Peter Wokral, Senior Planner, Heritage, addressed the Committee and summarized the details outlined in the staff memorandum.
There was discussion regarding the design of the new wrought iron fence proposed to be installed by the City. It was noted that the existing fence is identified as a contributing heritage attribute in the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District Plan. Committee members inquired as to the feasibility and relative cost of repairing and/or replicating the existing fence with materials of a design which are more in keeping with the existing heritage resource and historic character of the Thornhill Cemetery.
There were concerns that the new fence design would no longer match the historic fence installed along the frontage of the adjacent Ukrainian Catholic Church to the north. The Committee also expressed concerns that a heritage permit was not previously secured for this work by City staff and inquired as to how to better educate staff from other departments regarding the requirement to secure heritage review or heritage permits for public works in heritage conservation districts.
The Committee requested that staff report back before the next meeting to a sub-committee of Heritage Markham with more information on the relative cost and options for restoring the existing fence. The Committee also resolved that the sub-committee be delegated authority to review and comment on the heritage permit application on behalf of Heritage Markham.