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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2008-04-01HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 1, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:02 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Co-Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. L. Brohman, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. E. Brown and Messrs. J. Ariens, T. Benedict, I. Mota, L. Robertson and G. Zeilstra. Staff: L. Proulx, Director of Facilities Management L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning C. Bluhm, Urban Investment Advisor M. Wade, Heritage Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2007-IV-009 - 307 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BREAD AND ROSES COOPERATIVE HOMES INC.) - REQUEST TO EXTEND THE TIMEFRAME FOR FORMAL CONSIDERATION The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Ms. Melody Alderwick, President, Bread and Roses Cooperative Homes Inc. Board of Directors, dated March 25, 2008 requesting the timeframe for formal consideration of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-IV- 009 be extended to June 30, 2008. On motion by Ms. E. Gallaher - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33(5) of the Ontario Heritage Act, the timeframe for formal consideration of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2007-IV-009 (307 Queen Street South), be extended to June 30, 2008 to provide additional time for the applicant to examine and find the most economically feasible option for replacing all of the building's window systems." 2. DTS-0$-044 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 200$-V-002 - 21 THERESA STREET - PROPOSED ALTERATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION OF A REAR ADDITION The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 044, dated March 14, 2008 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-V-002 proposing window alterations and the construction of a new rear addition at 21 Theresa Street, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. Ms. M. Wade advised that the applicant is seeking permission to close-in two windows on the east elevation and to construct a 600 square foot rear addition, including the removal of an approximate 10x12 foot section of the south elevation. She stated that the proposed addition and alterations would compliment the heritage character of the existing house and accordingly, staff are recommending approval of HPA 2008-V-002. Mr. Jeremy Heywood, Applicant, addressed the Committee in support of HPA 2008-V-002 and stated that the front elevation would be faced with reclaimed brick from the rear elevation removed to accommodate the new addition. He noted that all brickwork, including mortar, would match the existing house. On motion by Mr. J. Ariens - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-V-002 (21 Theresa Street), 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 by Heritage Planning staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit: • the construction of a 600 square foot addition to the rear of the property; • the removal of an approximate 10x12 foot section of the south elevation; and, • the two windows on the east elevation being closed-in." HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 1, 200$ -14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-0$-045 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 200$-V-003 - 79 JOSEPH STREET - PROPOSED WINDOW REPLACEMENTS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 045, dated March 14, 2008 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-V-003 proposing the installation of new windows on the north and west elevations of 79 Joseph Street, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. Ms. M. Wade advised that the applicant is seeking permission to install two new windows on the north elevation and one new window on the west elevation. She stated that the proposed windows would compliment the heritage character of the original building and accordingly, staff are recommending approval of HPA 2008-V-003. Mr. L. Proulx advised that the building's tenant has proposed the installation of the new windows to allow for more natural light to enter the building. On motion by Mr. L Mota - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-V-003 (79 Joseph Street), be approved to permit the installation of two new windows on the north elevation and one new window on the west elevation, in accordance with the plans submitted with the application and subject to the final building permit drawings being reviewed by Heritage Planning staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit." 4. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 200$-IV-004 - 1754 OLD MILL ROAD (HOMER WATSON HOUSE AND GALLERY) - REPLACEMENT OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS AND CEDAR-SHINGLED ROOF The Committee was in receipt of correspondence sent by City staff to the Ontario Heritage Trust, dated February 12, 2008 regarding the proposed replacement of the clerestory windows and cedar-shingled roof at 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House and Gallery). In addition, the Committee was in receipt of correspondence from the Ontario Heritage Trust, dated March 10, 2008, in which the Trust expresses approval in principle for the proposed repairs to the cedar-shingled roof; however, requests archival information on the original clerestory windows. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the Homer Watson House and Gallery is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and protected by a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement. He stated that under the terms of the Easement Agreement the owner, being the City of Kitchener, is required to seek the approval of the Ontario Heritage Trust for proposed alterations to that property. He added that the Trust has indicated that they would not grant approval for the alterations to the clerestory windows until research has been conducted to establish what / if information exists on the building's original windows. Accordingly, Mr. Bensason suggested, and it was agreed, that consideration of this matter be deferred until such time as the Trust has consented to the proposed alterations. 5. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO KITCHENER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 665 tPROPERTY STANDARDS FOR MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY) Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the March 31, 2008 Development and Technical Services Committee (DTS) meeting staff presented a report recommending the passage of a by-law establishing minimum maintenance standards for properties designated under Part IV and Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. He stated that at that meeting, several Councillors advised of phone calls they received from owners of designated properties, who stated that they had no prior knowledge of the proposed by-law. He noted that consequently, consideration of the proposed by-law has been deferred to the May 12th DTS meeting. In addition, staff have been directed to hold a public meeting prior to the May 12th DTS meeting to which all property owners who will be affected by this by-law are to be invited. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 1, 200$ -15 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER -EVALUATION SUB-COMMITTEE Mr. K. Kirby expressed concerns regarding the rate with which the Municipal Heritage Register Evaluation Sub-committee would be able to review the properties which have already been examined by Municipal Heritage Register Field Teams. He proposed that the current Field Teams be disbanded, with the intention of having those members form additional Evaluation Sub-committees; thereby addressing the backlog of properties that are part way through the process of being added to the Municipal Heritage Register. In response to questions, Ms. M. Wade advised that she is unable to confirm at this time the number of properties that are awaiting a review by the Evaluation Sub-committee. She stated that staff are currently sorting through the outstanding property evaluations to identify those properties that should receive priority consideration; such as, properties that might be in danger due to re-development. She suggested that some Field Teams should remain as circumstances may arise where a property might require further evaluation. Mr. L. Bensason stated that logistically, the process approved by Council provided for an Evaluation Sub- committee made up of staff and members of Heritage Kitchener, noting that it is unclear at this time whether the staff component could be adequately met if there are multiple Sub- committees. He added that it would also be important to ensure that members sitting on those additional Sub-committees are not considering properties that they themselves examined. He advised that staff would examine the feasibility of Mr. Kirby's proposal as a potential means of moving this initiative forward more expeditiously. 7. PRESENTATION - 25 JOSEPH STREET (VICTORIA PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL) - INSTALLATION OF SATELLITE DISHES AND AIR CONDITIONERS The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. M. Wade, dated March 19, 2008 regarding the installation of satellite dishes and air conditioner units at 25 Joseph Street, which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Ms. M. Wade advised that in December 2007 By-law Enforcement staff received a complaint regarding the installation of a satellite dish on the east fagade of 25 Joseph Street. She stated that Heritage Planning staff were contacted to determine whether a satellite dish was permitted under the Ontario Heritage Act. She noted that the property's designating by-law identifies the following heritage attributes: the main fagade (Joseph Street), both the east and west elevations, and the slate roof. Ms. Wade stated that on June 11, 1993, in response to a request made by the owner's of 70 Joseph Street, Kitchener Housing Inc. (KHI), the former Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (L.A.C.A.C.), made the following resolution; which was later ratified by Council: "That Council approve in principle the request of Kitchener Housing lncorporafed fo install, where applicable, window air conditioners on the exterior elevations (excluding the courtyard) of the designated property known municipally as 25 Joseph Sfreef Wesf (former Victoria Public School), subject fo an architect's proposal outlining the details of the design, installation, positioning and any other related items being submitted fo L.A.C.A.C. for consideration and approval." Ms. M. Wade advised that an architect's proposal was never submitted and given the potentially onerous process to obtain one, staff are of the opinion that an architect's proposal should no longer be required. Rather staff believes that KHI, in consultation with the tenants, should meet a standard set of criteria in order to obtain approval to install air conditioner units or satellite dishes. She then reviewed the following draft criteria: • enter into an operating agreement with KHI; • operating agreement must be approved by KHI prior to installation; • air conditioner unit or satellite dish must be professionally installed; • installation must be inspected by KHI to ensure no impact to building; • air conditioner