HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MEETING

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

 

 

Members

Regrets

Judy Dawson-Ryan, Vice-Chair

Julie Christian, Chair

Amar Banerjee

Maria Pia Adrejin

Ted Chisholm

Judith Dawson

Evelin Ellison

Nelson Torres

Elizabeth Plashkes

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Joyce Nelson-Watt

 

Councillor Stan Daurio

 

Councillor John Webster

 

 

 

Staff

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Peter Wokral, Planner, Heritage and Conservation

Candy Davidovits, Committee Secretary

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

The Vice-Chair convened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. by asking for any declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda.

 

 

1.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda and addendum agenda be approved.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

2.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES

NINTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
AUGUST 9, 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on August 9, 2006, be received and adopted.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

3.         REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

7775 NINTH LINE
HERITAGE STATUS OF PROPERTY (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this application and advised that as a result of the evaluation recently conducted by the Building Evaluation Sub-Committee, the building on this property has been assigned a Group 2 rating.

 

Ms. Janice Kaiman again addressed the Heritage Markham Committee and reiterated some of the concerns expressed at the August 9, 2006, meeting of the Committee.  Ms. Kaiman advised that most buyers are interested in the lot and ask if they can tear the house down and build a new, larger house on the lot.  The lot is surrounded by new and larger houses.  Ms. Kaiman also stated that one buyer had a negative response when proposing an addition on the side of the house utilizing the side yard.  Ms. Kaiman requested that this property be removed from the Markham Inventory of Heritage Buildings as the house has no basement and it only has a storm cellar under the kitchen.

 

Ms. Kaiman further stated that she does now has a prospective purchaser for this property who may be willing to work with the Committee to incorporate this house in any application to renovate.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham strongly encourage the property owner, in consultation with Heritage staff, to work with possible purchasers of this property to incorporate as much of the building as possible, taking advantage of the 33 feet of side yard.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

4.         REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

294 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
DETERMINATION OF HERITAGE VALUE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this application.

 

Ms. Margo Wilson addressed the Heritage Markham Committee on behalf of the estate of the late Marion Wilson.  Ms. Wilson requested information from the Committee on what the designation of this property means in terms of the sale of the property and on any limitations there may be due to the designation.

 

The Senior Heritage Planner and the Manager of Heritage Planning explained the procedure for determining the classification of this property and advised that although this house is not historic, it is compatible in the district as it is representative of buildings that were built in the 20’s. Staff were asked to meet with the owner to delineate the original portion of the dwelling.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the existing B rating of the house at 294 Main Street, Unionville, be maintained.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

5.         ZONING BY–LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION ZA 06 126186

4600 STEELES AVENUE
REZONING AND REVISED CONCEPT PLANS (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        A. Henriques, Project Planner

           

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this application.

 

Mr. Harry Chan, the applicant, and Mr. Simon Ko, Kirkor Architects, gave a presentation to the Heritage Markham Committee on the application for this property, and filed revised drawings of the proposed development which incorporates more of the heritage building within the development than previously proposed.  Mr. Raymond Lau of the Milliken Capital and Development Group was also present and assisted with the presentation.

 

Mr. Simon Ko advised that Kirkor Architects has been retained to design the development with the emphasis on retaining the heritage building as an integral part of the design. It is planned to maintain the shell of the heritage building as much as possible with the retail setback 2.13 (7 feet) from the front wall of the heritage building and the residential setback 4.26 (15 feet).

 

Mr. Chan advised that the use of the heritage portion of the development is not yet known but that it will not be retail.  It is also planned to restore the elevation of the front entrance, including the wooden vestibule doors, to its original condition with the assistance of Heritage staff. It was confirmed that the interior floor configuration and stairwell would not be retained.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the Zoning Amendment Application and has the following comments on the revised proposal to integrate the designated Milliken Public School into the development proposal:

 

-           an ideal use of the interior of the heritage building would be for a school type institution;

-           the interior mill work, where possible, be used or re-used to create the ambience of the original school in the interior;

-           Heritage Markham would like to see more of the exterior structure of the heritage building retained; and

