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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPDS-067-25Staff Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: Planning and Development Committee Date of Meeting: December 8, 2025 Report Number: PDS-067-25 Authored By: Alicia da Silva, Planner I, Community Planning, Planning and Infrastructure Services Submitted By: Darryl Lyons, Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure Services Reviewed By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO By-law Number: Resolution Number: File Number: PDS-067-25 Report Subject: Intention to Pursue Heritage Designation of 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle Recommendations: 1.That Report PDS-067-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; 2.That the Clerk issue a Notice of Intention to Designate 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle as a cultural heritage resource as an individual designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act 3.That the Clerk prepare the necessary by-laws if no objection(s) are received within 30 days after the date of publication of the Notice of Intention or staff will report back to Council regarding objection(s); and 4.That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-067-25 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. PD-109-25 Municipality of Clarington Page 2 Report PDS-067-25 Report Overview Ontario Heritage Act. Ontario Heritage Act resources are appropriately conserved and continue to be an integral part of Clarington’s Ontario Heritage Act. 1. Background Introduction 1.1 Cultural heritage is important to reflect the history, traditions, and values of a community. It also contributes to a sense of place that fosters a community's identit y and cohesion. 1.2 Council holds the responsibility to designate a property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) when it concludes that the property meets the criteria outlined in Ontario Regulation 9/06 (O.Reg. 9/06), indicating cultural heritage value or interest. A property is required to meet two or more criteria outlined in O.Reg. 9/06 to be designated. Bill 23 and the Municipal Register 1.3 The OHA was amended by the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23), which came into effect on November 28, 2022. Bill 23 amended the OHA in that a non-designated property on the Municipal Register be removed from the Register after two years if no Notice of Intention to Designate has been issued. 1.4 Clarington has 55 listed properties on the Municipal Register that must be evaluated and a Notice of Intention to Designate the property (if warranted) given prior to January 1, 2027 or they will be automatically removed from the list. 1.5 Evaluation of the listed properties is underway in accordance with the criteria under the OHA. PDS-035-25 recommended designation of five properties under the Part IV of the OHA, with designation by-laws being passed by Council in November 2025. The Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC) is actively reviewing the remaining listed properties and will provide recommendations to Council to ensure all properties are assessed before the legislated deadline. Council provided budget for the completion of the evaluations in 2023. Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report PDS-067-25 Property proposed to be designated 1.6 The Clarington Heritage Committee (CHC) conducted a preliminary evaluation of 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle, which is listed on the Municipal Register. See Figures 1 and 2 below. Figure 1: Streetview of 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle 1.7 Using this information as a starting point, Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) conducted an evaluation and completed a Cultural Heritage Evaluation report for the subject property. The report concluded that the subject property contained significant heritage attributes, indicating it meets the designation criteria outlined in O.Reg 9/06 and recommended the property be designated. The CHC and ARA collectively recommend designation of the subject property. 1.8 The Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features for the property can be found in Attachment 1 of this report. Municipality of Clarington Page 4 Report PDS-067-25 Figure 2: Location of 4-10 King Avenue East in Newcastle 2. Protecting Cultural Heritage Resources 2.1 The conservation of significant natural, cultural, and archaeologica l resources is a matter of provincial interest identified in the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024, which is reinforced by the OHA. 2.2 The PPS includes policies that promote the protection of heritage properties. According to Section 4.6, protected heritage properties can contain both built heritage resources or cultural heritage landscapes and shall be conserved. Planning authorities are encouraged to develop and implement proactive strategies for conserving significant built heritage resources and cultural heritage landscapes. Designation provides a mechanism to achieve the necessary protection. 3. Legislation Ontario Heritage Act 3.1 The OHA empowers a municipality to pass a by-law to designate properties that it considered to be of cultural heritage significance, in consultation with its Heritage Committee. The CHC supports the designation of the subject property. Municipality of Clarington Page 5 Report PDS-067-25 3.2 The OHA outlines the process to designate a property. Now that the CHC has recommended the designation to Council, the next step in the designation process (should Council support the designation) is publishing the Notice of Intention to Designate in the locally circulated newspaper and the municipal website. A summary description of the heritage designation process is found in Attachment 2 of this report. 3.3 Once a property is designated by by-law under Part IV of the OHA, the property owner is required to obtain consent for any proposed significant alterations to the building’s heritage features that are listed in the designation by-law, or for demolition of all or part of the structure, or its significant attributes. Envision Durham: Region of Durham Official Plan 3.4 Envision Durham, the Region of Durham Official Plan, outlines objectives for complete communities, which includes promoting the conservation, protection and enhancement of built and cultural heritage resources and landscapes. This section encourages municipalities to utilize the OHA to conserve, protect and enhance the built and cultural heritage resources of the municipality. 3.5 Envision Durham prioritizes the recognition, conservation, and enhancement of cultural heritage such as downtowns, historical areas, scenic lookout areas, archaeological sites or natural elements that are valued together for their interrelationship, meaning or association with the community. Clarington Official Plan 3.6 Promoting cultural heritage conservation is identified as a goal to foster civic pride and a sense of place, strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of life for Clarington residents. Section 8 of the Clarington Official Plan, 2018 directs the designation of cultural heritage resources under Part IV of the OHA, with assistance from the CHC, in support of achieving the Municipality’s cultural heritage objectives. 4. Communications 4.1 Prior to completing the Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report for the listed property, a letter was sent to the property owner of the subject property inviting them to a heritage information session. They were also notified that the municipality was starting the heritage evaluation process for their property. 4.2 Staff communicated with the subject property owner sharing that Cultural Heritage Evaluation Reports had been completed on their property and provided a copy of the report. They were also invited to attend the CHC meeting wh en the report was being discussed. They were informed of the Committee’s recommendations. Municipality of Clarington Page 6 Report PDS-067-25 5. 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle 5.1 4-10 King Avenue East is located in the commercial core of the Village of Newcastle, at the historic four-corners. As outlined in the Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report, it is a two-storey Italianate building constructed in circa 1859. The property is a representative example of a building constructed in the Italianate architectural style, specifically the commercial Italianate form. The property is also important in defining, supporting, and maintaining the four corners of the commercial core within the historic Village of Newcastle. The development of the commercial core in the mid-to-late 19th century played a significant role in the social and economic development and growth of the community of Newcastle, which resulted in its incorporation as a village in 1856 5.2 The Cultural Heritage Evaluation Report indicates the property meets the designation criteria (see above description) and recommends the property be designated. The report was circulated to the CHC and the property owner and was reviewed by Staff. 5.3 The CHC passed Motion 25.59 in October of this year, to recommend to Council the designation of 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle under Part IV of the OHA. Staff notified the property owner of the Committee recommendation, and the property owner has not objected to designation. 5.4 See Attachment 1 for a detailed Statement of Significance and List of Character- Defining Features. 6. Financial Considerations 6.1 Potential future financial consideration may be to hire e xternal heritage consultants to provide evidence at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in support of designation if an appeal is made. External legal services may also be required in the event of any appeals to the OLT. 7. Strategic Plan 7.1 The Clarington Strategic Plan 2024-27 outlines the objectives to cultivate a strong, thriving, and connected community where everyone is welcome. Designation of the subject properties contributes to achieving one of the priorities (Connect 4.1) that promotes and supports local arts, culture, and heritage sectors. 8. Climate Change Not Applicable. Municipality of Clarington Page 7 Report PDS-067-25 9. Conclusion 9.1 The Clarington Heritage Committee and Staff are in support of the designation of 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle under Part IV of the OHA. 9.2 Should no objections be received by the Municipal Clerk within 30 days of publishing the Notice of Intention to designate, the proposed by-law designating the property will be forwarded to Council for approval. Alternatively, if an objection(s) is received, Staff will provide a report to Council. 9.3 Upon designation, the owner of the property will be presented with a bronze plaque signifying the significance of the property to the community and the Municipality as a whole. 9.4 It is respectfully recommended that the Recommendations be adopted as presented . Staff Contact: Alicia da Silva, Planner I, adasilva@clarington.net, 905-623-3379 ext. 2340 and Lisa Backus, Manager of Community Planning, lbackus@clarington.net , 905-623-3379.. Attachments: Attachment 1 to PDS-067-25 Statement of Significance Attachment 2 to PDS-067-25 Heritage Designation Process Interested Parties: List of Interested Parties available from Department. 1 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle Statement of Significance and List of Character-Defining Features Description 4-10 King Avenue East is located in the commercial core of the historic Village of Newcastle, at the historic four-corners. It consists of a two-storey Italianate building constructed in circa 1859. Physical/Design Value 4-10 King Avenue East is a representative example of a building constructed in the Italianate architectural style, specifically the commercial Italianate form. The two -storey red brick building is composed of two distinct sections divided by a fire wall which create a rectangular plan fronting towards King Avenue East. The heavily ornamented side gable roof and one-storey rear wing located on Mill Street carry through the Italianate aesthetic and emphasize the buildings’ location on the corner. The building has predominantly segmentally arched window openings with brick voussoirs and tin clad sills which is typical of Italianate architecture. The building showcases eave returns and an ornate bracketed cornice along façade and west elevation composed of indiv idual projecting brackets of varying sizes and molded frieze board which are key characteristic associated with Italianate design. The building has a balanced façade, with each section showcasing balanced composition and rhythmic elements. The west portion of the building, known as 4 King Avenue East, include a three bay façade with two entryway openings topped with rectangular transoms, whereas the east sections centrally placed entrance includes decorative transom and sidelights flanked by one- storey canted bay windows. The bay windows are topped by truncated hip roofs with bracketed cornices and include decorative brickwork features which are representative of the Italianate architectural style. Contextual Value 4-10 King Avenue East is important in defining, supporting, and maintaining the four corners of the commercial core within the historic village of Newcastle. The development of the commercial core in the mid -to-late 19th century played a significant role in the social and economic development and growth of the community of Newcastle, which resulted in its incorporation as a village in 1856. The lots lines, layout, and built form of the historic core is consistent with typical 19th century commercial streetscape found throughout Ontario. The King Avenue streetscape is comprised of predominantly one- to two-storey commercial and institutional buildings of primarily brick construction with narrow, uniformed setbacks along the street. Furthermore, the stylistic similarities between several properties, including red brick construction, ornamented Attachment 1 To Report PDS-067-25 ATTACHMENT 1 TO PDS-067-25 2 rooflines, decorative brickwork and balanced façades with formal entrances, strengthens their contribution to the historic character of the commercial area. 4 -10 King Avenue East helps support the historic core through its setback, massing, and decorative details which is consistent with the surrounding area. Due to its prominent location at the north-east corner of King Avenue East and Mill Street, 4-10 King Avenue East importance at the historic four corners is reinforced by the detailed ornamentation on both the façade and west elevation. The four corners anchor the commercial core in the historic village of Newcastle and defines the east and west side of King Avenue . Description of Heritage Attributes 4- 10 King Avenue East is a representative example of a building constructed in the Italianate architectural style, specifically the commercial Italianate form. The property contains the following heritage attributes that reflects this value: 4 King Avenue East o Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate commercial architectural style o Red brick construction o Balanced three-bay façade o One-storey rear wing with gable roof and segmentally arched window with brick voussoirs o Side gable roof with return eaves o Decorative bracketed cornice with molded frieze board along façade roofline and side gable roof o Segmentally arched window openings with tin clad sills o Two entryway openings topped with segmentally arched transoms 10 King Avenue East o Symmetrical three-bay façade o Decorative bracketed cornice with molded frieze board along façade roofline o Segmentally arched window openings with tin clad sills o Centrally placed formal entrance opening with transom and sidelights o Canted bay windows with truncated hip roofs, bracketed cornices, and decorative brickwork 4-10 King Avenue East is important in defining, supporting, and maintaining the four corners of the commercial core within the historic village of Newcastle. The property contains the following heritage attributes that reflect this value: o Two-storey building constructed in the Italianate commercial architectural style o One-storey attached wing located along Mill Street o Red brick construction o Location at intersection of King Avenue and Mill Street ATTACHMENT 1 TO PDS-067-25 3 o Overall massing, setback, and decorative details The following heritage attributes were provided by the Clarington Heritage Committee at their meeting on October 21st, 2025: o The building at 4-10 King Avenue East, Newcastle was Newcastle Village’s post office from 1880-1923; and o 4-10 King Avenue East, along with the two addresses 57 Mill Street South, and 15 King Avenue West, were part of the Newcastle Village four corners, as discussed in the Feb 22, 2010 Staff report (PSD-031-10). Designation Proposed Council consults with the Heritage Committee Council Decision: Proceed with Designation? Notice of Intention to Designate: Designation by-law passed Notice of Designation: •Served on property owner •Served on the Ontario Heritage Trust •Right to objection •Published in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act •Served on property owner •Served on the Ontario Heritage Trust •Served any person who objected •Right to appeal •Published in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act NO YES If NO objection within 30 days NO IF Property not designated If objection within 30 days Council to Reconsider Designation of Property Notice of Withdrawal Appeal to Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) within 30 days after publishing the Notice of Designation OLT Hearing and Decision Designation Process by Municipal By-Law Council Decision: Designate property YES If NO appeal the Designation By-Law comes into effect Attachment 2 to Report PDS-067-25