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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-20 Clarington Heritage Committee Minutes If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2025 Time: 7:00pm In-Person: Municipal Administrative Centre, 40 Temperance St, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6, Room 1A Online: Via Microsoft Teams Members Present: Peter Vogel, Steve Conway, Victor Suppan, Ron Sproule, Laura Tiel-Convery (Museum), Sitara Welch, Heather Graham, Brian Jose (NVDHS), Ron Hooper, Jason Moore (ACO), Councillor Sami Elhajjeh Regrets: Olivia Mar, Brian Jose (NVDHS), Joseph Dalrymple Staff Present: Sarah Allin, Alicia da Silva – Planning & Infrastructure Services Jennifer Stycuk, Obaed Fizeeli – Community Services 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Call to Order P. Vogel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 3. Land Acknowledgement Statement P. Vogel led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Staff clarified there were technical issues in the upload of December’s Meeting Minutes for Committee members to access. December’s minutes will be brought forward for approval at February’s meeting. 5. Adoption of Agenda Moved by: P. Vogel Seconded by: Consensus. Page 2 That the agenda for the December 16, 2025 meeting be approved, with an amendment to have the Hancock Neighbourhood Protection delegation from L. Racansky present first. 26.01 Carried. 6. Delegations a. Hancock Neighbourhood Protection: Libby Racansky L. Racansky delivered a presentation on the natural heritage value of the Hancock Neighbourhood in Courtice. She outlined the area’s historical and ecological significance, noting that the large trees along Nash Road help reduce erosion and support the management needs of the nearby sewer and waste facility. She also highlighted that the neighbourhood is unique due to its underlying aquifer system. The Committee thanked L. Racansky for her presentation and the information provided. Committee members acknowledged the importance of the concerns and noted that the request was a bit broad for the Committee to act upon at this time. L. Racansky was encouraged to resubmit a more refined request in the future, identifying specific properties or features for consideration. b. Heritage Application Permit for CODEFS Facility (2656 Concession Road 4) The delegation attended to seek the Committee’s support for a Heritage Permit Application for the proposed Clarington Operations Depot and Emergency and Fire Services Training Facility at 2656 Concession Road 4. They revisited concerns raised at the September Heritage Committee meeting and explained how each had been addressed. Development will not occur in the southwest corner of the property near the Heritage House, with all construction concentrated on existing farmland. The Region of Durham’s planned roundabout at Liberty Street North and Concession Road 4 was also noted. Parking previously proposed near the Heritage House has been removed, and overall parking has been reduced while still meeting future needs. EV charging stations will be included. The delegation emphasized the project’s focus on protecting and adaptively reusing the Heritage House in time, ensuring it retains open space around it to preserve its prominence. J. Stycuk reported on ongoing preservation efforts. Environmental assessments identified moisture and abatement needs in the basement, and heritage specialists will be consulted to ensure all work meets heritage standards. Committee members stressed the importance of applying heritage-specific property requirements. A suggestion was made to consider incorporating the Page 3 historic village name “Salem” into the project name. The Committee expressed appreciation for the reduced parking and attention to environmental and heritage considerations. 7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes a. 3187 Middle Road Commemorative Plaque (S-C-2024-0008) The Committee reported that they had consulted with the Kemp family regarding the draft plaque wording presented at the December meeting, and the family confirmed they are satisfied with the draft. The Committee noted a concern with the plaque’s reference to the “present day,” as this phrasing would become outdated over time. Moved by: R. Sproule Seconded by: S. Welch That approval of the commemorative plaque wording proceeds conditionally, with the requirement that: - The phrase “through to present day” be modified to reflect the proper date; and - If any other changes are made, the draft wording be brought back to the CHC for consideration. 26.02 Carried. The Committee discussed updates on the Foster Creek Park Signage. Staff brought forward an update that the project team will be moving forward with the requested six signs, as outlined in Motion 25.73 from December’s CHC meeting. The subcommittee is to provide wording for the six signs. 8. New Committee Business a. Property evaluations for consideration: i. 816 Regional Road 17, Newcastle The Committee reviewed the historical, cultural, and contextual information regarding the property known as Docville. Their discussion emphasized the evolution of the house from its origins as a modest single‑storey structure to its later development into a two‑storey dwelling. Page 4 They also considered the significance of the historic barn and explored the property’s associations with early settlement patterns, connection to the primitive church, and its longstanding involvement in cultural tourism. In addition, the Committee noted the property’s considerable value, reflecting both its architectural presence and its prominent identity within the community. The Committee noted this importance is further reinforced by Docville’s long- standing role as a recognizable filming location for numerous film and television productions, including children’s programming and feature films. Moved by: V. Suppan Seconded by: R. Hooper That 816 Regional Road 17, Newcastle be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, with the Statement of Significance to include the following: - - The significance that the property has gained through film; - The primitive church; - The barn; - The interior and exterior of the house; - History that the home was once single-storey and was converted into a two- storey Georgian style residence; - Former name “Windy Acres” associated with the property; - Value of the property is important as a period piece. 26.03 Carried. Property owners attended the meeting and discussed they wanted to preserve Docville, wanting to conserve the movie set (including the listing of film productions, e.g. TVO) and the barn, and are aligned with the Committee's recommendation to proceed with designation Moved by: S. Conway Seconded by: R. Hooper That attendees sign in at all future CHC meetings, and that those whose participation extends beyond attending for informational purposes state the purpose of their attendance. Page 5 26.04 Carried. ii. 36 O’Dell Street, Bowmanville Staff informed the Committee that the property owner had communicated his opposition to designation, citing his home insurance provider would not insure a property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Staff noted that insurance for heritage properties is an unregulated industry and that coverage practices vary widely and change frequently. They explained that this is a broader issue affecting municipalities across Ontario, not only Clarington. Staff also advised that, in past situations, the Municipality has provided letters to insurance companies confirming that, in the event of a loss, it would not require the heritage resource to be rebuilt in kind. The Committee discussed the challenges surrounding insurance for heritage properties and the general unpredictability of the industry. The matter was referred back to Staff for further discussion with the property owner. The Committee also noted that the ARA report does not provide a construction date for the dwelling. Members discussed the potential significance of the stone at the front of the property engraved with the word “Kirkland” and requested further clarification regarding its historical relevance. iii. 7755 Old Scugog Road, Enniskillen The Committee clarified that the heritage interest is focused primarily on the McLaughlin Shed rather than the altered primary dwelling. Members expressed disagreement with the ARA report’s conclusion that the property lacks contextual significance, noting its relationship to the original McLaughlin house located across the road and its proximity to the nearby cemetery where Mary McLaughlin is buried. The Committee also noted the building’s historic functions, including its use for carriage making and blacksmithing, as contributing factors to its heritage value. Moved by: V. Suppan Seconded by: R. Sproule That the McLaughlin Shed at 7755 Old Scugog Road, Enniskillen be considered by Council for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, and further investigation occur to determine the heritage value of the residential dwelling on the property. 26.05 Carried. b. Heritage Application Permit for CODEFS Facility (2656 Concession Road 4) Page 6 Moved by: V. Suppan Seconded by: S. Conway To support the Heritage Permit Application for 2656 Concession Road 4 to facilitate the new CODEFS facility, as well as the removal of the parking around the heritage structure, subject to hoarding procedures adhering to the property standards requirements for heritage structures; and that the name “Salem” be integrated into the project. 26.06 Carried. The Committee discussed concerns related to social media criticism related to communication about previous delegations. The Committee discussed future agendas should indicate when significant community‑interest items will be discussed, and delegation procedures should be verbally outlined at the start of each meeting to avoid misunderstanding. 9. Correspondence and Council Referrals 10. Project Reports a. Subcommittee reports i. Municipal Inventory/Register - Mabel Bruce Way: Staff updated the Committee that they had contacted the project team, however no updated concept plans or maps were yet available for committee review. The Committee discussed potential scenarios to extend the Mabel Bruce Way naming into the new hospital development. - 1467 Prestonvale Road: The Committee requested information on the status of the stone home on the property. - The Committee discussed conducting a site visit of the Maple Grove United Church. A Committee member mentioned that there may be an opportunity to ask for a tour of the property on a Friday afternoon after prayer services take place. ii. Public Education and Outreach - Cultural Heritage Information Station Initiative: None. - Heritage Barn Project: None Page 7 11. Reports from Other Committees a. CLMA i. Galentine’s Evening: Thursday, February 12, 6-7:30pm. Adults, registered $20+tax. Grab your besties to create your own hand- painted pottery pieces and enjoy some delicious snacks. Presented with Crock-A-Doodle Bowmanville. ii. Low-Sensory Saturdays at the Museum. Saturdays, February 21, March 7th, 9:15-10am. Grades K-8 | Registered (free). Explore ClaringTOWN and the exhibit space in a welcoming atmosphere with dimmed lights, limited noise, and interactive activities. iii. Waverley Place Museum guided tour. Thursdays, February 26, March 26th, 6:30-7:30pm. Meet at the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre. b. ACO – Clarington Branch: None. c. NVDHS: None. d. Beech Avenue Heritage Conservation District: None. e. Foster Creek Heritage Park: As discussed earlier in the evening, six signs/plaques will be included in the park. f. Jury Lands Foundation: The Committee discussed the outcome of the January 19th Planning and Development Committee meeting, in which Council voted to save the Cafeteria building. 12. Standing Items a. 81 Scugog Street: No updates. b. Fletcher Tree: No updates. c. Parkland around Belmont House: The Committee asked Staff to provide a map of the extent of the designation; the address of the park and the features of the park to be brought forward at the next (or subsequent meeting). d. 71, 73, 75 King Street West: Work continually being done on the building that remains. Doing structural work on the wall, there is a new roof on the other building. Part of the furniture store is closed off. Hoarding remains on the vacant piece with some historical flare. e. Heritage Conservation Districts Projects Page 8 i. Newtonville: No updates. ii. Bowmanville: No updates. 13. Staff Updates a. Bill 23 Updates: Staff provided an update on the reports that have been brought forward to Council recommending the designation of properties listed on the Municipal Register. b. Adding Candidate properties to the municipal webpage: Staff are reviewing policies and determining a practical process to list the properties on the webpage, as they currently do not have status in the Clarington Official Plan. The Committee discussed how the subcommittee can continue to provide recommendations for designation Staff reports, and once Staff work through the 55 listed properties, reports can continue to be written and brought to Council. The Committee raised concerns about lack of a Tree-Protection By‑law applicable to heritage‑significant trees. Staff informed the Committee about an upcoming Evening Workshop Series hosted by The Brown Homestead in St. Catharines. The training was discussed to be relevant for members working on the Municipal Heritage Register and Inventory. Moved by: S. Conway Seconded by: V. Suppan To approve funding for a member of the Committee to attend the workshop, hosted by the Brown Homestead. 26.06 Carried. 14. Adjournment: 9:35 pm Next Meeting: February 17th at 7:00PM