A. Portengen re-entered the meeting at this time.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024-057, dated January 18, 2024 recommending the Notice of Intention to Demolish received on January 18, 2024, and dated January 17, 2024 regarding the property municipally addressed as 1027 King Street East, be received for information and that the notice period run its course.
J. Vieira presented an overview of the staff report noting the subject property is currently listed on the Municipal Heritage Register as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest. J. Vieira noted the Notice of Intention to Demolish has been submitted as part of a re-development proposal for the construction of a new mixed-use building having two towers, 11 and 29 storeys in height. J. Vieira noted a Heritage Impact Assessment was completed for the proposed redevelopment and presented to the Heritage Kitchener Committee on January 4, 2022 and there were no concerns or comments raised. Further, it was noted only one portion of the existing building has been identified as having cultural heritage value or interest however, retention of this portion of the building is not feasible as it relies on adjacent sections of the building for structural stability. As a result, documentation, salvage, and commemoration have been recommended as mitigation measures of retaining heritage values of the existing building.
J. Vieira noted the Ontario Heritage Act does not permit Council to approve or refuse a Notice of Intention to demolish rather, Council has the option to either request further information related to the demolition or receive the Notice of Intention to Demolish, allowing the notice period to run its course, at the end of which the Building Division may issue a demolition permit or Council may issue a Notice of Intention to Designate, at which point Council would have the authority to deny demolition. J. Viera noted Staff recommend the Notice of Intention to Demolish be received and the notice period run its' course.
G. Stevenson and S. Bassanese were also in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee.
The Committee noted the property has significant heritage value and is a landmark of Art Deco architectural style in the City of Kitchener thus, should be retained. The Committee noted further work could be done to ensure portions of buildings with heritage significance are innovatively incorporated into new building designs rather than being demolished.
It was noted any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the Council meeting taking place on February 12, 2024.
Moved by A. Portengen