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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2009-04-07HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:01 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. L. Brohman and Messrs. J. Ariens, T. Benedict, G. Zeilstra, Z. Janecki, J. Rice and I. Mota Staff: L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning M. Wade, Heritage Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT tH1A) - 234 TILT DRIVE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. Dave Aston, MHBC Planning, dated March 26, 2009 in which Mr. Aston indicates that resultant to delays presentation of the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for 234 Tilt Drive may need to be deferred to the May 5, 2009 Heritage Kitchener meeting. Mr. L. Bensason advised that an HIA was made a condition of the registration of Plan of Subdivision 30T-04208 given evidence indicating that 234 Tilt Drive was a log structure circa 1850s. He stated that at the May 6, 2008 Heritage Kitchener meeting, the Committee considered the Built Heritage Assessment Preliminary Report for 234 Tilt Drive prepared by Archaeologix Inc., which recommended a partial demolition and documented removal of layers of cladding so that the log structure could be seen and more thoroughly assessed. He added that to date, considerable work has been done to the interior of the building to expose the original log structure, noting that from the exterior, the logs had been covered by clapboard siding and then insulbrick. He stated that Ms. Nancy Tausky, Heritage Consultant, Archaeologix Inc., informed staff that the removal of the insulbrick had exposed holes in the clapboard siding, which could allow moisture to get trapped between the logs and the siding. Staff expressed concern with the potential deterioration of the original log structure, and requested that Archaeologix Inc. provide additional information and options from a materials conservation perspective regarding the removal of the clapboard siding. He noted that the owners agreed to consult with Ms. Tausky and undertake a structural assessment prior to completing the HIA. Mr. Bensason advised that the owner's Structural Building Condition Assessment report, prepared by MTE Consultants, deemed the building to be unsafe; which was confirmed by the City's Building Division. Given the conclusions of that report, the Building Division issued an `Order to Remedy an Unsafe Condition'. The owners were requested to complete the HIA as soon as possible, which should include the findings of the Building Condition Assessment and recommend remedial work to bring the property into conformity, as well as the conclusions regarding the cultural heritage value and significance of the property. He stated that it is anticipated that the HIA will be presented at the May 5, 2009 Heritage Kitchener meeting. 2. DTS-09-049 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-V-001 - 4 PARK STREET - PROPOSED VERANDA CONVERSION The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 049, dated March 25, 2009 concerning Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-V-001 to permit the conversion of the existing covered front veranda at 4 Park Street, which is located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the report. Mr. Paul Meier, Pioneer Craftsmen was in attendance in support of the subject heritage permit application. In response to questions, he noted that all of the existing windows will be retained. On motion by Ms. L. Brohman - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-V-001, be approved to permit the conversion of the existing covered front veranda into all season space at the property municipally addressed 4 Park Street, in accordance with the plans submitted with the application, subject to the final building permit drawings being reviewed and heritage clearance issued by heritage planning staff prior to issuance of a building permit." HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2009 -13 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-09-053 - LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER tMHR) The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 053, dated March 25, 2009 regarding the listing of 17 properties as non-designated properties of cultural value or interest on the Municipal Heritage Register (MHR). In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Rev. Ken Miles, Kitchener- Waterloo Christian Fellowship, requesting that 1000 Bleams Road not be listed on the MHR. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the report. Mr. Joe Mancini, the Working Centre, was in attendance in support of listing 43 Queen Street South on the MHR and provided the Committee with an overview of the history of that property. Ms. E. Gallaher requested that future Statements of Significance specify the colour of the building's brick, noting that it would provide insight into whether it was constructed using local bricks. She then circulated to Ms. Wade research she conducted on 33 Queen Street South. Mr. K. Kirby advised that as a delegation was in attendance in opposition to the listing of 1000 Bleams Road to the MHR, that property would be considered separately from the others outlined in report DTS-09-053. On motion by Mr. J. Ariens - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the following properties be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register as non-designated properties of cultural heritage value or interest, in accordance with the Statements of Significance attached as Appendix 'A' to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 053: • 35 Bridge Street West; • 70 Francis Street North; • 97 Frederick Street; • Huron Road (Plan 585 Lots 18, 19, and 20 Part Lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, and 21 SS Huron Road German Company Tract Part Lot 149); • 83-85 King Street West; • 87-91 King Street West; • 93-95 King Street West; • 97-99 King Street West; • 103-109 King Street West; • 709 King Street West; • 149-151 Ontario Street North; • 33 Queen Street South; • 43 Queen Street South; • 53-55 Queen Street South; • 1738 Trussler Road; and, • 171-173 Victoria Street North." Rev. Ken Miles, Kitchener-Waterloo Christian Fellowship, addressed the Committee in opposition of listing 1000 Bleams Road on the MHR. He advised that 1000 Bleams Road is one of many examples of Georgian architectural styles and fieldstone houses in the area. He added that while its outward appearance may seem to be in good condition, there is considerable decay and warping inside the house. Further, the house is not compatible with the future plans of the property. In 2004, the church purchased the adjacent property and commissioned architectural plans to construct an addition of a church auditorium seating 650 people. He commented that to date $20,000. has been invested in the plans, which call for the addition to occupy the present location of the house; thereby requiring its demolition. In response to questions, Rev. K. Miles advised that the house is currently being rented at a reduced rate to members of their congregation in need of temporary housing. He stated that if the house cannot be demolished then it may require the relocation of the church to a new site, resulting in a considerable cost to their community. He noted that consideration was given to the possible incorporation of the house into the design of the new auditorium, but it was determined that it would not be feasible. