HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

NOTES

Members Absent

Judy Dawson-Ryan, Vice-Chair Julie Christian, Chair (with regrets)

Joan Natoli Maria Pia Andrejin

Susan Casella Amar Banerjee (with regrets)

Evelin Ellison Elizabeth Plashkes (with regrets)

Councillor John Webster Rosemary Lamon

Marie Jones

Regional Councillor Jim Jones (with regrets)

Staff

R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Heritage & Conservation Planner

Yvonne Hurst – Committee Secretary

Given that a quorum of seven members was needed to convene the meeting and only five members were present, those in attendance agreed to continue with the meeting and to draft motions for later ratification.

The Chair convened the meeting at the hour of 7:15 p.m. by reading an outline of the structure of Heritage Markham meetings including how delegations are received by the Committee.

The Chair asked if any member had a disclosure of pecuniary interest. No member indicated an interest.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

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

- Bridges – Elgin Mills and Sixteenth Ave, east of Reesor Road – Request for Report on Significance

- Habitat for Humanity – Salvage of Used Building Materials

- 93 Elgin Street, Thornhill – Demolition Sale- Possible Heritage Interest

- 10754 Woodbine Avenue – Heritage Status – Potential Demolition

CARRIED.

2. HERITAGE MARKHAM MINUTES, MARCH 9, 2005 (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on March 9, 2005 be received and adopted.

CARRIED.

3. CAPITAL WORKS
HERITAGE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
19^TH AVENUE WEST OF HIGHWAY 48 (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

S. Lau, Senior Project Manager____________________________

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that a Markham Remembered plaque is to be installed on the new bridge at 19^th Avenue west of Highway 48.

Mr. Stan Lau, Manager, Operations and Asset Management, was in attendance and provided two bridge designs for the Committee’s review. The one design was arch shaped while the other design was more rectangular in shape. Materials in the panels of the bridge will be concrete. When questioned by the Committee he noted that the arched bridge would cost approximately $40,000 less and is a better design.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed arch design with concrete panels for the replacement bridge on 19^th Avenue, west of Highway 48.

CARRIED.

4. INFORMATION
BILL 60 - AMENDMENTS TO THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information on Bill 60 – Amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, be received as information.

CARRIED.

5. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION

FILE NO. A/68/05
NEW VERANDA – FRONT YARD SETBACK
26 COLBORNE STREET, THORNHILL (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
S. Muradali, Secretary-Treasurer of Committee of Adjustment___

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the Committee of Adjustment application A/68/05 (new veranda – 26 Colborne Street, Thornhill) to permit the existing front yard setback that will allow the introduction of a covered veranda on the west elevation.

CARRIED.

6. COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION
FILE NO. A/69/05
ALTERATIONS TO DWELLING -
SECOND STOREY, GARAGE EXTENSION
26 ROUGE STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
S. Muradali, Secretary-Treasurer of Committee of Adjustment___

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the variances to recognize the existing frontage and sideyard set backs – Committee of Adjustment Variance Application – File No. A/69/05 – 26 Rouge Street, Markham Village;

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the proposed garage projection as it is not in keeping with the heritage character of the neighbourhood and the Committee does not support the proposed increase in the maximum net floor area ratio as it relates to the garage projection.

CARRIED.

7. INFORMATION
COMMUNITY HERITAGE ONTARIO NOTICES (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Community Heritage Ontario Notices be received as information.

CARRIED.

8. DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. 05 010879 DP
DEMOLITION OF NON-HERITAGE HOUSE AND GARAGE
276 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

M. Au, Applications Administrator

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the application for the demolition of a non-heritage house and garage at 276 Main Street, Unionville.

CARRIED.

9. DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. 05 010389 DP
DEMOLITION OF NON-HERITAGE HOUSE
29 WILSON STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
P. Raynes, Applications Administrator __________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the application for the demolition of a non-heritage house at 29 Wilson Street, Markham Village.

CARRIED.

10. INFORMATION
AWARD OF JOSEPH MARR HOUSE
8992 REESOR ROAD (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the information on the award of the Joseph Marr House, 8992 Reesor Road as information.

CARRIED.

11. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. HE 05 011274
BRICK CLEANING AND EXTERIOR PAINTING
180 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Permit Application HE 05-011274 – Brick Cleaning and Exterior Painting – 180 Main Street North, Markham Village, be received as information.

CARRIED.

12. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. HE 05 011401
WALL SIGN
10 STATION LANE, UNIONVILLE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Permit Application HE 05 011401 – wall sign – 10 Station Lane, Unionville, be received as information.

CARRIED.

13. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
FILE NO. SC 05 010894
FAIRTREE DRIVING RANGE
10379 & 10411 KENNEDY ROAD (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

S. Kitagawa, Senior Planner_______________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that the properties at 10379 and 10411 Kennedy Road contain buildings designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (the Sommerfeldt homestead and the George Henry Sommerfeldt house). A temporary driving range is proposed for the property.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham’s recommendations of March 9, 2005, pertaining to Temporary Zoning Amendment ZA 04 012862 also apply to Site Plan Control application SC 05 010894 (Fairtree Driving Range, 10379 and 10411 Kennedy Road).

CARRIED.

14. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
RESTORATION PLAN – WILLIAM GRANT HOUSE
2267 BUR OAK AVENUE (FORMERLY 7006 16^TH AVENUE) (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports the restoration plans for historically designated William Grant House at 2267 Bur Oak Avenue (formerly 7006 16^th Avenue) subject to the specifications for the restoration being included in the Site Plan Agreement;

AND THAT approval of the Site Plan Control application based on the current restoration plans be delegated to Heritage Section staff.

CARRIED.

15. YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT
VIVA FARE VENDING EQUIPMENT IN MARKHAM HERITAGE AREAS (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk for Main Street Markham Committee

Mr. James Gast indicated that he was in attendance to answer any questions that the committee may have with respect to the VIVA vending equipment that will be installed in heritage areas. Mr. Gast noted that the new VIVA service is scheduled to commence in the Fall of 2005. He advised that the equipment will be a more traditional design in the heritage areas. In non-heritage areas the equipment will be a bright blue, integrated into the shelter with a tall fin. In the heritage areas shelters previously approved by Heritage Markham will be used and the fare equipment will be free-standing in a dark bronze with a reduced fin. The equipment will not be integrated into the shelter but located approximately 6 feet from the shelter.

Addressing the Committee’s concerns with respect to the overall size of the unit, Mr. Gast advised that items could be reduced or eliminated from the equipment:

- the map could be made smaller or eliminated;

- the station sign could be eliminated;

- the variable message board could be eliminated.

However, important elements of the equipment would be lost (time of arrival for next bus, etcetera).

While the committee had concerns with the proposed design, the following suggestions were made that might reduce the impact the equipment would have in the heritage areas:

- consider plantings to camouflage the equipment

- integrate the fare vending equipment with the shelter

- reduce overall size of the equipment

- include a small roof over the equipment that would reflect the same design as the shelter roof.

- Consider relocating the station name to the proposed roof

- Maintain functional elements but provide a design that complements the heritage area.

The committee concurred that it is important to keep the functional features proposed for the equipment. It was pointed out that how these features are packaged and how the overall design fits into the heritage area is of prime importance.

Other issues requiring discussion include garbage receptacles, bike racks and signage poles.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT, with respect to the VIVA Fare Vending Equipment, Mr. James Gast be requested to provide detailed designs that would complement the heritage areas and be compatible with the shelters in the heritage areas;

AND THAT the new designs be provided to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for further discussion.

CARRIED.

16. INFORMATION
ANNUAL HERITAGE TORONTO AWARDS NOMINATION S (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the materials relating to the Annual Heritage Toronto Awards Nominations be received as information.

CARRIED.

17. 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, Spring 2005 Issue.

2. Built Heritage News, March 21, 2005 Issue No. 60.

3. Unionville Villagers Association: Unionville Villagers Newsletter, March 2005.

4. Min. of Culture: Waiving of Fees for Heritage Research, Land Registry Office.

5. Friends of the Archives of Ontario: Heritage Legacy Newsletter, March 2005.

6. Built Heritage News, April 4, 2005 Issue No. 61.

7. Ontario Historical Society AGM – Kingston, May 7, 2005.

CARRIED.

18. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION
MARKHAM VILLAGE LIBRARY EXPANSION
6031 HIGHWAY 7, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
E. Adams, Project Manager_______________________________

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that the existing library structure at 6031 Highway 7 is a Post Modern style and does not particularly lend itself to the heritage features of the surrounding district. The Committee was asked to review the site plan with a view as to how well the proposed addition complements the existing structure. It was agreed that the addition matches the existing structure and reflects its Post Modern architectural character.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the elevations for the proposed addition to the Markham Village Library subject to Heritage Section staff reviewing a colour/materials board (shingles, brick colour and size, other materials etc.).

AND THAT Heritage Markham prefers a softer, natural earth tone brick colour rather than a yellow colour.

CARRIED.

19. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION
FILE NO. HE 05 009161
EXTERIOR PAINTING AND WROUGHT IRON FENCE
121 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL (16.11)

Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
G. Duncan, Heritage Planner______________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner noted that the owner of 121 John Street has replaced the metal roof tiles with asphalt shingles. The owner also wishes to replace an existing deteriorating wood fence with a wrought iron fence. The Thornhill Heritage Conservation District Plan encourages the use of white painted wood picket fences but does not prohibit wrought iron fencing.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the Heritage permit application for 121 John Street for a new wrought iron fence in the side yard provided the height does not exceed 5 feet and the existing vegetation is retained, and that if any vegetation requires removal, it be replaced;

AND THAT Heritage Markham also approves the painting of the gable ends of the house in a neutral grayish-beige tint;

CARRIED.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the owners of 121 John Street, Thornhill be commended for the efforts made in accommodating the recommendations of Heritage Markham;

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the owner consider painting the white area of the porch a neutral grayish-beige to match the gable ends.

CARRIED.

20. SITE PLAN APPROVAL APPLICATION

FILE NO. SC 05 010032
PROPOSED HOTEL/RETAIL BUILDING- THE LYNZEY INN
159A MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
G. Duncan, Heritage Planner______________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner reviewed the proposal received for 159A Main Street, Unionville for the construction of a new hotel building with ground floor retail. It was noted that a hotel is a permitted use with the Main Street commercial zone. Some concern was expressed with regard to the window design (too busy) and the height of the building (3 storey).

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the plans for the Lynzey Inn be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for detailed review and comments.

21. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
PROPOSED PRIVATE SCHOOL
2 VALLEYWOOD DRIVE (16.11)
Extracts: R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning
T. Williams, Planner_____________________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner outlined the proposal for 2 Valleywood Drive that would result in the construction of a new, three storey private school on the property. The existing historical building would remain on its site and the Board of Education would continue to use it as a living history site.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the proposal to construct a private school at 2 Valleywood Drive be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for detailed review and comments.

CARRIED.

22. REQUEST TO REPLACE WOOD WINDOWS

THOMAS RIVIS HOUSE

7996 KENNEDY ROAD

JIM WHITEHEAD, YMCA

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning; Doris Cheng, Project Planner

The Heritage and Conservation planner noted that 7996 Kennedy Road (The Thomas Rivis House) is an historic red brick house on the YMCA property. The windows have been damaged and the YMCA is requesting permission to replace the broken windows with new windows.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that because the original wood windows in the historically-designated Thomas Rivis House at 7996 Kennedy Road are significant heritage attributes, they should be repaired rather than replaced, and that any windows that are missing or severely damaged be replaced with accurate replica windows.

CARRIED.

23. APPLICATION FOR SECONDARY PLAN AMENDMENT

LINDVEST PROPERTIES (CORNELL) LIMITED

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning, East District Co-ordinator

The Manager, Heritage Planning, advised that an application has been received with respect to the Lindvest Properties (Cornell) Limited. The heritage properties are already part of the Secondary Plan Amendment. He recommended that staff review the Amendment and return to Heritage Markham with any significant issues that may be identified.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that Heritage Section staff be delegated the authority to review the Secondary Plan Amendment and make comments and recommendations concerning how the proposed amendment may affect heritage resources;

AND THAT if any significant heritage issues are identified, that this application be referred back to Heritage Markham for further comments and recommendations.

CARRIED.

24. APPLICATIONS FOR SUBDIVISION, ZONING AMENDMENT

9765 KENNEDY RD. (INCLUDES HENRY PINGLE SR. HOUSE,

9767 KENNEDY RD. - FAIRGLEN HOMES

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning; S. Kitagawa, Project Planner

The Heritage and Conservation Planner provided a brief history of the heritage building at 9765 Kennedy Road noting that it was originally a heritage cottage and was renovated into the arts and crafts style in the 1900s. The draft plan of subdivision preserves the house, however, it does have to be moved slightly from its original site. The Committee expressed concerns with the size of the lot allocated for this house and the proximity of the adjacent homes.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the Henry Pingle Sr. House be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act;

AND THAT the subdivision agreement include the usual heritage conservation requirements to protect the building, such as letter of credit, heritage designation, and other standard preservation requirements for heritage buildings preserved within plans of subdivision;

AND FURTHER THAT the heritage house be retained on a larger size lot.

CARRIED.

25. APPLICATION FOR REZONING, PLAN OF SUBDIVISION,

AND SITE PLAN CONTROL - NORVALLEY HOMES LTD.

57 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE AND 1, 3, AND

5 RICHARD MAYNARD CRESCENT

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning reviewed the application for Rezoning, Plan of Subdivision and Site Plan Control for 57 Main Street Unionville and 1, 3 and 5 Richard Maynard Crescent. He noted that the proposed window designs are 6/1 and 4/1. These designs are not found in Unionville but are found in other heritage areas in the Queen Anne style of building.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the design approach proposed including the use of 4/1 windows (given that this is not a pane configuration historically found in Unionville);

AND THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the design approach for the single detached unit (#5) subject to referral of final details to Town (Heritage Section) staff.

CARRIED.

26. BRIDGES – ELGIN MILLS AND SIXTEENTH AVE (EAST OF REESOR ROAD)

REQUEST FOR REPORT ON SIGNIFICANCE

Susan Casella noted that there are only two heritage bridges remaining; one bridge is on Elgin Mills and the other is on Sixteenth Ave. (east of Reesor Road).She suggested that the significance of the bridges should be determined for future reference.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Town (Heritage Section) staff be requested to provide a report to Heritage Markham on the significane of the two remaining heritage bridges within Markham (Elgin Mills and Sixteenth Avenue).

CARRIED.

27. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

SALVAGE OF USED BUILDING MATERIALS

Susan Casella noted that Habitat for Humanity accepts left over building materials to construct homes with a long-term goal of eliminating substandard and poverty housing. She asked if Heritage Markham would support the inclusion of Habitat for Humanity in the Town’s salvage policy to allow for the provision of left-over materials to be donated to this organization when a heritage home is demolished.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Town (Heritage Section) staff be requested to provide a report to Heritage Markham’s May meeting on the feasibility of including Habitat for Humanity in the Town’s salvage policy.

CARRIED.

28. 93 ELGIN STREET, THORNHILL

SIGNAGE – DEMOLITION SALE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Judy Dawson-Ryan noted that a sign at 93 Elgin Street in Thornhill indicates that there is to be a ‘demolition sale’. Although this house is not in a heritage area or listed on the Heritage Inventory and notice of a demolition would not be circulated to Heritage Markham, she suggested that staff investigate to determine the age of the home and if it is worthy of further investigation.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Town (Heritage Section) staff be requested to research the house at 93 Elgin Street, Thornhill, to determine its age and worthiness of any further investigation.

CARRIED.

29. 10754 WOODBINE AVENUE

HERITAGE STATUS – POTENTIAL DEMOLITION

MR. ANTONIO FEDELE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Mr. Antonio Fedele was in attendance to discuss 10754 Woodbine Avenue. He noted that, as a possible purchaser of this property, he is looking for direction from Heritage Markham on the possibility of removing the rear addition (which Mr. Fedele indicates is not part of the original heritage structure) and building a new addition. He noted his intentions are to restore the original heritage dwelling and has revised his request from a potential demolition to the demolition of the rear addition only. He pointed out that the original dwelling has a half-basement, however, there is no basement under the existing rear addition. Mr. Fedele also indicated his desire to use reclaimed brick to clad the exterior of the heritage structure.

The Committee indicated that, without a site visit, it would be premature to consider Mr. Fedele’s request for supported of a new addition and the demolition of the existing addition. However, the Committee noted that additions to heritage structures have been support in the past provided that the addition complements the existing heritage house. With respect to the proposal for the use of reclaimed brick, the Committee pointed out that the house was originally clad in wood siding and brick would not be an exterior cladding that could be supported. Concept drawings would be required in order for Heritage Markham to provide appropriate feedback.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the deputation by Antonio Fedele concerning 10754 Woodbine Avenue;

AND THAT Heritage Markham does not support the demolition of the dwelling at 10754 Woodbine Avenue;

AND FURTHER THAT Susan Casella be requested to arrange a site visit to the property, assess the heritage structure on behalf of Heritage Markham and document her findings with staff.

CARRIED.

The meeting adjourned at 10.40 p.m.

Heritage Minutes 2005-04-13