Minutes - Heritage Advisory Committee - 20220112 1
Town of Aurora
Heritage Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Councillor Sandra Humfryes (Chair)
John Green
Matthew Kinsella
Robert Lounds
Bob McRoberts
Members Absent: Jeff Lanthier (Chair)
Hoda Soliman (Vice Chair)
Other Attendees: Mayor Tom Mrakas (ex-officio)
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services
Alicia Cherayil, Collections and Exhibitions Coordinator
Jeremy Hood, Museum Assistant
Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner/Heritage Planning
Ishita Soneji, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Committee consented to appoint Councillor Humfryes as Chair of the
meeting.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
1.1 Appointment of Committee Chair and Vice Chair
The Committee consented to defer the Appointment of Chair and Vice
Chair to the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting of February 7, 2022.
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2. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Bob McRoberts
Seconded by John Green
That the revised agenda as circulated by Legislative Services, be approved.
Carried
3. 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.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 1, 2021
Moved by John Green
Seconded by Matthew Kinsella
That the Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 1,
2021 be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
5.1 Steve Armes, Resident; Re: Item 6.2 - Memorandum from
Planner/Heritage Planning; Re: Heritage Permit Application, Faraji, 74
Centre St
Steve Armes expressed concerns regarding the proposed development at
74 Centre Street noting the impacts on the trees, vegetation, and drainage
on property. He further referred to the concerns expressed at previous
meeting regarding the overall size, increase in traffic, verandah depth, and
the proposed garage type noting the long-term impact of the
redevelopment to the heritage district.
That the comments of the delegation be received and referred to Item 6.2.
6. Matters for Consideration
The Committee consented to consider item 6.2 prior to item 6.1.
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6.1 Memorandum from Director, Community Services; Re: Pet Cemetery –
Project Update
Robin McDougall, Director, Community Services, presented an overview of
the Pet Cemetery Project highlighting the focus of the on-site work for the
next few years including site restoration involving debris removal, stone
restoration, entrance design, and restoring internal pathways. She further
provided details regarding the temporary and permanent perimeter
fencing options, security of the site, future heritage designation options,
and future programming initiatives which include obtaining names, dates,
details of each stone and the respective archival and historical context. A
video outlining details of the overall project and work conducted on site
was presented. Jeremy Hood and Alicia Cherayil were also present to
respond to any questions.
The Committee sought clarification on the available options and process
for designating the site. Staff advised that the site could be designated
under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, Ontario Heritage Trust
Easement, or through the National Historic Site Designation, and advised
that Council direction would be required to pursue the heritage
designation. The Committee expressed support for pursuing a future
designation for the site.
The Committee further sought clarification regarding the available
permanent fencing options and associated costs. The Committee
suggested that any temporary fencing could be converted to permanent
fencing in the future to ensure security of the property in addition to the
proposed security features. The Committee and staff further discussed
about the available funding options to help facilitate the project initiatives
and future maintenance of the property.
The Committee expressed appreciation to staff for their efforts on the
project and expressed support for the initiatives presented by staff.
Moved by Matthew Kinsella
Seconded by John Green
1. That the memorandum regarding Pet Cemetery – Project Update be
received; and
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2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Pet
Cemetery – Project Update be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
6.2 Memorandum from Planner/Heritage Planning; Re: Heritage Permit
Application, Faraji, 74 Centre Street, File Number: HPA-2020-04
David Eqbal, Architect, presented an overview of the proposed revised
design highlighting the reduction in gross floor area, reduction in height,
revised elevations, design layout, and floor plans. Mr. Eqbal noted that all
comments and concerns to date have been taken into consideration in the
revised proposal. Hassan Faraji, Owner, was present to respond to any
questions.
Staff provided an overview of the memorandum and provided a summary
of the revisions noting that the proposal aligns with the guidelines in the
Northeast Old Aurora Heritage Conservation District Plan.
The Committee referred to the comments and concerns expressed at
previous meetings and suggested that review of the Heritage
Conservation District Plans in the future would be beneficial to ensure
conformity to heritage aspects and safeguard heritage features.
The Committee sought clarification regarding the storm water
management, proposed parking and driveway layout, impacts to the trees
and vegetation on the property, need for variances, and the applicant and
staff provided clarification. The Committee expressed support for the
detached garage as it conforms to the character of the neighbourhood.
The Committee expressed appreciation to the applicant and owner for
considering the comments provided by the Committee to date and
submitting a revised proposal.
Staff noted that the application and report will be brought for Council's
consideration to the Council meeting of January 25, 2022.
Moved by Matthew Kinsella
Seconded by Bob McRoberts
1. That the memorandum regarding Heritage Permit Application HPA-
2020-04 be received; and
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2. That the Heritage Advisory Committee comments regarding Heritage
Permit Application HPA-2020-04 be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Matthew Kinsella
Seconded by Robert Lounds
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
Carried