. He stated that the order directed the owner to address issues related to the building's roof and basement being unsafe. In addition, a structural engineering report was required to be completed by December 15, 2007. He stated that the engineering report was received by City staff on December 11, 2007 and outlined the steps the owner would need to undertake to return the building to a safe condition. Accordingly, staff directed the owner to apply for a building permit to pursue the required work, which was done on December 24, 2007. Mr. Seiling further advised that the property was re- inspected this date and it was determined that the building has been secured in a safe condition. He added that the building remains vacant and discussions have been held with the owner regarding the possibility of installing a direct detect fire monitoring system. DTS-0$-019 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2007-IV-015 - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT - DRIVE SHED ALTERATIONS Mr. J. Ariens declared a conflict of interest as his wife owns the subject property and advised that while he would be addressing the Committee as an agent for the applicant, he would refrain from any voting or deliberations regarding this matter. The Committee was in receipt this date of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-019 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-IV-015 concerning proposed alterations to the drive shed at 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent. Ms. M. Wade advised that 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent is subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement and is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. She stated HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY $. 200$ - 3 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. DTS-0$-019 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2007-IV-015 - 300 JOSEPH SCHOERG CRESCENT - DRIVE SHED ALTERATIONS tCONT'D) that the proposed work involves re-cladding the existing drive shed, rebuilding the sliding door on west elevation, relocating the existing windows on the south elevation, adding a new door on the south elevation, and constructing a new wood deck on the south elevation. She noted that this work is being undertaken to facilitate the adaptive re-use of the drive shed from utilitarian accessory structure to a residential bed and breakfast. Ms. E. Gallaher circulated an information packet containing research she conducted into the history of 300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent. In reviewing her circulated material, Ms. Gallaher noted the following concerns: removal of the original shiplap board and batten from the farmhouse; that only the drive shed alterations were being dealt with at this time and not all of the initiatives proposed for the property; and, providing for the property's commercial viability rather than preserving the drive shed in its original state. In response to questions, Mr. J. Ariens advised that the shiplap board and batten was replaced prior to his wife retaining ownership of the property. He stated that some buildings outlive their original purpose and the proposed adaptive re-use would allow for the continued preservation of the drive shed. He added that the Committee is not being asked to provide for the property's commercial viability, as its zoning already allows for the use of the drive shed as a bed and breakfast. Mr. Ariens noted that within approximately 2 years the replacement board and batten should be weathered and faded to a point where it resembles the board and batten currently cladding the drive shed. Mr. L. Bensason advised that staff acknowledge that the utilitarian nature of the drive shed forms part of the subject property's cultural heritage significance; however, staff are also cognizant that this property has evolved from being an active farm to becoming a suburban residence. He stated that while some of the structure's heritage attributes will no longer be functional, the rural character of the structure will be maintained. Further, the greatest amount of alteration being proposed will occur on the rear elevation, and will result in minimal impact to the cultural heritage landscape when viewed from the street. He stated that the proposed alterations are within the acceptable range of change for this property. He noted that the alterations would be subject to the final building permit drawings being reviewed and approved by Heritage Planning staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit. Mr. L. Robertson advised that he is supportive of the proposed re-cladding, window relocation and rebuilding of the doors as those alterations seem to be more of a sympathetic evolution of the drive shed that is in keeping with the era of the building. He added that he is not supportive of the proposed construction of a wood deck on the south elevation, noting that in his opinion it would be out of context for the drive shed to have a deck. Several members expressed support for the proposed alterations, stating that the re-cladding of the drive shed would have occurred within the normal lifespan of the property. It was noted that it is impossible to freeze the condition of a property in time unless that property is retained in public ownership and made into a museum; accordingly, a balance is needed between public and private interests when considering proposed alterations to designated properties. On motion by Ms. S. Lauber - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-IV-015 (300 Joseph Schoerg Crescent) be approved, to permit the following in accordance with the plans submitted with the application and subject to the final building permit drawings being reviewed and approved by Heritage Planning staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit: • re-cladding on all elevations of the drive shed; • reconstruction of the existing sliding doors on the west elevation; • relocation of the existing windows on the south elevation; • addition of a new door on the south elevation; and, • construction of a wood deck on the south elevation." HERITAGE KITCHENER JANUARY $. 200$ - 4 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. GENERAL DISCUSSION -IDENTIFICATION OF THE 200$ COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES The Committee undertook a general discussion to identify projects of interest for the coming year, with the following items being identified for 2008: • continuation of the Municipal Heritage Register Sub-committee; • installation of street signs and interpretive signage in the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District; • completion of the Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour Brochure; • inclusion of specific heritage maintenance standards within Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 665 (Property Standards For Maintenance and Occupancy); • input into the design proposed for the Centre Block redevelopment; • review of the Heritage Grant Program; • review of the Heritage Permit Application format; • continued input into Heritage Impact Assessments; and, • installation of plaques for designated heritage properties. Ms. E. Gallaher provided an update as to the status of the development of the Heritage Conservation District Walking Tour Brochure and estimated that this project would be completed by November 2008. Mr. L. Bensason advised that staff anticipate presenting a report to Council in February 2008 regarding the inclusion within Chapter 665 of specific maintenance standards for designated heritage properties. He stated that as outlined at the September 4, 2007 Heritage Kitchener meeting, the specific heritage maintenance standards would apply to all Part IV properties and those properties designated under Part V that are of the highest significance to the heritage character of a particular Heritage Conservation District (HCD). He explained that unlike the other HCDs, the Victoria Park HCD Guidelines do not identify the varying degrees of significance for each of properties located with that District. He noted that over the next year staff will be undertaking a review of the properties within the Victoria Park HCD to identify those properties that are of the highest significance to the heritage character of that District. In response to questions regarding the installation of plaques for designated heritage properties, Mr. L. Bensason proposed to review the wording of the various plaques at the February 5, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting. Councillor J. Gazzola requested that staff report back to the February 5, 2008 meeting regarding whether the Committee will be invited to review, comment or provide input on the proposed design of the Centre Block redevelopment. In addition, staff were requested to investigate the status of the roof repairs proposed for 11 Young Street (Mayfair Hotel) and 156-158 King Street West. 7. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator