SEVENTH MEETING OF THE

HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

 

MINUTES

 

 

Members                                                                                  Regrets

Joan Natoli, Chair                                                                     Evelyn Ellison

Ted Chisholm, Vice-Chair                                                        Elizabeth Plashkes

Julie Christian                                                               Judy Dawson-Ryan

Marie Jones                                                                             

Susan Casella                                                                          

Maria Pia Andrejin

Rosemary Lamon                                                        

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Councillor John Webster

 

Staff

M. Seaman, Senior Planner - Heritage

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.

 

1.                        APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda, dated July 14, 2004, be approved with the addition of the following items of new business:

-               Heritage Property Tax Reduction Program – Region of York

-               30 Wales Avenue, Proposed Garage

 

CARRIED

 

2.         POT LIGHTS IN SOFFITS, 8 ECKARDT AVENUE   

UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

MANNY AND TERESA PAPADIMITROPOULOS (16.11)

     

Manny Papadimitropoulos addressed the committee with respect to pot lights in the soffits at 8 Eckardt Avenue.  He thanked Heritage Markham for its review and recommendations with respect to his house.  He noted that Heritage Markham’s concerns with the issue of pot lights was brought to his attention.  However, the installation of the pot lights had been completed.  He pointed out that a number of other homes in the area have pot lights installed in the eves.  In particular, he was directed to view 252 Main Street for the brick colour for his home and noted that this house also has pot lights in the eaves.  He further noted that this issue is not addressed in the Heritage Guidelines for the Unionville Heritage Area.

 

The Committee indicated that a form of ground lighting would be more appropriate for a heritage area.  However, there is nothing in the heritage policy, at this time, that prohibits pot lighting. 

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the deputation regarding pot lights in the soffits of 8 Eckardt Avenue.

 

            CARRIED

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Town (Heritage Section) staff be requested to develop a policy that addresses lighting in heritage areas;

 

AND THAT the policy be provided to Heritage Markham for review and presentation to Council for approval.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

3.         POTENTIAL  HERITAGE BUILDING IDENTIFIED

            19 ROUGE STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE (16.11)

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner reviewed the staff memo, dated July 14, 2004, with respect to the potential heritage building identified at 19 Rouge Street, Markham Village.  Staff noted a number of heritage features: original stone foundation, historic 2/2 windows and original vertical wood siding beneath the modern cladding.  However, the house has undergone a number of modifications including raising the roof, addition of dormers, addition of Insul-bric cladding, addition of aluminum and Angel Stone cladding over the Insul-bric, reconfiguration of the front façade and complete remodeling of the interior.

 

Mr. Alexandris, the applicant, noted that the house is not livable, the roof is in poor shape and the structure of the home is deteriorating.  He requested that the Committee not object to a future demolition permit application.

           

Mr. Peter Ross, representing the Vinegar Hill Ratepayer’s Association, noted that it is important for the group to preserve the few heritage properties within Vinegar Hill.  However, he noted that there is a terrible odour within the home at 19 Rouge Street that necessitates keeping a fan on to remove as much of the odour as possible.  He further noted that there are odours emanating from the septic system.  He pointed out that there is little to preserve on the front of the building and the streetscape would be improved without the existing structure and with the erection of a new Georgian style home. 

 

Mr. Dave Huff, 21 Rouge Street, indicated that the structure was once owned by a minister associated with the Catholic Church. 

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not object to the demolition of the structure at 19 Rouge Street subject to:

-               the owner advertising the buildings for salvage or removal;

-               the owner erecting a “Markham Remembered Plaque” on the site;

-               the owner providing notice of the demolition to Town (Heritage section)  staff to provide an opportunity for staff to visit the site and document the building.

           

            CARRIED

 

 

4.         ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

            SIXTH HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING

            JUNE 9, 2004 (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the minutes of the sixth Heritage Markham meeting held on June 9, 2004 be received and adopted as amended on page 12:

-               delete: “Richard Talbot, representing the Unionville Ratepayers Association,

-               replace with: “Richard Talbot, representing the Unionville Villagers Association,”.

