TWELFTH MEETING OF THE

HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

 

MINUTES

 

 

Members                                                                                  Regrets

Joan Natoli, Chair                                                                     Rosemary Lamon

Ted Chisholm, Vice-Chair                                                        Julie Christian              

Elizabeth Plashkes

Marie Jones                                                                             

Maria Pia Andrejin                                                                  

Evelin Ellison

Judy Dawson-Ryan

Susan Casella

Councillor John Webster

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

Staff

M. Seaman, Senior Planner – Heritage and Conservation

G. Duncan, Heritage Planner

Yvonne Hurst – Committee Secretary

 

The Chair convened the meeting at the hour of 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

The Chair asked if any members of the Committee had a disclosure of pecuniary interest.  No expressions of pecuniary interest were made.

 

 

1.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

 

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda and addendum agenda, dated December 8, 2004 be approved as circulated.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

2.         ADOPTION OF MINUTES

ELEVENTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING
NOVEMBER 10, 2004 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Minutes of the Heritage Markham meeting held on November 10, 2004 be received and adopted.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

3.         REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
            PROPOSED GARAGE
            MR. ROBERT WHITE

145 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE HCD (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

Mr. and Mrs. White (applicants) were in attendance with Russ Gregory (Architect for the project) to obtain feed for the proposed garage at 145 Main Street, Unionville.

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner noted that the Whites are the new owners of this property and are proposing to build a garage similar to the garage previously proposed in 2001 but not built by the former owner.  The proposed garage and link design has been provided to the Committee for review and feedback.  A site plan would be forthcoming when the concept plan has been approved by Heritage Markham and Town (Heritage section) staff.

 

Russ Gregory noted that Heritage Markham approved a garage several years ago but the owner at that time and decided not to proceed.  He asked for comments on the proposal now before the Committee with respect to the garage and link to the heritage home.  Mr. Gregory pointed out that the architecture is the same as that found in the prior approved garage while the siting of the garage is slightly different.  The proposed link from the garage to the heritage home is for security purposes.  The link would be hidden behind existing trees, the roof of the proposed garage has been lowered 1 ft. and the link pushed back further behind the chimney of the heritage home.

 

The committee provided these comments as feedback:

-                     support the one storey design of the garage;

-                     no problem with the proposed footprint;

-                     suggested that the design of the front of the garage look more like an out building (e.g. coach house);

-                     suggested that applicant confirm setbacks, etc. with staff staff as Council has made some recent changes (e.g. driveway widths).

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the concept plans for the proposed garage and

link at 145 Main Street as information;

 

AND THAT Heritage Markham accepts the concept of the linkage between the garage and the heritage home in principle subject to the review of architectural designs.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

4.         REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
            VINYL WINDOW USE ON NEW HOMES
            CALIBER HOMES

            49 MAIN STREET SOUTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that the applicants (Caliber Homes – 49 Main Street South, Markham Village HCD) are seeking permission to use vinyl windows on the homes to be constructed  in the new development on James Walker Court.  He noted that only the rear walls of the new homes would be visible from the heritage area on Main Street South.  He further noted that the Town of Markham’s windows policy for heritage areas specifies the use of wood windows in new construction, however, the policy allows for the use of alternative materials in areas not visible from the street. 

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner indicated that the rear facades of this new development is a considerable distance from Main Street South while the front facades will face an internal street that is not visible from the heritage area.  The applicants are requesting the use of vinyl windows on all sides of the new homes.

 

Mr. Danny DiMeo provided a sample of the proposed windows for the committee’s evaluation.  He noted that due to an acoustical fence (which is already installed) and the slope of the land, the rear windows will not be visible from the heritage area.   He advised the Committee that sales of the new homes has begun and purchasers are expressing reluctance to having wood windows due to maintenance problems and the drastic changes in Canadian weather (severe cold, heat and humidity).  He pointed out that the homes are in the $500,000 to one million dollars plus range and purchasers are looking for a window product that is low maintenance and energy efficient.  He also noted that the windows are available in all sizes and a range of colours.  He stressed that considerable time has been spent in ensuring that the architectural details of the rear of these homes are compatible to the heritage area.

 

The Committee expressed a number of concerns:

-         future plans for a linear park would make the area pedestrian friendly and make the rear of these homes more visible to those using the park;

-         the west (rear elevations) are the most visible to the heritage area, however, the  requirement for wood windows has usually been applied to the fronts of homes in a heritage area or on the side views where these views can be seen from the street (particularly corner lots);

-          while these are not typical rear designs, this is the entrance to the heritage village;

-         the proposed windows do not meet the heritage guidelines;

-         will the acoustical wall remain? (yes)

-         it was noted that considerations were made in other new developments (Rougehaven, James Scott) however the committee expressed the desire to be consistent in its application of the heritage guidelines.

 

It was moved and seconded:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the use of wood windows for the front elevations of the Caliber Homes (49 Main Street South) including the side elevations on the corner lots and the use of vinyl windows on the rear and side elevations (except on corner lots as noted), subject to the design of the windows being in keeping with architectural details found in the heritage area. 

 

FAILED TO CARRY.

 

It was moved and seconded:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the use of vinyl windows on all elevations of the  Caliber Homes (49 Main Street South), subject to the design of the windows being in keeping with architectural details found in the heritage area. 

 

FAILED TO CARRY

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the use of wood windows on all elevations of the Caliber Homes (49 Main Street South) with designs complementary to the architectural details found in the heritage area. 

 

CARRIED.

 

The applicant was advised to speak with the Town Clerk if it is his desire to be placed on the agenda when the Heritage Markham recommendation goes before Council. 

 

 

5.         POLICY

HERITAGE CONSERVATION EASEMENT POLICY (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Policy Heritage Conservation Easement Policy be received as information.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

6.         INFORMATION
            HERITAGE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS

233 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
15 STATION LANE, UNIONVILLE

151 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE

31 JERMAN STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the information regarding the  Heritage Easement Agreements for 233 Main Street, Unionville; 15 Station Lane, Unionville; 151 Main Street, Unionville; and 31 Jerman Street, Markham Village, be received.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

7.         INFORMATION
            HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HE 04 027533

MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE SEASONAL LIGHTING (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the information regarding Heritage Permit Application HE 04 027533 – Main Street Unionville – Seasonal Lighting, be received.

 

CARRIED.

 

8.         POLICY

COMMENTS ON BILL 60 –
AN ACT TO AMEND THE
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information and endorse the recommendations regarding Bill 60 – An Act to amend the Ontario Heritage Act.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

9.         INFORMATION

DOORS OPEN MARKHAM 2005 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

____________C. Harrison, Strategic Services______________________________

           

Elizabeth Plashkes noted that the Doors Open Markham event costs approximately $20,000.  The Town of Markham supported the event with a grant of $5,000 in 2004.  Trillium funding is a possibility but she noted that the time frame for a Trillium application for the 2005 event is very tight.  She also noted that the UVA (Unionville Villagers Association) have expressed an interest in organizing the 2005 Doors Open Markham. 

 

The deadline for the 2005 event is December 17, 2004.  At the time there is a need for a ‘lead’ for this event. 

 

Catharine Harrison, Town staff, was in attendance to hear the deliberations regarding this issue.  It was pointed out that discussions have been held with respect to this event being supported yearly by Markham or every other year.  It was suggested that Markham may not have the numbers of heritage properties to support a Doors Open Markham on an annual basis.

 

The following comments were provided with respect to this issue:

-         suggested that a yearly event is preferable as the event may loose momentum if held only once every two years;

-         noted that several of the Heritage Markham committee members would be willing to assist the leader of this event;

-         suggested that it is an important annual event to showcase the heritage of Markham;

-         suggested that the event could be held one day for each district or just one day for the event;

-         suggested that the Town of Markham would be the most appropriate lead for the event.

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the information regarding Doors Open Markham 2005 be received.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

10.              STUDY - MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES STUDY (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

___________  M. Seaman, Senior Heritage Planner_________________________

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the study entitled Markham Heritage Estates Study of Potentially Threatened Buildings for Remaining Lots” be received and endorsed.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

11.              HERITAGE DESIGNATION - 2960 SIXTEENTH AVE.
DESIGNATION UNDER THE
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT (16.11)
Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS

THAT Heritage Markham recommends to Council that the Daniel Quantz house at 2960 Sixteenth Avenue be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of cultural heritage value or interest.

 

CARRIED.

