Heritage Kitchener

Committee Minutes

Tuesday, September 05, 2023 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Present:

• J. Haalboom, Chair
• Councillor D. Chapman, Member
• Councillor C. Michaud, Member
• D. Vongphakdy, Member
• I. Bodendorfer, Member
• P. Ciuciura, Member
• S. Eckel-Braun, Member
• N. Pikulski, Member
• A. Portengen, Member

Staff:

• G. Stevenson, Manager, Development Review
• J. Vieira, Heritage Planner
• V. Grohn, Heritage Planner
• D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
• M. Mills, Committee Administrator

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1.

Commencement

The Heritage Kitchener Committee held a meeting this date commencing at 4:04 p.m.

 

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None.

3.

Discussion Items

3.1

Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), 628 New Dundee Road, DSD-2023-356

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-356, dated August 11, 2023 regarding a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally addressed as 628 New Dundee Road which is a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the Kitchener Municipal Heritage Register. The subject property is also adjacent to or in proximity of cultural heritage resources designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

J. Vieira, Heritage Planner, provided an overview of the draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), advising the HIA was submitted in relation to a Site Plan Application proposing the construction of eleven blocks of stacked townhomes on the subject property. J. Viera indicated, a farmhouse, barn and outbuilding are currently located on the property and based on the recommendations outlined in the HIA, the applicant is proposing the retention and relocation of the existing farmhouse to a different location on site. J. Viera provided an overview of the recommendations outlined in the HIA, advising there is no recommendation required from the Committee however, staff are seeking the Committee's feedback on the draft HIA. G. Stevenson, Manager, Development Review, was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. G. Stevenson, Manager, Development Review, was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

V. Hicks, MHBC Planning provided a presentation on this matter. In response to questions from the Committee, V. Hicks noted the proposed development seeks to maintain the existing farmhouse which will be included within the overall condominium plan for the proposed development. V. Hick further advised the condominium declaration will provide recommendations for long term conservation of the heritage dwelling.

The Committee noted the future design of the property should consider maintenance of the existing deciduous trees along the lanes of the property. 

3.2

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-V-015, 30-40 Margaret Avenue, New Building - Townhome Development, DSD-2023-367

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-367, dated August 11, 2023 recommending approval of Heritage Permit Application (HPA) HPA-2023-V-015 to permit the construction of eight blocks of townhome dwellings on the property municipally addressed as 30-40 Margaret Avenue.

J. Vieira presented an overview of the staff report noting a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the subject property was previously considered by the Committee in February 2023. J. Vieira stated, there was a minor modification to the development design which was a change to the roofline design, which is reflected in Heritage Permit Application being considered by the Committee this date.

D. Kuehl provided comments in opposition to the staff recommendation, noting the contemporary roofline of the proposed townhomes is incompatible with the pitched roofs of older properties on Margaret Avenue.  

R. Redshaw and R. Wolff, MHBC Planning, J. Martin and A. Vicek, Martins, Simmons Sweers Architects and A. Sumner, Activa Inc. were in attendance to answer questions from the Committee.  In response to questions from the Committee, A. Sumner noted substantial community consultations were conducted and the proposed building was redesigned to incorporate feedback received.

I. Bodendorfer noted a flat roof design would be more suitable with the neighborhood's design characteristics as the proposed modern design lacks visual consistency with the streetscape. N. Pikulski suggested a redesign of the roofline to include heritage attributes as it is of great importance to the neighbourhood. 

In response to questions from the Committee regarding potential deferral of this matter to allow for further community engagement, it was noted the site plan process does not allow for community consultation and, the Committee's consideration of this matter represents a portion the community engagement process.

It was noted the recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the Council meeting taking place on September 25, 2023 as it did not receive unanimous consent from the Committee.

Moved by Councillor C. Michaud 

• it was resolved:

  "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-V-015 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2023-367, to permit the construction of eight blocks of townhome dwellings, an amenity space, and an internal roadway system with two access points onto Margaret Avenue, on the property municipally addressed as 30-40 Margaret Avenue, in accordance with the plans and supplementary information submitted with the application and subject to the following conditions:

  1. 1. That the final Heritage Impact Assessment and Cultural Heritage Protection Plan (Brief) be submitted and approved by the Director of Planning prior to the issuance of a Heritage Permit;
     2. That final samples of the building materials and colours be submitted for review by Heritage Planning staff in conjunction with Urban Design prior to the issuance of a building permit; and
     3. That the final building permit drawings be reviewed, and heritage clearance provided by Heritage Planning staff prior to the issuance of a building permit."
  Carried

3.3

Scoped Heritage Impact Assessment, 417 King Street West, Proposed 55-storey Tower, DSD-2023-359

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-359, dated August 1, 2023 regarding a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally addressed as 417 King Street West which does not have any heritage status, however, is located adjacent to 404-410 King Street West, the ‘Kaufman Footwear’ Building, which is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

V. Grohn, Heritage Planner, provided an overview of the HIA, advising it had been submitted in support of an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Application for the proposed construction of a 55-storey residential development. V. Grohn provided an overview of the recommendations outlined in the HIA, advising there is no recommendation required from the Committee however, staff are seeking the Committee's feedback on the HIA. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

G. Smith, MHBC Planning provided a presentation. In response to questions from the Committee, G. Smith noted the proposed development will not require any alterations to the existing park located in close proximity to the subject site. In response to questions regarding the shadow study, it was noted the proposed development will cast narrow shadows on the adjacent heritage property for short periods of time, however, will not result in significant impacts on the property's heritage attributes.

The Committee expressed concerns with the 5-storey parking garage associated which the proposed development, noting it would be an unoccupied for periods of time which may be unsafe for the community. Citing examples of other towers including 1 Victoria Street South and 60 Charles Street West, it was noted, the design of the development could consider a relocation of the residential units closer to the street.

3.4

Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-V-014, 15 Church Street, Construction of 6-storey Affordable Housing Building, DSD-2023-360

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-360, dated August 9, 2023 recommending approval of Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-V-014 to permit the construction of a 6-storey affordable housing building for the property municipally addressed as 15 Church Street.

J. Vieira presented an overview of the staff report. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

K. Kaushal, McCallum Sather Architects was in attendance to answer questions from the Committee. In response to questions from the Committee, P. Maxwell, Maxwell Building Consultants, noted substantial consultations were held with community groups including the Sandhills Residential Community and the proposed building was redesigned to address concerns such as overlook.

Councillor C. Michaud exited the meeting at this time and re-entered.

Councillor D. Chapman brought forward a motion to approve the recommendation as outlined in the report, including an amendment to revise the wording to state "a 6-storey housing building with 9 affordable units" rather than "a 6-storey affordable housing building".

It was requested that Councillor D. Chapman’s amendment be voted on separately.

Councillor D. Chapman's amendment was then voted on and was Carried.

The following motion as amended was then voted on and was Carried unanimously.

It was noted the recommendation arising from this matter would be processed under Delegated Approval Authority as it received Unanimous Consent from the Committee.

On motion by Councillor D. Chapman

• it was resolved:

  "That pursuant to Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit Application HPA-2023-V-014 be approved, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2023-360, to permit the construction of a 6-storey housing building with 9 affordable units at the property municipally addressed as 15 Church Street, in accordance with the plans and supplementary information submitted with the application and subject to the following condition:

  That the final building permit drawings be reviewed and related heritage clearance provided by Heritage Planning Staff prior to the issuance of a building permit."

   

   

  Carried unanimously

3.5

Notice of Intention to Designate, 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2023-362

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-362, dated August 11, 2023 recommending Notice of Intention to Designate 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North as being of cultural heritage value or interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

J. Vieira provided an overview of the staff report and responded to questions from the Committee. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

It was noted any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the Council meeting taking place on September 25, 2023.

On motion by Councillor D. Chapman 

• it was resolved:

  "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the property municipally addressed as 35 & 43 Sheldon Avenue North as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD-2023-362."

  Carried

3.6

Notice of Intention to Designate, 90-92 Queen Street South Under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, DSD-2023-358

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-358, dated August 8, 2023 recommending Notice of Intention to Designate 90-92 Queen Street South as being of cultural heritage value or interest, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

J. Vieira provided an overview of the staff report. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

D. Galbraith, Up Consulting and J. Atchison, SRM Architects, addressed the Committee in support of the staff recommendation and heritage designation. In response to questions from the Committee, D. Galbraith noted, only the portion of front façade identified as a heritage attribute will be retained, due to functional limitations of constructing a driveway and further, to meet daylight visibility triangle requirements. M. Villemaire and E. Liebster, SRM Architects were also in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee.

It was noted any recommendation arising from this matter would be considered at the Council meeting taking place on September 25, 2023.

On motion by D. Vongphakdy

• it was resolved:

  "That pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to publish a Notice of Intention to Designate the front façade of the property municipally addressed as 90-92 Queen Street South as being of cultural heritage value or interest, as outlined in Development Services Department DSD-2023-358."

  Carried

3.7

Status Updates - Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review 

J. Vieira provided an update on the work to date that has been completed by the Committee and Heritage Planning staff related to the Bill 23 Municipal Heritage Register Review noting:

• The Committee has considered and recommended 8 properties for heritage designations as of this date.
• Staff anticipate bringing forward a minimum of 4-5 properties for the Committee's consideration between October and November of 2023 for heritage designation and Notice of Intention to Designate (NOID).
• Approximately 52 field reviews have been completed by Staff and the Heritage Kitchener Committee this date.
• 12 detailed archival reviews have been completed this date.
• 12 homeowners have been contacted for designation this date.

4.

Information Items

4.1

Heritage Permit Application Tracking Sheet

5.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Marilyn Mills
Committee Administrator