THIRD MEETING OF THE

HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

MINUTES

Members Regrets

Julie Christian, Chair Marie Jones

Joan Natoli, Vice-Chair Judy Dawson-Ryan

Susan Casella

Elizabeth Plashkes

Ted Chisholm

Councillor Jack Webster

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Staff

R. Hutcheson, Manager Heritage Planning

G. Duncan, Heritage Planner

Yvonne Hurst – Committee Secretary

The meeting convened at the hour of 7:15 p.m. The Chair opened the meeting by reading an overview of the rules governing Heritage Markham meetings. It was noted that the meetings are open to the public, however, the meetings are not public meetings.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA (16.11)

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Heritage Markham agenda, dated March 10, 2004, be approved as revised with the inclusion of the addendum agenda.

CARRIED.

2. PROPOSED ADDITION TO A HERITAGE HOUSE

3 FRANKLIN STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Mr. David Ambtman and wife were in attendance to discuss the proposed addition to the heritage house at 3 Franklin Street, Markham Village. The Heritage Planner noted that the applicants wish to build an addition to the south side of the heritage home at 3 Franklin Street. The original house is a 1-1/2 storey centre gable home. Preliminary diagrams were provided to the Committee for review.

Mr. Ambtman noted that the heritage structure is approximately 55 feet from the front of the property. The proposed addition would be approximately 35 feet from Franklin Street. He indicated that the design provided to the committee would make the addition part of the main structure and give the appearance of one building. The proposed addition would be built to the side and front of the heritage structure. An addition to the rear (which is a common location for additions to heritage homes) would cause difficulties with respect to the required set-backs.

The applicants were advised that Heritage Markham seeks to retain the prominence of the heritage structures when additions are considered and would be sympathetic to designs that retained this prominent position with the addition included as a secondary structure. It was suggested that the applicants work with Town (Heritage Section) staff with respect to designs that would provide an appropriate addition. It was also suggested that a site plan showing adjacent homes would be beneficial to the Committee when reviewing future proposals.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham does not support a front projecting addition to the heritage house at 3 Franklin Street;

AND THAT the applicant be asked to meet with Town (Heritage Markham) staff to develop alternative concepts, including a site plan to show how the house relates to the layout of the lot and adjacent homes;

AND THAT the owner be encouraged to restore the openings of the front of the heritage house to their original layout;

AND FURTHER THAT the proposal be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for detailed consideration.

CARRIED

3. ALTERATIONS TO BUILDING

96 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL

Extract: Manager, Heritage Planning

Mr. Dusan Nikolic and Ms. Christine Griffin were in attendance to discuss the alterations to the 96 John Street, Thornhill.

The Manager, Heritage Planning, advised that the owners of 96 John Street have replaced all the original windows. The owners indicated to Town (Heritage Section) staff that the original windows were not in a condition that could be reused.

Mr. Dusan Nikolic informed the committee that 96 John Street was purchased approximately 2 years ago and since that time he has been trying to restore the house. He outlined that, since the house was built there were a number of maintenance issues that had not been dealt with by prior owners. He noted that, among other issues, sever damage/deterioration was evident on the foundation, windows and dormer. He found that the windows were deteriorated from lack of maintenance and the sills were rotting. There was a large expanse of windows with no lintels or supporting posts. The roof was leaking throughout the house; the water pipes were lead; the electrical system was outdated and the floors were in a state of deterioration.

Mr. Nikolic noted that during the past two years he has had the basement cleared of asbestos; replaced the lead water pipes; updated the electrical and heating systems; repaired the foundation; refurbished the interior; restored the coffered ceiling; refinished/restored the floors; reshingled the roof; restored the ventilation system; stuccoed the exterior of the home; repaved the driveway with old world cobble stone; installed a wrought iron fence and improved the landscaping.

Mr. Nikolic advised that, when the original windows were removed, they were found to be rotted and disintegrating and could not be reused. New windows that were installed simulated the original windows with a shadow line. He indicated that all of the original windows were broken and he has retained a piece of the rotted frame. He had prepared the sills for the installation of the original windows but could not reinstall them due to the state of those windows. He noted that the structural integrity of the house was also changed to provide appropriate support for the roof since the roof had previously been supported by certain window frames. New lintels were installed reducing the overall size of the opening for some of the windows.

The committee expressed concerns that, during on-site visits in August, there was no mention of ‘new’ windows and at that time the original windows were to be restored and reinstalled with thermo-pane storm windows on the interior. They also questioned the pane divisions on the thermo-pane windows (observed in August) which are different from the original windows. The muntins would not have matched the original windows when installed with the new interior storm windows. The committee noted its disappointment that the applicant did not contact Town (Heritage Section) staff when it was first realized that the original windows could not be reused. Town (Heritage Section) staff became aware of the full extent of the structural changes to the home approximately 3 weeks ago.

The committee indicated that the current windows should be replaced with replicas of the original windows in terms of pane divisions and size. The applicant was told that he had the option of appearing before Council to discuss any Heritage Markham recommendation as the Heritage Committee is advisory to Council.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the deputation with respect to the replacement of windows at 96 John Street, Thornhill, be received as information.

FAILED TO CARRY

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the owners of 96 John Street, Thornhill, be requested to install windows that are true replications of the original windows;

AND THAT if true replications cannot be installed, then monies be retained from the security deposit held by the Town of Markham.

CARRIED.

4. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/07/04

121 ROBINSON STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Heritage Planner

Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment

Mr. Bill Pickering (111 Robinson St.), John Craig (119 Robinson St.), and Frank Leverett (117 Robinson St.), were in attendance to address the committee with respect to minor variance application A/07/04 – 121 Robinson Street, Markham Village.

The Heritage Planner noted that minor variance application A/07/04 was dealt with at the February 11, 2004 meeting of Heritage Markham. However, local residents of the area in close proximity to 121 Robinson Street have indicated that they have concerns and subsequent to the February 18, 2004 Committee of Adjustment meeting submitted a request to be placed on the agenda to speak to Heritage Markham.

Bill Pickering provided a site plan of the area that showed the location of a number of residential homes and their close proximity to the proposed building at 121 Robinson Street. He advised that residents have met with the applicant to discuss their issues with the design. Mr. Pickering stressed that the area proposed for this building is a residential neighbourhood and there are no commercial buildings (single family dwellings, townhouses, etc.). While the area was once the location of a woolen mill and other industries, it has been residential for a significant number of years. According to Mr. Pickering, the proposal as submitted does not fit with this residential area.

John Craig indicated that he has lived in the area for 20 years in a small English cottage style bungalow. The house (although the former site of the woolen mill) has been a residential bungalow for 70 years. He suggested that a building of the size proposed will damage the residential nature of the community. The design of the proposed structure does not fit with the architecture of the area.

Bill Pickering noted that a number of issues were raised in the meeting with the applicant: a sidewalk on the south side of Robinson Street; the height of the building (it is actually lower than it appears on the drawings since the first floor is below grade); extensive landscaping; lights on the building; shifting the building further to the east; a light colour brick to reduce the impact of the building on the streetscape; the flood plain would have to be checked with the Conservation Authority. He further noted that the design is attractive but is it the only design possible for this property? Has Heritage Markham considered any other designs that might be more suitable for the residential nature of this neighbourhood?

Frank Leverett suggested that a more suitable heritage design should be sought that would complement the residential area. He further suggested that a street commercial design would be a better ‘fit’ with the area (a ‘softer’ building).

