Hamilton LACAC (Municipal Heritage Committee)
September 22, 2005
Start time: 12:02 pm

CALL TO ORDER

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
none

PREVIOUS MINUTES -- August 25, 2005
approved

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Delegation of Council Consent to Staff for Alterations to Designated Property under the Ontario Heritage Act

There was a request to reopen discussion on a motion passed at the last meeting, which advised Council to give Staff the authority to have blanket approval re. requests for alterations to designated heritage buildings. The Lister block was cited as an example where any proposals to alter the building would bypass LACAC and Council should Council pass the original motion on the advice of LACAC.

There was some feeling that there should be standards set as to what constituted major or a minor alterations, and that LACAC and Council should retain the authority to make decisions on major alterations.

During the discussion, a member of Staff stated that it was his understanding that it was the intention of the owners of the Lister Block "to in fact demolish the Lister Block" (as opposed to 'stretching' it -- an alteration?). The Committee was 'assured' that 'demolition' is not considered 'alteration', and any move to demolish would have to be approved by Council.

Councilors Pearson and McHattie were requested to ask the Planning and Development Committee to refer the motion back to LACAC when it appears on the October 4 P&D agenda.

Tivoli , 108 James Street North -- Protection Against Winter Conditions

The Director of Building & Licensing, as previously requested, provided written comments that the Tivoli Theatre is adequately protected for winter conditions in relation to the Property Standards By-law, and is secure -- aside from a hole in the foundation which allows entry into the basement only. An order has been issued to the owners to repair this hole. The report concludes that "unless maintenance is carried on a regular basis by the owner, deterioration could occur over a period of time which could lead to damage to the building".

APPLICATIONS FOR HERITAGE PERMITS
none (in 2001 there were 14; 2002 -- 30; 2003 -- 17; 2004 -- ?; 2005 --16)

REQUESTS FOR HERITAGE DESIGNATION
none (there was some confusion as to how many requests per year occurred between 2001-2005)

PRESENTATIONS
none

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Hamilton LACAC (Municipal Heritage Committee) Mission Statement

Despite advice that LACAC's cannot legally advocate (only advise), the following Mission Statement passed unanimously --

"To promote the conservation (amended from "preservation") and awareness of all aspects of Hamilton 's communities" built heritage, cultural heritage, landscapes and archaeology, and to educate and advocate on their importance in the life and future of our communities."

November Book Fair Volunteers

- after several months on the agenda, two members finally volunteered

Heritage Community Recognition Program 2005

- no suggestions were forthcoming as to whom in Hamilton should be nominated for this prestigious Ontario award. Members were asked to submit names via e-mail.

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS - all received

Joint Plaquing Sub-committee Minutes

- the 2 members finally appointed last month reported on the September meeting

Heritage Permit Review Sub-committee

- no report

Education Sub-committee

- after almost a year, this sub-committee finally met on September 22, elected a co-chair, and has proposed several projects

Inventory and Research Sub-committee

- no report

Policy Sub-committee

- no report

Plaquing Priority Sub-committee

- no report

FOR INFORMATION -- all received

Article from the Flamborough Review titled "A Grave Subject" respecting Hamilton Cemeteries

City Funding Sources for Property Restoration and Renovation

- Commercial Heritage Improvement and Restoration Program (CHIRP) -- up to $20,000 in matching grants

- Community Heritage Trust Fund (CHTF) -- loans of up to $50,000 over 10 years at 0% interest

- Heritage Tax Incentive Program (TIP) -- Tax-rebate grants 100% over 10 years

- BIA Commercial Property Grant Program (CPIG) --matching grants up to $7,500

- Downtown Enterprise Zone -- tax rebate grants

- Downtown Residential Loan Program --loans at 0% interest

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS

Plaquing Requirements for 2006 Budget Consideration

St. Mark's Church - Staff Report
Structural assessment report not finalized. Staff is expecting the report from the consultant, prior to end of May. It is now September.

Auchmar Estate -- Proposed National Heritage Designation
Referral from May 11/ 05 Council -- Item forwarded to the MHC for comment and a report to the Planning & Economic Development Committee

Public Education of the Value of Heritage Buildings
This Item was referred to the Education Sub-committee for consideration.

Archaeological Study of the Book House Property
Swisscan has been approached about undertaking an Archaeological study and that they are presently thinking about the request. Archaeological work is needed on the site.

Possible Designation of the Second Book House and Cemetery
The Roman Catholic Diocese has been sent information regarding designation.

Hamilton Sign By-law
Councilor Pearson provided an update with respect to the process and the public meetings, which were currently being held. She asked staff to provide members of the Hamilton LACAC with a copy of the pertinent section of the draft by-law, once it has been completed.

Beach Lighthouse and Keeper's Cottage -- underway
Prior to amalgamation, a plaque had been approved by the City of Hamilton. An error had been found with the plaque, but it appears that a correction plaque had never been produced. The Committee approved the replacement of the lost (and inaccurately worded) plaque, and agreed to pay the costs. The item will go to the Joint Plaquing Subcommittee for wording.

Heritage Site History and Importance -- underway
The Education Sub-committee was directed to discuss the possibility of preparing a series of releases respecting history and importance of various heritage sites (e.g. the Book House, etc.).

ENDANGERED BUILDINGS LIST

(D = designated; ND = not designated; L = listed on the MHC list; NL = no status; NHS = National Historic Site)

• Victoria Hall (NHS, D)
  no new report
• Treble Hall, John Street North (L)
  the City is redeveloping the Kit Kat property around the corner on King East into 16 one-bedroom residential apartments of "modern heritage design". It is hoped this will provide incentive to owners of surrounding heritage properties to alter them for adaptive reuse.
• Red Hill Creek Valley (L, ND)
  the City is anxious to recognize the heritage aspects of the remainder of the Valley
• Lister Block, James Street North (D)
  the owners have not yet submitted a heritage impact assessment
• Auchmar, 88 Fennell Avenue (D)
  filming continues. There has been some damage. Concerns were expressed over this, about clean-up and about possible winter damage.
• Hamilton City Hall (ND)
  the citizen appeal against designation has still not been heard by the OMB
• Smart-Turner Building , 1101 Barton Street E. (ND, L)
  this item was tabled last month until October to allow determination of whether the soil is contaminated
• Carnegie Gallery, Dundas (D)
  the Gallery group has been granted a reverse mortgage by the City over 10 years
• St. Marks (D)
  no further report
• Tweedside Church (L)
  no new report
• Former CIBC Building , 281 Herkimer Street (L)
  it would cost $1M to adapt the building as a library. There is intent to designate, and put the property on the market (the money from the sale would go to the Locke Street Library).
• Tivoli , 108 James Street North (D)
  no further report
• (Remaining) Book House
  no further report

ADJOURNMENT

1:42 pm