TENTH MEETING OF THE

HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

MINUTES

Members Regrets

Joan Natoli, Chair Rosemary Lamon

Ted Chisholm, Vice-Chair Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Julie Christian Councillor John Webster

Elizabeth Plashkes

Marie Jones

Maria Pia Andrejin

Evelin Ellison

Susan Casella

Judy Dawson-Ryan

Staff

R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Heritage Planner

Yvonne Hurst – Committee Secretary

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.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

The Chair asked if any member of the Committee had a disclosure of pecuniary interest.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

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

CARRIED.

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES - NINTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING

SEPTEMBER 8, 2004 (16.11)

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Minutes of Heritage Markham meeting held on September 8, 2004 be received and adopted.

CARRIED.

3. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

MARKHAM VILLAGE LIBRARY EXPANSION

6031 HIGHWAY #7 (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

Gerry Shoalts, Shoalts and Zaback Architects gave a presentation on the preliminary schematic design review of the library expansion. This included a review of the process to date, a review of previous Heritage Markham comments, applicable guidelines, precedents, design principles and approaches, an analysis of the existing building and a review of the massing model.

The Committee was generally supportive of the proposed massing model and was not opposed to the rounded roof shape as it was different from the existing library roof, but reflected the scale and massing of a former fairground building on the site. The Committee did indicate a concern about the need for and size of the mechanical box feature on the roof and asked that this be minimized if possible. The Committee also stressed that it will be very interested in the details of materials and window treatment. The Architect promised to return to Heritage Markham in 2-3 months with more detailed designs. Committee members also indicated that it would be extremely important that the Town use quality materials on the new building (roofing, wall cladding, etc.) to enhance the design and maintain the integrity of this civic building.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the presentation on the Markham Village Library expansion be received;

AND THAT, since the Markham Village Library is a municipal building that will encounter significant usage by the public over the next decade or more, Heritage Markham urges Council to consider the use of high quality materials when completing this project.

CARRIED.

4. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
PROPOSED RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
ECKARDT-MCKAY HOUSE
197 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE (16.11)

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

John Ryerson, Director Varley Gallery________________________

John Ryerson, Director of the Varley Art Gallery and Peter Stewart of George Robb Architects were in attendance to provide information on the proposed restoration of the Eckardt-McKay house at 197 Main Street, Unionville. Peter Stewart reviewed the restoration approach in detail noting a number of items that will be added/restored:

- a washroom will be added to the studio level with accommodation for a smaller mechanical room;

- a minor change to the ground floor washroom;

- a size reduction to the second floor washroom to allow for a storage area;

- foundation will be excavated and stabilized and the masonry repaired to the ground floor level;

- the modern rear chimney will be removed since a new furnace is part of the restoration project;

- the windows will remain intact as they are in reasonable condition needing only minor repairs;

- the unique gingerbread trim will be restored/repaired;

- it is proposed that the house return to the original exterior colour of pale gray with a darker gray trim and charcoal gray shutters;

- a period landscape approach is recommended with indigenous plants;

- stairs to the garden and the patio will be replaced with new materials;

- the decorative fence in front of the house would be replaced with a traditional fence as shown in an historical photo of the home;

- parts of the existing fence (that is in need of repair and presents a safety concern with the low points of the fence) will be used in other locations around the house;

- the front porch roof will be corrected to direct water away from the building;

- interpretive signage will be included on the property;

- a ramp will be available for wheelchair access at the rear of the house.

Mr. Stewart noted that the second floor is not suitable for public access since it does not have any accessibility features and would require extensive renovation to make it accessible. Therefore, this floor will be used for volunteers.

It was suggested, by the architects, that the pale gray exterior colour recommended by the architects would enhance the house and give the structure a fresh look.

The Committee provided the following comments:

- concurred that pale gray exterior would be appropriate for the home;

- suggested that the porches at the front of the house be replicated at some time in the future.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the presentation on the proposed restoration and improvements to the Eckardt-McKay House and offer comments to the design team;

AND THAT Heritage Markham supports the restoration approach for the Eckardt-McKay house in principle;

AND FURTHER THAT Heritage Markham concurs with a pale gray exterior colour for the house.

CARRIED.

5. OMB HEARING
28 PIKE LANE (FORMERLY 9451 NINTH LINE)
APPEAL OF A COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT VARIANCE APPLICATION (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the memo, dated October 13, 2004, from the Manager, Heritage Planning, with respect to the OMB Hearing, 28 Pike Lane (formerly 9451 Ninth Line) be received as information.’

CARRIED.

6. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATIONS
HERITAGE PERMITS APPROVED BY HERITAGE SECTION STAFF – SEPTEMBER 2004
11 DEANBANK DR., 33 COLBORNE ST.; 70 JOHN STREET (16.11)
Extract: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

It was noted that the memo, dated October 13, 2004, should be amended as follows:

33 Colborne Street - Repair existing carport; replicate existing wood gate in

wood.

70 John Street - Replace existing asphalt shingles with new black

asphalt shingles.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the memo dated October 13, 2004 regarding Heritage Permit approvals for 11 Deanbank Drive, 33 Colborne Street and 70 John Street, be received as corrected.