-           the architect’s renderings form part of the plan for this application;

 

AND THAT this application be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for further review and recommendation.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

6.         SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 06 121583
102 JAMES SCOTT ROAD
REVISED SITE PLAN APPLICATION (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;
                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

No new drawings were submitted for review.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the house design proposed for 102 James Scott Road being modified to a bungalow provided its basic design elements and materials reflect the earlier accepted proposal;

 

AND THAT final approval of the design remains delegated to Heritage Section staff.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

7.         INFORMATION
201 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD
ROOF REPLACEMENT, ST. DIMITRIJA SOLUNSKI MACEDONIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH (16.11)

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

8.         COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A/121/06
7943 NINTH LINE
VARIANCES FOR RELOCATED HERITAGE BUILDING (TOMLINSON HOUSE) (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        S. Muradali, Secretary – Treasurer, Ctte of Adjustment

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the requested variances to permit the heritage house currently located at 7943 Ninth Line to be relocated to a new lot on Ninth Line.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

9.         CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK – KENNEDY ROAD AND ELGIN MILLS ROAD EAST INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that any intersection improvements at Kennedy Road and Elgin Mills Road East respect the existing heritage resources in the former community of Cashel and that the heritage resources be retained on their original sites.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

10.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
SNIDER DRIVE

PROPOSED BLUE BOX PILOT PROJECT (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        P. Veiga, Supervisor, Waste Management Operations

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to a blue bin recycling box being located next to the Canada Post super box installation on Snider Drive within the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

11.       SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATIONS
FILE NOS. 06 127340, 06 127343
10987 WARDEN AVENUE

DEMOLITION OF HOUSE AND OUTBUILDINGS (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

It was determined that this house, while listed on the Inventory of Heritage Buildings, is not a building of cultural heritage value or interest as it dates from a comparatively recent period.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the demolition applications for the house and outbuildings at 10987 Warden Avenue.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

12.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
260 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
PROPOSAL FOR A NEW HOUSE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the conceptual plans for a new house at 260 Main Street, Unionville, and the conversion of the heritage house on the property to a garage, subject to the site plan application being essentially the same as the conceptual plans and a Heritage Easement and Restoration Plan for the heritage building being included as conditions in the site plan agreement;

 

AND THAT Heritage Section staff be delegated final approval authority for the upcoming Site Plan Application provided the drawings are in keeping with the conceptual plans as presented.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

13.       CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the following Correspondence be received as information:

 

1.                  Article in August 19th, 2006, issue of the Economist & Sun/Sun – Tribune, (Stouffville) “Historical house not well protected”;

2.                  Notice of the Heritage Canada Foundation 2006 Annual General Meeting to be held Saturday, October 14, 2006;

3.                  Parks Canada publication entitled “The Commercial Heritage Properties Incentive Fund”; and

4.                  Built Heritage News issue No. 86 dated September 5, 2006.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

14.       INFORMATION

MARKHAM GO STATION INFO CENTRE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

15.       INFORMATION
JOHN STREET GUARD RAIL

THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        P. Ingham, General Manager of Operations

 

The Manager of Heritage Planning advised the Heritage Markham Committee that he is waiting to hear further on this matter from the General Manager of Operations.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the verbal report of Heritage Section staff on John Street guard rail issue and request a further update at the October 11, 2006, meeting.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

16.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
7555 MARKHAM ROAD
RAMER-ROBB HOUSE ROOF MATERIALS (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this application.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the use of synthetic slate in a dark grey colour on the brick portion of the Ramer-Robb House at 7555 Markham Road.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

17.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
HERITAGE MARKHAM AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this matter.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham review the attached list of completed projects and provide comments via e-mail to the Heritage Markham Awards Sub-Committee prior to its meeting.

 

CARRIED.