 

            CARRIED

 

5.         GARAGE AND SHED, 77 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL

            HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

           

THAT Heritage Markham receive the item regarding a garage and shed at 77 John Street, Thornhill, as information.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         WROUGHT IRON FENCE, 81 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL

            HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive the item regarding a wrought iron fence at 81 John Street, Thornhill, as information.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         HERITAGE PERMITS APPROVED BY STAFF (16.11)

            31 CHURCH STREET, 22 JOSEPH STREET, 209 AND 306 MAIN STREET

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

That Heritage Markham receive as information the item regarding heritage permits approved at 31 Church Street, 22 Joseph Street, 209 and 306 Main Street.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

8.         HERITAGE PERMITS APPROVED BY STAFF (MEMO #2) (16.11)

            31 UNION STREET AND 7787 YONGE STREET

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham receive as information the item regarding heritage permits approved at 31 Union Street and 7787 Yonge Street by staff.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

9.         1930s ESTATE HOUSE, 2717 BAYVIEW AVENUE (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT in the event of a future demolition application, the estate house at 2717 Bayview Avenue be subject to further documentation after removal of some of the overgrown shrubs, the owner making available architectural features for salvage purposes, and the owner providing a Markham Remembered plaque.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

10.       DEMOLITION APPLICATIONS

            04 018603 DP – 2718 ELGIN MILLS RD. E. (SHED)

            04 018601 DP – 2730 ELGIN MILLS RD. E. (BARN)

            MR. BRUNO TUCCIARONE (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the demolition of the shed at 2718 Elgin Mills Road East, and the barn at 2730 Elgin Mills Road East, subject to Heritage Staff and Heritage Markham being granted permission to visit the site and document the buildings and the owner advertising the buildings for salvage or removal.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

11.       KNOB AND TUBE WIRING (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the item regarding knob and tube wiring be received as information.

           

            CARRIED

 

 

12.       REVIEW OF CANADIAN MUNICIPAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

            FOR HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND DOWNTOWN RENEWAL (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the review of Canadian Municipal Incentive Program for Heritage Preservation and Downtown Renewal be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

13.       DEMOLITION APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSE AND GARAGE

            04 018720 (HOUSE – FOUNDATION ONLY)

            04 018743 (DETACHED GARAGE)

            WISMER MARKHAM DEVELOPMENTS INC.

            9506 HIGHWAY 48 (16.11)

 

Messrs. Morasic and Zuccon were in attendance, representing Metrus Development, to speak to the requested demotion permit for the house (foundation only) and detached garage at 9506 Highway 48.  Also in attendance was Mr. Cameron MacDonald, tenant at 9506 Highway 48.

 

Mr. Morasic indicated that the work on the sewer infrastructure will be commencing within the next month or two.  He pointed out that the heritage home at 9506 Highway 48 is only 3 metres from the sewer construction.  He expressed concerns with respect to the close proximity of the construction indicating that dirt and vibrations may put the heritage home in jeopardy.  He suggested that an appropriate lot in the Wismer subdivision, away from the construction area, would be more suitable for the home.  The sewer could not be constructed farther from the house as the roadway belongs to the Ministry of Transportation who did not provide approval. 

 

Mr. MacDonald, tenant at 9506 Highway 48, indicated that in his opinion the house is in no danger from the proposed sewer works. 

 

Mr. Morasic advised that the professional engineer hired by Metrus has given his opinion that the house is at risk due to the proximity of the construction (vibrations, etc.).  He also noted that the house, if left in the present location, would be in the middle of a parking lot.  He suggested that a residential location would be a more appropriate future context for the heritage home.

 

The Committee expressed its views that restoring a heritage home on its original site is the preferable approach, however, if the Committee determines this to be impossible, siting within the subdivision could be addressed.   Further considerations were:

-               is there existing servicing capacity for relocation of the heritage home in a timely manner; it was pointed out that locating the house on a subdivision lot that would not be serviced for a number of years would leave the structure open to theft and vandalism;

-               if relocation was to be considered , the applicant would need to provide a site plan to the committee indicating where the house would be situated within the Wismer subdivision and a timeframe as to when the surrounding homes would be developed;

-               concerns were expressed that the demolition permit was for the “house” and garage.  It did not indicate the foundation only;  the applicant was requested to withdraw the demolition permit and allow Town (Heritage section) staff to work towards an appropriate solution

 

Mr. Morasic stated that Metrus was willing to withdraw the demolition permit and work with Town (Heritage Section) staff in developing a recommendation for Heritage Markham related to an appropriate location for the heritage home.  He asked that a special meeting be held to deal with this matter since sewer construction is commencing in the near future. 

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the demolition applications to enable the relocation of the designated Albert Wideman House (Wismer Markham Developments – 9506 Highway 48) and the removal of the detached garage;

 

AND THAT Town staff work with the applicant toward retaining the house on its original site or, if all options for onsite preservation are exhausted, integrating it into the owner’s future development plans on an appropriate lot;

 

AND THAT, if relocation is supported by Heritage Markham, the heritage home should be sited in the first phase of the Metrus’ future developments where servicing is available.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

14.       PROPOSED ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS

            9 PETER STREET

            CATHY FULLARTON

            MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner noted that a site plan application has not yet been submitted for the proposed addition and alterations at 9 Peter Street.  The drawings have been amended to reflect Heritage Markham’s comments on the preliminary submission but the applicant wanted to address the Committee with respect to the issue of siding on the garage and the replacement of windows in the existing portion of the house.

 

Mrs. Cathy Fullarton advised that she would be submitting the documents relating to a variance at 9 Peter Street and the site plan application by July 16, 2004.  She noted that the garage has been moved back on the lot by 2 feet and the porch moved back by 1 foot.  She further noted that vertical board and batten was used on the rear addition and requested the Committee’s approval for the use of the same material on the new addition.  She indicated that the front and sides of the house have original windows and storms and some are in a deteriorated condition and require replacing.  Ms. Fullarton requested the Committee’s approval for the replacement of these windows.

 

The Committee pointed out that it is Heritage Markham’s position that original heritage windows should be restored and reused.  It was recommended that Town (Heritage Section) staff conduct a site visit to view the windows and determine if they can be restored or replaced.  It was also recommended that the applicant provide drawings that reflect the exact dimensions of the house including the placement of windows and doors. 

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham supports the general concept for the garage and verandah additions to 9 Peter Street including the following comments;

 

1)                  no objection to the use of board and batten;

 

2)                  that a site visit be arranged to determine if the existing windows can be restored or if replacement with appropriate heritage style windows would be necessary;

 

AND THAT final drawings and details be delegated to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee with authority to approve on behalf of Heritage Markham;

 

AND FURTHER THAT Heritage Markham receive the deputation by Mrs. Cathy Fullerton and develop recommendations in response to her concerns.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

15.       HERITAGE STATUS

            7 VICTORIA AVENUE

            DONNA NITCHIE

            UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

The Senior Planner – Heritage noted that the house at 7 Victoria Avenue is a Class B building in the Unionville Heritage Conservation District Plan.  The house retains its original form despite a number of 20th century alterations.  The owner is requesting feedback as to Heritage Markham’s position with respect to demolition of this building.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT  Heritage Section staff and the Architectural Review Sub-Committee arrange a site visit to better understand the condition of this heritage house, and report back to the main Heritage Markham committee on August 11, 2004.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

16.       MILROY HOUSE RESTORATION PLAN - CHRIST THE KING CEMETERY

            7111 REESOR ROAD (16.11)

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that that a maintenance plan has been prepared for 7111 Reesor Road.  The plan deals with maintenance issues including: roof shingle replacement; replacement of evestroughs, downspouts and flashing; selective repairs to wood trim and siding; re-painting in the existing colour scheme and removal of the milk shed addition.

 

He noted that the only issue not supported by Town (Heritage Section) staff is the removal of the milk shed.  The milk shed is included in the Reasons for Designation for the Milroy House and staff recommend that the tree (whose growth has damaged the shed) be removed and the milk shed repaired.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham approve the Restoration Plan for the Milroy House at 7111 Reesor Road subject to:

-               the amendment of the Restoration Plan to delete the demolition of the milk shed and instead include the removal of the chestnut tree adjacent to the milk shed and the repair and restoration of the milk shed:

-               the inclusion of a requirement that the replacement of any windows other than the basement window and the south facing window in the east wing be subject to a separate Heritage Permit;

-               the inclusion of a statement that original wood details are to be retained and repaired wherever possible, and replaced only as a last resort.

 

CARRIED

 

 

17.       PROPOSED ADDITION AND ALTERATIONS

            52 NELSON STREET

            MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

The Senior Planner – Heritage advised that the owner of 52 Nelson Street has submitted a revised conceptual plan to address issues related to portions of the current building constructed without the benefit of Town approvals.  A substantial addition and alterations to the residential dwelling was undertaken without site plan approval or a building permit.  Of particular concern to Town (Heritage Section) staff was the large front projecting garage component.  Committee of Adjustment, at its June 25, 2003 meeting refused the request to grant an application for relief of the requirements of Zoning By-law No. 1229, as amended.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the proposed two storey garage component on the east side of the dwelling, but would prefer to see a one storey or one and a half storey building perhaps with a more traditional balcony treatment.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

18.       PROPOSED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

            MAIN STREET NORTH AND SIXTEENTH AVENUE

            MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

The Heritage and Conservation Planner advised that the plans for the intersection of Sixteenth Avenue and Main Street North are being developed as the first component of the Main Street Markham Streetscape and Traffic Management Plan.  Town (Engineering and Urban Design) staff have requested comments on the plans.  Town (Heritage Section) staff have reviewed the plans and provided a number of comments for the Committee’s consideration.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has the following comments concerning the preliminary landscape plan for the Main Street Markham Streetscape Improvements at the intersection of Sixteenth Avenue and Main Street North:

-               any proposed design elements and features used here should be used consistently throughout the remaining components of the project;

-               the utility box on the south west corner should be relocated to a less visible location;

-               the use of unit pavers and coloured concrete is supported as long as appropriate heritage colours are utilized;

-               the introduction of the limestone block wall is supported;

-               the use of the decorative railing in the medians is not supported due to maintenance and overall compatibility with the heritage area;

-               the decorative rail and metal grillwork should be more consistent with designs identified in the Main Street Markham Streetscape Guidelines (fence designs should contain circles – this was the direction given to ESSO for its boundary fence;

 

AND THAT, if members of Heritage Markham have any additional comments, they are requested to forward them to the Manager of Heritage Planning.

 

CARRIED

 

 

19.       DOORS OPEN 2004 – AUGUST 28 and AUGUST 29, 2004

            VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED (16.11)

 

Members of Heritage Markham were requested to consider volunteering whatever hours they could accommodate to assist at Doors Open 2004 sites.  Ted Chisholm, Joan Natoli and Maria Pia Andrejin indicated that they would volunteer time to support this event.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the correspondence with respect to the Doors Open 2004 event taking place on August 28 and August 29 in Markham, be received;

 

AND THAT members of Heritage Markham be encouraged to volunteer at the Doors Open sites during the two-day event.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

20.       HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION

            PROPOSED SIDE VERANDAH

            GLEN AND MARG PATERSON

            39 COLBORNE STREET

            THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

 

The Planner Heritage and Conservation informed the Committee that an addition of a verandah to the east-side of the rear wing of 39 Colborne Street was approved by Heritage Markham in 1996.  Work on the 1996 permit was not carried out. The owner is now applying again with the same proposal.  A rough concept plan has been submitted and the owner has been advised that more detailed formal drawings will be required before a Heritage Permit is approved.

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the concept of the proposed verandah addition to the east side of the rear wing of 39 Colborne Street, subject to the submission of detailed, formal drawings to be approved by Heritage Section staff.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

21.       ONTARIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY

            HONOURS AND AWARDS PROGRAMME

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT Heritage Markham members consider potential nominees for The Ontario Historical Society Honours and Awards Programme, and bring back suggestions to the August 11, 2004 meeting.

 

CARRIED

 

 

22.       QUORUM RECOMMENDATIONS – SUMMER MONTHS (16.11)

 

It was noted that the following recommendation of the Finance and Administrative Committee was adopted by Council on May 25, 2004:

 

“And that approval be granted for the Advisory Committees and Subcommittees to proceed with their meetings in the absence of a quorum.”

 

This has been interpreted as meetings would proceed without quorum in the normal fashion.  Any resolution passed at that meeting would need to be ratified at the next meeting with quorum.  The minutes will indicate that the Committee/Sub-committee met without quorum.           

 

 

23.       CORRESPONDENCE PACKAGE – JULY 14, 2004 (16.11)

 

      HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

            THAT the correspondence list, dated July 14, 2004, be received as information.

 

            CARRIED

 

 

24.       HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOT SUPPORTED BY REGION OF YORK (16.11)

 

The Committee expressed disappointment in the fact that the Region of York did not support participation in the Heritage Property Tax Reduction Program.

 

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

That Town (Heritage Section) staff provide a report to Heritage Markham on what avenues could be considered with respect to the Region of York and its position of non-support for the Heritage Property Tax Reduction Program.

 

CARRIED

 

25.       30 WALES AVENUE,

PROPOSED GARAGE (16.11)

 

            HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the proposed garage for 30 Wales Avenue be delegated to Town (Heritage Section) staff to work with the applicant in finalizing a design for presentation to Heritage Markham at its August meeting.

 

            CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.