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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2008-05-06HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MAY 6, 200$ CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:04 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby - Co-Chair Ms. L. Brohman, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. S. Lauber and Messrs. J. Ariens, T. Benedict and I. Mota. Staff: R. Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning M. Wade, Heritage Planner K. Anderl, Senior Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-0$-067 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 200$-V-004 - 74 REX DRIVE (ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT) - PROPOSED REAR ADDITION The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 067, dated April 22, 2008 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-V-004 proposing the construction of an addition at 74 Rex Drive, which is located in the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Ms. M. Wade advised that the applicant is seeking permission to construct an L-shaped one- storey 300 square foot addition, which would be attached to the rear of the existing addition built in 2005. She added that while the L-shaped addition would extend approximately 3 feet from the rear west corner of the existing house, the original principal fagade would be maintained as the primary visual entity. She stated that in staff's opinion the proposed addition would not detract from the heritage character of the St. Mary's HCD; and accordingly, staff are recommending approval of HPA 2008-V-004. Mr. John Westcott, Chicopee Craftsmen, circulated revised elevation drawings showing a covered porch connecting the proposed addition to the original building at 74 Rex Drive. He advised that the covered porch allows for the blending of the addition with the house, thereby reducing its overall visual impact. In response to questions, Ms. M. Wade stated that as the covered porch would not be visible from the streetscape, staff have no objections to the revised elevation drawings. 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-004, be approved to permit the construction of a 300 square foot addition to the rear of the property at 74 Rex Drive, in accordance with the plans submitted at the May 6, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting and subject to the final building permit drawings being reviewed by Heritage Planning staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit." 2. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR 234 TILT DRIVE (PLAN OF SUBDIVISION) - REVIEW OF THE BUILT HERITAGE ASSESSMENT PRELIMINARY REPORT The Committee considered the Built Heritage Assessment Preliminary Report for 234 Tilt Drive, dated April 2008, prepared by Archaeologix Inc. in accordance with a condition of the registration of Plan of Subdivision 30T-04208 to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA). Mr. L. Bensason advised that the HIA was made a requirement of registration based on evidence indicating that 234 Tilt Drive could be a log structure circa 1860s. He noted that while 234 Tilt Drive is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, it is listed on Heritage Kitchener's Inventory. He stated that the preliminary assessment recommends a partial demolition and documented removal of layers of cladding so that the log structure can be seen and more thoroughly assessed. He added that recommendations for conservation would then be identified through the completion of the HIA, which would be presented at a future meeting of Heritage Kitchener. He requested that members provide input and comments on the preliminary assessment, which would be considered by staff when processing the HIA. HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 6, 200$ -19 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR 234 TILT DRIVE (PLAN OF SUBDIVISION) - REVIEW OF THE BUILT HERITAGE ASSESSMENT PRELIMINARY REPORT tCONT'D) Mr. Dave Aston, MHBC Planning, advised that both the interior and exterior appearance of the house have been significantly altered over its history. He added that except for glimpses of the upper section of the back wall, visible from the attic of the oldest addition, the log structure is now completely hidden beneath interior finishes and a sequence of exterior claddings. He stated that Kieswetter Demolition Inc. has been retained to work with their heritage consultant, Ms. Nancy Tausky, Archaeologix Inc., on the removal of materials from the two most northern sections of the house. He added that a structural engineer would also be on site to provide expertise on the structural integrity of the house during the demolition; so that it remains in a form to provide opportunity to consider all options through the final HIA. In response to questions, Ms. N. Tausky advised that consideration had only been given to using photographs to document the partial demolition and agreed to investigate the possibility of also video taping the removal of materials. Mr. D. Aston stated that he would speak with Kieswetter Demolition Inc. to determine the methods they have used in the past to video tape demolitions and if those methods would be applicable for this project. Mr. Aston advised that he anticipates reporting back to this Committee in June 2008 and extended an invitation to the members to attend a site visit of 234 Tilt Drive once the partial demolition has commenced. At the request of the Committee, Mr. L. Bensason agreed to arrange the site visit of 234 Tilt Drive. 