Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee Meeting

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time:	7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.
Location:	Room 247, Level 2, City Hall

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1.

Members Present:

Howard Bohan (Chair), Michele Camacho, Pauline Laing, Elena Dyagileva, David Barker, Don Thorpe, Diane Miller, Heather Stevens and Rick Wilson

2.

Others Present:

Councillor Rory Nisan, Thomas Douglas (Heritage Planner), Danika Guppy (Planning Intern) and Jo-Anne Rudy (Clerk)

3.

Regrets:

Sharon Portelli, Sille Nygaard Mikkelsen and Deborah Begonia

4.

Welcome New Members and Introductions:

• Howard welcomed new members and all participated in roundtable introductions.

5.

Declarations of Interest:

None

6.

Approval of Minutes:

6.1

Approve minutes from meeting held January 8, 2019

On motion, the minutes from the meeting held January 8, 2019 were approved as presented.

7.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair:

On motion, Howard Bohan, Sharon Portelli and Michele Camacho were elected as Chair and Co-Vice Chairs, respectively, for the term ending December 2019.

8.

Delegation(s):

None

9.

Regular Items:

9.1

Heritage Planner update

a.

Development application for 2069-2079 Lakeshore Road, 383-385 Pearl Street

• Thomas provided an overview of the application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit a 29-storey mixed use building at 2069-2079 Lakeshore Road and 383-385 Pearl Street. The Pearl Street property is listed on the Municipal Register as a non-designated heritage property and the applicant has proposed to retain part of the heritage building and adaptively reuse it as two live-work units.
• Thomas noted that the applicant has submitted a Heritage Value Assessment which acknowledges the property has heritage value; however, they have not advised how the proposed development would impact the heritage resources. Staff have asked for additional information.
• Members commented that a Heritage Impact Study would be useful and noted that retaining the façade doesn't preserve the historic character of the building. In addition, it was noted that the close proximity of balconies and other structures directly over the historic building would materially detract from the building’s presence.
• Members were asked to further review the material and provide their comments to Howard by February 20 who will submit correspondence to Planning staff on behalf of the committee.
  Motion - Authorize the Chair to submit written comments to staff on behalf of Heritage Burlington.  CARRIED

b.

Review of Community Heritage Fund Financial Assistance Program

• Danika distributed information and provided an overview on the Community Heritage Fund.  She advised that they are looking at areas that can be updated and noted that a short survey will be sent out to members requesting feedback on high level objectives for this program.
• Members were asked to review the material and complete the survey so further discussion can take place at the next meeting.

c.

Lowville School House

• Thomas advised that in 2018 Council allocated budget for staff to study the feasibility of updating Lowville School House to make it more usable as a recreation facility for community groups. Currently, Capital Works and Parks & Recreation staff are preparing a report to Council to advise of the scope of work required to update the facility and confirm budgetary requirements for implementation and seek to preconsult Heritage Burlington on whether there are concerns with the proposed scope of work.
• Members commented that the widening of the front entrance and installing a ramp materially detracts from the historical attributes of the schoolhouse and suggested that the shed could be modified to accommodate a new main entrance with a ramp. It was also noted that having "port-a-potty's" at the rear of the schoolhouse detracts from the heritage attributes of the rear entrance and façade and members added that other solutions should be investigated. In addition, certain features in the interior of the schoolhouse such as the slate chalkboard, wainscotting and millwork should be protected by the designation by-law. 
• Members were asked to review the material and provide comments to Howard who will submit correspondence on behalf of the committee.
  Motion - Authorize the Chair to submit written comments to staff on behalf of Heritage Burlington.  CARRIED

d.

Update on previously discussed matters

• Thomas provided an update on two previously discussed matters:
• 2349 Lakeshore Road - At the Committee of the Whole meeting on January 14, members approved a partial grant (25% of 25%). At the Council meeting of January 28, the owner of the property delegated and the item was referred back to staff to consider information provided by the owner.
• 736 King Road - In December 2018 Council approved a necessary amendment to the designation By-law 105-2001 for this property to correct a technical error in the legal description. Thomas advised that for this amendment to be enacted, the City is obligated to make additional amendments to update the By-law to conform to the 2005 Heritage Act amendments. Staff have retained a consultant to prepare the amendments. Heritage Burlington will be consulted on the amendments at a future meeting.

9.2

Chair's update

a.

2019 Goals and Workplan

• Howard advised that he will provide the 2019 Goals & Workplan prior to the next meeting so a fulsome discussion can take place then.

b.

Heritage Month

• Howard commented on all the great activities scheduled for Heritage Month and encouraged members to attend as many as possible. In addition, Howard advised that there is the need for a member to participate on the Heritage Month Committee this coming year and asked members to consider this opportunity and advise of interest at the March meeting.

9.3

Communications Sub-committee update

Elena and Pauline provided the following update from the last subcommittee meeting:

• Content was reviewed on HB website - information is diverse and website difficult to navigate. Will consult with Thomas to discuss outdated content.
• Priorities need to be set for HB with target deadlines. Determine available budget. 
• Importance of core messaging to be incorporated in all communications channels and marketing materials.
• Need for HB to have a mission/vision/purpose.

10.

Other Business:

• Councillor Nisan commented on the number of "B" properties that are not on the Register, the significant backlog that exists in reviewing these properties and the concern for their future.  Howard agreed that this is an important subject and will be put on next month's agenda.
• Don advised that he would be interested in leading some "Heritage" cycling tours.
• Rick advised that February 15 is National Flag of Canada Day.
• Pauline asked members to check out the HB Instagram account and provide feedback at the next meeting.

11.

Adjournment: 9:05 p.m.