HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Members Absent

Julie Christian, Chair Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Maria Pia Andrejin Elizabeth Plashkes

Evelin Ellison Judy Dawson-Ryan, Vice-Chair

Susan Casella Rosemary Lamon

Councillor John Webster Amar Banerjee

Joan Natoli

Marie Jones

Staff

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

P. Wokral, Planner Heritage and Conservation

Judi Kosch – Committee Secretary

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

The Chair convened the meeting at 7:20 p.m. by asking for any declarations of interest with respect to items on the agenda. Marie Jones disclosed a conflict with Item #6 - building permit application for 11 Heritage Corners Lane as she is the applicant.

PART I

ADMINISTRATION

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. Revised Building Classification – Markham Village Heritage Conservation District

2. 14 David Gohn Circle – Minor Variance Application

3. Heritage Tax Reduction Program – Heritage Easement Agreements

4. Annual Heritage Markham Christmas Social

5. Markham Train Station Structure

6. Heritage Properties Database – Ontario Realty Corporation

7. Demolition Permit Application – 32 Church Street

8. Doors Open 2006

CARRIED.

2. NEW HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE CLERK (16.11)
Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner, advised that Yvonne Hurst has stepped down as Committee Clerk for Heritage Markham and that Judi Kosch will be assisting at the meetings until a permanent replacement is found.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Yvonne Hurst be thanked for her many years of service and contribution to Heritage Markham and that the Committee wishes her well in her future endeavours.

AND THAT Heritage Markham welcomes Judi Kosch.

CARRIED.

3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

ELEVENTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
OCTOBER 12, 2005 (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

There was discussion pertaining to Item 30 – 26 Albert Street and clarification was requested as to the correct street address – Albert or Edward – and it was agreed that the minutes be approved subject to verification of the address.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on October 12, 2005 be received and adopted upon clarification of the correct street address for 26 Albert Street (Item 30 in the Minutes).

CARRIED

4. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 05 024408
107 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL
REVISED SITE PLAN + ELEVATIONS (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

The owner, Dino Coliviras, along with his architect, Jamie Cameron, and Project Manager, Jim Hurtubise, were in attendance to review the architectural details of the renovations and additions to 107 John Street. Heritage Markham expressed their concerns pertaining to the new front gable window and the proposed second storey patio at the rear. Heritage Markham agreed to the proposed resolutions on the clear understanding that in relation to the proposed patio, mature trees are to be preserved and additional plantings done as part of the site plan approval process, to ensure the privacy of the owner and any adjoining neighbours. E. Ellison stated that she strongly disapproves of the proposed patio as it is not compatible with the character of the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENTDS:

Building Permit Application 05 022120 HP

THAT the plans prepared by Papapetrou Engineering for the interim construction phase of 107 John Street be accepted on the understanding that these plans do not show the angled front gable window that has been installed without approval, and on the condition that this application is for an interim phase of construction only.

Building Permit Application 05 023486 HP and Site Plan Control Application SC 05 024408

THAT the front or north elevation of the ultimate phase of 107 John Street, prepared by James Cameron, Architect, be revised as follows:

· Front gable window to be a true segmentally arched window with a simpler pane division and with the western portion to be a window not an attic vent;

· The brick coping replaced with a narrow stone or concrete coping;

· The metal fasteners on the pergola feature be re-introduced;

· The brick knee walls in the pergola feature be re-introduced;

· Mature trees to remain to keep the character of the streetscape and to ensure the privacy of the owner and neighbours with respect to the second storey patio, and additional plantings be done to provide screening where openings exist;

· The deck railing of the patio to be painted the same colours as the walls;

AND THAT the site plan agreement is to contain the usual heritage provisions regarding windows, materials, colours, etc.

AND THAT approval of the revised plans to be delegated to Heritage Section staff.

CARRIED.

5. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 05 019484
187 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
REVISED DRAWINGS (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the revised plans and elevations for the Unionville House Restaurant are supported, subject to:

· the removal of the awnings from the front of the building, which were installed without Town approvals;

· consideration to add a false brick chimney to one of the gable ends of the original cottage, based on old photos or other historical evidence;

· that more information be provided regarding the materials and any proposed heaters on the patio,

· the usual heritage provisions regarding colours, materials, etc. being included in the site plan agreement.

CARRIED.

6. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. 05 024464 HP
11 HERITAGE CORNER LANE

STORAGE SHED (16.11)
Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the memo and building permit application for the storage shed at 11 Heritage Corners Lane be received as information.

