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Agenda (Appointed) - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20241209Town of Aurora Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Revised Agenda Date:Monday, December 9, 2024 Time:7 p.m. Location:Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall Meetings are available to the public in person and via live stream on the Town’s YouTube channel. To participate, please visit aurora.ca/participation. Pages 1.Call to Order Note: Added items are marked with an asterisk (*). 2.Land Acknowledgement 3.Approval of the Agenda 4.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof 5.Receipt of the Minutes 5.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2024 1 That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2024, be received for information. 1. 6.Delegations *6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: The Town of Aurora’s Architectural Salvage Program 6 7.Matters for Consideration 7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide 33 That the memorandum regarding Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide be received; and 1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide be received and referred 2. to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. 7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Draft Heritage Grant Program 40 That the memorandum regarding Draft Heritage Grant Program be received; and 1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Draft Heritage Grant Program be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. 2. 8.Informational Items 9.New Business 10.Adjournment Town of Aurora Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Date: Time: Location: Monday, October 7, 2024 7 p.m. Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall Committee Members: Bob McRoberts, Honourary Member (Vice Chair) Cynthia Bettio David Heard Rocco Morsillo Members Absent: Kevin Hughes John Green, Aurora Historical Society Representative Other Attendees: Ishita Soneji, Deputy Town Clerk Adam Robb, Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:58 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 Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams Treaties of 1923. Page 1 of 53 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024 2 3. Approval of the Agenda Moved by Cynthia Bettio Seconded by Rocco Morsillo That the revised 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 5.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2024 Moved by Rocco Morsillo Seconded by Cynthia Bettio 1. That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2024, be received for information. Carried 6. Delegations 6.1 Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority; Re: Town of Aurora Heritage Awards Christopher Watts provided a presentation in support of reinstating Aurora's Heritage Awards program. They further expressed questions on the history and status of the Heritage Awards program, the Town's Architectural Salvage Program, and the Heritage Advisory Committee's Pending List. Moved by David Heard Seconded by Cynthia Bettio That the comments of the delegation be received for information. Carried Page 2 of 53 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024 3 7. Matters for Consideration 7.1 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Heritage Permit Application - 77 Wellington Street East Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and proposal for a minor rear addition to accommodate additional space in support of the existing daycare use, noting the rear addition qualifies for delegated approval due to the generally minor nature of the proposed work. The Committee expressed no opposition to the proposal and inquired about the requirement for use of non-combustible siding material. Staff confirmed that the intent is to aesthetically match the existing siding. The Committee had no further concerns with this or proceeding with delegated approval. Moved by Rocco Morsillo Seconded by David Heard 1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application - 77 Wellington Street East be received; and 2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage Permit Application - 77 Wellington Street East be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. Carried 7.2 Memorandum from Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage; Re: Hillary House Considerations Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and request from the Aurora Historical Society to collaborate with the Town and explore options toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Hillary House National Historic Site. Staff noted that input is being sought from the Heritage Advisory Committee along with feedback from the public, which will be summarized in a report back to Council. The Committee provided feedback including: (1) Hillary House should be owned and managed by the Town; the Aurora Historical Society as a volunteer board should not be responsible to manage the property; (2) continue to use property as a museum and community space for events, tours, banquets, etc.; (3) property is underutilized and should be enhanced Page 3 of 53 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024 4 through connectivity to Fleury Park, the trails system, Aurora Community Centre, the downtown core, and the rehabilitation of the waterworks yard; (4) promote the landscaping and natural elements of the property; (5) promote heritage tourism through marketing and increasing awareness of Hillary House to the public, business sector, and school groups; and (6) pursue federal grants. Moved by Cynthia Bettio Seconded by Rocco Morsillo 1. That the memorandum regarding Hillary House Considerations be received; and 2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Hillary House Considerations be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. Carried 8. Informational Items 8.1 Memorandum from Deputy Town Clerk; Re: 2025-2026 Citizen Member Recruitment for Advisory Committees Staff provided an overview of the memorandum, highlighting that current citizen members must reapply for the second half of the 2022-2026 Council term to be considered for this committee or any other committee of interest. Staff confirmed that all applications would be brought forward for Council's consideration once the application period has ended. Moved by David Heard Seconded by Cynthia Bettio 1. That the memorandum regarding 2025-2026 Citizen Member Recruitment for Advisory Committees be received for information. Carried 9. New Business Staff provided an update on the screening of the Pet Cemetery documentary, being held during the time of this meeting in the Performance Hall at Aurora Page 4 of 53 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 7, 2024 5 Town Square, and advised that Cultural Services staff have offered to host a private screening for the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) members immediately prior to the December 9, 2024 HAC meeting at Town Hall. The Committee expressed their preference for a viewing at Aurora Town Square and staff agreed to liaise with Cultural Services staff and propose an alternate night in the Performance Hall. The Committee offered suggestions regarding the timing and theme of the next Doors Open Aurora event, noting that previously there was greater participation of sites and visitors in August than in October. Staff clarified that the Ontario Heritage Trust's Doors Open Ontario program determines the provincewide theme each year and that a separate organizing committee, which can include Committee members along with a range of community partners, is required to coordinate the event. 10. Adjournment Moved by Cynthia Bettio Seconded by Rocco Morsillo That the meeting be adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Carried Page 5 of 53 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Delegation Request This request and any written submissions or background information for consideration by either Council or Committees of Council is being submitted to Legislative Services. Council or Committee (Choose One) * Heritage Advisory Committee Council or Committee Meeting Date *  2024-12-9 Subject * The Town of Aurora's Architectural Salvage Program Full Name of Spokesperson and Name of Group or Person(s) being Represented (if applicable) * Christopher Watts, The Aurora Heritage Authority Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation * The town's Architectural Salvage program, referenced as an active program in the town's 2024 official plan is conspicuously absent from outwards communication on the town's website. There is lack of proper documentation and reports regarding the programs' status and efforts since its founding nearly 20 years ago. Attempts to gain insights into metrics of the programs have been met with instructions to file F.O.I. requests which fails to align with the town's accountability and transparency bylaw 5690-15, and the Open Data practices outlined in the town’s 2021 Service Delivery Review report. This delegation encourages the Heritage Advisory Committee to recognize and re-establish its role as outlined in the program. To also seek clarity from staff with regards to what exactly has been accomplished over its run. Given that the frequent turnover of Heritage Planning Managers has resulted in discontinuity in passing institutional knowledge, coupled with the fact that no report has been made back to committee, council or community since changes were made to the program in 2017 an audit of the program is long overdue and should be requested.  Page 6 of 53 Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member regarding your matter of interest? * Yes No Full name of the Town staff or Council member with whom you spoke Adam Robb Date you spoke with Town staff or a Council member 2024-11-15 I acknowledge that the Procedure By-law permits five (5) minutes for Delegations. * Agree  Page 7 of 53 TOWN OF AURORA’S ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE PROGRAM and its many failures (2005-2024) Delegation to the Heritage Advisory CommitteeDecember 9th, 2024Page 8 of 53 November 14th2011Delegation to H.A.C. asking questionsExpect Better. Demand Better. Be Better.Page 9 of 53 Page 10 of 53 April 201997 Wellington Street East Identified items : stained glass window and woodworkPage 11 of 53 Visionit is envisioned that Aurora will continue to value its historic charmPage 12 of 53 Cambridge - 2023Aurora included in study to formTerms of Reference for Salvage PlanPage 13 of 53 Kitchener - 2020References 2016 Architectural Salvage Program GuidePage 14 of 53 December 2017New Architectural Salvage Program Guide & Form releasedPage 15 of 53 2017Council delegated authority to staff to operate, not shutter the program Page 16 of 53 TOWN OF AURORA’S ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE PROGRAM and its many failures (2005-2024) Delegation to the Heritage Advisory CommitteeDecember 9th, 2024Page 17 of 53 1.) Salvage items for re-use on siteBricks, stained glass etc.b.) items for Museum useLarge ornate doors, store counters, ticket booth2.) Salvage items for re-use off sitea.) items to offer back to communityDoors, windows etc.Page 18 of 53 1.) Salvage items for re-use on siteBricks, stained glass etc.Page 19 of 53 April 201997 Wellington Street East Identified items :stained glass window and woodworkPage 20 of 53 2012George Browning HouseItems salvaged and storedPage 21 of 53 2011Isaac Petch Farm HouseIdentified items : brickPage 22 of 53 2.) Salvage items for re-use off sitea.) items to offer back to communityDoors, windows etc.Page 23 of 53 June 2017H.A.C. recommended staff divest of program’s inventoryPage 24 of 53 TOWN OF AURORA’S ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE PROGRAM and its many failures (2005-2024) Delegation to the Heritage Advisory CommitteeDecember 9th, 2024Page 25 of 53 2013Staff reports to H.A.C.Page 26 of 53 2013Inventories reported outPage 27 of 53 201445 TylerPage 28 of 53 201495 WellingtonPage 29 of 53 b.) items for Museum useLarge ornate doors, store counters, ticket booth2.) Salvage items for re-use off sitePage 30 of 53 September 12th2011Report to H.A.C. offering glimpses of salvagePage 31 of 53 TOWN OF AURORA’S ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE PROGRAM and its many failures (2005-2024) Delegation to the Heritage Advisory CommitteeDecember 9th, 2024Page 32 of 53 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora Memorandum Planning and Development Services Re: Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide To: Heritage Advisory Committee From: Adam Robb, MPL, MCIP, RPP, CAHP, PLE Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage Date: December 9, 2024 Recommendation 1. That the memorandum regarding Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide be received; and 2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. Background Previously, the Town recognized heritage conservation projects and achievements through biennial awards. A new draft Heritage Awards Program Guide has been prepared to provide direction on the re-activation of the awards program moving forward. Analysis The draft Heritage Awards Program Guide outlines three award categories as well as several sub-groupings The draft Heritage Awards Program Guide has been developed around a focus on three primary award categories: 1) Residential Buildings 2) Commercial and Institutional Buildings 3) Heritage Awareness and Achievement Page 33 of 53 Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide December 9, 2024 Page 2 of 3 The Residential Buildings and Commercial and Institutional Buildings categories are intended to apply to projects involving designated heritage buildings themselves. Under each of these categories, there are 4 sub-grouping award segments, being Preservation, Restoration, Adaptive Re-use, and Sensitive Additions. The Heritage Awareness and Achievement category is not necessarily intended for works and projects to heritage buildings themselves, but rather is intended to recognize individuals, businesses, groups, or organizations that promote heritage and conservation through advocacy, education, arts, or volunteer efforts. This category is also intended to recognize those who have made exceptional or long-lasting contributions to heritage conservation within Aurora. A table displaying the award categories and sub-groupings is provided in the attached Program Guide document and also available for reference below: Award Categories Buildings Individuals, Businesses, Groups and Organizations 1) Residential 2) Commercial and Institutional 3) Heritage Awareness and Achievement Preservation Award Preservation Award Outstanding Heritage Achievement Award Restoration Award Restoration Award Adaptive Re-use Award Adaptive Re-use Award Sensitive Addition Award Sensitive Addition Award The Heritage Advisory Committee will be responsible for reviewing and selecting award winners, with selections to then be confirmed by Council. The Heritage Awards will be selected based on each of the application categories and sub-groupings that are received, and not all award categories/sub-groupings may necessarily be awarded each cycle, depending on the total number of applications that are received. Award Groupings Page 34 of 53 Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide December 9, 2024 Page 3 of 3 Regarding the nomination process, it is anticipated that nominations will be received by staff on an ongoing basis, with a nomination deadline by the end of Q3 of the respective biennial year. This allows time for the review of nominations and award selections by the Heritage Advisory Committee and Council, in advance of anticipated award presentation during or around national “Heritage Week” which occurs the third week of February. For the Residential and Commercial and Institutional Buildings categories, work must have been completed in the past two years and self nominations are acceptable. For the Heritage Awareness and Achievement category, individuals or organizations must reside or be operating in Aurora, and nominations must be made by someone other than the nominee. A complete overview of the draft program is provided in the corresponding attachment. Comments from the Heritage Advisory Committee are encouraged at this time prior to the draft Program Guide being presented to Council for endorsement. It is expected that upon final endorsement, the Awards Program will open and be running for the 2025 year, with award presentations in 2026. Attachments 1. Attachment 1 – Draft Heritage Awards Program Guide Page 35 of 53 Heritage Awards Program Guide Page 1 of 4 Introduction The Heritage Awards Program recognizes and celebrates the achievements of property owners, individuals, businesses, groups and organizations that have made significant contributions to heritage conservation in Aurora. The application intake and granting of awards will occur every two years and award winners are selected by the Town of Aurora Heritage Advisory Committee and Council. Award Categories There are three categories available for the Heritage Awards. The first two categories, Residential Buildings and Commercial and Institutional Buildings, are specifically applicable to projects involving designated heritage buildings while Heritage Awareness and Achievement is available for individuals, businesses, groups or organizations. Awards for the Residential Buildings and Commercial and Institutional Buildings categories will be based on any of the following four sub-groupings. •Preservation: Work done to protect or maintain existing form, integrity, materials, or designated heritage features of a building. •Restoration: Work done to accurately recover, reveal, or represent a heritage structure or feature as it appeared in the past. •Adaptive Re-use: Work done to integrate a heritage building into a development or introduce a new use while maintaining its designated heritage features. •Sensitive Addition: Work done to appropriately incorporate structural additions or sympathetic architectural elements to a building while respecting all existing designated heritage features. Nominated buildings/projects must satisfy and meet the definitions of at least one of the above award sub-groupings. The Heritage Advisory Committee and Council reserve the right to select award recipients based on their applicability within each/any sub- grouping. Generally, a maximum of one award winner can be selected for each grouping, for each of the Residential Buildings and Commercial and Institutional Buildings categories. It is encouraged that award winners for each sub-grouping are unique projects, however, at the discretion of the Heritage Advisory Committee and Council a single project may be eligible to receive multiple awards. DRAFT Attachment 1 Page 36 of 53 Heritage Awards Program Guide Page 2 of 4 The Heritage Awareness and Achievement category is open to individuals, businesses, groups, or organizations that promote heritage and conservation through advocacy, education, arts, or volunteer efforts. This category is also intended to recognize those who have made exceptional or long-lasting contributions to heritage conservation within Aurora. These awards may not necessarily be tied to specific built-heritage projects or work, but can instead be based on promotional campaigns, education, awareness, and outreach efforts at large within the community. A summary of the Award Categories and sub-groupings are as follows: Award Categories Buildings Individuals, Businesses, Groups and Organizations 1) Residential 2) Commercial and Institutional 3) Heritage Awareness and Achievement Preservation Award Preservation Award Outstanding Heritage Achievement Award Restoration Award Restoration Award Adaptive Re-use Award Adaptive Re-use Award Sensitive Addition Award Sensitive Addition Award It is expected that in certain award period cycles, nominations may not be received for all sub-groupings. The Heritage Awards will still be selected based on each of the application categories and sub-groupings that are received, and not all award categories/sub-groupings may be awarded each cycle. The Heritage Advisory Committee and Council ultimately retain full authority over the award selection process. Nomination Criteria It is anticipated that nominations will be received on an ongoing basis, with a nomination deadline by the end of Q3 of the respective biennial year. This allows time for the review of nominations and award selections by the Heritage Advisory Committee and Council, in advance of anticipated award presentation during or around national “Heritage Week” which occurs the third week of February. Award Groupings DRAFT Page 37 of 53 Heritage Awards Program Guide Page 3 of 4 The nomination criteria for each category is as follows: 1) Residential Buildings and Commercial and Institutional Buildings Category: Buildings nominated in either the Residential or Commercial and Institutional category must meet the following requirements: • Properties must be designated individually under Part IV or as part of a district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act; • Properties must be located in the Town of Aurora; and • Work must have been completed in the past 2 years. • Self-nominations are acceptable 2) Heritage Awareness and Achievement Individuals, businesses, groups, or organizations nominated in the Heritage Awareness and Achievement category must meet the following requirements: • Be operating in the Town of Aurora; and/or • Be located or residing in the Town of Aurora • Nominations must be made by someone other than the nominee In addition to the above requirements, nominees must meet one of the following requirements: • Demonstrate commitment to heritage conservation in the Town of Aurora through their work; • Support the revitalization of the community through strengthening of local heritage through their work; or, • Increase awareness of local history and heritage through their work. Submission and Deadline Information All nominations must be submitted with a complete nomination form by the set deadline date. The completed nomination form can be submitted by one of the following methods: • Emailed to