 

18.       INFORMATION
EDIFICE MAGAZINE OLD HOUSE WORKSHOP (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this matter.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham support hosting a similar event in Markham.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

19.       COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A/116/06
22 DEANBANK DRIVE
MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner;

                        S. Muradali, Secretary – Treasurer, Ctte of Adjustment

 

Mr. James Makaruk, 24 Deanbank Drive, addressed the Markham Heritage Committee on behalf of at least three of the owners bordering on the property at 22 Deanbank Drive expressing opposition to this Minor Variance Application for the following reasons:

 

-           the proposed garage is not desirable for the use of this land; and

-           the garage does not meet the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law;

-           the garage is out of character with the Heritage Conservation District.

 

Mr. Makaruk also expressed concern that the entire design of the application for 22 Deanbank Drive will result in the property being over 7000 sq. ft. overall while the adjacent properties are much smaller; that drainage is a concern in this area and the impact this application will have on drainage; that the garage will not front on to a busy street but rather by four backyards with children and, in two cases, swimming pools; and that there will be a considerable loss of green space and that a large, mature tree has already been removed to make way for the garage.

 

Mr. Makaruk concluded by stating that since staff does not support this application and the neighbours do not support it, the application should be refused and that the Markham Heritage Committee should send a clear message to the Committee of Adjustment considering this matter on September 13, 2006, that this Minor Variance Application should be refused.

 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the Minor Variance Application A/116/06 for 22 Deanbank Drive.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

20.       Lifetime Achievement Award to Marion Matthias

ONTARIO HERITAGE TRUST COMMUNITY

RECOGNITION PROGRAM (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Senior Heritage Planner advised the Heritage Markham Committee that Marion Matthias of Thornhill will receive a lifetime achievement award from the Ontario Heritage Trust Community Recognition Program on September 26, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber and encouraged members of the Committee to attend.

 

Marion Matthias was in attendance at the meeting and the Heritage Markham Committee congratulated her on this award.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

21.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

MORTON AND MARGARET ROSEMAN

PROPOSED CHAIN LINK FENCE

11 DEANBANK DRIVE

THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this application.

The Committee noted that the proposed location of the chain link fence would be quite visible from the Deanbank lane.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham requests the applicant to use a barrier of vegetation only rather than a chain link fence.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

22.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

PROPOSED ADDITION

8977 WOODBINE AVENUE, BUTTONVILLE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham refer the preliminary design concept for the addition and retrofitting of the house located at 8977 Woodbine Avenue to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for review and comment;

 

AND THAT the Sub-Committee be delegated approval to provide comment to the owners on behalf of Heritage Markham.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

23.       PROPOSED DESIGNATIONS

DETERIORATING HOUSES

10044 AND 10062 HIGHWAY 48, MARKHAM (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

 

The Heritage Planner gave a presentation on this matter.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham request Heritage Section staff to undertake research on the two properties for the purpose of building evaluation and classification and, if appropriate, to prepare designation reports for both 10044 and 10062 Highway 48 so that both houses can be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act;

 

AND THAT the associated graveyard also be investigated for possible designation.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

24.       INFORMATION

HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS IN ONTARIO

CITY OF OTTAWA (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

The Manager of Heritage Planning advised the Heritage Markham Committee that the City of Ottawa has prepared a report on “Heritage Property Tax Relief in Ontario” based on information provided by 21 municipalities regarding their heritage property tax relief programs and that any member of the Committee who wishes to obtain a copy of the report should contact staff.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

25.       APPOINTMENT TO THE HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

                        J. Kee, Committee Clerk

 

Elizabeth Plashkes advised the Heritage Markham Committee that there is a vacancy on the Committee due to a resignation and requested the Committee to recommend to the Town of Markham Council that the vacancy be filled as soon as possible.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

That the Town of Markham Council be requested to proceed with the filling of the vacancy on the Heritage Markham Committee as soon as possible.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

26.       GERMAN MILLS SETTLERS PARK (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

Evelin Ellison requested the Heritage Markham Committee to consider asking staff to investigate whether the German Mills Settlers Park can be designated now that the Heritage Act permits the designation of landscapes.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham staff be requested to submit a report to the Heritage Markham Committee on the possibility of designating the German Mills Settlers Park under the Heritage Act.

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.