MINUTES - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20151214
TOWN OF AURORA
HERITAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Date: Monday, December 14, 2015
Time and Location: 7 p.m., Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor Jeff Thom (Chair), Councillor Wendy Gaertner (Vice
Chair) (arrived 7:02 p.m.), Barry Bridgeford, Kathy Constable,
James Hoyes, John Kazilis, Bob McRoberts (Honorary
Member), and Martin Paivio
Member(s) Absent: Carol Gravelle
Other Attendees: Councillor Tom Mrakas, Marco Ramunno, Director of Planning
and Development Services, Jeff Healey, Planner, and Linda
Bottos, Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
1. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Martin Paivio
Seconded by John Kazilis
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services, with the following
additions, be approved:
Delegation (c) Christopher Alexander, Applicant/Owner of 101 Tyler Street; Re:
Item 5 – Report No. HAC15-015 – Request to Remove a Property from the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest, 101 Tyler Street
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 2 of 8
Delegation (d) David Heard, Resident; Re: Item 5 – Report No. HAC15-015 –
Request to Remove a Property from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural
Heritage Value or Interest, 101 Tyler Street
CARRIED (two-thirds)
3. RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 5, 2015
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Kathy Constable
THAT the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of October 5, 2015, be
received for information.
CARRIED
4. DELEGATIONS
(a) Dr. Brian Moore, Canadian Disc Institute
Re: Item 1 – Memorandum from Planner; Re: Sign Variance Application,
15000 Yonge Street
Dr. Moore presented background information respecting the recent renovations to
the subject property and elements of the sign variance application. He noted the
letters of support that he has received from the surrounding community and
requested the Committee’s support of the sign variance request.
Moved by Barry Bridgeford
Seconded by Kathy Constable
THAT the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 1.
CARRIED
(b) John Green, Aurora Historical Society
Re: Item 2 – Memorandum from Planner; Re: Demolition Application for
a Structure on a Designated Heritage Property, Demolition of an
Accessory Barn, 15342 Yonge Street, File: NE-HCD-HPA-15-04
Mr. Green provided historical information respecting the accessory barn, originally
constructed as a coach house in 1876 and the only remaining example of its kind
in Aurora, and advised that the goal of the Aurora Historical Society is to restore
and relocate the structure to the grounds of Hillary House at 15372 Yonge Street.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 3 of 8
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by John Kazilis
THAT the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 2.
CARRIED
(c) Christopher Alexander, Applicant/Owner of 101 Tyler Street
Re: Item 5 – Report No. HAC15-015 – Request to Remove a Property
from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest, 101 Tyler Street
(Added Item)
Mr. Alexander provided background information respecting the subject property
and noted that several neighbouring properties in recent years had been
demolished and rebuilt in a manner that complemented the heritage of the area.
He advised that the property was no longer listed for sale.
Moved by John Kazilis
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
THAT the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 5.
CARRIED
(d) David Heard, Resident
Re: Item 5 – Report No. HAC15-015 – Request to Remove a Property
from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest, 101 Tyler Street
(Added Item)
Mr. Heard provided historical information respecting the subject property in
relation to the Hutchinson and Wilkinson families and businesses in Aurora. He
proposed to work with the Committee and staff to supply a report to the
Committee on the Hutchinson and Wilkinson names, and requested that the
Committee defer this item until further information is available.
Moved by James Hoyes
Seconded by Kathy Constable
THAT the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 5.
CARRIED
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 4 of 8
5. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
1. Memorandum from Planner
Re: Sign Variance Application, 15000 Yonge Street
Staff provided background information to the memorandum and original General
Committee Report No. BBS15-013 of November 17, 2015, and advised that,
upon discussions with the applicant and further clarification, Planning staff no
longer have concerns with the size, design, quality, and location of the proposed
sign, which is subject to final review by Planning staff.
The Committee expressed concerns regarding the number of signs on the
property, the size of the proposed wall sign, the size of the variance, and setting a
precedent. The Committee also expressed support for the parallel signage
against the building, and it was suggested that this item be deferred until such
time the Sign By-law Review has been completed.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Kathy Constable
THAT the memorandum regarding Sign Variance Application, 15000 Yonge
Street be received for information.
CARRIED
2. Memorandum from Planner
Re: Demolition Application for a Structure on a Designated Heritage
Property, Demolition of an Accessory Barn, 15342 Yonge Street
File: NE-HCD-HPA-15-04
Staff provided a brief summary of the Demolition Application and circulated
photographs of the structure. It was noted that the Aurora Historical Society
issued a Letter of Intent to dismantle and relocate the structure to 15372 Yonge
Street, for which permission was granted by the current owner of the property.
The Committee inquired about the warpage issues and any concerns with the
dismantling and reassembly of the structure. Staff confirmed that the Aurora
Historical Society has retained an expert in the field of disassembling this type of
structure and are aware of the structural concerns raised by the owner.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the memorandum be received; and
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 5 of 8
THAT the Heritage Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
THAT the relocation of the accessory barn to 15372 Yonge Street (The
Hillary House) for the preservation of the structure be approved prior to
Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Applications for 15342 Yonge
Street are approved by Council.
