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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15Clarington Heritage Committee bgton Minutes June 15, 2021 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Minutes of the Clarington Heritage Committee held via Microsoft Teams on June 15, 2021, at 7:00 PM. Members Present were: Peter Vogel (until 9:00 p.m.), Victor Suppan, David Reesor, Ron Sproule, Noel Gamble, Steve Conway, Jason Moore (ACO), Katharine Warren (Museum) Councillor Ron Hooper, Heather Graham Regrets: Bob Malone (NVDHS), Myno Van Dyke (NVDHS) Staff Present: Faye Langmaid, Sarah Allin, Andrew Payne, Planning and Development Service Guests: Kayla Jonas Galvin (ARA), Jacqueline McDermid (ARA), Kirk Kemp, Alfred Massardo, Liza Maw, Rob Groen (Community Services Department), Stephen Taylor, Architect for Moon Matz Ltd Heather Graham was introduced as a newly appointment member of the Clarington Heritage Committee. 1 Declaration of Interest There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting. 2 Land Acknowledgement Statement P. Vogel read aloud Clarington's Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3 Adoption of Agenda 21.25 Moved by K. Warren, seconded by N. Gamble That the Agenda be adopted "Carried" 4 Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting 21.26 By Consensus That the minutes of the May 18, 2021 Clarington Heritage Committee meeting be adopted. "Carried" 5 Delegations/Presentations: 5.1 Kayla Jonas Galvin, ARA Re: Proposed Official Plan Amendment/Zoning By-law Amendment K. Jonas Galvin provided an overview of the draft designation report entitled "Evaluation of 40 Station Street According to Ontario Regulation 9/06", prepared by - 1 - Clarftwn Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 ARA, dated June 11, 2021. The report evaluated the cultural heritage value or interest of 40 Station Street to inform an update to the existing designation By-law 90-22 in relation to a current proposal for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to facilitate the severance of a surplus farm dwelling. The report identifies the cultural heritage value or interest lies in its representation as an example of a Georgian style residence built in the mid-19t" century, and its contextual value as a visual landmark positioned at the crest of the hill, viewable from Station Street. Committee members discussed details of the ARA report, including the number of children of the original family, the portico on the front of the dwelling, which was a later addition and not included as a heritage attribute, and the recognition of the front basement windows as heritage attributes. The comments will be considered by ARA, and the report will be updated as necessary. 5.2 Kirk Kemp Re: 40 Station Street; available to answer questions from the CHC. Mr. Kemp also answered the CHC's questions relating to the configuration of the lot, which is configured as proposed to incorporate the well and to exclude any environmentally sensitive lands, in conjunction with the size restrictions on surplus farm lots. Committee members inquired about the location of the well and whether biosolids could pose a hazard to the well servicing the designated dwelling. Mr. Kemp indicated they are very conscientious in their farming practices and are not using biosolids and would not. Mr. Kemp also advised of the intent to continue to use the existing outbuildings for farm purposes, with no intent to take down the barns. Committee members inquired about the proposed shared access to the property between the proposed surplus farm dwelling and the retained agricultural parcel, and noted the lovely, winding driveway. Mr. Kemp indicated it is difficult to obtain another access in such close proximity to Highway 115/35, and they have every intention to be good neighbours (including snow clearing). Committee members thanked both K. Jonas Galvin and K. Kemp for their delegations. 5.3 Alfred Massardo and Liza Maw Re: Request to Repeal Designation By-law for 4478 Highway 115/35 L. Maw provided an overview of the rationale for the request to repeal the designation By-law 97-17, specifically citing rising property insurance costs and general difficulty obtaining property insurance as a result of the property being a designated heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act. Ms. Maw also indicated discussions with representatives of the real estate industry have suggested having a designated dwelling is not ideal for resale value. The property owner indicated their experience has been that quotes for property insurance double upon confirmation that the dwelling is designated. Some companies have advised they simply no longer insure heritage homes. -2- Clar;wgtoa Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 The property owners also indicated they forwarded information provided by Planning and Development Service staff to prospective insurance companies, clarifying there is no requirement under the Ontario Heritage Act, or the Municipality of Clarington for the replacement of heritage buildings or attributes in like kind and quality. Staff advised they have heard from other property owners and heritage planning professionals that insurance companies are modifying their practices, making it difficult for designated heritage homeowners to acquire suitable insurance. This matter was also the topic of a recent Globe and Mail article. Committee members inquired as to whether the property could be required to remain on the Municipal Register to ensure a reduced level of protection if the designation by-law was repealed. Staff indicated that is a possibility. Staff advised there have been very few instances in which designation by-laws have been repealed. Such cases include the by-law for the Rickaby's building in downtown Bowmanville after it was destroyed by fire, and homes within the Highway 407 corridor that were demolished by the Province. Staff reached out to several owners of designated heritage properties on this matter, and generally found they have not had issues obtaining reasonable insurance policies. However, it is noted in all cases the owners had a long history with their provider and had not made a claim. Committee members also inquired about overall maintenance of the home, improvements the homeowners have undertaken, and outlined the need to continually update the home to reduce risk, reiterating there is no requirement to insure to replace. Ms. Maw advised the home is kept up to date in accordance with the insurance providers recommended improvements, and despite having provided the documentation from the Municipality, their provider indicated it was the designation itself that caused the issue. Committee members thanked the property owners for their delegation. 5.4 Rob Groen, Community Services Department and Stephen Taylor, Architect for Moon Matz Ltd Re: Renovations at 156 Church Street, Bowmanville R. Groen provided an overview of the proposed renovations at 156 Church Street, Bowmanville to create accessible office and meeting space. The building, formerly known as the Edna Thompson Daycare, is the Shaw House. It was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act by By-law 2018-60. As part of the alterations, an accessible ramp is proposed along the west side of the building. The majority of the exterior work will be confined to rear of the building, the rear addition was constructed in approximately 1999. The proposal works with the existing interior floor plan to minimize alteration to the extent possible. The accessible ramp has been designed using steel and glass to minimize the expression of the railing on the exterior of the building, enabling the brick fagade to be visible. Committee members questioned whether the ramp could be accommodated on the back of the building in order to conserve the original west fagade view, or whether an elevator arrangement similar to what was done at Orono Town Hall was considered. Mr. Groen and Mr. Taylor responded locating the ramp along the west -3- Clarftwn Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 side of the building would provide more efficient and equitable access from both the on -site parking area and those who may be approaching from the street. An at - grade entryway lift would be a challenge in this case given the interior layout, where the intent is to intrude as little as possible. Committee members inquired about the ramp's contact with the brick, which can be damaging when winter salt becomes trapped between the surfaces. Mr. Taylor advised there will be a gap between the building face and the ramp, which will also provide access to the brick should repointing be required in the future. Committee members thanked the presenters. 6 Business Arising 6.1 40 Station Street Proposed OPA/ZBA Committee members would like to see the addition of the front basement window as an identified attribute. Otherwise committee members indicated they are satisfied the report prepared by ARA covers all the appropriate attributes to inform an updated designation by-law for the proposed surplus farm dwelling once it is severed. 21.27 Moved by K. Warren, seconded by R. Sproule That the Heritage Committee considers "Evaluation of 40 Station Street According to Ontario Regulation 9/06", prepared by ARA, dated June 11, 2021 to cover the appropriate attributes to adequately inform an updated designation by-law, pending the addition of the front basement windows being added as a physical attribute. "Carried" 6.2 4478 Highway 115/35 Request to Repeal K. Jonas Galvin advised Committee members that a street view site visit was undertaken at the request of Planning and Development Services staff. Based upon the visual inspection undertaken, it appears the external heritage attributes that were included in the reasons for designation are intact and being cared for. Committee members confirmed the current property owner was involved in the designation of the property in 1997. As part of their consideration of the request, a CHC member also contacted a major insurance provider, and was advised the company no longer offered insurance on designated heritage homes due to government agency approvals associated with repairs. Committee members noted such insurance challenges undermine the good work the CHC and Council have done over the years to conserve Clarington's cultural heritage. The CHC's Education and Outreach Committee will explore opportunities to connect with insurance and real estate agencies to address the myths regarding the requirement to replace with materials of like kind and quality. Clar;wgtoa Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 Committee members acknowledged the issue is difficult, and although the CHC empathizes with the homeowners, the designation of the property followed the appropriate process, noting the Committee worked closely with Mrs. Massardo to designate the home at that time. Committee members recognized the mandate of the Committee is to ensure cultural heritage value is conserved and must make a recommendation based on whether the property has cultural heritage value or interest, and should be protected, which is the case with this property. As the significant attributes of the property are intact, the Committee must maintain the position that the property has cultural heritage significance and the designation should be maintained. The consideration of insurance and property value matters are not identified as criteria for consideration of cultural heritage value or interest under the Ontario Heritage Act and are outside the scope of the CHC. Committee members noted Council may have the mandate to consider such external factors as part of its decision. The insurance matter is one that the Province should address as the regulator of the insurance industry. Committee members discussed the possibility for a two-part recommendation. Specifically, that the Committee recommends the designation by-law be retained as the heritage attributes on which the designation is based are intact. However, in the event the designation by-law is repealed, the property should remain on the Municipal Register as a non -designated property. V. Suppan appreciated the intent, however disagreed with the Municipal Register alternative to reduce the property to a non -designated property on the Register, given the property retains its cultural heritage value or interest as identified in the designation By-law. 21.28 Moved by K. Warren, seconded by R. Sproule "That the CHC has reviewed the designation By-law 97-17 for 4478 Highway 35/115 and finds it to be still valid, and therefore recommends to Council that the property should remain designated. However, the CHC also requests that in the event Council decides to approve the request to repeal the designation by-law for 4478 Highway 35/115, that the property remain on the Municipal Register as a non -designated property." "Carried" 6.3 156 Church Street, Bowmanville Re: Proposed Renovations Committee members generally appreciate the proposed renovations and indicated the glass and steel design complements and is not too intrusive to the heritage building. Members discussed the option to introduce an entryway lift, rather than a ramp, however recognized elevators are not always cost effective or feasible. Staff advised the Committee of the project timeline related to Federal grant funding, which requires construction to be completed by the end of 2021, with the tender being awarded over the summer. 21.29 Moved by V. Suppan, seconded by R. Sproule -5- Clar;wgtoa Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 "That the CHC recommends approval of the proposed alterations to the designated heritage property at 156 Church Street, Bowmanville, and considers the proposed alterations to be minor as they do not impact adversely upon the identified heritage attributes. "Carried" 6.4 2021 Heritage Incentive Grant Applications Staff provided an overview of the Heritage Incentive Grant Applications received for 2021. Specifically, the following two applications have been received: 2725 Concession Road 7 (Tyrone Blacksmith Shop): proposed replacement of shingles and rebuilding of chimney; and 67 Ontario Street: proposed repair/replacement of front stone porch. The Committee considered the proposed applications and made the following motions: 21.30 Moved by N. Gamble, seconded by D. Reesor "That the CHC recommends approval of the proposed alterations and Heritage Incentive Grant application for 2725 Concession Road 7 as a minor application, subject to (i) the replacement shingles are black and of a material similar to the existing shingles, and (ii) the chimney being replaced with like brick. "Carried" 21.31 Moved by V. Suppan, seconded by N. Gamble "That the CHC recommends approval of the proposed alterations and Heritage Incentive Grant application for 67 Ontario Street as a minor application, subject to (i) the repaired/replacement porch being a similar size as the existing porch, with handrails that are similar to what is there currently. "Carried" 6.5 The Fletcher Tree (standing agenda Item) There is no update on this item. 6.6 Update on Belmont House (302 Given Road) Staff received an update from the applicant has indicating they are still pursuing the restoration of the Belmont House. However, at this time the property owner is focusing attention on the adjacent subdivision. Committee members noted there is earth being moved in the vicinity of the artesian well, and that care should be taken to ensure the well and spring are not disturbed/damaged. 6.7 Update on 81 Scugog Street A second letter has been prepared and sent to the property owners identifying the requirement to maintain the heritage attributes of the dwelling, and requesting they contact either staff or the CHC to discuss the required repairs. A response has been requested by June 30'" Clarftwn 7 Correspondence and Council Referrals: None 8 Reports from other Committees Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes June 15, 2021 8.1 Bowmanville, Newcastle, and Orono CIPs — The CIP Liaison Groups met in May. A summary of the CIP meetings will be provided to the CHC. The proposed amendment to the COVID-19 Community Improvement Plan was approved by Council at its June 14th meeting. The amendment will come into effect upon the expiration of the 20-day appeal period. 8.2 Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), Clarington Branch — Virtual Doors Open Clarington is up and running. New sites will be added throughout the summer. 8.3 Newcastle Village District Historical Society (NVDHS) — No Report. 8.4 Museum —The Museum remains closed to the public. 8.5 Heritage Conservation District Advisory Committee — No Report. 8.6 Wilmot Creek Heritage Park — No Report. 9 Project Reports 9.1 Municipal Inventory/Register: The sub -committee did not complete evaluations this month for consideration by the full Committee. However, work is being prepared and will be brought forward to the CHC at a meeting in the fall. 9.2 Outreach/Education Sub -committee: Cultural Heritage Information Stations Initiative: The sub -committee met prior to the CHC meeting to discuss the direction for the project. The sub -committee has some homework to do before bringing the information back to the full Committee in the fall; including site visits to determine potential locations and formats for the information stations. -7- Clar;wgtoa 10 New Business Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes 10.1 4504 Highway 2, Newtonville Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment: June 15, 2021 A public meeting was held to hear input from the public and Council on June 7, 2021 or the proposed rezoning to allow for commercial uses on the property. Comments have been received relating to the fact that the property is within an area that has been identified in the Clarington Official Plan as a potential cultural heritage landscape. A recommendation for the zoning amendment application will likely go forward in the fall. In the meantime, Staff and Council recommended that the CHC be consulted on the proposed amendment. Staff will provide the CHC relevant information. CHC members are requested to undertake a site visit. This item will be added to the CHC's September agenda. 10.2 The Committee welcomed Heather Graham as the newly appointed Heritage Committee member. H. Graham expressed her thanks for the opportunity to join the Committee. Adjournment: 9:30 p.m. Next Meeting: September 21, 2021, 7:00 p.m.