CARRIED.

7. INFORMATION

TREE REMOVALS IN HERITAGE DISTRICTS (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space

Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning____________________

In addressing concerns of the Committee with regard to the removal of trees in the heritage areas, the Manager, Heritage Planning, advised that a Tree Preservation By-law is being prepared by the Town of Markham and may be brought before Council in the next few months. He noted that many issues must be addressed with respect to this by-law such as safety hazards, diseased trees, Town liability issues, replacement of trees, possible fines for removal, etcetera.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the memo dated October 13, 2004 regarding tree removals in heritage districts be received as information;

AND THAT Heritage Markham requests that a copy of the draft Tree Preservation By-law be provided to the committee for input prior to finalization by Council.

CARRIED.

8. INFORMATION
TOWN OF MARKHAM VOLUNTEERS – FLU SHOT (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the materials with respect to the free flu shots for Town of Markham volunteers be received as information.

CARRIED.

9. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
HERITAGE CANADA FOUNDATION: STRATEGIC PLAN 2005-2010 (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the correspondence on the Heritage Canada Foundation’s Strategic Plan and advise the Foundation that Heritage Markham is in support of the Strategic Plan for 2005-2010 as proposed.

CARRIED.

10. INFORMATION
NEWS RELEASE
THRONE SPEECH – HERITAGE CANADA’S DISAPPOINTMENT (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the news release titled Throne Speech Major Heritage Disappointment be received as information.

CARRIED.

11. CORRESPONDENCE PACKAGE (16.11):
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________
a) Varley Art Gallery: National Berczy Symposium in Markham – Oct. 21-22, 2004
b) Heritage Conservation Workshop, Unionville, Saturday, October 23, 2004.
c) ICOMOS Canada Conference: My City, My Heritage, My Future, Ottawa, Oct. 21-24, 2004
d) Ontario Ministry of Culture: Ontario Conservation Workshop – Fall 2004
e) Heritage Toronto Awards/ William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture – At the “Carlu”, October 18, 2004
f) Ontario Ministry of Culture: Historic Places Initiative.
g) Built Heritage New – Issue No. 50, September 21, 2004
h) Heritage Canada Media Review, September, 2004
i) ACORN Journals, Summer 2004
j) Old House Journal, September-October 2004 Issue

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the correspondence list dated October 13, 2004 be received as information.

CARRIED.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham cover the costs of registration for the Heritage Conservation Workshop to be held in Unionville on Saturday, October 23, 2004 for members of the committee.

CARRIED.

12. INFORMATION
DESIGNATING HERITAGE PROPERTIES IN ONTARIO (16.11)
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

The Manager, Heritage Planning, urged committee members to read “Designating Heritage Properties in Ontario, for up to date information on the designation process.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive the information titled “Designating Heritage Properties in Ontario” and recommend to all committee members that they read the material to familiarize themselves with the latest process for the designation and treatment of individual properties under the Ontario Heritage Act.

CARRIED.

13. HERITAGE DESIGNATION
DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT.
HUMBOLD PROPERTIES LIMITED - JAMES DARIUS HARRINGTON HOUSE
9642 NINTH LINE (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning
Scott Heaslip, East District Co-ordinator

George Duncan, Heritage Planner_____________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner noted that the pressed metal faux stone on the exterior of the building is a rare example of this type of siding in Markham. The house, evaluated as a Group 2 heritage building, is owned by Humbold Properties Ltd. and located in the Greensborough Community Phase 2. The requirement for heritage designation was one of the conditions of draft approval for the plan of subdivision.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham recommend to Council that 9642 Ninth Line be designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

CARRIED.

14. SPECIAL EVENTS
HERITAGE MARKHAM – DESIGNATION PLAQUE CEREMONY FEBRUARY 2005 (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning____________________________

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that the Heintzman House has been tentatively booked as follows:

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - during Ontario Heritage Week

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 - 30^th anniversary date for Heritage Markham

It was suggested that it might be appropriate to partner with one of the historical societies (SPOHT was suggested for the February 16^th event at the Heintzman House).

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT SPOHT (Society for the Preservation of HistoricThornhill) be approached to explore the possibility of a partnership between SPOHT and Heritage Markham with respect to the February 16, 2005 event during Ontario Heritage Week.

CARRIED.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham form a Special Events Sub-Committee consisting of the following members of the committee:
Elizabeth Plashkes, Ted Chisholm, Marie Jones, Susan Casella, Julie

Christian

AND THAT the Sub-Committee work with the staff on the planning of the Designation Plaque ceremony, the Awards of Excellence ceremony and the 30^th Anniversary of Heritage Markham;

AND FURTHER THAT Heritage Markham concurs that the plaque presentation ceremony by held in February 2005 and the award ceremony be held in November 2005.

CARRIED.

15. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK
YOUNG HERITAGE LEADERS 2004: NOMINATION FORM (16.11)
Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning_______________________________

The Heritage and Conservation Planner noted that his memo dated October 13, 2004 provides general information with respect to the Young Heritage Leaders 3004: Nomination Form. The award is provided to young people 18 years of age and younger. The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 17, 2004.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham receive information on the Young Heritage Leaders 2004 program and members give consideration to possible nominations.