 


 

12.              CORRESPONDENCE (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the following correspondence be received as information:

a)      Heritage Canada Foundation: Heritage magazine, Fall 2004

b)      Anra Group Company Inc., (did exterior restoration work on 8966 Woodbine Ave.): Promotional material

c)      Heritage Canada Media Review, November 2004

d)      Amici Spa, 8971 Woodbine Avenue, Buttonville, Grand Opening December 5, 6, 7, 2004

 

CARRIED.

 

 

13.              REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

SIGN ISSUES, CHILDREN’S WORLD EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

9899 HIGHWAY 48 (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

___________ Michelle Au, Applications Administrator ____________________

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner reviewed the sign issues at 9899 Highway 48 noting that the multiple sign on the front wall of the building are not considered appropriate for a heritage structure and tend to give the building a cluttered look.  However, it was noted that the signage, while not appropriate, only exceeds the total allowable sign area by a minimal amount.  The owner has agreed to reduce the number of signs on the building to one sign only (the large name sign on the front of the building).  All other signs are to be removed by December 16, 2004.

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham thank the applicant for taking steps to improve the sign situation at the historically-designated William Read House;

 

AND THAT, due to the fact that standardized signage is to be installed at this location and at that time all signage will be removed from the property (plaza pylon to be erected) the Committee concurs with the following temporary conditions:

-         all signage be removed from the heritage home;

-         until the permits for the permanent signage are in place the applicant be permitted to retain the one large name sign (Children’s World) and install this sign on the fencing along Highway 48;

-         that the photographs be permitted to be installed on the fencing but not on the Highway 48 fence;

-         that a Letter of Credit be obtained from the applicant to ensure that the above conditions are met.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

14.       REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

            PROPOSED ADDITION TO REPRODUCTION HERITAGE HOUSE
9 ELIZA STREET, THORNHILL HCD (16.11)

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning_________________

           

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that the house at 9 Eliza Street is a heritage reproduction.  The current owners are proposing to add a one storey addition to the north side.  The house is located in the core area of Thornhill and it was noted that a 3,000 square foot cap is in place in the Thornhill area.  The applicants have requested feedback on the proposal to:

-         raise the roof on the second story to gain head room;

-         propose a side addition rather than a rear addition;

 

The Committee suggested that the applicant consider a more suitable design for the home and with the size of the lot, address the possibility of constructing the addition at the rear of the home

  

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the proposed addition at 9 Eliza Street be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee to consider a more suitable design.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

15.       MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/02/05

            PETER AND SHANNON KAKRIDONI

            276 MAIN STREET, UNIONVLLE

            Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning

                                    S. Muradali, Committee of Adjustment  _________________ 

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that the owners of 276 Main Street, Unionville propose to build a new house on the property.  The owners are requesting relief from the By-law to permit a minimum set back of 4 feet for the one storey portion of the proposed building and a minimum side yard set back of 6 feet for the second storey portion of the proposed building.  

 

The Committee expressed concerns with respect to the requested set backs indicating that the lot is large enough to accommodate a significant structure without the need for any set backs.

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the minor variance application A/02/05 – 276 Main Street, Unionville;

 

AND THAT Regional Councillor Jones report back to Heritage Markham whether access to a rear yard garage could be obtained by way of the Toogood Pond park lane to the rear of the property.

 

            CARRIED.

 

 

 

16.       LETTERS EXTENDING THE TERMS OF MEMBERS

            OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES

            Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning                

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the correspondence regarding the extension of terms of members of advisory committees be received as information.

 

            CARRIED.

 

17.       APPLICATION FOR ZONING AMENDMENT

ZONING USE CATEGORY CHANGE

AMENDMENT TO ADD RESTAURANT AND BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICE TO THE LIST OF PERMITTED USES

FILE NO ZA 04 027514  -  2019311 ONTARIO LIMITED

            150 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE

            Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning________________

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no comment on the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for 150 Main Street, Unionville.

 

CARRIED.


 

18.       APPLICATION FOR ZONING AMENDMENT -     FILE NO. ZA 04 024070

WISMER MARKHAM DEVELOPMENTS INC.

9506 HIGHWAY 48

Extracts:           R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning                   

                        Geoff Day, Planner________________________________________

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the Albert Wideman House be retained on its original foundation and incorporated into any future commercial development of the property;

 

AND THAT the Planning Department review the types of uses permitted in the Major Commercial Zone category and exclude any uses for the property upon which the Albert Wideman House resides that would appear not to be conducive to the preservation of the Wideman House.

 

CARRIED.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.