Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2009-12-01HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:05 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. A. Oja, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. L. Brohman and Messrs. Z. Janecki, T. Benedict, J. Rice, and J. Ariens. Staff: L. Bensason, Interim Manager of Long Range Policy Planning M. Wade, Heritage Planner Y. Westerveld Cardoso, Heritage Planning Technician P. Albrecht, Accessibility Standards Trainer C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator D. Saunderson, Administrative Clerk DTS-09-175 - HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HPA 2009-V-014 - 179 QUEEN STREET SOUTH - PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF A 1 '/z STOREY FRAME HOUSE The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-09- 175, dated November 19, 2009 regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-V-014 recommending the demolition of a 1 'h storey frame house at 179 Queen Street South. Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso reviewed the report. Mr. David Gardy, President, Sandhills Residential Retirement Community Inc., was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation. He noted that the consolidation and demolition of several buildings along Queen Street South and St. George Street has taken place since 1999 to accommodate the construction of the Sandhills Residential Retirement Community. The existing retirement community represents the first of an anticipated two- phased development; however, due to a lack of funding the second phase has been delayed. He stated that the proposed demolition would allow for additional green space for his current residents and enhance the surrounding streetscape. In response to questions regarding the second condition of the recommendation, Mr. L. Bensason advised that while the request to be present at the time of demolition is not standard, it has been included as the house is not original to this site. He stated that staff wish to be present in order to document any items of historical interest that may be uncovered during the demolition process. On motion by Mr. Z. Janecki - it was resolved: "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA 2009-V-014 (179 Queen Street South), be approved to permit the demolition of a 1 'h storey frame house in accordance with the materials submitted with the application and subject to the following conditions: i. That photo documentation of the house be undertaken in accordance with the City's Photo Documentation and Recording Guidelines, and submitted to Heritage Planning staff prior to issuance of a building permit; and further, ii. That Heritage Planning staff be present during the demolition so that any additional information revealed at the time of demolition can be properly documented." UPDATE - 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) Mr. J. Ariens declared a pecuniary interest as his business partner is involved in the re- development of the subject property and accordingly, he did not participate in any discussions regarding this matter. Mr. L Bensason and Ms. M. Wade provided an update on the fire that occurred at 393-411 Queen Street South (Barra Castle) on November 20, 2009. The Committee was advised that the fire damage was confined to an area in the middle portion of the building, which is proposed for demolition. Members expressed concerns regarding the overall condition of the HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 1.2009 - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. UPDATE - 393-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH (BARRA CASTLE) (CONT'D building and inquired into the steps being undertaken by the owner to secure the front section which is proposed for restoration. In addition, questions were raised regarding the potential installation of a Direct Detect fire monitoring system, as suggested during discussions with the previous owner. Mr. Bensason agreed to contact the current owner regarding the questions / concerns raised by the members and to provide a further update at the January 5, 2010 Committee meeting. 3. ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING The Committee was in receipt of a presentation entitled "Accessible Customer Service", dated December 1, 2009 regarding the legislated training required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Ms. P. Albrecht provided training on the accessible customer service standards to the members of the Environment Committee. She advised that the AODA has introduced five sets of standards for accessibility, being: customer service; transportation; information and communication; built environment; and, employment. She stated that customer service is the first standard being implemented throughout Ontario and will come into effect on January 1, 2010. She added that the Province has mandated this training for anyone who provides a direct service or has influence over policy, with a goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. Accordingly, all staff, volunteers and third parties associated with the Corporation are receiving AODA training. In addition, all of the City's policies, practices and procedures are being reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure compliance. This review should make certain that the policies governing the provision of goods and services adhere to principles of dignity, independence, integration and equality of opportunity. She noted that the process of identifying gaps is ongoing with the launch of the revised policies scheduled for December 3, 2009, in conjunction with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. Ms. Albrecht reviewed the definition of disability, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code. She stated that of the five sets of standards being developed through the AODA, built environment will probably have the largest impact on the City's built heritage resources. She added that the Province has yet to finalize the AODA built environment standards; however, it has been suggested that certain heritage buildings maybe exempted from these standards. Ms. Albrecht noted that members can review the draft built environment standards at www. mcss.aov.on.ca/mcss/enalish/. 4. 2010 HERITAGE SHOWCASE UPDATE The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. M. Wade dated, November 19, 2009 regarding the 2010 Heritage Showcase. Ms. Wade stated that Heritage Canada has proposed "Heritage of Sport and Recreation" as the theme for 2010 Heritage Day, in honour of the Olympics. She advised that the Committee has the option of pursing a different theme, if members prefer another topic. Mr. Z. Janecki advised that he is the Chair of the Heritage Showcase Planning Committee for the Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation; who are organizing the 2010 Heritage Showcase. He confirmed that the 2010 Showcase will be held on February 13, 2010 at Conestoga Mall. Several Committee members expressed interest in keeping with the "Heritage of Sport" theme, noting that some very prominent athletes have resided in Kitchener. 5. UPDATE - ST. MARY'S HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (HCD) VETERANS' GREEN PROJECT Ms. Y. Westerveld Cardoso gave a presentation showing photographs from the Remembrance Day Ceremony held in the St. Mary's Heritage Conservation District (HCD). She thanked everyone that was able to attend and assist in making the ceremony a success. Mr. K. Kirby commented that the Remembrance Day celebration was very well attended and it is his intention to ensure that this memorial location is recognized annually. He offered a special thank you to Ms. Westerveld Cardoso for all of her work with this project. HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2009 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m. Dianna Saunderson Colin Goodeve Administrative Clerk Committee Administrator