HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

 

 

Members                                                                      Regrets

Julie Christian, Chair                                                     Maria Pia Adrejin

Judy Dawson-Ryan, Vice-Chair                                    Ted Chisholm                                      

Elizabeth Plashkes

Evelin Ellison                                                   

Judith Dawson

Amar Banerjee

Joyce Nelson-Watt

Nelson Torres

Councillor John Webster

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

                                                           

Staff

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Peter Wokral, Planner Heritage and Conservation

Obdulia Calderon, Committee Secretary

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

The Chair convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. by asking for any declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda.  Joyce Nelson-Watt disclosed a conflict with Item #27 – 10 Heritage Corners Lane, as she is the applicant.

 

 

1.                  APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda and addendum agenda be approved with the addition of the following new items:

1.      Building Area Calculation

2.      Canadian Register of Historic Places - Website

 

CARRIED.

 

 

2.         ELECTIONS 2006
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR APPOINTMENTS TO SUB-COMMITTEES (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham elects Julie Christian to the position of Chair of Heritage Markham effective February 9, 2006;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham elects Judy Dawson-Ryan to the position of Vice- Chair of Heritage Markham effective February 9, 2006;

 

AND THAT the following members comprise the Architectural Review Sub-Committee:  Julie Christian, Judy Dawson-Ryan, Evelin Ellison, Joyce Nelson-Watt and Judith Dawson;

 

AND THAT Julie Christian and Joyce Nelson-Watt are the Heritage Markham representatives on the Building Evaluation Sub-Committee;

 

AND THAT Elizabeth Plashkes is the Heritage Markham representative on the Main Street Markham Committee, with Joyce Nelson-Watt as the alternate representative;

 

AND THAT the following members comprise the 2006 Heritage Markham Awards of Excellence Sub-Committee:  Julie Christian, Evelin Ellison and Elizabeth Plashkes;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham confirms that Julie Christian is the Heritage Markham representatives on the Doors Open Committee;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham re-confirms that Judy Dawson-Ryan and Evelin Ellison are the Heritage Markham representatives on Thornhill Heritage Conservation District Plan Review Advisory Committee;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham re-confirms that Amar Banerjee and Maria Pia Andrejin are the Heritage Markham representatives on the Buttonville Heritage Conservation District Study Advisory Committee.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES

FIRST HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

           

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on January 11, 2006 be received and adopted.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

4.                  SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 05 026204
10 DEANBANK DRIVE
PROPOSED NEW DWELLING (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

The Heritage Planner provided a brief summary of the status of the Site Plan Control application at 10 Deanbank Drive, previously designated as 12 Deanbank Drive.

 

The applicant has submitted a revised design taking in consideration Heritage Markham’s recommendations from the January 11th meeting. The designer has addressed the suggestions to break up the length of the façade and incorporate more traditional detailing. 

 

The committee supported the latest designs, but questioned the cladding material on the main building. The owner agreed to use stucco on the main part of the house to contrast with the brick sidewings. In addition, the committee emphasized that mature trees should be protected during construction and preserved. 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

           

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the design for 10 Deanbank Drive provided the applicant enters into a Site Plan Agreement containing the usual heritage provisions regarding materials, colours, windows, etc.

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham thanks the applicant for working cooperatively with the committee on the design details associated with the new dwelling.

 

      CARRIED.

 

 

5.         PLANNING STUDY
THORNHILL YONGE STREET STUDY PRESENTATION (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

R. Blake, West District Coordinator Heritage

 

            Mr. Ron Blake, West District Coordinator, and Elizabeth Wimmer, Senior Planner, made a presentation to the committee on the Thornhill Yonge Street Study.  Copies of the presentation were distributed to members.

 

Mr. Blake provided an overview of the study from its origins to its present status and future steps.  The study has taken in consideration the various interests of commercial property owners, residents, and the Heritage Conservation Districts in Markham and Vaughan.  It has also responded to provincial initiatives such as “Places to Grow”, “Regional Corridors” and “Smart Growth”.  The study process was affected by the York Region Rapid Transit initiative.

 

One of the key goals presented in the Yonge Street Study is to establish a framework that will balance the heritage character of the districts with economic realities.  Key elements are transit, mixed use, increased density, consideration for open spaces, and achieving balance with the City of Vaughan.  With respect to the Heritage Conservation Districts, the study proposes policies to preserve and maintain the heritage resources and special character of the heritage areas.

 

At present, the draft report is undergoing further revisions.  The report is targeted for the Development Services Committee on April 4th.  Planning staff will recommend that the report be received and endorsed and to seek approval to proceed with an Official Plan amendment and public meeting.  

 

A period of questions and answers followed the presentation.  The committee expressed concerns regarding the preservation of the character of the Heritage Conservation Districts, the importance of input from key stakeholders, and the need to work closely with the City of Vaughan.

 

The committee agreed to take this matter to the Architectural Review Sub-committee with the assistance of Heritage staff and Mr. Blake, to further review the study to prepare recommendations to Town Council.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:


THAT Heritage Markham receive the Thornhill Yonge Street Study presentation as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT this matter be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-committee to further review the study and to prepare recommendations to Town Council.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Planning staff investigates the possibility of an interim control by-law to prevent further applications be presented to the Ontario Municipal Board pending the completion of the Yonge Street Study and the Thornhill Markham Heritage Conservation District review.

 

CARRIED.

 

Mr. Robert Stitt, resident of 18 Mill Street in Thornhill, addressed the committee emphasizing the importance of the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham working together, and that Heritage areas should be preserved and to ensure that the Ontario Heritage Act prevails.

 

Mr. Bill Wylie, resident of 148 John Street and SPOHT representative, addressed the committee with respect to the draft report and its implications. His concerns related to preserving the heritage character of the District, building heights, community input and the need to review the full study.

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the two deputations be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

6.         REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
25 THORNHILL SUMMIT DRIVE, THORNHILL
REPLACEMENT OF CEDAR SHINGLE ROOF WITH METAL TILES (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

The Heritage Planner introduced the proposal of the Annswell Court Seniors Residence located at 25 Thornhill Summit Drive.  This is an independent living senior’s residence located within the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District. It is not considered a heritage building.  The applicant is seeking approval to replace the existing cedar shingle roof with a metal roof for its durability and to address fire concerns due to the nature and location of the residence. 

 

Mr. Wes Lamers, representing the administration of Annswell Court, and Mr. Mike Van Beers, from Dura-Loc, addressed the committee to further provide clarification of the application and to describe the material proposed for this site.

 

This application has been considered on an individual basis due to the building location, the size of the residence, the appearance and visibility.  Under the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District guidelines, only asphalt shingles are considered as an alternative material to wood shingles. However, Heritage staff are of the opinion that the use of this particular metal roof could be supported in this application as it resembles an asphalt shingle roof.

     

The Committee agreed to support the Heritage staff recommendations and to further direct staff to investigate the future use of this type of metal roof as an alternative material to be permitted under the Heritage guidelines.  Staff will report back to this committee.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the use of this particular metal roof product in this particular case for the following reasons:

 

·        its exposure and finish make it resemble an asphalt shingle roof, which is permitted in the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District.

·        it will have minimal visibility due to the existing roof slope

·        the building is a large institutional use

 

AND THAT Heritage Staff be delegated approval of the roofing system through a Heritage Permit.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

7.         SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SP.99.014786
10 ALEXANDER HUNTER PLACE
CHANGE OF MATERIALS FOR GARAGE SIDING (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the item on 10 Alexander Hunter Place be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

8.         ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
FILE NO. ZA 05 026423
9390 AND 9404 HIGHWAY 48
ZONING AMENDMENT – USE CATEGORY (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                                    G. Day, Planner

                        I. James, Senior Planner


HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed rezoning subject to:

×         On-site preservation of the Ramer-Wambold House

×         An opportunity to review and comment on any preliminary design concepts for the proposed development of the site

×         An opportunity to review and comment on a Site Plan Control Application for the property.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

9.         ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
FILE NO. ZA 06 106151
RE-ZONING OF 373 MAIN ST. N. MARKHAM VILLAGE TO COMMERCIAL USES (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

     

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the re-zoning of 373 Main St. N. from residential to commercial provided the applicant applies for Site Plan Approval and enters into a Site Plan Agreement.

 

      CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.       HERITAGE DESIGNATION

            7265 HIGHWAY 7 AND 7323 HIGHWAY 7

DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        S. Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that Council designate the Abraham Reesor House at 7265 Highway 7 and the Frank Albert Reesor House at 7323 Highway 7 under the Ontario Heritage Act.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

11.       PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
            FILE NO. SU 05 023993
            158, 168, AND 178 OLD KENNEDY ROAD
            SUBDIVISION APPLICATION : MILLIKEN COMMUNITY (16.11)        

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        N. Pileggi, Senior Planner

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham refer the evaluation of the house at 158 Old Kennedy Road to the Building Evaluation Sub-Committee;

 

AND THAT when the Sub-Committee has evaluated the building, the application be sent back to Heritage Markham for an appropriate recommendation.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

12.       INFORMATION
10754 WOODBINE AVENUE, VICTORIA SQUARE
UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES TO A LISTED HERITAGE BUILDING (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham advise the owner of 10754 Woodbine Avenue that the house is a significant early building in Victoria Square;

 

THAT in order to preserve the heritage qualities of the building’s exterior, care needs to be taken to ensure that alterations respect its early architectural character;

 

AND THAT the committee looks forward to meeting with the owner to discuss his plans for the property.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

13.       CELEBRATIONS
HERITAGE WEEK 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the report to the Development Services Committee regarding Heritage Week 2006 be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

14.       POLICY
MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES – PROPOSED REVISION TO LOT SALE POLICIES (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the report to General Committee regarding Markham Heritage Estates – Proposed Revision to Lot Sale Policies be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

15.       COMMUNITY HERITAGE ONTARIO – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS AND ANNUAL CONFERENCE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:


THAT the information related to the Community Heritage Ontario Board of Directors Nominations and the CHO Annual Conference be received as information.

           

            CARRIED.

 

 

16.       SIGNAGE
WATER COURSE SIGNAGE – POST DESIGN (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        Regional Councillor Jack Heath

 

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are proposing to install new street signage to identify watercourses near bridges.  Heritage staff is recommending that the post design and colour be the same as used on the Heritage Conservation District entry signage in order to maintain consistency in each of the heritage districts.

 

Councillor Webster requested that staff proceed immediately in order to expedite the process in submitting these recommendations to the Toronto and Region Conversation Authority.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the post design and colour be the same as used on the Heritage Conservation District entry signage to promote design consistency in each of the heritage districts.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

17.       INFORMATION
STATION STREET AND ST. GORAN CRESCENT, MARKHAM VILLAGE
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        B. Walter, Manager of Roads Maintenance

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the information with respect to road improvements for the Station Street and St. Goran Crescent area be received.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.       INFORMATION
PUBLIC HEARING – BANDSTAND PARK PLAYGROUND
FINAL PLANS (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the information with respect to Public Hearing – Bandstand Park Playground Final Plans be received.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

19.       UNIONVILLE VILLAGERS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING – JANUARY 9, 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Minutes of Director’s Meeting of January 9, 2006 of the Unionville Villagers Association be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

20.       SITE PLAN APPLICATION APPROVAL

            FILE NO. SC 05 016885

            8 GREEN HOLLOW CT

            REVISED PLANS AND ELEVATIONS FOR ALL SMILES DAYCARE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        I. James, Senior Planner

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the update on the site plan application for 8 Green Hollow Court be received as information;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the revised elevations.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.       CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning________ ___                 

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the following Correspondence be received as information:

 

1.      Susan Casella – Thoughts on the subject of Heritage Preservation (Book Extract)

2.      Canada’s Historic Places: Information and Calendar

3.      University of Waterloo – Heritage Day Workshop, February 20th, 2006. Heritage: The Competitive Edge

4.      Edifice Magazine: Old House Workshops – Various dates and locations.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

22.       HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION

            FILE NO. SC 05 024408

            107 JOHN ST. THORNHILL

            PROPOSED FENCE & GATES (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

      The Heritage Planner provided an overview of this application.  The applicant is seeking permit approval to build a 4 feet tall steel fence and gates along the property located at 107 John Street.  A traditional design will be used and painted black.  Staff explained that the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District guidelines do not prohibit steel fences, but rather they encourage the use of white picket fences.

 

Extensive discussion followed the presentation of this item.  Concerns were expressed by some committee members that front yard fencing should not be encouraged on John Street and that this type of fence is not typical of the area. There was also a concern relating to impact of the gating of driveways on the village-like ambience of the Heritage District.

 

After further consideration, the committee agreed to support Heritage staff recommendations.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the use of a steel fence and gates built in a traditional manner.

 

AND THAT final approval be delegated to Heritage Staff through a Heritage Permit.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

23.       EVENT PLANNING

HERITAGE PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS: COUNCIL, FEBRUARY 28, 2006 – VERBAL UPDATE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

The  Senior Heritage Planner informed the committee that the Mayor has agreed to provide opening remarks for the ceremony and the Chair of Heritage Markham will speak about the heritage designation program.  He also requested that volunteers from this committee are needed to introduce and present Heritage Plaques.

 

The following committee members agreed to assist with the presentation of plaques:  Julie Christian, Elizabeth Plashkes and Councillor John Webster.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

                       

THAT the verbal update regarding Heritage Plaque Presentations be received as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

24.       AWARD NOMINATIONS

            HERITAGE CANADA AWARDS PROGRAM (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

The Senior Heritage Planner informed the committee of the Heritage Canada Foundation Awards Program for 2006 and asked if the committee was interested in submitting nominations.

 

It was agreed that committee members will bring back nominations to the next committee meeting and/or forward nominations to Heritage staff.  Deadline for nominations is March 31, 2006.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the information related to nominations for the Heritage Canada Foundation Awards Program for 2006.

 

AND THAT any suggested nominations be brought back to the next Heritage Markham meeting.

 

CARRIED.

25.       AWARD NOMINATIONS

ONTARIO HERITAGE TRUST YOUNG HERITAGE LEADERS PROGRAM 2006 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

The Senior Heritage Planner informed the committee of the Ontario Heritage Trust Young Heritage Leaders Program for 2006.  Heritage Markham has nominated two Young Heritage Leaders in past years.

 

It was agreed that committee members will bring back nominations to the next committee meeting and/or forward nominations to Heritage staff.  Deadline for nominations is March 10, 2006.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the information related to nominations for the Young Heritage Leaders Program for 2006.

 

AND THAT any suggested nominations be forwarded to Heritage Section staff.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

26.       SPECIAL EVENT

            CEDARENA SKATING EVENT (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

Due to weather conditions, Councillor J. Webster was seeking committee input to determine whether or not to proceed with the advertisement for the event that will take place on February 23rd.

 

The committee agreed to proceed with the advertisement, which would note that the event is weather permitting.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the information related to the Cedarena Skating Event.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

            10 HERITAGE CORNERS LANE

            RESTORATION AND NEW ADDITION (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT 10 Heritage Corners Lane – Proposed Restoration and New Addition be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee.

 

CARRIED.

 

Joyce Nelson-Watt, having declared a disclosure of interest with respect to Item #27 due to the fact that she is the applicant, did not participate in the voting with respect to this item.

 

 

28.       INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE
            HERITAGE CONSERVATION EASEMENT PLAQUE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham request Heritage Section staff to further investigate the concept and costs of providing a bronze designation plaque to properties in a heritage conservation district which possess a Heritage Easement Agreement.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

29.       PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO A LISTED HERITAGE BUILDING

            7892 McCOWAN ROAD

DEL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE ONTARIO REALTY CORP.

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________                  

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT this item be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee with authority to approve.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

30.       PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO A DESIGNATED HERITAGE BUILDING

            8119 REESOR ROAD

DEL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE ONTARIO REALTY CORP.

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________                  

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT this item be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee with authority to approve.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

31.       MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/21/06

            43 ALBERT STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the Minor Variance application in view of the cumulative effect of all the other minor variance applications submitted to date concerning this property, this variance application is not considered a minor variance.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

32.       BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION

            POOL CABANA

            107 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

 

Heritage Markham was concerned that commenting on this application may affect the ongoing legal proceedings, and asked to obtain legal advice.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham defer this item to pending legal advice.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

33.       DEMOLITION WITHOUT APPROVAL

            22 DEANBANK DRIVE, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                        G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

 

The Senior Heritage Planner provided a brief summary of a number of issues related to the construction at this site to date.  The most recent issue is the demolition of the house without approval.  This has been confirmed by a site visit from a building inspector.

 

Extensive discussion followed the presentation of this item.  Committee members discussed different avenues in order to seek a suitable penalty to the owner considering the gravity of the situation.

 

Mr. James Makaruk, resident of 24 Deanbank Drive, addressed the committee expressing the concerns of the four families adjacent to the property.  All neighbours are extremely upset for what is happening to this property and the owner’s actions.

 

The committee strongly supports the Heritage Section staff recommendation to pursue laying charges under the Ontario Heritage Act. 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the Town pursue laying a charge under all available means, including the Ontario Heritage Act.

 

            CARRIED.

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the deputation from Mr. James Makaruk of 22 Deanbank Drive be received.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

34.       HERITAGE STATUS

            179 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning                            

           

At the request of the owner, the Heritage Planner and members of the    Architectural Review Sub-Committee made a site visit to assess the heritage value of the house at 179 John Street.

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

 

THAT Heritage Markham is of the opinion that the dwelling at 179 John Street is of cultural heritage value or interest and contributes to the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District in the following manner:

×         Its prominent location at the eastern boundary of the Heritage Conservation District helps define an architectural gateway;

×         Its construction and siting are complimentary to the Heritage Conservation District and helps to reinforce the village-like atmosphere of Old Thornhill;

×         The house is a well preserved example of mid 20th century domestic architecture and represents a style that is increasingly significant and worthy of preservation.

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the removal of the garage building located to the rear of the existing dwelling located at 179 John Street, Thornhill.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

35.       BUILDING AREA CALCULATION

 

Evelin Ellison spoke about the manner in which the buildable area of a lot is

determined when a property is located on a ravine or another environmentally

sensitive area. Under the present system, the building envelope/size is based

on the total lot area, regardless of its topography.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Staff explore the possibility of amending the zoning by-law to take into

account the topographical features of a property when calculating the permitted

building envelope/size.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

36.       CANADIAN REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

            MINISTRY OF CULTURE - WEBSITE

 

E. Ellison requested staff to provide the committee with more information regarding the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

 

 

 

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage staff provide further information to this committee with respect to the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.