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that from a heritage viewpoint, it is very exciting that the applicants wish to interpret the woolen mill design in an area that is very close to the original site. The Committee recognized that a softer, lighter structure might be a better “transitional” building between the retail on Main Street and the residential on Robinson Street. The woolen mill design was presented to the committee for review and the usage is in conformance with the Town’s zoning by-law. It was noted that the architect and developer have indicated a willingness to work with residents in addressing their concerns.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the deputation by local residents regarding Minor Variance Application A/07/04 for 121 Robinson Street, Markham Village, be received as information.

CARRIED

5. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

SECOND HERITAGE MARKHAM MEETING

February 11, 2004 (16.11)

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the minutes of the second Heritage Markham meeting held on February 11, 2004 be adopted and received.

CARRIED

6. ONTARIO VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS

MINISTRY OF CITIZENSHIP

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham nominate Judy Dawson-Ryan and Susan Casella for an Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2003)

CARRIED

7. APPLICATIONS FOR CONSENT B-06

693316 ONTARIO LIMITED

PARTS 8 AND 9, 65R-24685

FORMERLY THE REAR PORTION OF 180 MAIN STREET, MARKHAM

Extracts: Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment

Senior Planner

Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no comment with respect to the application for severance B-06 for the former rear portion of 180 Main Street, Markham North.

CARRIED

8. PROPOSED ADDITION TO A HERITAGE HOUSE

11 ECKARDT AVENUE, UNIONVILLE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham supports in principle the design concept presented to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee on February 25, 2004, for a two-storey addition to 11 Eckardt Avenue;

AND THAT Heritage Markham agrees with the Heritage Section staff recommendation that the owners be asked to enter into a Heritage Easement agreement as a condition of Site Plan Approval.

CARRIED

9. ON-GOING WORK ON A DESIGNATED HERITAGE BUILDING

16 VICTORIA STREET, VICTORIA SQUARE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Section staff contact the owner of 16 Victoria Street to discuss their plans for the on-going restoration of the house and to remind them of the requirement for a Heritage Permit for all exterior work on a designated building.

CARRIED

10. SITE PLAN APPLICATION SC 04 008572

9899 HIGHWAY 48

HIPA INVESTMENTS

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Site Plan Application for 9899 Highway #48 be referred to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee for review and comment.

CARRIED

11. CORRESPONDENCE PACKAGE (16.11)

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

a) Lorne Smith – Town Historian: History – related events for 2004

b) DOCOMOMO Canada – Modern Movement Architecture: February 2004 Newsletter

c) Varley Art Gallery – Spring Lecture Series

d) South Simcoe Pioneer Museum: Dating Your Home Through the Interior, March 27, 2004

e) Ontario Historical Society Bulletin: February 2004 Issue

f) Ontario Historical Society: Antique Workshops and I.D. Clinics

g) Ontario Historical Society: Heritage Tourism Promotion Program

h) Ontario Historical Society: Ontario Heritage Directory – 2004 Edition

i) Heritage Canada Foundation: Media Review, January 2004

j) Heritage Canada Foundation: Media Review, February 2004

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the correspondence list dated March 10, 2004 be received as information.

CARRIED

12. PROPOSED ADDITION TO A HERITAGE HOUSE

8 DAVID GOHN CIRCLE, MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES

PETER JOHN

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Senior Heritage Planner

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that the concept plans for a one and a half storey addition to the rear of the Pingle House is not suitable since the peak of the roof rises above the height of the existing rear wing; the gables and the projection of the south wall. It was suggested that the applicant meet with the Architectural Review sub-committee to review the proposed design.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the new design concept for a rear addition to the Pingle House – 8 David Gohn Circle, Markham Heritage Estates, because of its roof height, the gables, and the projection of the south wall not being compatible with the original building;

AND THAT the applicant be asked to meet with the Architectural Review Subcommittee to develop revised plans, including floor plans to show how the addition works with the interior layout of the house;

AND FURTHER THAT any proposed addition should be sided in vertical V-groove wood siding.

