Minutes of Built Heritage Experts Panel

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

12:00 P.m. - 2:00 P.m.

Conference Room A, 4th Floor City Hall

Present:

• Glenn Barnes, Chairperson
• Bruce Blackwood, Contractor
• Garnet Kindervater, Contractor
• Rachel Fitkowski, Landscape Architect
• Mark Whalen, Architecture

Regrets:

• Dawn Boutilier, Planner

Staff:

• Ken O'Brien, Chief Municipal Planner
• Ann Marie Cashin, Heritage and Urban Planner
• Rob Schamper, Technical Advisor
• Maureen Harvey, Legislative Assistant

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3.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

• Recommendation
  Moved By Bruce Blackwood
  Seconded By Rachel Fitkowski

  That the agenda be adopted as presented with the addition of a topic entitled "Consultation Opportunities".

   

   

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

4.1

Adoption of Minutes - February 12, 2020

• Recommendation
  Moved By Garnet Kindervater
  Seconded By Rachel Fitkowski

  That the minutes of February 12, 2020 be adopted as presented.

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

5.1

2020 Heritage Financial Incentives Program

The Panel considered the information presented with respect to the Heritage Conservation Grant and agreed that residents wishing to maintain existing wrought iron fences and it's impact on heritage throughout the City.

There are two types of Financial Incentives offered: the Heritage Maintenance Grant and the Heritage Conservation Grant. 

Under the current program, fences, outbuildings and landscaping are not eligible for assistance. Some citizens have asked the City to allow financial assistance for historic wrought iron fences given the associated cost to replace such fences, and that there are few wrought iron fences remaining. If wrought iron fences are to be included in the Heritage Financial Incentives Program, the grants could be limited to properties with existing historic wrought iron fences and only include fences along a public street. New installations of wrought iron fences where they did not previously exist would not be included.

Wrought iron fences would be best included in the Heritage Conservation Grant only, which could issue a grant of 25% of the material and labour costs to a maximum of $1,000 per building, per calendar year

• Recommendation
  Moved By Bruce Blackwood
  Seconded By Garnet Kindervater

  That Council include maintenance of existing wrought iron fences as part of the Heritage Conservation Grant which could issue a grant of 25% of the material and labour costs to a maximum of $5,000 per building, per calendar year.

   

   

  CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.2

Belvedere Convent - 57 Margarets Place

Verbal update. 

As discussed at the last meeting, it was agreed that the Panel be invited to a site visit to view, first hand, the condition of Belvedere Convent.  Just prior to the meeting staff was informed by Senior Legal Counsel and the Manager of Risk and Recovery, that the City's insurance policy does not provide for members who are not direct employees and as such the visit was cancelled.

The Panel discussed with agreement representation be made to Senior Staff Officials of the need for Panel members to undertake site visits, if it is to carry out the requirements of the terms of reference for the Panel and dispatch the responsibilities it has delegated.  The need to to inspect and evaluate the structural integrity of of the building is paramount in determining whether the it is worthy of heritage conservation.

The Chief Municipal Planner advised that he will continue to work with management to see if there are any options in this regard.

5.3

Heritage Week

The Panel commented on the success of Heritage Week activities and commended those involved in coordinating.  It was also noted that the City's Planning Division will have a both at the upcoming Home Show which will include information to highlight heritage and promote the heritage incentives program.

6.

NEW BUSINESS

6.1

Expiration of Membership

The Panel reviewed the information note which identifies members whose terms have expired and those where extensions are possible under the Terms of Reference. 

Staff is requesting that all members remain in place until the recruitment process has concluded and Council has made its decision on appointment. If those eligible for extension (Rachel Fitkowski and Dawn Boutilier)accept, staff will advertise for positions in the following categories:

• Architect
• Contractor
• Historian/Archival Expert
• Other – Demonstrated Relevant Experience

The deadline for receipt of applications will be March 27, 2020.

The Panel suggested that Council give consideration to adding a structural engineer to the membership as that lens would certainly prove valuable when the Panel is considering building plans etc.

6.2

Consultation Opportunities

The Panel was reminded of two consultation opportunities for the Panel and other stakeholders.

• Churchill Square Re-imagining - March 12, 2020 - Foran Green Room
• Wayfinding and Signage Systems - March 18, 2020 - Foran Green Room

6.3

Four Sisters - Temprance Street

Staff was requested to check on the status of these properties and whether improvements/renovations are pending.

7.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:05 pm