CARRIED.
7. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION

FILE NO. SC 05 022910

29 JAMES WALKER CT. (FORMERLY 49 MAIN STREET SOUTH)

SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning;

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

______________________________________________________________

There were concerns raised with the relocation of the heritage building at 29 James Walker Court, also known as 49 Main Street South. It was agreed that Heritage Markham does not support the relocation of the building.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the plans for the heritage house at 29 James Walker Court, also known as 49 Main Street South, be revised as follows:

· front doors to be restored to their historical designs as per the original restoration plan;

· basement windows should be traditional three-paned wood windows, not horizontal sliders;

· garage should not obscure the façade facing James Walker Court, but should be placed behind the house;

· the rear of the house facing James Walker Court should be architecturally treated to improve its street appearance; possibly a new entrance/mudroom could be integrated between the rear wall of the garage and the east wall of the house, and a covered veranda could also be added to the east wall of the house.

CARRIED.

8. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A1/164/05
43 ALBERT STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE
INCREASE IN MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA RATIO (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning,

P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

There were concerns raised that this property was becoming a ‘monster home’ as the proposed dwelling’s floor area ratio exceeds what is permitted under the current zoning by-law. P. Wokral, Planner Heritage and Conservation, advised that in the event that the minor variance is not approved, the applicant has submitted revised plans that conform to the by-law requirements by changing the garage to a car port and a sun room to an open porch. Heritage Markham does not support the variance on the basis of it setting a precedent in the Markham Heritage District area for properties to exceed the permitted floor area ratio.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham objects to Committee of Adjustment Application A/164/05 because the house exceeds the maximum permitted floor area ratio and Heritage Markham previously supported the house design on the applicant’s assurance that it complied with the by-law requirements;

AND THAT because the property is located in a Heritage Conservation District, Heritage Markham is concerned that approval of the minor variance will result in a form of development that will be out of scale with the character of the area.

CARRIED.

9. 32 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE
PROPOSED WINDOW REPLACEMENT (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham refer the proposal to replace the basement windows of the gymnasium of St. Andrews United Church to the Architectural Design Review Sub-Committee for consideration and comment.

CARRIED.

10. 20 DAVID GOHN CIRCLE, 137 AND 237 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
HERITAGE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the preparation of Heritage Easement Agreements for 20 David Gohn Circle and 136 and 237 Main Street, Unionville.

CARRIED.

11. RESEARCH REPORT
6297 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
THE ABRAHAM STRICKLER HOUSE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the research report on the Abraham Strickler House and refer it to the Building Evaluation Sub-Committee.

CARRIED.

12. RESEARCH REPORT
7960 REESOR ROAD
THE DAVID REESOR HOUSE “SILVER SPRINGS FARM” (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

____________P. Wokral, Heritage Planner_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the research on the David Reesor House and refer it to the Building Evaluation Sub-Committee.

CARRIED

13. OTHER SUBJECT
6 PETER STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE
RESCIND RECOMMENDATION (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

Given that the owner of 6 Peter Street did not request that the issue of veranda modification be placed on a Heritage Markham agenda for feedback purposes and given that the owner did not apply for any permits involving this type of work, the following recommendation from the minutes of the August 10, 2005 Heritage Markham meeting be rescinded:

“That Heritage Markham advise the owner of 6 Peter Street that the proposed replacement of the masonry bases and wood posts of the existing front veranda with turned posts is not supported;

And that the Edwardian Classical style front veranda is a significant heritage feature of the house that should be preserved and repaired as required;

And that a Heritage Permit is required for any exterior changes.”

THAT Heritage Markham regrets any confusion related to this issue.

AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ms. Lisa Lumley for her records.

CARRIED.

14. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A/165/05
22 JAMES SCOTT (FORMERLY PART OF 9 ROUGE STREET)
VARIANCES FOR NEW DWELLING (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

_______ S. Muradali, Committee of Adjustment______________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the Committee of Adjustment application A/165/05 (22 James Scott Road)

CARRIED.

15. CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the following Correspondence be received as information:

1. Architectural Conservancy of Ontario: ACORN Journal, Summer 2005

2. Community Heritage Ontario: CHO News, October 2005 Issue.

3. Community Heritage Ontario: Workshop – Building a Heritage Landscape Guide, November 19, 2005.

4. Community Heritage Ontario: Advance Notice of 2005 Conference.

5. Ontario Heritage Trust: Heritage Matters Newsletter, September 2005 (see article on the new Heritage Act)

6. Markham Economist, October 11, 2005:” Ex-con left mark on industrialized Unionville”.

7. Toronto Region Architectural Conservancy: October – November Events.

CARRIED.

