Minutes - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20240408
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, April 8, 2024
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor John Gallo (Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
David Heard
Kevin Hughes*
John Green, Aurora Historical Society Representative
Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member
Other Attendees: Councillor Ron Weese*
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Doug Bertrand, Manager, Facilities
Ivy Henriksen, Manager, Customer Service
Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
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Monday, April 8, 2024 2
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved, as
amended to allow consideration of item 7.3 prior to consideration of item 7.1.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 18, 2024
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 18,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage authority; Re: Proposal for Heritage
Enhancements to 9 Wellington Street East - Knowles Butcher Shop
The Committee consented to consider item 6.1 following item 7.1.
Christopher Watts presented a proposal to honour the historical
prominence and significance of the property known as Knowles Butcher
Shop by enhancing the heritage characteristics at 9 Wellington Street
East. The presentation highlighted the history of the Knowles family and
butcher shop through three generations, subsequent ownership and uses
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 8, 2024 3
of the property, fire damage and repair, and the proposal to restore the
former signs “W.J. Knowles” and “Butcher” to the second-storey facade.
Staff confirmed they have direction to consult with the owner regarding
the heritage designation of this property and the Committee expressed
support for further consideration of the delegation’s proposal.
Moved by David Heard
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
That the comments of the delegation be received for information.
Carried
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 CMS24-005 - Petch House – Considerations
Staff provided background on the staff report and presented an overview
of proposed minimal improvements to the Petch House to accommodate
a seasonal wedding chapel use including accessibility, electrical, security,
and flooring considerations, and other cosmetic and décor upgrades.
The Committee and staff discussed various aspects including frequency
of use, operating costs, wedding ceremony fees, public consultation,
alternative uses and historical prominence, upgrade funding sources,
previous proposals to relocate the Petch House, and ways to share the
historical significance of the Petch House. The Committee was generally
supportive of the proposed use, but split on the use of the Heritage
Reserve Fund as a funding source.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That Report No. CMS24-005 - Petch House - Considerations and the
Memorandum regarding Petch House - Proposed Use (item 7.2) be
received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Report
No. CMS24-005 - Petch House - Considerations and the memorandum
regarding Petch House - Proposed Use be received and referred to
staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
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Monday, April 8, 2024 4
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Director of Community Services; Re: Petch House -
Proposed Use
Item 7.2 was considered and received together with item 7.1.
7.3 Memorandum from Manager of Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2024-02 - 40 Spruce Street
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and proposed
replacement of three street-facing doors and one rear door, noting the
work qualifies for staff delegated approval. The Committee expressed no
issues with the proposal.
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2024-02 - 40 Spruce Street be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2024-02 - 40 Spruce Street be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.4 Memorandum from Manager of Policy Planning and Heritage; Re:
Development Application Review - 16, 20, and 22 Allaura Boulevard
Staff provided a brief overview of the memorandum and updated site
conceptual renderings. The Committee requested that consideration be
given to include coniferous trees in the developer’s landscape screening
on the shared boundary to ensure year-round protection of the importance
and serenity of the Aurora War Memorial and Peace Park space.
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by David Heard
1. That the memorandum regarding Development Application Review -
16, 20, and 22 Allaura Boulevard be received; and
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Monday, April 8, 2024 5
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding
Development Application Review - 16, 20, and 22 Allaura Boulevard be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee inquired about the Provincial Plaque Program and staff advised
that this year’s theme is music for the blue plaques administered through the
Ontario Heritage Trust.
The Committee suggested that the Aurora Community Centre (ACC) should be
considered for a blue plaque in recognition of it being a historic music venue and
its impact on the music scene and community due to the number of iconic bands
that have played there since 1967. Staff agreed to assist with the application
process.
The Committee provided an update on the progress of the interactive mapping
and research project noting there is much interest in the student co-op program
opportunities.
10. Adjournment
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Cynthia Bettio
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Carried