HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MEETING

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

 

 

 

Members

 

Regrets

Councillor Valerie Burke

Susan Casella

Ted Chisholm

Judith Dawson

Deirdre Kavanagh

Richard Morales

Barry Nelson, Chair

James Makaruk

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Sylvia Morris

Denise Sabatini-Fuina

Councillor Joe Virgilio

Ronald Waine

 

 

Staff

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

Barry Nelson, Chair, convened the meeting at 7:25 p.m. by asking for any declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda. Councillor Joe Virgilio declared a conflict of interest in regard to Agenda Item # 21, for 23 Washington Street, as he had represented the purchaser at the time the property was bought, and he did not participate in debate or vote on the matter.

 

 

1.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

 

            A)        Addendum Agenda

            B)        New Business from Committee Members

                       

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda be approved.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES
            SEVENTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
            JULY 8, 2009 (16.11)

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on July 8, 2009 be received and adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         PROPOSED NEW HOUSE AND GARAGE CONVERSION

            FILE # SC 08 108793

            26 ALBERT STREET

            MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

The Senior Heritage Planner presented revised drawings, and advised that this proposal has been before the Committee previously. The existing house is being slightly relocated and converted to a garage, and a new dwelling will be built beside it, connected by a breezeway. The Architectural Review Sub-Committee has examined the proposal and made several recommendations. Staff request that, if supported, final approval be referred to staff.

 

Russ Gregory, representing the applicant, stated that they have worked with the Sub-committee and staff, and will continue to do so for design details. A new plan, incorporating many of the Sub-committee’s recommendations, was presented at the meeting.

 

The Committee preferred a porch at the rear instead of a deck, and encouraged enhanced landscaping to screen the view from Albert Street, and did not support the architectural band under the windows. Discussions included the overhang details on the breezeway and the two chimneys. Mr. Gregory indicated agreement with the recommendations discussed.

 

The Committee endorsed referring the final details to staff for approval.                         

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT although Heritage Markham would prefer the heritage house at 26 Albert Street remain as a dwelling, in accordance with Council’s direction, the conversion of the house to a garage on this property, serving a new house, can be supported subject to:

 

Heritage House:

  • The owner entering into a Heritage Easement Agreement with the Town;
  • Submission of a detailed restoration plan that would include the preservation of the building as an intact structure (not dismantled or replicated) retaining its original roof structure, second floor loft and floor, structural frame, board and batten cladding, wood windows, and exterior trim around doors and windows.  The restoration plan is also to show the replacement of the front door with a wood door appropriate to the period of the house, false chimneys, and wood, 6 over 6 sash style windows;
  • Heritage staff review of building components prior to any exterior features being removed or replaced (windows, trim, siding, etc.) to ensure as much original material is preserved as possible;
  • The heritage house should be moved forward on the lot, to be more in keeping with its original siting, but does not have to be exactly as close to Edward Street as the existing condition, acknowledging safety concerns with the intersection;
  • Garage doors not to exceed 7 feet in height;
  • If necessary, a raised foundation can be supported, faced with fieldstone, to permit an adequate ground floor ceiling height for the garage if needed, not to exceed 16 inches above grade;

 

New House:

  • A wider separation between the new house and the heritage house is recommended;
  • The complete detachment of the house from the garage is preferred; but an open, light, roofed breezeway with a low-pitched roof that will not intersect with the heritage house roofline is supported;
  • The front porch should not wrap around the east corner, as it crowds the heritage house.  A full-width porch is preferred, but if it wraps around the west side, that would be acceptable;
  • A lower roof slope is recommended to tie in with the design of the heritage house, and higher knee walls above the porch, for a more traditional profile;
  • Dormer windows to have single, not double windows, framed with more wall surface;
  • There should be no false windows.  Replace gable window with a vent, or have nothing there;
  • New house to have different cladding that the heritage house;

 

And that final design details be referred to staff for approval.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

4.         SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION

            FILE # SC 06 122153

WINDOW REPLACEMENT

161 MAIN STREET NORTH

MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

            Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

            G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

           

The Senior Heritage Planner explained that the conversion to office use and the substantial addition had been previously approved by Heritage Markham. The owner had not realized that window replacements in the Heritage building was included in the project, and therefore did not replace them. The owner is now proposing a compromise solution.