CARRIED.

16. STREAM NAMES IN MARKHAM

LILLI DUOBA, SENIOR CO-ORDINATOR

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ROUGE PARK

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning
Lilli Duoba, Environmental Planner_______________________________

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the memo dated October 6, 2004 from the Senior Project Co-ordinator, Environmental Planning and Rouge Park, with respect to stream names in Markham be received as information.

CARRIED.

17. ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION ZA 04 026009

R. CORONA PROPERTIES LTD.

FORMER SCOTIABANK BRANCH

4491 HIGHWAY 7, UNIONVILLE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Senior Heritage Planner

Doris Cheng, Planner - Markham Centre ____________________

The Manager of Heritage Planning advised that the present zoning only allows a ‘bank’ as a permitted use. The owner wishes to expand the uses to permit general commercial businesses on the property.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no comment on the Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZA 04 026009 – 4491 Highway 7, Unionville.

CARRIED.

18. APPLICATION FOR CONSENT B/30/04

1209094 ONTARIO LTD.

152 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Secretary Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no comment on Application for Consent B/30/04 – 152 Main Street North, Markham Village;

AND THAT, if the severance is approved, a heritage easement be obtained as a condition of consent.

CARRIED.

19. UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES TO A DESIGNATED BUILDING

FAMILY DAY CHILD CARE SERVICES

SINCLAIR HAGERMAN HOUSE

3990 FOURTEENTH AVENUE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor _

The Manager of Heritage Planning reviewed the memo dated October 13, 2004 that outlines the number of changes that have been made to 3990 Fourteenth Avenue (Sinclair Hagerman House) without approval. A number of items were noted:

- east and west walls have been clad in vinyl;

- historic multi-paned windows removed on east and west sides;

- all wood around the windows and sills appear to have been removed from east and west sides;

- decorative bargeboard removed from the side gables (east and west sides);

- original wood front door replaced with a metal door;

- soffits and fascia clad in aluminum;

- sign replaced.

It was noted that this property had previously received a 25^th anniversary award by Heritage Markham for the work done on rehabilitating the building. A $5000 grant was provided in 1996 for preservation work. A letter from Family Day Care Services, dated January 20, 1996, stated that “the existing building will be restored to its original condition”. No applications were made to the Town for the work recently undertaken.

Members of the Committee expressed their deepest shock at the changes made to this historic building noting that the heritage plaque on the building may give the wrong impression to the public as to what was approved by Heritage Markham.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham is shocked and appalled at the inappropriate changes made to the heritage structure at 3990 Fourteenth Avenue (which structure has been recognized through a Town grant and a Heritage Markham award for its excellence in adhering to heritage concepts);

AND THAT Heritage Markham recommends that the Town of Markham pursue the violation at 3990 Fourteenth Avenue as permitted by the Ontario Heritage Act and attempt to work with the owners to rectify the situation.

CARRIED.

20. HERITAGE CONSERVATION EASEMENT POLICY

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager of Heritage Planning reviewed the memo dated October 13, 2004 that outlined the proposed Heritage Conservation Easement Policy. He noted that a formal policy on this issue will ensure that consistency is used when an easement is to be requested. In the case of alterations/additions, an easement would only be requested when there is some degree of substantive alteration to the building being requested.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham endorses the proposed Heritage Easement Policy as presented at its meeting held on October 13, 2004.

CARRIED.

21. MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE (SOUTH OF HWY 7)

CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Allan Arbuckle, Engineering __________________________

The Manager of Heritage Planning noted that any comments with respect to the Main Street Unionville Class EA Study have to be submitted by the end of October. He noted that the two lane urban cross section with potential for parallel parking appears to be the most appropriate option for the heritage district.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports the preferred alternative a two lane urban cross section as described in the Main Street Unionville Class Environmental Assessment Study;

AND THAT the parallel parking opportunities and the need for enhanced boulevard widening (bump-outs) be explored as part of the future streetscape study for this area;

AND FURTHER THAT Heritage Markham requests that, as part of any further streetscape study for this area, a designated bicycle lane be considered.

CARRIED.

22. DOOR OPEN MARKHAM – 2005

UPDATE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Elizabeth Plashkes advised that registration for Door Open Markham 2005 will occur in mid-December. She also noted that the Town of Markham is not in a position to take over this event for 2005. She did indicate that the Unionville Villagers Association may take over the organizational role for 2005.

23. POTENTIAL ‘BOX MALL’ DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHWAY 48

NORTH OF MARKHAM VILLAGE

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Elizabeth Plashkes advised that Council has approved a retail impact study for the area of Highway 48 north of Markham Village, however, Council did not implement an interim control by-law to halt development of this area. She noted that, if the retail impact study shows a negative impact will occur with respect to the Markham Village area, then Council may consider different land use alternatives on Highway 48.

24. SEASONAL CELEBRATION

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

The Chair, Joan Natoli, indicated that she would be pleased to entertain the seasonal celebration at her home this year.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.