3. DTS-0$-06$ - 25 JOSEPH STREET (VICTORIA PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL) - INSTALLATION CRITERIA FOR AIR CONDITIONERS & SATELLITE DISHES The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08- 068, dated May 5, 2008 regarding the installation of air conditioner units and satellite dishes at 25 Joseph Street (former Victoria Park Public School), which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the criteria developed by staff in consultation with Kitchener Housing Inc. to regulate the number and location of air conditioner units based on the window openings of each elevation and the corresponding internal layout of residential units at 25 Joseph Street. She stated that staff are of the opinion that the installation of air conditioner units at 25 Joseph Street that comply with the criteria outlined in Report DTS-08-068, would not impair the heritage character of the former Victoria Park Public School, and thus should not require the submission of a Heritage Permit Application. She added that unlike air conditioner units, the installation of satellite dishes may detract from the heritage attributes of the building. As a result, a request to install a satellite dish at 25 Joseph Street would require the submission of a formal Heritage Permit Application. Ms. E. Gallaher suggested, and it was agreed that the staff recommendation be amended to include a clause indicating that a request to install a satellite dish at 25 Joseph Street would be subject to the formal Heritage Permit Application process as prescribed by the Ontario Heritage Act. On motion by Ms. E. Gallaher - it was resolved: "That the request of Kitchener Housing Inc. to permit the installation of air conditioner units on the north (Joseph Street), east, and west (David Street) elevations of 25 Joseph Street (former Victoria Public School), be approved subject to compliance with the following criteria: i. That only one air conditioner unit be permitted per residential dwelling unit; and, ii. That the tenant be required to enter into an Operating Agreement with Kitchener Housing Inc. prior to the installation of the air conditioner unit; and, HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 6, 200$ - 20 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-0$-06$ - 25 JOSEPH STREET (VICTORIA PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL) - INSTALLATION CRITERIA FOR AIR CONDITIONERS & SATELLITE DISHES tCONT'D) iii. That the Kitchener Housing Inc. Operating Agreement for the installation of air conditioners include the following conditions: • the air conditioner unit must be professionally installed to the satisfaction of Kitchener Housing Inc.; • air conditioner units must be installed on a platform supplied and constructed by Kitchener Housing Inc.; • the platform on which the air conditioner is located shall be constructed of wood and may not be physically fastened to the exterior of the building; • the platform shall be painted to match the existing window; • the installation of the air conditioner unit must be inspected by Kitchener Housing Inc. to ensure the installation and use of the air conditioner causes no physical damage to the building or its heritage attributes; • the installation of air conditioner units shall be temporary, and units ma~ not be installed prior to May 1St and must be removed by September 30t each year; and, iv. That the permitted location of air conditioner units shall be in accordance with the building elevation drawings attached as Appendix `A' to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-08-068; and, v. That air conditioner units which do not meet these criteria, be subject to the formal Heritage Permit Application process prescribed for under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and further, That requests to install a satellite dish at 25 Joseph Street, be subject to the formal Heritage Permit Application process prescribed for under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act." 4. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR 36-50 FRANCIS STREET SOUTH - DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS FOR FORMER LANG TANNING CO. The Committee considered Cadan Inc.'s Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for 36-50 Francis Street South (former Lang Tanning Co.), dated April 21, 2008, prepared by E.R.A. Architects Inc. in accordance with the submission of a Site Plan Control Application for the rehabilitation of part of the former Lang Tanning Co. complex. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the former Lang Tannery property is not designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, but is listed on Heritage Kitchener's Inventory and was short listed by the Evaluation Sub-Committee for inclusion on the Municipal Heritage Register. He stated that members are requested to provide comments on the HIA, which would be considered by staff in processing the Site Plan Control Application. Ms. Lana Sherman, Cadan Inc. and Messrs. Roland Rom Colthoff, Raw Design and Michael McClelland, E.R.A. Architects, presented the HIA for the former Lang Tannery Co. complex. Ms. Sherman advised that the Lang Tannery site is an industrial complex that occupies 5.5 acres on two city blocks bound by Charles Street West, Joseph Street, Francis Street South and Victoria Street South. She stated that Lang Tanning Co. Site `A' contains approximately 15 interconnected industrial buildings from one to five storeys in height built between circa 1896 and 1956. She added that Site B' occupies most of the adjacent block and contains several single-storey brick warehouse and utility buildings and an 80 foot tall chimney constructed in 1917. Mr. Colthoff reviewed the proposed site alterations and stated that the intent of the proposed application is to adaptively reuse the Lang Tanning Co. Site `A' as a HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 6.200$ - 21 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR 36-50 FRANCIS STREET SOUTH - DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS FOR FORMER LANG TANNING CO. tCONT'D) mixed-use heritage precinct featuring retail, office, and light industrial uses. He added that the conservation strategy of this site is to maintain it as a complex of vernacular industrial buildings and rehabilitate portions of the site to accommodate new uses. Mr. McClelland advised that by conserving the heritage attributes of the site, this development application would maintain the Lang Tannery as an important industrial landmark and interpret the Tannery's significant role in the industrial development of Berlin / Kitchener. He added that this redevelopment would have a positive impact on the cultural heritage value of the site as it would introduce new uses while providing for the continued preservation of the site's history and past activities. In response to questions, Ms. L. Sherman advised that the HIA focuses on the development of Site `A', noting that a separate HIA for Site `B' would be prepared in conjunction with the future development of that site. She stated that as indicated in the HIA, it is assumed that this property would be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and suggested that would most likely occur once Site `B' has been developed; as opposed to staging the designation sometime during the development process. She further advised that the Tannery was inspected and it was determined that only the portion of land located in the area of the old oil tanks would require remediation. She stated that parking issues would be addressed through a minor variance application, which is anticipated to go before the City's Committee of Adjustment in May 2008; and, noted that it might be possible to pursue underground parking for Site `B'. Several members spoke in support of the proposed adaptive reuse of the former Lang Tanning Co. complex, noting how the concept for rehabilitation demonstrates great respect for the historical significance of the site. 5. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 200$-IV-005 - 1754 OLD MILL ROAD (HOMER WATSON HOUSE & GALLERY) - REPLACEMENT OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS &CEDAR-SHINGLED ROOF The Committee was in receipt this date of Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-IV-005 proposing alterations to 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House and Gallery), which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of correspondence between City staff and the Ontario Heritage Trust regarding the proposed alterations to the Homer Watson House and Gallery. Mr. L. Bensason advised that as documented in the correspondence, the proposed alterations involve the repair of the cedar shingled roof and the replacement of the clerestory windows to resolve a problem with water leaking into the gallery. He added 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 stated that at the request of the Trust, the original plans were revised to relocate and reduce the number of proposed roof vents. He noted that on April 24, 2008, formal written approval of the proposed alterations was received from the Trust. Mr. Bensason advised that as approval has been received from the Trust and given that the proposed alterations represent good heritage conservation strategy, staff are recommending approval of HPA 2008-IV-005. On motion by Mr. J. Ariens - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act and in accordance with the written approval provided by the Ontario Heritage Trust dated April 24, 2008, as required by Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement (Instrument No. 1067748, registered February 1, 1991), Heritage Permit Application HPA 2008-IV-005, be approved to permit the replacement of the gallery clerestory windows, the cedar shingle roof and associated flashings and rain water disposal system at 1754 Old Mill Road (Homer Watson House and Gallery)." HERITAGE KITCHENER MAY 6.200$ - 22 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. MINIMUM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS FOR DESIGNATED HERITAGE PROPERTIES Mr. L. Bensason advised that at the March 31, 2008 Development and Technical Services Committee (DTS) meeting staff presented a report recommending amendments to Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 665 (Property Standards for Maintenance and Occupancy), which would establish minimum maintenance standards for properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. He stated that at that meeting, concerns were raised regarding the degree of public consultation that had been undertaken with the owners of designated heritage properties. He noted that consequently, consideration of the proposed amendments was deferred to the May 12th DTS meeting and staff were directed to hold a Public Information Session to which all affected property owners were to be invited. Mr. Bensason advised that the public meeting was held on April 17, 2008 and was attended by approximately 15 property owners. At that meeting, concerns were expressed regarding the punitive nature of the proposed amendments and it was suggested that the City should offer financial support to heritage property owners to assist with maintenance costs. In addition, it was suggested that owners be provided with the contact information of contractors specifically skilled in repairing heritage properties. He noted that a majority of the property maintenance issues involving occupied heritage properties can be addressed through the existing standards contained in Chapter 665. He stated that as such, staff have decided to revise the proposed amendments to focus solely on vacant /unoccupied designated heritage properties. Accordingly, at the May 12, 2008 DTS meeting, staff will be requesting that this matter be deferred until June 2008 to allow for additional time to prepare the revised amendments and obtain feedback regarding the revisions from owners of designated heritage properties. In response to questions, Mr. L. Bensason advised that while it might not be feasible to have something in place by June 2008, staff are examining the issue of providing financial assistance to heritage property owners. He estimated that none of the property owners who attended the April 17, 2008 meeting would be impacted by the revised amendments. 7. 200$ MIKE WAGNER HERITAGE AWARDS The Committee was in receipt of the 2008 Mike Wagner Heritage Awards Nomination Form. Ms. M. Wade advised that the Mike Wagner Heritage Awards were established in 1997 to recognize and pay tribute to property owners and businesses who have contributed to the conservation of the City's heritage resources. She stated that an individual can nominate any property including his or her own, noting that all nominations must be submitted to the City's Planning Division by no later than May 12, 2008. 8. DESIGNATION OF THE CIVIC CENTRE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT UPDATE Mr. L. Bensason advised that a notice of objection to the passage of By-law 2008-039 (being a by-law to designate a Heritage Conservation District, and adopt a Heritage Conservation District Plan for the area of the municipality known as the Civic Centre Neighbourhood) was recently filed with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Accordingly, finalization of the Civic Centre Neighbourhood's designation under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act is postponed until the subject OMB appeal has been resolved. 9. MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER UPDATE At the request of Ms. M. Wade, Messrs. J. Ariens and T. Benedict, as well as Ms. E. Gallaher and Mr. I. Mota agreed to pair together to form two additional Municipal Heritage Register Field Teams. She noted that as the last time a property was added to the Register was in 2006, staff are planning on hold a strategy session with Council to reintroduce to them the process for adding properties to the Municipal Heritage Register. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator