Minutes - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20230501
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Monday, May 1, 2023
7 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Councillor John Gallo (Chair)
Cynthia Bettio
David Heard
Kevin Hughes*
John Green
Jeff Lanthier (Vice Chair)*
Bob McRoberts
Other Attendees: Councillor Ron Weese*
Adam Robb, Senior Planner, Development/Heritage
Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
*Attended electronically
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Introductions were made around the table.
1.1 Appointment of Committee Vice Chair
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
1. That Jeff Lanthier be elected as Vice Chair of the Heritage Advisory
Committee for a two-year term (2023-2024).
Carried
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 1, 2023 2
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
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by David Heard
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
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
None.
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Senior Planner; Re: Heritage Permit Application File:
HPA-2023-04, 19 Catherine Avenue
Peter Hillar, President/CEO of Greyfield Construction Co. Ltd., presented
an overview of the application including depictions of the proposed
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 1, 2023 3
demolition, two-storey rear yard addition, and exterior materials. Staff
provided further comment and acknowledged that effort had been made
to respect compatibility and noted the main elements for consideration
and input from the Committee including feedback on the westerly balcony
component, chimney location, and general massing.
The Committee discussed and inquired about various aspects including
the increased footprint size, feedback from neighbours, and other rear
additions on the street. The Committee expressed support for the
application as presented.
Moved by Jeff Lanthier
Seconded by John Green
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application File:
HPA-2023-04, 19 Catherine Avenue, be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application File: HPA-2023-04, 19 Catherine Avenue, be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Senior Planner; Re: Request to Remove 28 Wells Street
from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
Paul Oberst, Heritage Consultant and Architect, presented an overview of
the heritage evaluation of the property at 28 Wells Street, including a
review of the criteria ratings under Ontario Regulation 9/06, and
conceptual elevations of the proposed replacement buildings. Staff
provided further comment on the property’s heritage value and noted the
impact of Provincial Bill 23 on the heritage planning process.
The Committee discussed and inquired about various aspects including
designation priorities, previous ownership and significance, the previous
evaluation process versus new regulations and criteria, and the potential
to fully restore the building or incorporate the existing building/facade
with a rear addition. The Committee did not support the removal of 28
Wells Street from the Heritage Register.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 1, 2023 4
Staff agreed to have the owner conduct a title search and research the
previous ownership of the property to determine any potential
significance.
Moved by David Heard
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
1. That the memorandum regarding Request to Remove 28 Wells Street
from the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest be received; and
2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Request
to Remove 28 Wells Street from the Aurora Register of Properties of
Cultural Heritage Value or Interest be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
8. Informational Items
None.
9. New Business
The Committee expressed concerns regarding the impact of Provincial Bill 23
and the remaining 287 properties on the Heritage Register that may be worthy of
designation, which need to be addressed by January 1, 2025. It was suggested
that members would benefit by guidance on how to use the new criteria under
Ontario Regulation 9/06. Staff agreed to bring this item forward for discussion
and prioritization at the next meeting.
Committee members recommended that the Committee meet on a monthly
basis and requested that the Terms of Reference be revised accordingly.
The Committee referred to the Town’s newly renovated train station and noted
the wood plaque is faded and should be refreshed or replaced. It was further
suggested that other wood plaques be reviewed and addressed as necessary.
Staff noted that wood plaques are available and can be prepared for properties
as needed.
Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 1, 2023 5
Committee members expressed concerns about the purpose and value of the
Committee under the current format of providing only comments instead of
making recommendations for Council’s consideration as done in previous terms
of Council.
The Committee discussed potential ideas and events toward the promotion of
heritage, increased community awareness, education, and youth engagement.
10. Adjournment
Moved by Cynthia Bettio
Seconded by Kevin Hughes
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Carried