planning@aurora.ca • Dropped off in person the Planning and Development Office at Town Hall DRAFT Page 38 of 53 Heritage Awards Program Guide Page 4 of 4 Appendix 1 – Summary of the Heritage Awards Process Step One – Town Staff Screen Nominations All submitted nominations for the Heritage Awards will be first screened by staff within the Policy Planning and Heritage Division for completeness and eligibility. Step Two – Heritage Advisory Committee Review and Recommendations The nominations satisfying the nomination criteria with a complete application will then be brought to the Heritage Advisory Committee for their review. The Heritage Advisory Committee members will review the nominations and select the recommended works/projects and individual/organization for recognition. Step Three – Council Receipt and Confirmation of Selection The recommended award winners will be brought to Council for final selection confirmation. Step Four – The Heritage Advisory Committee and Council award the Heritage Awards Once the final award winners are selected, a presentation of the Heritage Awards will take place. Selected nominees will be notified of the date for the presentation of the Heritage Awards. DRAFT Page 39 of 53 100 John West Way Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 (905) 727-3123 aurora.ca Town of Aurora Memorandum Planning and Development Services Re: Draft Heritage Grant Program To: Heritage Advisory Committee From: Adam Robb, MPL, MCIP, RPP, CAHP, PLE Manager, Policy Planning and Heritage Date: December 9, 2024 Recommendation 1. That the memorandum regarding Draft Heritage Grant Program be received; and 2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Draft Heritage Grant Program be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate. Background In May 2024, Council passed a motion to establish a Heritage Grant Program. On June 10, 2024, a memorandum was presented to the Heritage Advisory Committee seeking feedback on the development of the Grant Program. The draft Heritage Grant Program is now being presented to the Heritage Advisory Committee for additional comment prior to proceeding to Council for adoption. Analysis The draft Heritage Grant Program has been developed incorporating feedback received from the Heritage Advisory Committee Upon initial consultation with the Heritage Advisory Committee, comments were provided regarding the need to prioritize façade improvements, acknowledge and provide grant opportunities for commercial properties including graffiti removals that do not necessarily require a heritage permit, to start gradual with the program but allow for expansion in the future, to provide categorization of eligible works, and to seek partnership opportunities with local hardware providers as the program rolls out. The Page 40 of 53 Draft Heritage Grant Program December 9, 2024 Page 2 of 2 draft Heritage Grant Program as presented in the attached largely incorporates these comments, with primary elements of the Program including:  That the grant program is only available to designated heritage properties.  The development of clear eligibility requirements based on minor, moderate, and major works with corresponding grant values of $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 dollars with a yearly cap of $30,000 for the Program overall, which can be expanded as needed in the future. Applicants will also be required to provide multiple cost estimates as part of the application, and if estimates are less than the eligibility categories, the lesser value is used.  Clear distinction that the awarding of any grant funding is strictly at the discretion of Council through recommendations made by the Heritage Advisory Committee. Just because the funding categories and overall cap are set above does not mean that it all needs to be spent in any given year.  Recognition that the majority of works will require an accompanying heritage permit and approval. Exceptions are noted for certain minor works like graffiti removal, which may not necessitate a heritage permit.  The requirements for a thorough review, approval, and inspection process prior to funding being provided. It is anticipated that staff and members of the Heritage Advisory Committee will be involved in the final inspection process.  Recognizing that applicant eligibility is based on a property only being eligible for the grant once every 5 years. In exceptional circumstances the Heritage Advisory Committee and Council are authorized to make exceptions. Grant funding is to be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis. Partnerships with local hardware suppliers and vendors are also continuing to be explored. It is anticipated that these opportunities will continue to be explored on an ongoing basis as the Grant Program is rolled out, providing an opportunity for the Town to connect applicants with partnered hardware providers directly. The attached Heritage Grant Program still remains draft and is subject to any further comment and refinement prior to proceeding to Council for final adoption in 2025. Attachments 1. Attachment 1 – Draft Heritage Grant Program Page 41 of 53 Town of Aurora Heritage Grant Program 2025 DRAFT Attachment 1 Page 42 of 53 Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 1 Table of Contents About the Grant Grant Details Eligible Projects Ineligible Projects Funding Structure Eligible Applicants Application Process and Information Special Cases Additional Conditions for Grant Approval …. 2 …. 3 …. 4 …. 4 …. 5 …. 7 …. 8 …. 10 …. 10 Page 43 of 53 The Heritage Grant Program offers financial support to designated heritage property owners for the conservation or restoration of their property. Designated properties include those designated individually under Part IV or as part of a district under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. You can check the status of your property by consulting the Town’s Heritage Register, available here. The Heritage Grant Program incentivizes designated heritage property owners to sustain and protect Aurora’s cultural heritage assets for the long-term. By offering assistance for conservation works for heritage properties across the Town, the Heritage Grant Program ensures that individual efforts in preserving our shared heritage are recognized and supported. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 About the Heritage Grant Program 2 Page 44 of 53 3 The grant will be awarded to eligible projects that restore and enhance the heritage features and characteristics of an eligible property. To qualify for the Heritage Grant Program, properties must be: ƒLocated within the boundaries of the Town of Aurora ƒDesignated under Part IV (individually) of the Ontario Heritage Act, or ƒDesignated under Part V (Heritage Conservation District) of the Ontario Heritage Act The determination of grant funding requires the review of the Town’s Typically, grant applications will be considered concurrently to a Heritage Permit Application for physical work being done to a heritage property. Staff will also assist applications in determining eligibility through the application process. A Heritage Grant Application that is applied for concurrently with a Heritage Permit Application will require the approval of the Heritage Permit Application and work is to be done and inspected to ensure alignment with the approved drawings and appropriate craftmanship. Grant Details The Heritage Permit process ensures that proposed work is appropriate for heritage conservation, meaning that the reasons for which the property was designated are not diminished, and its integrity is upheld. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 45 of 53 4 Work that is Eligible for a Grant includes but is not necessarily limited to: ƒWork that enhances the façade of the heritage property, which is amain priority of this program; ƒWork that restores documented heritage attributes that have been lost; ƒWork that preserves, restores, re-uses/ salvages or enhances specificheritage/ architectural attributes; ƒWork necessary to restore structural soundness, as appropriate; ƒBrick restoration and masonry upkeep; ƒOriginal window or door repair; ƒThe preparation of technical studies, including but not limited to heritage impact assessments, conservation plans or historical and photo documentation ƒSpecial cases as determined by staff, the Heritage Advisory Committee, and Council, such as the removal of graffiti. In these specific cases a Heritage Permit Application may not be required. Ineligible projects that are not covered by the Heritage Grant Program include: ƒRoutine building maintenance ƒNon-heritage building work, such as the replacement of shingles or lighting ƒInterior work (unless interior elements are specifically defined as heritage attributes in the property designation by-law) ƒNew windows that replace repairable original windows ƒLandscaping and related maintenance (unless landscape features are defined as heritage attributes in the property by-law). Eligible Projects Ineligible Projects Staff and the Town’s Heritage Advisory Committee will review all applications, and priority is intended to be given to works that involve façade improvements and contribute positively to the public realm. Council retains ultimate authority on the eligibility of works and the approval of any grant funding. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 46 of 53 Grant Funding Structure The level of funding awarded to a project is determined at the sole discretion of Council, after review and recommendation by staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee. As detailed under the “Application Process” section, all applications and works are required to provide at least two quotes for review and obtain successful Heritage Permit Application approval where required. Approved applications undertaking works below the grant amount will see the full costs of the project covered, and the remaining difference will be retained back to the grant funding pool. If the project costs exceed the grant level amount, the applicant will receive the full grant amount and be responsible for covering the remaining difference between project costs and grant amount. 5 Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 47 of 53 6 Grants are to be provided once the project is completed and done to a standard deemed sufficient by Town staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee. Upon completion of the work, staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee will inspect as required. Work done in a poor or defective manner or contrary to the conditions of a heritage permit and grant approval will not be funded. Currently, the Heritage Grant Program has the following funding categories. The appropriate category will be determined as part of the review process of the grant application. There is a yearly overall cap of grant funding available set at $30,000. 01 02 03 Major Works Moderate Works Minor Works Comprehensive façade restorations and enhancements. Structural improvements. Comprehensive repairs of significant major original architectural elements such as masonry or porches. Upp too $10,000 Repair of original windows or doors. Reconstruction of lost architectural features. Repair of other individual architectural elements, such as trim. Upp too $5,000 Upp too $1,000 Graffiti removal. Technical studies or historic documentation. Upkeep of heritage-specific featureV at the discretion of the review process. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 48 of 53 7 Eligible Applicants The owner or the lessee of a designated heritage property may apply for the grant. In the case that the applicant is the leasing tenant, they must provide documentation of the property owner’s consent to the proposed work. The documentation may be a written document of the property owner’s agreement to the proposed work or an agreement within the lease indicating that the tenant has the authority to undertake repairs and or renovations. Grant funding will not be provided for any property owner that is in arrears or default on any municipal taxes and the existing use of the property must be in accordance with applicable Zoning By-law regulations and other relevant planning controls. Funding for eligible applications will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, and the Town in their sole discretion reserves the right to set a cap on the number of grants awarded, and which applications are prioritized. Property owners of multiple properties are eligible to apply for only one grant each year. Individual properties may only receive one grant every five years. In exceptional circumstances, Council, in consultation with the Heritage Advisory Committee, can choose to award additional grant opportunities. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 49 of 53 8 Application Process and Information Individuals seeking to apply for the Heritage Grant Program are encouraged to consult with Planning staff early in the process. Pre-consultation is available to anyone who wants to discuss the proposed work before submitting a Heritage Permit Application Form and/or a Heritage Grant Program Application Form. The pre- consultation will help determine eligibility, avoid delays, and determine if a Heritage Permit is necessary. The application for the Heritage Grant Program is typically received in tandem with the Heritage Permit Application to alter a designated property. To be considered for the Heritage Grant Program, the applicant must submit at least two cost estimates along with a completed Heritage Grant Program application form (see attached). Throughout the Heritage Permit review process, Town staff, the Heritage Advisory Committee, and Council will carefully consider the applicability and eligibility of the Heritage Grant Program opportunity, with a priority being given to works that improve façades and elements visible from the public realm. Ultimate approval authority remains with the Town. The Heritage Grant Program is not applicable to retroactive projects. Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Page 50 of 53 9 The requirements of a Heritage Permit Application to be reviewed alongside the Heritage Grant Application may include: ƒSite Plans; ƒDrawing/Sketches; ƒElevations; ƒArchitectural or Engineering Plans; ƒHeritage Impact Assessment; and ƒPhotographs (Historic and/or Recent). In addition to the Heritage Permit application materials, the Heritage Grant Program requires the following: ƒAt least two (2) cost estimates for the proposed work are to be provided by independent professional/licensed contractors other than the owner. APPLICATION PROCESS FLOWCHART Page 51 of 53 In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, grant approval also rests on the following conditions: ƒA Heritage Permit being applied for as required and approved. ƒAll required planning and building code approvals being granted as required. ƒThe work commences after applying for the grant and receiving approval from Council as well as approval for any related building permits or planning approvals. All work will be subject to final inspection by staff and the Heritage Advisory Committee as required, prior to receiving any grant funding. The improvements must comply with the estimates provided at the time of the application. Town staff may visit and inspect the site to ensure the work has been completed in conformity with the grant approval conditions and provided drawings. SSpeciall Cases In the case of the proposed project not requiring a Heritage Permit, applicants may still be eligible to apply for the Heritage Grant Program. Examples include minor works or the removal of graffiti. Applicants are encouraged to pre-consult with staff to review the proposed work and required application process. Even without a Heritage Permit Application, approval of grant funding still requires the review and approval of the Heritage Advisory Committee and Council. 10 Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Additional Conditions for Approval Page 52 of 53 DRAFT Heritage Grant Program 2025 Mayor Tom Mrakas Councillor Ron Weese Councillor Rachel Gilliland Councillor Wendy Gaertner Councillor Michael Thompson Councillor John Gallo Councillor Harold Kim Draft Heritage Grant Program 2025 Prepared by the Town of Aurora Planning and Development Services Department: Marco Ramunno, MCIP, RPP, Director of Planning and Development Services Adam Robb, MCIP, RPP, CAHP, Manager of Policy Planning and Heritage Dania Asahi Ogie, Planner, Policy The Town of Aurora Heritage Advisory Committee: Bob McRoberts, John Green, David Heard, Cynthia Bettio, Kevin Hughes, Rocco Morsillo Page 53 of 53