Heritage Kitchener

Committee Minutes

Tuesday, February 07, 2023 at 4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

City of Kitchener

200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7

Present:

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

Staff:

• G. Stevenson, Interim Director of Planning
• D. Choudhry, Heritage Planner
• J. Vieira, Heritage Planner
• M. Blake, Committee Administrator

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1.

Commencement

The Heritage Kitchener Committee held a meeting this date commencing at 4:02 p.m.

2.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

None.

3.

Discussion Items

3.1

Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), 1198 Fischer Hallman Road, DSD-2023-050

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-050, dated January 9, 2023, regarding Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally addressed as 1198 Fischer Hallman Road. The subject property is neither listed nor designated under Part IV or Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, but is included on the inventory of Historic Buildings. The following provides the Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest: the property includes a dwelling constructed circa 1855 which is representative of the Ontario Farmhouse (or referred to as the Loyalist Ontario Home) and is likely the last remaining dwelling from the former hamlet of Williamsburg. The property is historically linked to its surrounding.

D. Choudhry, Heritage Planner provided an overview of the Scoped Heritage Impact Assessment, noting the HIA was received in support of a development application, and Staff are seeking feedback regarding the matter. D. Choudhry and G. Stevenson, Interim Director of Planning were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

R. Redshaw, MHBC Planning provided a brief overview of the proposed development, stating there is a moderate impact of destruction involved, as the proposed development will remove all identifiable heritage attributes of the property. R. Redshaw and P. Chauvin, MHBC Planning were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

R. Redshaw stated the assessment focused on the integrity of the building, and future assessments can occur regarding the feasibility to relocate the proposed development. R. Redshaw noted the heritage attributes of the subject property are limited as the dwelling has undergone multiple alterations that have compromised the integrity of the original structure. 

R. Redshaw clarified that the barn on the property will be salvaged, and a tree management plan will need to occur regarding the portions of mature vegetation on the property that will need to be removed.

In response to questions from the Committee, P. Chauvin confirmed archaeological and aboricultural assessments have been performed on the property.

In response to questions from the Committee, D. Choudhry stated the house was originally relocated as Fischer Hallman Road was being widened. 

The Committee noted concerns with the loss of heritage attributes, and discussed the potential for future assessments to occur regarding the feasibility of relocating the existing structure.

3.2

Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), 149-151 Ontario Street North and 21 Weber Street West, DSD-2023-048

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-048, dated January 10, 2023, regarding Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally addressed at 149-151 Ontario Street North and 21 Weber Street West. The existing building at 21 Weber Street North has no heritage status and is proposed to be demolished. The subject property municipally addressed as 149-151 Ontario Street North is listed as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the City's Municipal Heritage Register.  The subject properties are also located adjacent to the Civic Centre Neighborhood Heritage Conservation District (CCNHCD), the Civic Centre Neighborhood Cultural Heritage Landscape; and 30-32 Duke Street West/141 Ontario Street North, which is also listed as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register.

D. Choudhry provided an overview of the Draft Heritage Impact Assessment, noting the HIA was received in support of a development application proposing partial integration of the existing building into a 27 storey residential development. D. Choudhry stated Staff are in attendance to receive feedback this date regarding the HIA. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

C. Uchiyama, LHC Heritage Planning & Archaeology Inc. provided a brief overview of the proposed development, stating the property has historical and associative value as it is the last remaining example of a residential building in this section of Ontario Street North, and is an example of a working class residence. C. Uchiyama, R. Masri, Masri O Architects, M. Carter LMC Properties, and L. Carter were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

Written Submissions were received by H. Jaeger and N. Baarda regarding the proposed development. 

The Committee noted some concerns with the proposed building addition's contrast to the existing structure, and raised concerns with the pillars obstructing view of the existing structure. The Committee also commended the developer for maintaining the heritage value of the property. 

In response to Committee concerns regarding potential shadows that would fall into the Civic district as a result of the proposed development, R. Masri stated a shadow analysis was performed and most shadows would fall onto the street. 

N. Baarda addressed the Committee in opposition to the proposed development, requesting the developer conduct a shadow study and angular plan analysis to address concerns with the proposed height of the development.

3.3

Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), 30-40 Margaret Avenue, DSD-2023-057

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-057, dated January 19, 2023, regarding a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the property municipally addressed as 30-40 Margaret Avenue located within the Civic Centre Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District (CCNHCD) as well as the Civic Centre Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL) and designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act.

J. Vieira, Heritage Planner provided an overview of the Draft Heritage Impact Assessment, noting the HIA was submitted in support of a development application that proposes the development of eight blocks of townhomes for a total of 48 dwelling units and 52 parking spaces. J. Viera and G. Stevenson were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.

R. Redshaw, MHBC Planning provided a brief overview of the subject property, stating based on the impact analysis conducted for the property municipally known as 30-40 Margaret Avenue, infill is recommended as a form of conservation for the general rhythm of the neighborhood and in particular the streetscape of Margaret Avenue. R. Redshaw, P. Chauvin and Andrew Vleck were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. 

In response to questions from the Committee, P. Chauvin noted previous concerns with the height, compatibility and distance of angular planes regarding the property known municipally as of 54 Margaret Street have been addressed. 

The Committee provided feedback regarding the roof alignment, questioning whether a peaked roof façade in the front of the building can be considered. 

3.4

Draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), 83-97 Victoria Street North, DSD-2023-049

The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-049, dated January 18, 2023, regarding a draft Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the properties municipally addressed as 83-97 Victoria Street North located adjacent to the Warehouse District Cultural Heritage Landscape (CHL). 83-87 Victoria Street North have no heritage status. 97 Victoria Street North is listed as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register. 70 Francis Street North is also listed as a non-designated property of cultural heritage interest or value on the City’s Municipal Heritage Register. 

D. Choudhry presented an overview of the Heritage Impact Assessment, stating the proposed development includes constructing an additional floor on the existing building, and an addition adjacent to the building. D. Choudhry and G. Stevenson were in attendance to receive feedback regarding the HIA and respond to questions from the Committee. 

C. Uchiyama, LHC Heritage Planning and Archaeology presented a brief overview of the proposed development, noting the historical and associative value of the property. C. Uchiyama and J. Mancini were in attendance to answer questions from the Committee.

The Committee noted their overall satisfaction with the development and the addition of supportive housing units. 

In response to questions from the Committee, C. Uchiyama confirmed there will be elevators in building and 10% of the units will be accessible units. C. Uchiyama also confirmed the windows on the front of the building will be altered to address potential privacy concerns.

3.5

Heritage Kitchener Committee Work Plan 2022-2024, DSD-2023-053

The Committee was in receipt this date of the Heritage Kitchener 2022-2024 Work Plan for use as a reference tool in consideration of the Work Plan for the current term of the Committee.

D. Choudhry and J. Vieira addressed the Committee, advising the 2022-2024 Work Plan is being presented to the Committee for information and will be tabled for future consideration. J. Vieira provided a brief overview of the Work Plan, stating the Committee is responsible for completing core business, which is outlined in the Committee’s Terms of Reference, including making recommendations to City Council related to heritage designation, listing properties on the Municipal Heritage Register, and consideration of Heritage Permit Applications. J. Vieira outlined the Work Plan's objective as conserving the City's cultural heritage resources while responding to the amendments introduced to the Ontario Heritage Act through Bill 23. 

J. Vieira noted there are approximately 230 properties on the heritage register currently, and noted the intention to review 5-10 properties per month to meet the overall goal of 80 by January 1, 2025.

D. Choudhry noted staff have prepared a draft Cultural Heritage Evaluation form and are seeking Committee feedback. 

The Committee noted their support for a more equitable and holistic approach to heritage evaluation, and noted concerns with the time demands required to review 10 heritage properties per month.

In response to questions from the Committee, Staff stated methods of engagement with heritage property homeowners remains under consideration, and Staff are seeking feedback from the Committee regarding potential approach techniques. 

3.6

Sub-Committee Updates

The Chair noted the potential for the work of the previous Sub-Committees to inform the current work plan, and invited the Heritage Kitchener Sub-committees to provide information on past efforts.

Decolonizing the Heritage Process
Members: R. Schwarz

No updates at this time.

Designation and the Municipal Heritage Register

Members: P. Ciuciura, D. Vongphakdy, S. Eckel-Braun, Councillor Chapman

No updates at this time.

The Effects of Heritage Designation on Affordability

Members: Vacant

No updates at this time.

Promoting Cultural Heritage

Members: J. Haalboom, I. Bodendorfer, Councillor Michaud

No updates at this time.

3.7

Status Updates - Heritage Best Practices Update and 2023 Priorities, Heritage Impact Assessment Follow-ups

D. Choudhry advised there were no updates at this time.

4.

Information Items

4.1

Heritage Permit Application Tracking Sheet

5.

Adjournment

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.

Mariah Blake
Committee Administrator