HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-17Clarbgton Clarington Heritage Committee
Minutes
September 17, 2019
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Minutes of the Clarington Heritage Committee held on September 17, 2019, at 7:00 PM,
at the Clarington Municipal Offices in Room 1 C.
Members Present Were: Marina Ross (Museum) Steven Conway, Ron Sproule,
Kathryn Warren, Noel Gamble, Heather Ridge (Museum)
Jason Moore (ACO), David Reesor, Victor Suppan, Peter
Vogel, Councillor Hooper
Regrets: Bob Malone (NVDHS)
Staff Present: Faye Langmaid, Sarah Allin, Planning Services
Guests: R. Groen, Supervisor or Buildings & Property, Operations;
G. Bunker, Planning Services; Rick McEachern (ACO)
1 Declaration of Pecuniary Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
2 Adoption of Agenda
19.25 That the Agenda be adopted with the following amendment under
Delegations/Presentations to switch the order of the presentations by G. Bunker,
and R. Groen enabling the Fletcher Tree items to be dealt with consecutively.
"Carried"
3 Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
19.26 Moved by N. Gamble, seconded by K. Warren
That the minutes of the June 18, 2019 Clarington Heritage Committee meeting be
adopted.
"Carried"
4 Delegations/Presentations
4.1 Upcoming Works at Waverley Place (37 Silver Street); Presentation by R. Groen,
Operations
R. Groen provided drawings illustrating the proposed repair and restoration work
at Waverley Place. Works will include the repair of the roof over the porch deck,
and porch columns, the addition of extra downspouts and rain water leaders, and
repair of the chimneys. Also being addressed are structural repairs to better
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Minutes
September 17, 2019
secure the load of the second floor (the building was originally built as a one -
storey structure) and belvedere, and align with the load bearing walls down to the
basement. Staff is looking to issue the tender as soon as possible. The work may
begin in the fall, with completion next spring.
Committee members provided the following comments on the repair work in the
context of ensuring the work is sympathetic to the historical characteristics of the
building:
x Committee members inquired as to whether the bricks from the chimney could
be reused, and the types of materials to be used for the repairs. Mr. Groen
advised while bricks will be salvaged where possible, many will have to be
replaced due to deterioration. However, replacement materials will meet
heritage material specifications in order to maintain the historical character of
the building.
x The Committee is supportive of the efforts to maintain Waverley Place, its
historical characteristics, and significance to the community.
4.2 Assessment of the Fletcher Tree (behind 222 King Street E.); G. Bunker, Planning
Services
G. Bunker provided a presentation summarizing the results of his assessment of
the Fletcher Tree, as a certified arborist. The Fletcher Tree is a specifically
cultivated variety of the European Beech species, the leaves of which emerge as a
deep purple, and gradually turn green towards the end of the growing season. The
species is not native to the area, and was planted as a landscape tree. Based
upon the assessment, the Fletcher tree is estimated to date back to the early- mid -
1800s. Overall, the Fletcher Tree is in good health, and can be expected to live
another 50-100 years, provided adequate protection and consideration is
implemented during future development and programming.
G. Bunker provided answers in response to questions from Committee members
relating to measures to ensure the Fletcher Tree is cared for and protected to the
extent possible. To this end, at a minimum the dripline of the Tree should be kept
clear of any disturbance, snow storage, and vehicle parking.
4.3 Designation of Heritage Trees; Historical Significance of the Fletcher Tree; R.
McEachern, ACO Member
R. McEachern presented the history of the Fletcher Tree, and the family for which
it is known. Squire Alexander Fletcher was a wealthy early Bowmanville pioneer
who was instrumental in establishing Bowmanville. Alexander Fletcher arrived in
Darlington in 1800 from the Niagara Region, via Scotland, and New Hampshire.
Fletcher acquired a large tract of land stretching from Division Street to Mearns
Avenue on both sides of King Street. At the time Fletcher built the brick house on
the lands behind 222 King Street, he planted two trees he had brought from
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Scotland, one of which was the Fletcher Tree. The trees were planted as "his and
hers" trees, signifying love and commitment. The subject Fletcher Tree would
have been "his tree". R. McEachern would like to see the Fletcher Tree be
designated, protected, and commemorated.
5 Business Arising
5.1 Fletcher Tree
The sub -committee drafted heritage tree designation criteria for evaluating
potential heritage trees, which includes the following categories: historical
significance, age, characteristics of the tree, location, ecological value, and social
landmark.
The sub -committee summarized the assessment of the significance of the
Fletcher Tree in the context of the above noted categories, and recommended to
the Committee that (i) Part IV designation of the Fletcher Tree be pursued (ii) a
new urban tree by-law to protect such trees be considered by the Municipality,
and (iii) a protection barrier be erected around the Fletcher Tree.
G. Bunker advised that most of the roots of a tree are located within the top 12
inches of soil, and all tree roots are within the top 3 feet. It is important not to allow
anything heavy be placed on the root system to avoid soil compaction.
The Fletcher Tree is the first tree to be considered for designation in Clarington.
The Committee directed Planning Services staff to draft a statement of
significance for its consideration at its October meeting.
Consideration could be given to the copper beech tree located on Beech Avenue
for designation, and whether a sapling could be grafted from the Fletcher Tree.
5.2 Veterans' Land Act
K. Warren has submitted an online request for information on housing constructed
under the Veterans' Land Act in Clarington. V. Suppan provided an overview of
the Veterans' Land Act, noting it was in effect from 1942 to 1977, and
approximately 300 such homes were built in Clarington. The homes on Veterans
Avenue in Bowmanville were constructed with materials from Camp 30. Kingsway
Nursery supplied shrubs and trees to the VLA houses throughout Canada. The
sub -committee is working towards a display at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage
Centre. V. Suppan indicated Erin O'Toole's office is interested in the project.
5.3 Staff Report Re: Intent to Designate Central Public School and Haydon Hall
Staff advised the Committee that Council approved the recommendations of
Planning Services Report PSD -035-2019 authorizing the intent to designate
Central Public School (120 Wellington Street) and Haydon Hall (2503 Concession
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Rd. 8). Notice of Intent to Designate will be issued by the Clerks Department, in
accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act.
5.4 Bowmanville Post Office; 41 Temperance Street
A designation by-law for the former Bowmanville Post Office under the Ontario
Heritage Act would not be recognized because the property is under Federal
jurisdiction.
5.5 Docville (816 Regional Rd. 17)
V. Suppan has spoken with the owner regarding the Committee's
recommendation to add the property to the heritage Register. The property
owner's primary concern is the impact on future plans for the property.
5.6 879 Regional Rd. 17 (Allin Farmhouse)
The property owner has retained a consulting firm to undertake a Heritage Impact
Assessment to determine the cultural heritage value or interest of the property.
5.7 Kirby Gateway Signage
The Kirby Gateway signage details were distributed for information purposes to
update the Committee on the status of the project. A Community Value Plan was
undertaken during the Environmental Assessment stage of the Highway 407
Extension. The Hamlet marker signage was included in the contract, and will be
implemented. K. Warren advised the location of the Kirby sign will not adversely
affect the school house, despite the large size.
5.8 Toll House Plaque
Committee members are not satisfied with the location of the Toll House Plaque,
as it is not very visible to passersby and therefore is not achieving the intended
purpose. The original intent was to imbed the information commemorating the Toll
House in the sidewalk, but the Region of Durham required the plaque to be on
private property. The developer has installed the plaque as directed.
The Committee directed Chair V. Suppan to write to the Region of Durham to
request that the location of the Toll House plaque be reconsidered.
5.9 Province's Review of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2014
Staff provided a brief overview of the proposed changes to the Provincial Policy
Statement (PPS), 2014 as they related to cultural heritage. Comments on the
proposed changes to the PPS, 2014 can be submitted through the Environmental
Registry of Ontario until October 21, 2019.
Clarbgton Clarington Heritage Committee
Minutes
September 17, 2019
5.10 Online Accessibility Training Modules
Completion certificates may be submitted to Planning staff, or directly to the Clerks
Department. Committee members may attend training in-person, if preferred.
Planning staff will coordinate with Clerks staff to arrange in-person training, as
necessary.
6 Correspondence and Council Referrals
None.
7 Reports from other Committees
7.1 Bowmanville, Orono & Newcastle CIP - No report.
7.2 Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), Clarington Branch: - There is an
upcoming meeting to discuss succession planning, as certain individuals may
soon be stepping down from their positions.
7.3 Newcastle Village District Historical Society (NVDHS) - No Report.
7.4 Museum — Upcoming events include: Hands -on -Heritage (September 28), Mixing
Bowl with Mildred (October 5), Spirit Walks (throughout October), Halloween
Hijinks (October 26), and Paper Quilling (November 2), Embroidered Jewellery
Workshop (November 30).
7.5 Wilmot Heritage Park — The Foster Northwest Plan of Subdivision has been draft
approved, with the dismissal of the appeal by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal
(LPAT). It was noted that D. Mowat was recently elected Chief of Alderville First
Nation. V. Suppan, B. Malone, and others attended the Chief's inauguration in
July.
8 Project Reports
8.1 Municipal Inventory and Register Committee:
The sub -committee evaluated two (2) properties for potential inclusion on the
Municipal Register, and recommend as follows:
x 55 King Avenue W., Newcastle: Group 3 Evaluation; not recommended for
addition to the Municipal Register, however it should be documented for
archival purposes, if it is to be demolished; and
x 49 King Avenue W., Newcastle: Group 2 Evaluation; the structure is not the
best example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture in Clarington, and
therefore is not recommended for addition to the Municipal Register, however
the retention of the building is encouraged. Any redevelopment on this site or at
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55 King Avenue should meet appropriate design guidelines for the historic
downtown.
19.27 Moved by S. Conway, seconded by K. Warren
That the Clarington Heritage Committee receives the sub -committee evaluations of 55
King Avenue W. and 49 King Avenue W, recommends to Council that the properties not
be added to the Municipal Register, but be documented should they be demolished.
"Carried"
8.2 Outreach/Education Committee:
The update on the Veterans' Land Act housing project was addressed as Item
5.2, above.
9 New Business
9.1 Camp 30 Official Plan Amendment: the proposed Official Plan Amendment (OPA)
for the Camp 30 lands will be before the Planning and Development Committee
Meeting for consideration for adoption on September 30. The draft OPA and
accompanying staff report will be available on Clarington's website.
9.2 Upcoming Workshop: The Town of Ajax is hosting a Heritage Committee
Orientation Workshop on the evening September 25th. Those who haven't
registered, and would like to attend should do so as soon as possible.
9.3 Neighbourhood Character Study: the second Public Workshop was held on
September 12th to present an update on the project, and the proposed
recommendations relating to the valued community character elements.
Comments on the proposed recommendations are being accepted until
September 20th. Planning Services staff will provide an overview of the final
Neighbourhood Character Study report at the November CHC meeting.
9.4 Councillor Hooper attended the City of Oshawa's ceremony to designate the
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority building; Councillor Hooper advised
that James Publishing, the longest standing business in downtown Bowmanville, is
relocating out of the downtown.
10 Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Next Meeting: October 15, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Clarington Municipal Offices, Room 1C
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