16. INFORMATION
HERITAGE MARKHAM 30^TH ANNIVERSARY SUB-COMMITTEE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ C. Leask, Development Clerk______________________________

The Chair confirmed Heritage Markham’s 30^th Anniversary celebration will be taking place Wednesday, November 16^th and encouraged members to RSVP to C. Leask as soon as possible. Volunteers were called for to present the 12 certificates; M. Jones, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, noted that museum staff will be responsible for setting up the meeting room.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the verbal report of the 30^th Anniversary and Awards of Excellence Sub-Committee.

CARRIED.

17. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
HERITAGE PLAQUE PRESENTATION EVENT – PLANNING FOR 2006 (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner advised the 7 bronze plaques have been ordered. The idea of presenting the plaques at a Council meeting around the time of Heritage Week was discussed but not decided upon at this time. It was agreed to form a sub-committee to meet before Christmas to finalize arrangements for the presentation. S. Casella volunteered to head this group.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT a sub-committee of Heritage Markham be formed under the leadership of Susan Casella, to plan for the 2006 designation plaque presentations.

CARRIED.

18. BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. 05 023159 SP
101 MAIN STREET NORTH MARKHAM VILLAGE
NEW SIGNS – SCOTIABANK (16.11)

Extract: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner reviewed the sign permit application from Scotiabank and concerns were raised over the size of the proposed sign as it does not comply with the sign by-law. He went on to explain that in a number of instances, the sign by-law for the special sign districts has created difficulties for applicants trying to install readable signs on Yonge Street, Highway 7 and Main Street, Markham Village. Staff indicated that a detailed review of the sign by-law will be undertaken and a report be made back to Heritage Markham in January 2006.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the sign application for 101 Main Street North because the signs do not comply with the size provisions of the sign by-law for special sign districts;

AND THAT because there may be cases within the Heritage Conservation Districts where larger signs than currently allowed may be appropriate, Heritage Markham recommends that staff investigate revised standards that could be proposed for a future amendment to the sign by-law.

CARRIED.

19. REVISED BUILDING CLASSIFICATION

MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the revised building evaluation of the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for review and comment.

CARRIED.

20. REVISED PLANS AND ELEVATIONS

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION

14 DAVID GOHN CIRCLE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
_________ P. Wokral, Heritage Planner______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

That Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed design for the rear addition and two car garage for 14 David Gohn Circle subject to the site plan agreement containing the usual provisions regarding windows, colours, materials, etc.

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to Minor Variance Application A/167/05.

CARRIED.

21. HERITAGE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS

HERITAGE TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to Heritage Easement Agreements being prepared for 12 and 284 Main Street North and for 14, 37 and 39 Colborne Street.

CARRIED.

22. ANNUAL HERITAGE MARKHAM CHRISTMAS SOCIAL (16.11)

Extracts: G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_______________

It was agreed that the Chair would make the decision on the location for the Heritage Markham Christmas Social and will be in touch with all members once details are finalized.

23. MARKHAM TRAIN STATION

NEW ROOFED FEATURE BY GO TRANSIT

RESOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner briefly discussed the resolution from the Development Services Committee pertaining to the erection of the kiosk at the Markham Train Station by GO Transit where it was agreed that the Chief Administrative Officer, J. Livey, will be in contact with GO Transit officials to try to resolve the concerns raised.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive this item as information.

CARRIED.

24. ONTARIO REALTY CORPORATION

HERITAGE PROPERTIES DATABASE

BUILDINGS OF LOCAL HERITAGE INTEREST (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner briefly discussed the correspondence received from the Ontario Realty Corporation pertaining to the heritage status of certain properties in its ownership.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the correspondence from Ontario Realty Corporation be referred to Heritage Section staff for response.

CARRIED.

25. DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION

32 CHURCH STREET

JAMES THERIEN, APPLICANT (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

____________W. Stover, Building Department ___________________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner reviewed the application received from James Therien on November 9^th. Heritage Markham expressed concerns over the proposed demolition of this heritage building. It was agreed that a site visit should be made to 32 Church Street and that the application be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-committee for further consideration before a recommendation is given.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT a site visit for the Architectural Review Sub-Committee be arranged to 32 Church Street at the earliest opportunity.

AND THAT the application be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for further consideration before a recommendation is made on the demolition permit application.

CARRIED.

26. DOORS OPEN ONTARIO (16.11)

Extracts: G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner
R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner reviewed the correspondence from Mary Bartolomucci, the new Director of Corporate and Business Services, with the Ontario Heritage Trust (formerly the Ontario Heritage Foundation). The deadline for community registration is December 16, 2005. The Chair agreed to follow up with the Chair of Doors Open Markham and will update members at the next meeting.

27. ADDENDUM ITEMS (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

Heritage Markham members requested that Heritage Section staff ensure that members receive any addendum items no later than the Monday prior to a meeting to allow for sufficient time to review and prepare. Any items received after that date should be deferred to the following month’s meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.