HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MEETING

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Members	Regrets
Councillor Valerie Burke Susan Casella	Denise Sabatini-Fuina Councillor Joe Virgilio
Ted Chisholm Judith Dawson
Deirdre Kavanagh James Makaruk Richard Morales Councillor Carolina Moretti Sylvia Morris
Barry Nelson, Chair Ronald Waine

Staff

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

Barry Nelson, Chair, convened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. by asking for any declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda. There were none declared.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

A) Addendum Agenda

B) New Business from Committee Members

- Councillor Burke, Plaque for 147 Main Street

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda be approved.

CARRIED

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
FIFTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
MAY 13, 2009 (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on May 13, 2009 be received and adopted.

CARRIED

3. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Richard Moralas and James Makaruk were nominated for the position of Vice-Chair, and both agreed to stand. A vote was taken.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That James Makaruk is the Vice Chair of Heritage Markham effective June 10, 2009.

CARRIED

4. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 09 116 428
60 ROUGE STREET
PROPOSED NEW HOUSE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Project Planner

The Senior Heritage Planner reviewed the development proposal for this property, reminding the Committee of previous and current severance applications. The current application to create one new lot has been approved by the Committee of Adjustment and appealed to the OMB by a neighbour. The matter before the Committee today is a site plan application for one dwelling on the entire property, which is permitted under the existing status of the property.

Staff advised that the Architectural Review Sub-Committee is generally supportive, and requests that comments from the local residents be taken into consideration. Specific details would be delegated to staff.

Edgar DeSousa, 58 Rouge Street, adjacent property owner, spoke against the precedent that would be set, and recommended that the dwelling be compatible in size, height and setback with other adjacent residences, and that all mature trees along the frontage be preserved. He provided a written copy of his comments.

The Chair clarified to the public that this Committee only makes a recommendation to Town Council, and that final approval is up to Council, or if delegated, the Director of Planning and Urban Design.

Russ Gregory, representing the owner, stated that the applicant and staff have been working on this development for several months, originally as a three-lot severance. They have met with the residents and the plans have been amended. Mr. Gregory advised that staff, the Architectural Review Sub-Committee, and most of the neighbours support the design. Mr. Gregory reported that the proposed dwelling is 3450 sq ft plus garage for a total of 4100 sq ft. He agreed to further changes to the windows on the east side of the building, to protect privacy. With respect to the set-back, an adjustment would create a deficiency in the rear yard, requiring a Minor Variance. It was suggested that a smaller dwelling would result in achieving the rear yard setback.

Martin Buckingham, 4 Dryden Court, a member of the Vinegar Hill Ratepayers Association, stated that they oppose the setback and the size of the house, and they prefer the two lots to run north and south, consistent with the surrounding properties.

The Committee discussed the new homes built in the area over the years by the applicant. Staff confirmed that they are recommending the trees be retained or transplanted. The Committee considered several setback options, and several motions were made that failed.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham is generally supportive of the design of the proposed new house at 60 Rouge Street, but strongly recommends that the applicant take the comments of the local residents into consideration, particularly with respect to preserving as many trees as possible on the property;

THAT the front yard setback be increased by five feet (to 30 feet);

THAT final approval of specific details be delegated to staff;

AND THAT the Site Plan Agreement contain the usual heritage conditions regarding colours, materials, etc.

CARRIED

5. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC09 116352 A/52/09
30 UNION STREET
PROPOSED NEW HOUSE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
R. Cefaratti, Committee of Adjustment

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports the revised Minor Variance Application A/52/09 subject to the reduction in the requested maximum building height and floor area for the garage proposed by the applicants;

THAT Heritage Markham generally supports the design for the new house and garage on the understanding that specific details reflecting Arts and Crafts Movement design features and roofline remain to be refined;

THAT final approval of specific details be delegated to staff;

AND THAT the Site Plan Agreement contain the usual heritage conditions regarding colours, materials, etc.

CARRIED

6. ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
FILE NO. ZA 07 118026
8303 AND 8293 WARDEN AVENUE
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ARYEH CONSTRUCTION (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

S. Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports the recommendations of the Heritage Impact Assessment prepared by Wayne Morgan, Heritage Planner, dated March 2008, concerning the Sheridan-Paterson House;

THAT heritage conditions be included in a future Site Plan Agreement, dealing with the preservation and treatment of the heritage house;

AND THAT the owner be required to enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement as part of a future Site Plan Agreement, to include selected features of the building interior.

CARRIED

7. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
163 JOHN STREET
PROPOSED REAR DECK
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Project Planner

The Heritage Planner explained this proposal. The Committee questioned the timeframe for painting pressure-treated wood, and agreed to allow a two-year term. The Ward Councillor requested to be involved in the final approval of the design.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the design of the proposed rear deck at 163 John St. be revised to have a more traditional railing with a top and bottom rail and that it be either painted or finished in a solid colour stain in an approved heritage colour within two years;

AND THAT final approval of the design of the proposed rear deck at 163 John St. be delegated to Heritage Section Staff and the Ward Councillor.

CARRIED

8. PLANNING STUDIES
VICTORIA SQUARE LAND USE REVIEW (OPA) (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

G. Day, Project Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That Heritage Markham supports the proposed design criteria for the Victoria Square Official Plan Amendment.

CARRIED

9. AWARDS
ONTARIO MEDAL FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

Receive as information.

CARRIED

10. MINUTES OF THE MAY 15, AND MAY 20, 2009
DOORS OPEN PLANNING COMMITTEE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

Receive as information.

CARRIED

11. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A/18/09

93 OLD KENNEDY ROAD
MINOR VARIANCE RECIRCULATION (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Project Planner

R. Cefaratti, Committee of Adjustment

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the requested minor variance application to provide a temporary parking lot at 93 Old Kennedy Road as the proposed security fence and extent of paving is not complementary to the heritage character of the house, and the proposed design ignores the preservation of existing mature trees and landscape buffering of neighbouring properties;

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the requested variance to permit the continuation of office uses in the heritage house at 93 Old Kennedy Road.

CARRIED

12. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION (DEMOLITION)
FILE NO. 09 115830 DP
1982 DONALD COUSENS PARKWAY
DEMOLITION OF BARNS AND SHEDS (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

C. Doyle-Dimon, Applications Administrator

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the demolition of the barns and sheds located at 1982 Donald Cousens Parkway and 8992 Reesor Road subject to the applicant:

- providing an opportunity for staff to documents the buildings prior to removal;

- advertising the buildings in a local newspaper for relocation or salvage; or

using a demolition contractor that will salvage material

CARRIED

13. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. HE 09 114 373
25 PRINCESS STREET

NEW PRIVACY FENCE (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the memo regarding a Heritage Permit for a privacy fence at 25 Princess Street as information.

CARRIED

14. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. 0911435HP
23 WASHINGTON STREET

ADD NEW SIDE DOOR (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the staff memo concerning the Building Permit for a new side door at 23 Washington Street, Markham Village, as information.

CARRIED

15. CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That the following correspondence be received:

1) Toronto Branch Architectural Conservancy of Ontario: ACT newsletter, June 2009.

2) Toronto Historical Association: May 2009 newsletter

3) Heritage Canada Foundation: Heritage Magazine – “Sustainable by Design” issue

4) Ontario Historical Society: OHS Bulletin, April 2009 issue.

5) Notice of Class Environmental Assessment: Markham By-Pass Watermain Project.

6) Insurance and Heritage Properties: An information sheet from the Government of

Ontario.

CARRIED

16. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 09 111099
58-72 MAIN STREET NORTH MARKHAM VILLAGE
PROPOSED RE-DEVELOPMENT OF 58-72 MAIN STREET NORTH (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Project Planner

The Heritage Planner advised that the redevelopment of 58-72 Main Street North had been referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee, and their recommendations were now before the Committee. The recommendations were reviewed.

John Beresford, Architect, and Morris Kansun, the owner, were in attendance, and advised that they support the recommendation. Updated elevations were provided.

Staff had several additional changes to recommend, relating to:

- window details and mansard roof of the Main Street façade

- changes to the masonry and addition of a column for the Clock Tower

- plate glass windows not to be included in interior courtyard façade

- colonnade or landscaping to screen the courtyard storefronts

- pushing back the wall of the 5^th floor to be in line with the wall of the 6^th floor by eliminating the 6^th floor walk-out terrace. Consider replacing this lost unit with stacked units by the elevator shafts.

- elevations of the six storey building to be redesigned to look more like an industrial warehouse.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT overall Heritage Markham generally supports the application to redevelop the property at 58-72 Main Street North, as proposed (subject to some minor changes) as it will result in the removal of an infill project not seen as complementary to the Heritage District, it will reinforce the Main Street as a traditional shopping environment with an enhanced streetscape of traditional designed storefronts and facades, it will provide pedestrian oriented uses at grade that will contribute to animation of the streetscape, and it will support the introduction of residential units in the village core;

THAT Heritage Markham supports the proposed scale and massing of the building, including a three storey component along Main Street and six storey component to the rear, for the following reasons:

• The proposed massing and height provides an appropriate transition between the 2-2 1/2 storey historical buildings of Main St. N. and the 5 and 10 storey apartment buildings in behind the subject property,
• The enhanced height is located to the rear of the property and is designed to be blocked from view when standing across Main St. N.
• The proposed massing and height is not adjacent to low-rise residential homes;

THAT Heritage Markham’s support of the proposed height and massing of the development is based on site specific conditions and should not be interpreted as support for building heights in excess of 2 ½ storeys on other properties within the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District

THAT Heritage Markham supports the current massing of the corner element and clock tower along Main St. N.;

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the proposed balconies on the south elevation of the Main St. block of buildings have more traditional railings to either stand alone or be used in conjunction with glass, and that the details of the railing should be based on local historical examples to make the balconies resemble traditional front porches, perhaps with the use of traditional brackets;

THAT additional changes, as discussed by Heritage Markham on June 10, 2009, be included;

AND THAT any further review of design details be delegated to Heritage Section staff.

CARRIED

17. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 08 111 774
8980 WOODBINE AVENUE
REVISED SITE PLAN APPLICATION (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Project Planner

The Heritage Planner explained the revised site plan proposal to add a second storey boardroom. Some of staff’s suggestions have been incorporated, and the recommendation addresses other outstanding issues. Staff advised that appropriate windows will be used.

The Committee discussed the following:

- projection of the 2^nd floor boardroom beyond the existing north face of the building is inappropriate

- 50-year cedar shingles should be used to blend in with existing roof

- enlargement of the house may require a new septic system, which may not be possible. The issue should be discussed with the Regional Health Unit.

- a hipped roof or shed dormer would be suitable

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the ridge line of the proposed addition and existing rear tail of the Brown House be no higher than the ridge of the Brown House;

THAT the proposed wall of the second storey addition be pulled back so that it does not project beyond the north face of the Brown House;

THAT the proposed gable roof of the second storey addition be revised to a more discreet shed dormer or hipped roof so as not to visually compete with the north gable of the Brown House;

THAT the upper storey windows of the Brown House be replaced with new wooden 2 over 2 single hung windows with true divided lites;

THAT the transom and sidelights of the main entrance be replicated as wooden windows with true divided lites to match the pane divisions shown in the archival picture of the Brown House;

THAT the proposed pre-manufactured brackets below the proposed second storey addition be deleted;

THAT where new shingles are needed, the applicant is encouraged to use 50-year cedar shingles, to be consistent with the existing shingles;

THAT if the applicant adopts the recommendations of Heritage Markham, that the design be referred to Heritage Section Staff with the authority to approve.

CARRIED
18. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
10243 REESOR ROAD – W. REESOR HOUSE
10251 REESOR ROAD (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning reviewed the recommendations. It was noted that the Town is undertaking a Threatened Heritage Building Study, and that Transport Canada has been consulted.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That Heritage Markham has the following comment on the cultural heritage value of the identified properties to the Markham community:

10243 Reesor Road

• The building/property is listed on the Markham Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest;
• The building was constructed circa 1850;
• The building is known in the community as part of a local children’s camp;
• The building is visible in the general community and may be used in giving direction within a local context;
• The building, in conjunction with its surrounding landscape features and adjacent buildings, forms a distinctive and compatible setting which contributes to and supports the area’s character;
• The building has an historical association with its rural neighbourhood and has transformed from a building in private use to a building with community association;
• The building occupies its original site and illustrates the site’s original layout
• The building should be retained as part of Markham’s rural heritage.

10251 Reesor Road

• The building/property is listed on the Markham Register of Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest;
• The building was constructed circa 1850;
• The building is known in the community as part of a local children’s camp;
• The building is visible in the general community and may be used in giving direction within a local context;
• The building, in conjunction with its surrounding landscape features and adjacent buildings, forms a distinctive and compatible setting which contributes to and supports the area’s character;
• The building has an historical association with its rural neighbourhood and has transformed from a building formerly in private residential use to a building with community association;
• The building occupies its original site and illustrates the site’s original layout
• The building should be retained as part of Markham’s rural heritage.

Barn

• Historic barn built circa 1900
• The barn, in conjunction with its surrounding landscape features and adjacent buildings, forms a distinctive and compatible setting which contributes to and supports the area’s character;
• The barn has an historical association with its rural neighbourhood and has transformed from a building formerly in private agricultural use to a building with community association;
• The barn occupies its original site and illustrates the site’s original layout
• The barn should be retained as part of Markham’s rural heritage.

AND THAT Transport Canada continue to consult with Heritage Markham on Pickering Airport land issues.

CARRIED

19. 100 JOHN STREET
FILE NO. SC 117 454
PROPOSED NEW HOUSE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Project Planner

The Heritage Planner introduced this item, advising that the Architectural Review Sub-committee had reviewed the proposal, and that the Society for Preservation of Historic Thornhill (SPOHT) had attended the review. Meeting Notes from the review on June 4, 2009, were provided.

David Shakker, owner, and his architect, Victor Guitberg, were in attendance.

David Jordan, President of the Thornhill Conservation District Ratepayers Association, and agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the proposal, advising that the applicant is a valued member of the community and the neighbourhood is looking forward to the improvement that will be made. Mr. Jordan had attended the Architectural Review Sub-committee meeting.

The Committee stressed that style, shape, and colour of stone, brick and shingles are important. In response to questions, Mr. Shakker, advised that he had met with the neighbour, Mr. Whitesides, and he has accepted the recommended changes to soften the east elevation. Details will be finalized with staff.

The Committee thanked the applicant and the Ward Councillor for their cooperation and hard work on this project.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports the design of the proposed new house at 100 John Street, provided that the proposed chimney be revised to have two internal flues as opposed to two external flues at the top;

THAT the need to soften the east elevation be taken into consideration when the architectural design is reviewed;

THAT great concern be expressed that the colours of the stone and brick be complementary to soften the overall massing;

AND THAT the final details be referred to staff and the Ward Councillor.

CARRIED

20. AWARDS
ONTARIO HERITAGE TRUST – RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
A) HERITAGE COMMUNITY RECOGNITION PROGRAM
B) YOUNG HERITAGE LEADERS PROGRAM
C) COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning asked for any nominations in the four categories: Built Heritage; Cultural Heritage; Natural Heritage; and Young Leader.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That nominations for the Ontario Heritage Trust Heritage Community Recognition Program and the Young Heritage Leaders Program be brought forward at the next Heritage Markham meeting.

CARRIED

21. SITE PLAN APPLICATION SC 05 010032

REQUEST FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENT

STEVE GRAINGER

ECKARDT STORE

159 MAIN STREET

UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

G. Duncan, Project Planner

The Senior Heritage Planner explained that this property has been severed, and the two buildings are now under separate ownership. The proposed window replacement was briefly discussed.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT because the existing windows at 159 Main Street Markham appear to date from the late 1970s, and are not the original windows, Heritage Markham supports the replacement of the windows with new wood windows with a 2/2 glazing pattern, in the following order of preference:

1. Install traditional, single hung, single-glazed wood windows in a 2/2 pattern, with true divided panes possessing external muntin bars with an appropriate profile, in addition to traditional wood storm windows and internal screens, or

2. Install double glazed, single hung, wood windows with true divided panes possessing externally perceivable muntin bars with an appropriate profile (not the type with aluminum spacers) in a 2/2 pattern, with internal screens.

CARRIED

22. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

PROPOSED SIDEWALK EXTENSION

WEST SIDE, WOODBINE AVENUE

BUTTONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

STUDY AREA

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

Christy Forster, Office of the CAO;

Dereje Tafesse, Engineering

The Senior Heritage Planner explained that the Town and York Region want to extend the sidewalk in front of two Heritage buildings. The severe grading will require re-grading and a retaining wall.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the sidewalk extension on the west side of Woodbine Avenue, in front of the heritage houses at 8966 and 8980 Woodbine Avenue, and the construction of a low retaining wall provided the wall is faced with natural stone;

THAT a guard rail not be installed, if possible;

AND THAT final design details and approval of materials be delegated to Heritage Section staff.

CARRIED

23. INFORMATION

APPEAL OF OMB DECISION

179 JOHN STREET

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

CARRIED

24. INFORMATION

STATUS OF OMB APPEALS

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning reviewed the current status of all OMB appeals involving Heritage properties.

Marion Matthias, 33 Colborne Street, provided an update the OMB hearing she had attended for 7584-7616 Yonge Street, 14 Arnold Street, Vaughan.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

CARRIED

25. NEW BUSINESS

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE

147 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE

Councillor Valerie Burke recommended that a commemorative plaque be placed at 147 Main Street, for Dr. Clarence Chant, Father of Astronomy. Staff will review budget issues and seek the property owner’s permission.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT a commemorative plaque for Dr. Clarence Chant, Father of Astronomy, be placed at 147 Main Street, Unionville.

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.