CARRIED

13. ADDITIONS TO AN EXISTING DWELLING

80 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

GRACIELA AND ROBERTO EBERHARDT

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Senior Heritage Planner

The Heritage Planner advised that the proposal for 80 John Street was brought forward to Heritage Markham as a preliminary proposal in 2003. The property consist of two homes that have been joined over the years. To improve liveability, the applicants are proposing a one storey addition to the east end of the existing building, to include a bedroom and a two car garage. The proposal would see the existing garage demolished and rebuilt as a bedroom and a new two car garage constructed. The proposed garage conform to the Town’s by-laws and only projects 1 metre from the front face of the house. A formal site plan has been submitted. The design is essentially the same as submitted to Heritage Markham in 2003.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the Site Plan application for 80 John Street subject to the following:

- that the east window design be revised to match the windows at the front of the house;

- that the single garage door be revised to two separate garage doors and the doors reflect a more architectural design approach (i.e.windows) given the visibility the garage doors will have on John Street;

- that the proposed additions are in conformity with the zoning by-law requirements of the area.

CARRIED

14. PRELIMINARY ELEVATIONS FOR A PROPOSED NEW HOUSE

163 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Senior Heritage Planner

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that a design for the proposed new house at 163 John Street, Thornhill has been submitted to staff and has been included in the agenda package for Heritage Markham. The design of the house is “Tudor Revival” and it was pointed out that this type of architecture is not found in Thornhill.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham does not support the preliminary elevations for a new house at 163 John Street, Thornhill as the design is not sympathetic to the architectural designs found within the Thornhill Heritage District;

AND THAT the applicants be directed to review the Thornhill Heritage District Plan for more appropriate architecture;

AND FURTHER THAT the applicants be encouraged to work with Town (Heritage Section) staff in developing an in-fill design that would be sympathetic to the architecture found in the Thornhill area.

CARRIED

15. POST-EVENT EVALUATION

HERITAGE MARKHAM AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Senior Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the material regarding the Heritage Markham Awards of Excellence be received as information.

CARRIED

16. THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR

VOLUNTEERISM IN ONTARIO

MINISTRY OF CITIZENSHIP

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

Heritage Markham members agreed to complete the nomination forms.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the material regarding the Outstanding Achievement Awards for Volunteerism in Ontario be received as information;

AND THAT nomination forms be completed and submitted for:

- Heritage Markham

- Susan Casella.

CARRIED.

17. COMMUNITY HERITAGE ONTARIO CONFERENCE

Extracts: Manager, Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the material regarding the Community Heritage Ontario Conference be received as information;

AND THAT Susan Casella and Julie Christian be authorized to attend the Community Heritage Ontario Conference on behalf of Heritage Markham;

AND FURTHER THAT the costs for registration and mileage be paid from the Heritage Markham budget.

CARRIED

18. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION HE 04 009210

WROUGHT IRON FRONT YARD FENCE

DUSAN NIKOLIC & CHRISTINE GRIFFIN

96 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts: Manager of Planning

The Manager, Heritage Planning, noted that the wrought iron fence is already erected at 96 John Street, Thornhill. A heritage permit has now been submitted. He indicated that the style of the fence is complementary to the style of the house.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the wrought iron fence having been erected in the front yard of 96 John Street;

AND THAT the applicant is to be advised that in future, any changes to the exterior of the property should be reviewed with Heritage Staff prior to proceeding, in order to determine if a Heritage Permit is required.

CARRIED

19. HERITAGE PERMIT APPLICATION

ALTERATIONS TO REAR WINDOW AND

INSTALLATION OF A PATIO DOOR

FRANK BUNN AND EDNA TEMPLETON

26 CHURCH LANE, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning; Senior Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed alterations to the Watson-Watt House at 26 Church Lane, since the changes are not visible from the street and the windows are to be relocated and recycled.

CARRIED

20. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATIONS A/12/04 AND A/13/04

OUTCOME OF COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING, MARCH 3, 2004

MR. AMIR CHARMCHI – 77 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL HCD

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager, Heritage Planning, advised that Heritage Markham had previously supported the designs of the two new homes proposed for 77 John Street, Thornhill. However, Town (Heritage Section) staff became aware that the floor area ratio for the houses substantially exceeded the 33% allowed under the Town’s by-law. Therefore, staff revised their comments to express concerns about the increased floor area ratio. The Committee of Adjustment were made aware that Heritage Markham did not know of this issue when its recommendation was made on February 11, 2004. The Committee of Adjustment denied the minor variance applications.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information regarding Minor Variance Applications A/12/04 and A/13/04 – 77 John Street, Thornhill HCD, be received as information.

CARRIED

21. PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS FOR A REAR ADDITION

MR. PETER JOHN

8 DAVID GOHN CIRCLE, MARKHAM HERITAGE ESTATES

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning; Senior Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the preliminary drawings for a rear addition – 8 David Gohn Circle, Markham Heritage Estates, be received.

CARRIED

22. SITE PLAN APPLICATION FOR AN ADDITION TO A GARAGE

AUTHENTIC CUSTOM CYCLE AND AUTOMOTIVE LIMITED

310 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

The Manager, Heritage Planning, advised that the owner of 310 Main Street North, Markham Village HCD wishes to construct an addition to the garage. The addition would be constructed of painted concrete block and the roof of the rear of the garage is lower than that of the part that faces Main Street, so the addition will not be visible from the street. It was suggested that the garage be painted a colour from the heritage palette to make the building blend with the heritage streetscape.

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the proposed addition to the garage at 310 Main Street North subject to the owner obtaining the necessary Planning and Building approvals;

AND THAT the applicant be required to improve the street façade of the garage to help the building blend better with the character of the Heritage Conservation District;

AND FURTHER that the applicant work with Town (Heritage Section) staff to choose an appropriate colour of paint from the heritage palette for the Markham Village HCD.

CARRIED

23. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A/35/04

REAR SECOND FLOOR LEVEL PATIO

MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE HOLDINGS INC.

175 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE HCD

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

Committee of Adjustment

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham has no objection to the variance to permit a second level patio at 175 Main Street, Unionville subject to the following conditions:

- the proposal be subject to site plan approval and agreement which will address any necessary design changes to the building and lighting;

- all umbrellas to be used on the outdoor patio are to be plain in design without advertising on them.

CARRIED

24. CONSENT APPLICATIONS B-10 AND B-11

355 AND 357 MAIN STREET NORTH, MARKHAM VILLAGE HCD

GINO GARITANO AND ALFIO FOTI

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning; Senior Heritage Planner

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT Heritage Markham refer the consent applications for 355 and 357 Main Street North to the Architectural Review Sub-Committee with authority to approve.

CARRIED

25. COMMUNITY HERITAGE ONTARIO

CHO NEWS, MARCH 2004 EDITION

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Community Heritage Ontario CHO News, March 2004 Edition be received as information.

CARRIED

26. COMMUNITY HERITAGE ONTARIO – ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVANCY

OF ONTARIO – JOINT CONFERENCE – HAMILTON, MAY 14-16, 2004

“ADVOCATING FOR ADAPTIVE RE-USE”

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information from Community Heritage Ontario – Architectural Conservancy of Ontario – Joint Conference – Hamilton, May 14-16, 2004 be received as information.

CARRIED

27. ONTARIO HERITAGE FOUNDATION

HERITAGE MATTERS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1, 2004

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Ontario Heritage Foundation – Heritage Matters Newsletter – Volume 2, Issue 1, 2004, be received as information.

CARRIED

28. COORDINATING VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS SEMINAR

AURORA, APRIL 15, 2004

Extracts: Manager of Heritage Planning

HERITAGE MARKHAM RECOMMENDS:

THAT the information regarding the Coordinating Volunteer Programs Seminar, Aurora, April 15, 2004, be received as information.

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.