CARRIED
3. HAC15-013 – Proposed Demolition of Existing Rear Addition to a Listed
Heritage Building, 138 Centre Street
Staff provided a brief overview of the proposed demolition of the one-storey rear
addition at 138 Centre Street in relation to the Zoning By-law Amendment and
Site Plan Applications submitted to the Town.
The Committee inquired about the Applications and staff confirmed that the
Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Applications had already been
submitted to Council through a recent Public Planning meeting and Council had
directed that a revised parking plan be submitted for consideration. Staff noted
that the proposed demolition would be subject to approval of the Applications,
and that a demolition application had not yet been received from the applicant.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Martin Paivio
THAT Report No. HAC15-013 be received; and
THAT the Heritage Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
THAT the proposed demolition of the existing 12m2 rear addition at
138 Centre Street be approved and the proposed two-storey rear
addition be supported subject to the approval of the Zoning By-law
Amendment and Site Plan Applications for the proposed Day Care
Use; and
THAT the proposed elevations are subject to approval of Planning Staff to
ensure the proposed addition will maintain the heritage character of the
area.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
4. HAC15-014 – Heritage Permit Application, 61 Catherine Avenue
File: NE-HCD-HPA-15-06
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 6 of 8
Staff provided background information to the Heritage Permit Application, which
proposes a two-storey rear addition and changes to the existing windows.
The Committee inquired about the proposed window changes and staff provided
clarification and confirmed that the changes would not detract from the building or
character of the District.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Martin Paivio
THAT Report No. HAC15-014 be received; and
THAT the Heritage Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
THAT Heritage Permit Application NE-HCD-HPA-15-06 be approved to
permit the proposed two-storey addition at rear as per submitted plans; and
THAT the re-sizing and relocation of existing windows for the dwelling as
proposed be approved; and
THAT, should the window that is proposed to be removed not be of
future use to the owner, the removed window be donated to Aurora’s
Architectural Salvage Program.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
5. HAC15-015 – Request to Remove a Property from the Aurora Register of
Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest, 101 Tyler
Street
Staff provided a brief overview of the Request and noted that proposed plans for
a new building had not been received from the owner.
The Committee discussed the historical elements and Heritage Evaluation of the
property.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT Report No. HAC15-015 be received; and
THAT the Heritage Advisory Committee recommend to Council:
THAT the property located at 101 Tyler Street remain listed on the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest; and
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 7 of 8
THAT the property be re-evaluated by the Committee’s Heritage
Evaluation Working Group pending receipt of further historical
background.
CARRIED AS AMENDED
6. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
6. Extract from Council Meeting of October 13, 2015
Re: Motion (a) Councillor Mrakas; Re: Design Review Panel
Staff provided an overview of the Motion adopted by Council to establish an
urban design review panel for the purpose of dealing with design matters and
providing independent advice, prior to submitting a report to the Committee on a
heritage or redesign matter. Staff advised that the Terms of Reference are being
prepared for Council’s consideration in early 2016 and the advisory panel would
be comprised of members who are experts in their fields.
The Committee suggested that a design review panel may also be helpful in
assessing the integrity of structures in relation to partial demolitions, and that the
panel should also include a contractor.
Moved by James Hoyes
Seconded by Kathy Constable
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of October 13, 2015, regarding Motion
(a) Councillor Mrakas; Re: Design Review Panel, be received for information.
CARRIED
7. Extract from Council Meeting of October 27, 2015
Re: Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 5, 2015
Moved by James Hoyes
Seconded by John Kazilis
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of October 27, 2015, regarding the
Heritage Advisory Committee meeting minutes of October 5, 2015, be received
for information.
CARRIED
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 14, 2015 Page 8 of 8
7. NEW BUSINESS
The Committee referred to Report No. HAC15-009 of the September 9, 2015
meeting regarding the proposed demolition of the existing second storey to a listed
Heritage building at 45 Mosley Street, and expressed concerns regarding the
fragility of the remaining structure, which had begun to sway and required shoring.
The Committee provided further details respecting the original construction and
conditions subsequent to the demolition, and expressed support for the value of
obtaining the engineering input of a design review panel to assess any potential
dangers in future.
Councillor Thom and Councillor Gaertner welcomed new Committee members
James Hoyes and John Kazilis.
Staff noted that a Heritage Workshop was held at Town Hall on November 26,
2015, which was attended by municipal staff and Heritage Advisory Committee
members from across York Region. Staff circulated some of the material that was
provided at the Workshop.
Staff advised that the Town recently registered with the Ontario Heritage Trust for
Doors Open 2016. Committee members were reminded to advise staff if they
become aware of any new potential sites for Doors Open Aurora.
Staff advised that at least one more Committee member is needed for the Heritage
Evaluation Working Group and encouraged anyone interested in joining the
Working Group to contact staff.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Kathy Constable
Seconded by Martin Paivio
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS
OTHERWISE ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING.