Regan Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning presented the staff memorandum on the Application for Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendments for 7750 Bayview Avenue (McCullough Estate/Shouldice Hospital). Staff are recommending the heritage designation and retention of the key cultural heritage resources on the property. There is some disagreement between staff and the Applicant in regards to which resources should be designated, specifically in regards to the stone pillar gate, Curvilinear Driveway, and the Gardener’s Cottage.
Mark Noskiewicz, Goodmans LLP., representing Liberty Developments advised that there are no proposed alterations to the Gardeners Cottage or stone gate and pillar features at this time. The curvilinear driveway will be impacted by the Council supported initiative to extend Royal Orchard, as it will become part of the public road. However, it may be possible that the portion of the driveway that extends to the house be included in the designation. The Applicant is open to discussing the heritage designation of the stone gate and pillars, but does not think that the Gardener’s Cottage warrants a heritage designation.
Committee provided the following feedback on the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments for 7750 Bayview Avenue (McCullough Estate/Shouldice Hospital):
- Suggested there be a more sensitive transition between the northwest tower and the heritage resources;
- Noted that the Heritage Assessment was very well done, but did not think it appropriately addressed the preservation of the western view;
- Expressed concern that the western view would be altered;
- Suggested re-configuring the location of the buildings to improve the western view;
- Supported the preservation of the Gardener’s Cottage, and suggested that it be relocated to a location where people would better understand its purpose;
- Supported staffs recommendation to include the curvilinear driveway, the stone gates and pillars, and the Gardener’s Cottage;
- Recommended that the heritage easement be on the entire property and that the Pomona Valley lands also be protected as culture heritage resources;
- Noted that the archeological findings included in the December Agenda package did not support any historical human habitat on this site;
- Inquired if there would be a wind study conducted for this development.
David Nesbitt requested to see the Archeological Assessment. Regan Hutcheson advised that this document is not typically shared with the public, but that he will look into whether it can be shared.
Marco Filice, Senor Vice President, Liberty Developments thanked the Committee for its feedback and advised they would take their comments back for consideration.
Regan Hutcheson responded to inquiries from the Committee. The Pomona Valley Lands will be protected by the Toronto Region and Conservation Area (TRCA), therefore, do not necessarily need to be protected as a heritage cultural resource. Moreover, Staffs’ recommendation to animate the base means to design it so that there is a gradual and interactive transition between the buildings, the garden and heritage features, and its recommendation to reduce the height of the buildings does not specify by how much. Furthermore, staff are not requesting that the configuration of the buildings be changed. However, staff are recommending that that the Gardener’s Cottage be designated as a heritage culture resource so that it can be protected and moved in the future if required. Similarly, the City’s Urban Design Staff will request a wind study if required. Lastly, the Applicant will provide a more detailed drawings when the Site Plan Application is submitted, but the resolution has been created to communicate the City’s future expectation in regards to the preservation of the heritage features on the site.