 

Ron Menare, owner, explained his confusion regarding “casement windows” and stated that he has no objection to replacing them, as per Heritage requirements, however, he has a concern for the waste of the materials that will be removed. Mr. Menare confirmed that he had received a copy of staff’s recommendation.

 

The Committee suggested that Habitat for Humanity would be able to recycle the vinyl windows. Discussions included the life span of the existing windows, and the timeframe and extent of the window replacement. Although the Committee appreciated Mr. Menare’s cooperation, it was agreed that a timeframe should be specified for the benefit of any future owners. 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that as a compromise solution to the owner’s misunderstanding regarding the site plan agreement requirement to replace all inappropriate windows on the original heritage building, at this time, the owner replace the following windows with wood windows in a 1/1 pane division with the appropriate window pane ratio:

  • The second storey window above the front veranda on the front elevation (50/50 pane ratio);
  • The six windows in the two storey bay window at the corner of the front elevation and north elevation (50/50 pane ratio for upper windows and 40/60 pane ratio for lower windows);

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham would support the option offered by the owner of 161 Main Street to gradually, within a five-year timeframe, replace the remaining existing vinyl windows in the heritage portion of the house with wood, 1/1, single-hung windows in the correct pane size ratio as per the Site Plan Agreement and historic photographs, as the vinyl windows approach the end of their economic life.

 

CARRIED

5.         HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATIONS

            233 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE HE 09 120392

            10 PAVILION STREET, UNIONVILLE HE 09 120628

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the staff memorandum regarding the Heritage Permit applications for 233 Main Street and 10 Pavilion Street, Unionville, as information.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION 09 120178 DP

            DEMOLITION OF FIRE-DAMAGED HOUSE

            179 JOHN STREET

            THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

            G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

           

The Committee briefly discussed the recent fire that had occurred at the house.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the staff memorandum concerning the demolition permit application for 179 John Street, Thornhill, as information.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION

            REVISED LANDSCAPE PLAN

            STIVER HOUSE

            206 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE

            UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the revised landscape plan for the historic Stiver House at 206 Main Street, Unionville and delegates final approval to staff.

 

CARRIED

 

8.         MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/78/09

            UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF EASTERN CANADA

            15 CHURCH LANE

            THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        R. Cefaratti, Committee of Adjustment

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the approval of Minor Variance B/78/09 for 15 Church Lane.

 

CARRIED

 

 

9.         PROPOSED ADDITION TO EXISTING HERITAGE GARAGE

            27 JOHN ST.

            THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

           

The Heritage Planner reviewed the proposal, previous Heritage Markham discussions, and the recommendations of the Architectural Review Sub-Committee.

 

The Committee appreciated that the building is being repaired rather than demolished. It was suggested that a boulevard tree be planted, as per the archival photograph, to replace the one tree being removed.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the extension of the existing garage roof forward to the north by the length of one vehicle to make a carport provided that the roof has the same hipped profile and height of the existing garage roof and that it is not attached to the house;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the removal of the one medium sized Norway Maple tree to make way for the carport roof provided that the other trees along the driveway are retained;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends the retention of the large sized Norway Maple Tree adjacent to the wall of the north west corner of the garage provided it does not cause structural damage to the existing garage or a certified arborist report indicates that it should be removed due to health concerns or the potential to cause future structural damage to the existing garage or house;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham does not support enclosing the existing front veranda in glass;

 

AND THAT the Town be requested to plant a boulevard tree to replace the tree being removed;

 

AND THAT any future application or permit to restore the garage and construct the carport be delegated to Heritage Section Staff for final approval.

 

CARRIED

 

 

10.       MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/80/09

            8993 WOODBINE AVENUE

            BUTTONVILLE HERITAGE DISTRICT STUDY AREA

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        R. Cefaratti, Committee of Adjustment

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the reduced side yard setback at 8993 Woodbine Avenue.

 

CARRIED

 

 

11.       MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/73/09

            17 VICTORIA AVENUE

            UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        R. Cefaratti, Committee of Adjustment

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the requested variances for a proposed dwelling at 17 Victoria Ave. to permit:

 

  1. A front yard setback of 4.1m,
  2. A maximum lot coverage of 36%
  3. Openings below 174.8m Canadian Geodetic Datum provided

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the applicant submit a landscape plan to the satisfaction of the Urban Design Department (as part of the Site Plan Approval Process) that mitigates the perceived size and massing of the west elevation of the proposed house.

 

CARRIED

 

12.       MINUTES OF THE JULY 22, AND JULY 29, 2009
DOORS OPEN PLANNING COMMITTEE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

Deirdre Kavanagh asked for committee volunteers for the event day.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            Receive as information.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

13.       OMB DECISION, OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS
161 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            Receive as information.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

 

14.       CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the following correspondence be received:

 

1)                  Ontario Ministry of Culture: Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

2)                  Toronto Star: 10 of the 905’s best street to live on (Main Street Unionville is included).

3)                  Main Street Markham/Unionville, June 2009: Article on Markham Heritage Estates.

4)                  Heritage Canada Foundation: Conference in Toronto, September 24 – 26, 2009.

 

CARRIED

 

15.       SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION SC 09 120986

17 VICTORIA AVENUE, UNIONVILLE

UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

           

The Heritage Planner advised that a Minor Variance relating to this application had been dealt with earlier in the agenda. The applicant is now presenting revised elevations, supported by the Architectural Review Sub-Committee. Staff have a concern regarding massing, and are requesting a streetscape elevation.

 

Russ Gregory, representing the applicant, advised that due to the lateness of the season, the Minor Variance had preceded the Heritage Markham commenting process.

 

Staff noted that when this application had been before Heritage Markham last year, the committee had indicated that it would not have an objection to a demolition application, and the applicant has now submitted one.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the recommendation of the Architectural Review Sub-Committee made on July 22, 2009;

 

AND THAT the owner submit a street elevation showing the adjacent houses taking into account the grading of the street to illustrate the scale of the proposed house in comparison with the neighbouring dwellings;

 

AND THAT the owner enter into site plan agreement with the Town containing the usual provisions regarding materials, colours, windows, etc.;

 

AND THAT final approval of the site plan be delegated to Heritage Section Staff provided the design is not substantially altered from what was reviewed by Heritage Markham.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

11248 KENNEDY ROAD, THE MELVILE CHURCH

INSTALLATION OF ALLUMINUM SOFFITS

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

           

The Heritage Planner reviewed the severance and renovation work at this property, and the Heritage Easement Agreements that had been established. Due to recent weather damage, the new owners had replaced the soffits without approval.

 

Reverend Benjamin Li, representing the Melville Church, and Doris Cheng, Architect, explained to the Committee that they had not understood the easements and the Heritage requirements, and that the church cannot afford more expenses as their renovation budget has already risen from $200,000 to $400,000. In addition, the adjacent property owners had recently installed a fence within approximately 6 feet of the building, making the side yard difficult to access. They requested that only the front (facing the road) be changed, and that an extended timeframe be permitted, to allow them time to deal with the costs.

 

The Committee stated that the original soffits are a valuable feature and should be restored. It was suggested that the work could be accomplished in the restricted space, and that a lenient timeframe could be supported.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the unauthorized installation of aluminium soffits on the Melville Church at 11248 Kennedy Road or any future application to authorize the installation of aluminium soffits at 11248 Kennedy Road, as the original wooden soffits and rafter ends are listed a significant architectural features that are to be conserved in the Reasons for Designation and Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends the removal of the unauthorized aluminium soffits at 11248 Kennedy Road.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

4 DAVID GOHN CIRCLE, MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES

REPLACE FRONT PORCH

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

           

The Heritage Planner presented this application, advising that staff prefer the optional elevation “B”, and recommending that grading be revised to eliminate the need for a railing along the veranda, as well as additional detail refinements. Staff requested that final approval be delegated to staff, in the interest of time constraints.

 

The Committee requested the porch depth be reduced from seven feet to a more authentic six feet, and indicated overall satisfaction with the proposal.

 

Russ Gregory, representing the applicant, was in agreement with the revisions and recommendations.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham prefers the proposed height of the roof as shown in elevation “B” but recommends that the designer provide enhanced details of the posts, and decorative brackets as well as a roof section illustrating the construction of the proposed veranda at 4 David Gohn Circle;

 

AND THAT the owner submit a revised grading plan to the Town to modify the proposed grading around the veranda to eliminate the proposed railing which is neither stylistically or historically appropriate to the John Galloway House;

 

AND THAT the front porch depth be limited to 6 feet;

 

AND THAT final approval of the design details be delegated to staff.

 

CARRIED

 

 

18.       INFORMATION

REMOVAL OF HISTORIC WOOD FENCE

132 MAIN STREET

UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

The Senior Heritage Planner introduced this item, explaining that the owners were unaware that the preservation and restoration of the historic fence is registered on title, and recently removed the fence as a result of recurring vandalism. The owners are willing to replace it.

 

The Committee acknowledged that the fence is a significant feature, and discussed whether there would be any benefit to laying charges. Staff explained the process of laying a charge under the Ontario Heritage Act.

 

The Committee also discussed whether the decorative balls on the fence posts could be eliminated in order to reduce vandalism. Archival photographs do not show the balls on the fence, however, the adjoining fence does have this feature, and they should be consistent.

 

A motion to exclude laying charges was lost.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham requests the owner to apply for a Heritage Permit as soon as possible for the restoration of the decorative wood fence in front of 132 Main Street, Unionville, and reconstruct the fence this fall;

 

AND THAT in the event that a Heritage Permit with the required design specifications for the fence reconstruction has not been submitted, and work on the reconstruction is not substantially completed by the end of October, the Town lay a charge under the Ontario Heritage Act for the unauthorized removal of this significant heritage feature of Main Street, Unionville.

 

CARRIED

 

 

19.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

            HERITAGE VALUE AND OPTIONS

PATRICK COONEY HOUSE

6418 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE EAST

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        D. Pearce, Manager of Real Property

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Architectural Review Sub-Committee carry out a site visit to further assess the heritage value of the house at 6418 Major Mackenzie Drive East, and report back to Heritage Markham in September, with a recommendation for the future of the building to be forwarded to the Manager of Real Property.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

20.       AWARDS

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE SUB-COMMITTEE 2009

HERITAGE MARKHAM

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Heritage Markham Awards of Excellence meet to discuss the 2009 program and report back to the September meeting with a proposal.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

21.       SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION – PRE-CONSULTATION

            TRIPLEX CONVERSION

            23 WASHINGTON STREET

            MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

           

Councillor Joe Virgilio declared a conflict of interest in regard to Agenda Item # 21, for 23 Washington Street, as he had represented the purchaser at the time the property was bought, and he did not participate in debate or vote on the matter.

 

The Senior Heritage Planner advised that a Heritage Permit had previously been approved by the Committee. Now the owner requires approval for the five parking spaces required for the triplex. Staff considered that the proposal will have minimal impact on the Heritage building, and suggested that final approval be delegated to staff.

 

The Committee requested the owner consider using a permeable material for the parking area, as the area is prone to flooding.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham delegate approval authority to staff for the upcoming Site Plan Control application for 23 Washington Street due to the minimal impact of the proposal on the building;

 

AND THAT the owner be requested to consider using a permeable material in the parking area.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

22.       SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION – PRE-CONSULTATION

            ST. DIMITIRJA CHURCH PORCH ENCLOSURE

201 MAIN STREET NORTH

MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts:           G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

 

The Senior Heritage Planner explained that the owners are proposing to enclose the front porch area and add an elevator structure at the rear. Staff have consulted with the architect, and have no concerns, and are encouraged by recent improvements to the building.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham delegate approval authority to staff for the upcoming Site Plan Control application for 201 Main Street North due to the minimal impact on the streetscape.

 

CARRIED

 

 

23.          NEW BUSINESS

 

APPRECIATION

 

The Chair acknowledged with appreciation, the wealth of knowledge and support that Susan Casella contributes to Heritage Markham, as well as the baked goods that Susan regularly brings to the meetings.

 

The Chair also acknowledged with appreciation, Marion Matthias’ continued attendance and support of Heritage Markham.

 

DOORS OPEN

 

Susan Casella requested that anyone who is interested in helping at the upcoming Doors Open event, to contact her.

 

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.