units may not be installed before May 1St and must be removed by September 30th each year; • air conditioner units or satellite dishes must be installed on a platform supplied and constructed by KHI; • the platform will be constructed of wood and designed to brace on the inside and outside of the window without the requirement for physical fastening; HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 1, 200$ -16 - CITY OF KITCHENER 7. PRESENTATION - 25 JOSEPH STREET (VICTORIA PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL) - INSTALLATION OF SATELLITE DISHES AND AIR CONDITIONERS tCONT'D) • the platform will be painted to match the existing window; and, • number and location of air conditioner units and satellite dishes permitted for each elevation will be determined after further consultation with KHI (e.g. review the number of window openings per elevation and compare to internal unit layouts to understand potential requests). In response to questions, Ms. Cathy Shafe, Property Manager, KHI, advised that at present tenants are responsible to cover the costs of purchasing and installing the air conditioner unit platforms and noted that tenants currently have access to cable television. She added that the roof of the building has been examined and it was determined that it could not accommodate the installation of one central satellite dish. She stated that KHI has a policy requiring tenants to apply for permission to install a satellite dish, noting that the installation of the satellite dish mentioned by Ms. Wade was done without permission and has since been removed. Several members expressed support for the installation of air conditioner units, noting that they could be needed due to health reasons and are temporary in nature. However, members expressed concerns that the installation of satellite dishes would have a negative impact on the building's heritage character. In addition, members spoke to the difficulty of establishing a set number of allowable satellite dishes, adding that such a policy could be viewed as exclusionary in nature. It was noted that as satellite dishes have to be installed at a specific angle in order to obtain a signal, the location of some apartments at 25 Joseph Street may preclude them from having a satellite dish. Mr. L. Bensason advised that staff would continue to work with KHI to develop criteria identifying ways to permit each tenant to potentially install an air conditioner and also investigate the impact of satellite dish location on receiving a signal. 8. PRESENTATION -DOWNTOWN URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES The Committee was in receipt of a PowerPoint presentation entitled `Downtown Design Policies', dated April 1, 2008. Mr. C. Bluhm reviewed the presentation and advised that on October 30, 2006, Council approved a new vision for Downtown Kitchener, in the form of new Downtown Design Policies and Downtown Design Guidelines. He stated that pursuant to this, all development in the Downtown, including new construction, renovations, adaptive reuse, fagade improvements, streetscape improvements and public space improvements, must demonstrate a reasonable contribution to the following, where deemed applicable by the City: • respect cultural heritage -significant cultural heritage resources (such as buildings, monuments, streetscapes, landmarks, landscapes and possibly views, vistas, trees and intersections) shall be conserved and celebrated. Mr. C. Bluhm then reviewed the specific urban design guidelines that have been put in place to promote the unique character of each of the following four distinct downtown design districts, being: City Centre, Market, Warehouse, and Civic. He advised that the City shall promote innovation, architectural excellence and the enhancement of the unique character, form, atmosphere and heritage of each design district through the implementation of specific urban design guidelines and standards in the City's Urban Design Manual. He noted that additional information on these policies could be found at: www.kitchener.calurbandesign.html 9. POTENTIAL DESIGNATION OF 70 KING STREET EAST Messrs. J. Ariens, L. Robertson and K. Kirby declared pecuniary interests as the property owner is a client of their respective employers; and accordingly, those members did not participate in any discussion or voting regarding this matter. Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the March 17, 2008 Council meeting, consideration of Heritage Kitchener's recommendation to designate 70 King Street East under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act was deferred to the April 7, 2008 Council meeting. He stated that HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 1, 200$ -17 - CITY OF KITCHENER 9. POTENTIAL DESIGNATION OF 70 KING STREET EAST tCONT'D) following the March 17th meeting, the potential tenants provided staff with revised elevation drawings for proposed alterations to the building. He then reviewed the revised drawings, noting that the only remaining issue concerns the distance with which the proposed Frederick Street entrance overhang would project from the building. He stated that at the April 7th meeting, staff would be advising Council that if these elevation drawings were submitted as part of a Heritage Permit Application (HPA), staff would be supportive of that HPA. Several members expressed the opinion that the revised elevation drawings demonstrate an opportunity to preserve the architectural significance of 70 King Street East and still successfully redevelop the site. The Committee generally agreed that they would favourably view an HPA for 70 King Street East based on the revised drawings. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator