HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Members Regrets

Julie Christian, Chair Elizabeth Plashkes

Judy Dawson-Ryan, Vice-Chair

Evelin Ellison

Judith Dawson

Amar Banerjee

Maria Pia Adrejin

Joyce Nelson-Watt

Ted Chisholm

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

The Chair convened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. by welcoming all members to the First Heritage Markham Committee meeting of 2006. The Chair provided a brief overview of the committee’s mandate, duties and functions. Introductions around the table were made.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

No declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda were declared.

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. Village Voice Newspaper

2. Committee Members Attendance

3. Demolition Application Status- 32 Church Street

4. Cedarena Skating Event

CARRIED.

2. HERITAGE MARKHAM MINUTES, December 14, 2005 (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on December 14, 2005 be received and adopted.

CARRIED

3. OBJECTION TO HERITAGE DESIGNATION
10225-10227 KENNEDY ROAD (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The property owner has filed an objection to the proposed heritage designation and the matter has been referred to the Conservation Review Board. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information related to the Objection to Heritage Designation of 10225-10227 Kennedy Road be received.

CARRIED.

4. CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning___________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the following Correspondence be received as information:

1. CHO news, December 2005 Issue.

2. Community Heritage Ontario – Membership Renewal for 2006.

3. Community Heritage Ontario/ Architectural Conservancy of Ontario – Notice of Annual Conference.

4. Aurora Heritage Advisory Committee: an Old House Restoration Workshop.

5. OHS Bulletin, December 2005 Issue

6. Varley Gallery – “Forgotten Graces” Book Launch.

7. News Release – First Parliament Site Goes Public

8. Friends of the Ontario Archives – Heritage Legacy

9. Toronto Region Architectural Conservancy – Riverdale Hospital Update

10. Berezy Settlers Gazette Newsletter, Fall 2005 Issue (selected pages)

11. Remember Markham Newsletter, December 2005 Issue (selected pages)

CARRIED.

5. EVENT PLANNING
HERITAGE PLAQUE PRESENTATION EVENT (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

At the December 14, 2005 Heritage Markham Committee meeting, it was agreed that former member Susan Casella continue to be the leader to coordinate the 2006 plaque presentation event.

Susan Casella was in attendance and provided a verbal report on the preparations for the event:

· Seven bronze designation plaques will be presented from the Town of Markham.

· The presentation will take place at the Town of Markham Council meeting of February 28, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.

· A brief introduction of the significance of the Heritage Plaque awards will be made prior to the presentations of individual plaques.

· There will be a photograph session following the ceremony.

· Invitations will be distributed (about 25 in total).

· Local media will be invited to cover the event.

The Committee further agreed to the following:

· To request the services of the Town’s photographer for the event.

· To support a budget of $100.00 to cover for refreshments.

· Julie Christian volunteered to assist in the preparations.

· Heritage staff will provide a list of buildings and name of owners receiving the plaques.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the verbal report from Susan Casella regarding the preparations for the Heritage Plaque Presentation event be received;

AND THAT Heritage Markham approves a budget of up to $100.00 to cover refreshment expenses for the event.

CARRIED.

6. UPCOMING EVENT
YORK REGION MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE NETWORK (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Senior Heritage Planner provided background information related to the York Region Municipal Heritage Committee Network. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Town of Markham, and the first meeting was in October 2005. The outcome of the first meeting was very positive and it was agreed that the group should continue to meet. It was expressed that it is a very good opportunity to get together with other municipalities to network, learn and exchange ideas.

Committee members were encouraged to attend the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2006 at King Township Museum, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information related to the York Region Municipal Heritage Committee Network be received.

CARRIED.

7. ONTARIO VOLUNTEER AWARDS:
1) VOLUNTEER SERVICES AWARDS
2) MEDAL FOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS
3) OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR VOLUNTEERISM IN ONTARIO (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Senior Heritage Planner informed the committee of the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. In the past a number of Heritage Markham members have received the five years Volunteer Service Award.

For 2006, two former members and one current member of Heritage Markham are eligible to receive the five years award. These members are: Marie Jones, Joan Natoli and Julie Christian. The Committee agreed to submit these nominations.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham nominates Joan Natoli, Marie Jones and Julie Christian for Volunteer Service Awards for their service to Heritage Markham from 2001-2005 (5 years).

CARRIED.

8. OTHER SUBJECT
OPTIONS FOR FRONT YARD PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

D. Miller, Project Planner

The Heritage Planner introduced the item with regard to a Development Services Committee report suggesting options for front yard parking within residential areas.

Heritage staff has expressed concerns with respect to some of the options contained in the report since some of the provisions have direct implications for Heritage Conservation Districts and individually designated properties.

Heritage staff has pointed out that circular driveways within Heritage Conservation Districts are generally not appropriate as they impact the amount of landscaping in front yards. In addition, Heritage staff has suggested that heritage houses without a garage should be permitted to have driveways allowing two cars to be parked side by side, if space permits.

There was an extensive discussion on the implications of these recommendations. Concerns were expressed in relation to existing parking by-law provisions in residential areas and what is being proposed for Heritage Conservation Districts.

Committee members agreed to refer this matter to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for further consideration and discussion, and to report back to this committee.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT this matter be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for further consideration and discussion, and to report back to the Heritage Markham Committee.

CARRIED.

9. SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION SC 05 026204

MR. OZER ESCHETT

12 DEANBANK DRIVE, THORNHILL HCD

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE NOTES AND SUGGESTED RECOMMENDATION

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

The Heritage Planner provided an overview of the single family house Site Plan Control application at 12 Deanbank Drive in Thornhill. The property is located within the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District. It borders on valley lands and is subject to severe restrictions by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Concerns have been expressed relative to the style and size of the proposed design. At the December 14, 2005 Heritage Markham meeting, the committee agreed to refer this matter to the Architectural Review Sub-committee for further review and comments.

The owner, the designer, Heritage staff and members of the Architectural Sub-committee met on January 4, 2006. At this meeting, several suggestions were presented mainly to reduce the visible mass and height of the house. A revised design has been submitted to Heritage staff.

Mr. James Makaruk, resident of Deanbank Drive, was in attendance and requested to address the committee. Mr. Makaruk provided a description of the lane and highlighted the importance of maintaining a country like environment. He stated that in his opinion this property should have been preserved as natural conservation area. In addition, Mr. Makaruk expressed concerns regarding protecting trees at the back of the property, the potential effects if a future deck at the back of the property was built, and suggested the use of more historical construction materials in order to soften the overall look of the house to blend in with adjacent properties (i.e. cedar shingles).

Mr. Morton Roseman, resident of Deanbank Drive, was also in attendance and requested to address the committee. Mr. Roseman expressed concerns regarding the proposed design of the new house and the need to preserve the heritage environment of the area.

Mr. Judson Whiteside, adjacent resident at 14 Deanbank Drive, was also in attendance and requested to address the committee. Mr. Whiteside expressed concerns regarding access to the one-way street during construction due to the presence of construction material and heavy equipment; in addition to safety issues regarding children and required fire route. Mr. Whiteside requested Heritage staff to take into consideration access and safety issues for site plan approval.

Mr. Daniel Walden, designer of the dwelling, was in attendance and requested to address the committee. Mr. Daniel addressed different concerns expressed by residents and offered further clarification related to tree protection, access to the one-way street during construction and safety issues.

In addition, Heritage staff and committee members further addressed the concerns presented by the residents of Deanbank Drive.

The committee suggested the following:

· In order to reduce the overall mass appearance of the design, it was suggested to use one material for the garage area only and to use another material for the main part of the house.

· To protect the two mature trees at the front of the property during construction. If trees are damaged during or after construction, the owner will replaced these trees, ensuring to maintain a country lane landscaping of the street.

· It was suggested to remove the verandah railing.

· It was suggested to consider reducing the number of second storey dormers in order to simplify the second level.

The committee agreed that the applicant should continue to work with Heritage staff to further review the most recent design, taking in consideration the suggestions conveyed at this meeting, and to report back to this committee for final approval.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the applicant continues further discussions with Heritage Section staff in order to address the suggestions conveyed at this meeting;

AND THAT this application be brought back to this committee for final approval.

CARRIED.

10. SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION SC 05

43 ALBERT STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

The Heritage Planner introduced the item. The applicant is asking for a revision to the approved design of the house now under construction. The applicant is requesting to replace the roof of the ground floor sunroom with a second storey roof-top deck.

Mr. Russ Gregory, the designer of the house, was in attendance and requested to address the committee to further explain the minor revision to the design.

The committee expressed no objection to the requested alteration from a heritage perspective.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to changing the roof of the ground floor sunroom to a roof-top deck, provided that the railings and balusters be designed in a traditional complimentary manner to be approved by Heritage Section staff.

CARRIED.

11. SITE PLAN APPLICATION SC 05 022736

COSTCO DEVELOPMENT/RAMER ROBB HOUSE

65 KIRKHAM DRIVE/7555 MARKHAM ROAD

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

M. Wouters, Project Planner

The Manager of Heritage Planning advised that the applicant has provided new drawings and has responded to the concerns expressed by this committee.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham’s concerns about the provision of adequate space for front yard and flankage landscaping and potential building expansion for the Ramer-Robb House have been dealt with satisfactorily in the revised site plan for the Costco development.

CARRIED.

12. ADMINISTRATION

ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning reported that the committee should hold elections for a Chair and Vice-Chair for 2006 at the February 8, 2006 meeting.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham elect a Chair and Vice-Chair at the February 8, 2006 meeting.

CARRIED.

13. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

BUTTONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

The Manager of Heritage Planning informed the committee that a new representative for Heritage Markham is needed in order to replace former member Susan Casella. Maria Pia Adrejin is also a representative for Heritage Markham on this advisory committee. It is expected that Ms. Casella will continue to serve on the Buttonville committee as an advisor, given her knowledge of local history.

Amar Banerjee volunteered to be the new representative for Heritage Markham.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham appoint Amar Banerjee as a new Heritage Markham representative on the Buttonville Heritage Conservation District Advisory Committee.

CARRIED.

14. INFORMATION

YONGE STREET STUDY STATUS REPORT

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Ron Blake, West District Development Coordinator

The Manager of Heritage Planning provided a verbal update on the status of the Thornhill Yonge Street study, previously entitled the Thornhill Main Street Study.

Ron Blake, Town of Markham Planning Department staff, will make a presentation on the final report to this committee at the February meeting.

It is anticipated that the final study report will be submitted for Town Council consideration in March 2006.

Judy Dawson-Ryan noted that although it has been stated that a number of public consultation and information sessions on the Yonge Street Study have been conducted, it is a general feeling amongst residents that not enough information has been made available, especially with respect to the final recommendations contained in the study.

Heritage Section staff stated in the upcoming presentation, Ron Blake will assist committee members in obtaining a better understanding of the content and implications of the study.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the status report on the Yonge Street Study as information.

CARRIED.

15. INFORMATION

POST OFFICE SITE DEVELOPMENT STATUS REPORT

7751 Yonge Street, Thornhill HCD

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Ron Blake, West District Development Coordinator

The Manager of Heritage Planning provided a verbal report on the status of the Post Office Site Development application.

The applicant has submitted an application to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). A pre-hearing will take place on February 3, 2006. Planning staff had prepared a preliminary report outlining a number of issues, concerns and requirements. The applicant did nothing to address the concerns or submit any of the required studies. The Town Solicitor will consult with Council on January 24, 2006 and seek instructions related to the Town’s position at the pre-hearing.

Judy Dawson-Ryan expressed great concern regarding the Post Office Site Development application and the implications of the Yonge Street Study. The main concern of residents is the impact that it might have on the heritage conservation district.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the status report on the Post Office Site Development as information.

CARRIED.

16. INFORMATION

VILLAGE VOICE NEWSPAPER

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Julie Christian informed that the Village Voice has a heritage column and that it would be a good opportunity to use this column to advertise and promote issues related to the Markham Heritage Conservation Districts.

Committee members agreed to further consider using this column to promote heritage issues.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information.

CARRIED.

17. ADMINISTRATION

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ATTENDANCE

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Julie Christian emphasized the importance of members making every effort to attend the meetings diligently in order to have a better understanding of the issues discussed at every meeting.

It was requested that the Committee Secretary inform the Chair when members failed to attend three consecutive committee meetings.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information.

CARRIED.

18. DEMOLITION APPLICATION

32 CHURCH STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

Councillor Webster informed the committee that the applicant has withdrawn the application for demolition and is willing to work with Heritage staff to seek further alternative solutions.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information.

CARRIED

19. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

CEDARENA – HERITAGE MARKHAM SKATING EVENT

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor Webster offered to again sponsor the Heritage Markham Skating Event and requested committee volunteers to organize this event to take place during Heritage Week – February 20^th to 26^th. The event consists of hosting a public skating night at Cedarena.

Julie Christian and Joyce Nelson-Watt volunteered to organize the event. It was also suggested to request the participation of former member Marie Jones since she has organized previous events.

Amar Banerjee, as a Rotary Club member, suggested that the Rotary Club might be interested in working with the committee to promote the event. The suggestion was well-received by members. Mr. Banerjee and Councillor Webster will speak to the Rotary Club.

Committee members thanked Councillor Webster for his donation and for supporting and promoting the event.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information.

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.