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2009 -14 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-09-053 - LISTING OF NON-DESIGNATED PROPERTIES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE OR INTEREST ON THE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER tMHR) tCONT'D) Ms. M. Wade advised that listing on the MHR does not impose restrictions or obligations with regard to obtaining heritage approvals, meaning property owners do not require a heritage permit or City approval to make alterations. However, it does increase the amount of time the City has to process demolition applications, up to 60 days, and has implications in ensuring that the City is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement when processing Planning Act applications. She added that if it is determined that the condition of the house is beyond repair then staff may request that measured drawings and photographs of the interior be taken prior to its demolition. Ms. E. Gallaher spoke in support of listing 1000 Bleams Road on the MHR, adding that it is unclear at this time as to the exact number of fieldstone houses that remain in Kitchener. She noted that the property might not move forward for designation once research has been conducted into the number of fieldstone houses that still exist in the City. On motion by Ms. E. Gallaher - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 27 of the Ontario Heritage Act, 1000 Bleams Road be listed on the Municipal Heritage Register as anon-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest, in accordance with the Statement of Significance attached as Appendix 'A' to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-053." 4. POTENTIAL HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION - 70 KING STREET EAST - REVISED PROJECTING SIGN LOCATION ON KING STREET Mr. J. Ariens declared pecuniary interests as the owners of the subject property are clients of his current employer and accordingly, he did not participate in any voting or deliberations regarding this matter. The Committee was in receipt this date of Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09-061, dated April 3, 2009 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV- 002, which requests an alternate location for the installation of a projecting sign at 70 King Street East. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the report. In response to questions, Ms. M. Wade advised that previous approvals were granted under HPA-2008-IV-018 to install one projecting sign on the King Street elevation and one projecting sign on the Frederick Street elevation of the subject property; however, this was subject to approvals being granted through the sign variance process. During that process, it was determined that the proposed projecting sign on the Frederick Street elevation would encroach into the Regional right-of-way. She stated that as the Region of Waterloo does not allow encroachments, the projecting sign on the Frederick Street elevation is not permitted. Accordingly, the applicant is now requesting an alternate location for that projecting sign on the King Street elevation. On motion by Mr. T. Benedict - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-IV-002, be approved to permit the installation of one projecting sign at 70 King Street East, in accordance with the plans submitted with the application, subject to the final sign permit drawings being reviewed and heritage clearance issued by heritage planning staff prior to the issuance of a sign permit." 5. 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH tBARRA CASTLE) UPDATE Mr. J. Ariens advised that when 393-411 Queen Street South (Barra Castle) was previously discussed by this Committee he declared a conflict of interest as he worked for the firm that owns the property next door. He noted that he is no longer affiliated with that property and the Committee consented to his participation in any discussion or voting regarding this matter. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7.2009 -15 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH tBARRA CASTLE) UPDATE tCONT'D) Mr. L. Bensason advised that in 2006, 393-411 Queen Street South was purchased by the current owner on title, who soon after commenced work on the building. He noted that he was not aware of any building permit being issued for the Barra Castle building, adding that he would have been circulated if an application had been made, given the property is designated. In 2007, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) identified numerous violations which the owner was asked to address; however, the violations were not resolved and as a result the hydro was shut off by the ESA. He stated that Fire Services had to evict the one remaining tenant when the hydro was shut off, as the building no longer had fire monitoring capabilities and had inadequate fire separation barriers due to some of the alterations undertaken by the owner. He noted that it appears as if the owner ceased work on the building once it became vacant, which has raised concerns as to its deteriorating condition and vulnerability. Mr. Bensason outlined that staff tried to negotiate a deal between the ESA, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro and the owner to get hydro restored at least to a point where the building could be monitored against fire. He noted that the City has no authority over the ESA, who were reluctant to reconnect the hydro until the violations were addressed. He stated that staff proposed to purchase a Direct Detect unit for the building, which would have been funded through the Planning Division's Heritage Budget at a cost of $4,000. In addition, Fire Services agreed to waive their monitoring fee for one year, which would provide sufficient time for the ESA violations to be addressed. However, to facilitate this arrangement the owner had to make a formal application to and pay for reconnecting the hydro, at a cost estimated to be approximately $3,000. He noted that this offer was made to the owner by phone, e-mail and by registered mail, but staff never received a response. Mr. Bensason further advised that the City's Heritage Property Standards By-law approved in 2008 allows the City to enforce bringing identified heritage attributes in vacant designated buildings up to a minimum acceptable standard. He stated that these standards apply to vacant property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and to vacant property in Heritage Conservation Districts (HCD) identified as Group "A" properties in HCD Plans; or as identified by Council in accordance with criteria included in the Property Standards by-law. He pointed out that the Victoria Park HCD is the only HCD Plan that does not identify Group "A" or equivalent properties in its plan. Meaning staff have to do an assessment to evaluate which properties in the HCD meet the criteria identified in the by-law. He outlined that staff intend to follow through on the Victoria Park HCD Group "A" property evaluation, and that given the concerns associated with this particular site, staff will be evaluating the Barra Castle building in terms of it meeting Group "A" equivalent status within the next week. He stated that staff anticipate bringing forward a report with the results of this evaluation to the May 5, 2009 Heritage Kitchener meeting and then to the next subsequent meeting of City Council. He noted that in determining whether the property is worthy of being identified as having Group "A" status, Council will consider the recommendation of staff, and also the comments of the property owner. He stated that in this regard, Council may want to understand the implications that Group "A" classification will have on the property owner, such as obligation and possible costs to make repairs, and to weigh those factors against the public interest of seeing a heritage property repaired and maintained. Several members expressed concern with the potential deterioration of the building and suggested that perhaps the City should offer to pay for the hydro reconnection. Mr. Bensason outlined that it may be inappropriate for the City to involve itself indirectly with the ESA violation by paying for the hydro reconnection, and noted that he would defer to the City's Legal Division for comment/advice. He advised that if Council identifies the property as a Group "A" building, then Enforcement staff will conduct an inspection and with the assistance of Heritage Planning staff will identify the specific heritage attributes of the building. The inspection will also determine if maintenance and repair work is required to be undertaken to protect and prevent deterioration of the identified heritage attributes. If deficiencies are found, then an order identifying the specific actions required to be undertaken by the property owner will be issued under the Property Standards by-law. The owner can then undertake the required repairs or appeal the order. Mr. Z. Janecki suggested that the owner could potentially apply for a grant from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation to assist with the costs associated with repairing the original heritage features of the building. HERITAGE KITCHENER APRIL 7, 2009 -16 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH tBARRA CASTLE) UPDATE tCONT'D) The Committee requested that staff endeavour to bring the Barra Castle building Group "A" evaluation report forward for consideration to the April 27, 2009 Council meeting. Mr. Bensason advised that staff will proceed as quickly as possible, but added that the owner needs to be given sufficient time to consider the findings and recommendations of the Group "A" evaluation before the matter is considered by Council In addition, staff will also want to ensure that it is in a position to answer the type of questions that may be raised by Council, such as the potential obligations and costs to the owner. 6. VICTORIA PARK LAKE CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT tEA) UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of correspondence from Mr. L. Bensason, dated March 25, 2009 regarding the Victoria Park Lake Class Environmental Assessment (EA). Mr. L. Bensason advised that the City is overseeing an EA to identify a preferred option to address the water quality in Victoria Park Lake. He added that Heritage Planning staff were appointed to the Steering Committee to address cultural heritage interests. He stated that staff provided Heritage Kitchener with information regarding the EA and possible alternative solutions in October 2008. The consulting team has now prepared a draft report, and a recommended solution for Victoria Park Lake has been identified. The recommended lake solution would result in the reconfiguration of the lake, with shoreline reconfiguration and modification to lake features generally confined to the upper lake area; where impact to the cultural heritage landscape attributes of the Park is minimized. It is anticipated that a final report will be presented to Council in May 2009. He stated that from there the detailed design process will begin and Heritage Kitchener will be provided an opportunity to comment. He estimated that work could begin on this project in early 2010. 7. LAND REGISTRY OFFICE -WAIVING OF TARIFF FEES FOR RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEES Mr. C. Goodeve advised that staff have received correspondence from the Director of the Real Property Registration Branch, Ministry of Government Services, regarding the waiving of tariff fees at Land Registry Offices for Municipal Heritage Committee members. He stated that all individuals, using the Letter of Authority, must identify themselves to the Land Registry Office, present a copy of the letter and make known to the staff the particular project on which they are working. He requested that any member interested in obtaining a copy of the Letter of Authority should contact Ms. M. Wade. 8. ACO RESTORING A BERLIN VERNACULAR HOUSE IN KITCHENER WORKSHOP The Committee was in receipt this date of a flyer from the North Waterloo Region Branch Architectural Conservancy of Ontario regarding their "Restoring a Berlin Vernacular House in Kitchener" workshop being held on April 22, 2009. Ms. M. Wade reviewed the flyer and encouraged everyone to attend. 9. PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE - BETZNER BARN SCENIC LOOKOUT The Committee was in receipt this date of a notice for a Public Information Centre (PIC) to discuss the Betzner Barn Scenic Lookout on April 16, 2009. Mr. L. Bensason reviewed the notice and advised that the PIC is an opportunity to learn more about the scenic lookout that is proposed to be established on the historic former Betzner Barn foundation. He noted that a conceptual design has been prepared, and the consultants and City staff will be presenting the proposal to area property owners and residents to seek their input and comments. 10. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator