PRESENT: SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Thursday April 24, 2014 07:00 PM Lord Mayor Dave Eke, Councillors: Jamie King, Maria Bau-Coote, Terry Flynn, Jim Collard REGRETS: Councillors: Dennis Dick, Martin Mazza, Gary Zalepa, Andrea Kaiser STAFF: Leah Wallace Jesse Auspitz Brynne O'Neill Carrie Enns Victoria Butters John Henricks Shirley Cater Dawn McInnis Senior Planner Planner Planner Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk Director of Community & Development Manager of Planning Program Manager, Communications and Customer Relations OTHERS: Ryan Donnelly Gary Burroughs Dave Lepp Sarah Kaufman Representing Wayne Gates MPP Regional Chair Regional Councillor Managing Director Niagara Historical Society & Museum MEDIA: Melinda Cheevers Representatives Niagara This Week TVCogeco Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 1
CALL TO ORDER: The Lord Mayor opened the Special Heritage Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake. INVOCATION: Reverend Laura Borgerson, Grace United Church opened the Special Heritage Council meeting with a prayer. O'CANADA: Council and all those present sang O'Canada. LORD MAYOR'S INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Lord Mayor Dave Eke thanked everyone for joining Council s annual Special Heritage Council Meeting and stated that tonight, we honour those citizens who are involved with local heritage conservation projects, many of whom work tirelessly to conserve heritage properties and in doing so, help to reinforce the unique status and beauty of our community. Lord Mayor Eke stated that before moving to the official program, he would like to take the opportunity to recognize and welcome special guests Ryan Donnelly, representative for Wayne Gates MPP, Gary Burroughs, Niagara Regional Chair, Dave Lepp Regional Councillor for Niagara-on-the-Lake and Sarah Kaufman, Managing Director, Niagara Historical Society & Museum. Furthermore, it was noted that Council will present six heritage designation plaques for properties designated under Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act and that two of the properties were designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in 2013. The others are designated under Part V of the Act and located in the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District. Lord Mayor Eke stated that also this evening, the Municipal Heritage Committee, through Council, will present the 11 th Annual Peter J. Stokes Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage Commendations for buildings and properties which are not necessarily designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. These commendations recognize five properties which represent excellent examples of compatible design, renovation, good contemporary design, and maintenance. All of the awards presented tonight are an indication of the pride with which citizens of Niagara-on-the-Lake take in their historic architecture and in creating new buildings that exhibit excellence in design. Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 2
Lord Mayor Eke highlighted the Niagara-on-the-Lake Grant Incentive Program, now in its 10 th year of operation. Since its inception, the Town has processed over 63 applications for grants and the Town is currently accepting grant applications for 2014. Lord Mayor Eke noted the evening s awards ceremony also has special significance as the third year of commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is launched. Following on the heels of the wonderful events at the start of the commemoration, last year s events were equally spectacular, including the Battle of Fort George, the Laura Secord Walk, Niagara Under Occupation, Niagara on Fire, and the Burning of the Town as well as remarkable exhibitions at the Niagara Historical Museum and Riverbrink Art Gallery. In addition, it was noted in 2013, the Town also had the honour of receiving a grant of armorial bearings through the Governor General s office for a new Town flag and Coat of Arms. Lord Mayor Eke invited everyone to visit the Town's official Bicentennial website at www.1812niagaraonthelake.ca which includes the remaining events marking such a pivotal part of Niagara-on-the-Lake's history and as part of our 1812 commemoration, plaques will also be bestowed on buildings in and around Old Town which survived the war, an exciting time for the heritage sector. Lord Mayor Eke moved to the evening's program and advised that unfortunately the Honourable Rob Nicholson was unable to be attend, however he extended his greetings and sent certificates from his office to be handed out during the program. Lord Mayor Eke called upon Ryan Donnelly, representing the Town's member of Provincial Parliament, Wayne Gates. Mr. Donnelly advised that unfortunately Wayne Gates was unable to attend, and noted he was very aware of the success and effort by the Town in commemorating the War of 1812 Bicentennial and First World War Centennial events. Mr. Donnelly stated it was an honour to also commemorate those who have done such amazing work in preserving the Town's heritage and congratulated the recipients on behalf of Mr. Gates. Lord Mayor Eke thanked Mr. Donnelly and called upon Regional Chair, Gary Burroughs. Chair Burroughs stated it was a pleasure to attend the Special Council meeting to celebrate the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and everyone who Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 3
has worked so hard to maintain our heritage. Mr. Burroughs thanked Council and staff for keeping this important aspect alive and noted that while other communities do a great job, nothing compares to Niagara-on-the-Lake's heritage preservation. Lord Mayor Eke thanked Regional Chair Burroughs and called upon Dave Lepp Regional Councillor. Regional Councillor Lepp stated it was an honour to attend and be part of the group who takes history to the greater community. Councillor Lepp thanked the recipients for investing in and caring for their properties, and further thanked those who recognize and acknowledge their achievements. Lord Mayor Eke thanked Regional Councillor Lepp and called upon Sarah Kaufman, Managing Director Niagara Historical Society & Museum. Ms. Kaufman welcomed everyone in attendance and provided an overview of the First World War WWI in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the collection currently on display at the Museum. Ms. Kaufman referred to an electronic presentation and highlighted the following: First World War Background in Niagara-on-the-Lake Overseas Forces Training at Camp Niagara Camp Niagara World War I Niagara Rifle Range National Polish Army Training, Camp Niagara Polish Cemetery, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Elizabeth Ascher, Niagara Journalist who was Invested into the Order of Polonia Restituta for her relief work during WWI In closing, Ms. Kaufman provided an overview of the Museum's 'Great War' collection and invited everyone to visit the exhibition. Lord Mayor Eke thanked Ms. Kaufman for the fascinating history of Niagara in the First World War, and called upon Doug Newman, Chair Municipal Heritage Committee, MPP Representative Ryan Donnelly; and Regional Chair Gary Burroughs to join him in presenting the Heritage Plaques and certificates. HERITAGE PLAQUE RECIPIENTS 278 Regent Street Barker-O'Connor-Rocchi House Paul O Connor and Melissa Rocchi Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 4
Councillor Maria Bau-Coote read the following: The Barker-O Connor-Rocchi House, located at 278 Regent Street, is a two-storey Neoclassical building with a clapboard exterior. Built in c.1836, it has a five bay symmetrical façade with a low side-gabled roof and large windows in relation to wall surface. Early clapboard with slim corner boards and the six over six sash are indications of an early date. There is a curious window in the gable on the north side of the building which may have been used as a means for hauling objects into the attic. The dwelling is believed to have been constructed by John Barker, a prominent local politician in the 1830s. Tax records indicate that prior to 1875, 278 Regent Street was a single dwelling unit, however later became a double unit when it was sold to the former Niagara Methodist Church. Their ministers occupied the north part of the house until the church bought the parsonage on Victoria Street in 1920. The south half of the house was rented to a number of tenants to assist in paying the ministers salaries. At that time there were two entrance doors, each with a simple transom. Paul O'Connor and Melissa Rocchi were present to accept the Heritage plaque and certificate. 96 Johnson Street Vanderlip-Hutchings House Chris and Jane Hutchings Councillor Jim Collard read the following: The Vanderlip-Hutchings House, c.1816, is an excellent example of Georgian Style Architecture. The house is a one-and-a-half storey five-bay timber frame structure with centre hall plan. Early photographs show the façade of the house once resembled a number of similar early Georgian houses constructed just after the Town was destroyed in 1813, with a central door and two six over six windows placed low in the wall on either side. Previous owners inserted upper storey windows along the facade to provide additional light to the bedrooms. Interior end chimneys and other chimneys on the rear additions have arched brick hoods and are reconstructions based on old designs. The interior of the c.1816 section of the house retains a large number of original features including its layout with rooms on either side of a narrow hallway, a simple staircase, chair rails on the lower and upper floors and four fireplaces. Edward Vanderlip, the first inhabitant of the house, worked in Niagara-on-the-Lake as a butcher, and also served in the Second Battalion of the Lincoln Militia as a Lieutenant. Some of the more notable owners of the house during the 1800s include Major Joseph Clement and Lieutenant Lewis Clement, both who served in the War of 1812-14, as well as Joseph Painter, a Town councillor, school board trustee and farmer. Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 5
There were major renovations and restorations to the house from the 1950s to the early 1970s, including the addition of windows at the second level, which were likely installed by Wm. H. Gurney Jr. In his book entitled Old Niagara-on-the-Lake, Peter Stokes suggests that the interior is a particularly charming example of how older buildings may be adapted to modern conveniences. Chris and Jane Hutchings were present to accept the Heritage plaque and certificate. 123 Johnson Street Brock and Betty Blaney Councillor Terry Flynn read the following: Built in 1840, 123 Johnson Street comprises a small but charming one-and-a-half storey frame cottage with clapboard siding. The L-shaped plan includes a three-sided bay window and a small covered porch with decorative Victorian wooden pillars. Simple landscaping and a low hedge define the front yard. The residence, though modest, contributes to the historic character of the street. Betty Blaney was present to accept the Heritage plaque and certificate. 69 Platoff Street 69 Platoff Street Limited Councillor Terry Flynn read the following: 69 Platoff Street, built c.1910, is a two storey Edwardian clapboard front-gabled dwelling with a one storey rear extension and a two storey side addition constructed in 1994. The original porch with its Tuscan columns was extended when the new addition was constructed. A simple gable and paired Ionic and Tuscan columns define the main entrance to the building. Original one over one windows and a hipped roof dormer have been retained. This is a well-maintained building on an expansive lot. The alterations undertaken in the 1990s were well executed and sympathetic to the simple Edwardian style of the house.\ A representative was unable to attend the meeting to accept the Heritage plaque and certificate. 153 Victoria Street Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 6
Richard and Christine Allen Councillor Jamie King read the following: 153 Victoria Street, built c.1910, is a two storey, Colonial Revival house with stucco and clapboard exterior and a gambrel roof. It has an expansive front porch with paired Ionic columns and a one storey rear wing with a hip roof. Large dormers provide light to the second floor. The house is surrounded by a low picket fence, which enhances the residential character of the neighbourhood. Richard and Christine Allen were unable to attend the meeting to accept the Heritage plaque and certificate. 223 King Street Steve and Elaine Bartolini Councillor Jamie King read the following: 223 King Street was constructed c.1913 and served as the station for the electric railway that ran down the centre of King Street and joined Niagara and St. Catharines. The most notable feature of this hipped-roof building is the wide overhang with soffit of narrow wood plank, apparently designed to protect the streetcar passengers waiting for their train. The building was sympathetically renovated and restored in 2010 and makes an outstanding contribution to the King Street streetscape. Steve and Elaine Bartolini were present to accept the Heritage plaque and certificates. PETER J. STOKES COMMENDATION CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS Lord Mayor Eke spoke to Mr. Stokes' passing in July of last year, and that he was an original member of the Town s Municipal Heritage Committee (formerly known as the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee - LACAC) and served on the Committee from 1978-2003. Lord Mayor Eke stated Mr. Stokes was one of our country's pre-eminent restoration architects and was instrumental in the restoration of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Court House and Niagara Apothecary. As a dedicated member of our Municipal Heritage Committee, he participated in a number of significant projects, including the initial survey of Niagara-on-the-Lake s heritage buildings and designation of the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District and the Old Town National Heritage District. Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 7
Lord Mayor Eke noted that in 2004, the Peter J. Stokes Commendation award was named in his honour and each year is bestowed on members of our community who exemplify Mr. Stokes commitment to conservation of our heritage properties. Lord Mayor Eke called upon the members of the Municipal Heritage Committee, Ryan Donnelly, MPP Representative, and Gary Burroughs, Regional Chair to join him in presenting the Peter J. Stokes Commendations and certificates. 114 Queen Street - 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa for Compatible Design David Jones, - Owner Wayne Murray - Architect Doug Newman MHC member read the following: Construction of 114 Queen Street was completed in 2013 on the site of an early 20 th century flat-roofed brick building. The new building displays characteristics of Georgian Style Architecture. As viewed from Queen Street it is similar in height, scale and mass to adjacent buildings on the street. It is an excellent example of compatible historic design of a new building that enhances the Queen Street streetscape and the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District. A representative for 114 Queen Street and Wayne Murray, Architect were present to accept the Peter J. Stokes Commendation and certificates. 1523 Niagara Stone Road - Silversmith Brewing Company Limited for Good Contemporary Design Silversmith Brewing Company Limited - Owner Doug Newman MHC member read the following: The Silversmith Brewing Company building is an excellent example of adaptive re-use of a late 19 th century Gothic Revival Church. The addition, which was approved and constructed in 2012-2013, illustrates how good contemporary design can be successfully melded with historic architecture. The dramatic glass façade provides a view of the brewing facility Matt Swan and Chris Pontsioen were present to accept the Peter J. Stokes Commendation and certificates. Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 8
482 Victoria Street Residence, Old Town for Renovation and Maintenance Sylvia Clark - Owner Doug Newman MHC member read the following: 482 Victoria Street is a simple, L-shaped clapboard cottage. The cottage has been well-maintained and retains much of its historic character. The small front yard has been well-landscaped and provides for both privacy and visual interest along Victoria Street. Silvia Clark was present to accept the Peter J. Stokes Commendation and certificates. 15506 Niagara River Parkway De Puisaye House for Maintenance Richard and Nancy Merritt - Owners Drew Chapman MHC member read the following: The original section of the De Puisaye House dates circa 1794. It was constructed by Walter Butler Sheehan and purchased by the Count de Puisaye in 1798. The house was moved from its original site in the 1960 s in order to save it from demolition. Eventually it was moved to its current location on a spacious Niagara River Parkway lot and incorporated as the wing of a house constructed in 1981. Both the original de Puisaye house and the 20 th century wing have been superbly maintained by the present owners. Richard Merritt was present to accept the Peter J. Stokes Commendation and certificates. 392 Mississagua Street Breakenridge-Hawley House for Maintenance Marylee O Neill - Owner Councillor Jim Collard MHC member read the following: This two storey, gabled-roofed, frame building is a fine example of the post-war 1812 rebuilding of Niagara. First restored in the early 1960 s, it has been well maintained. Recently some significant restoration and maintenance projects have been undertaken by the present owner including maintenance work on the exteriors of both the coach house and the main house. Landscaping appropriate to the style and age of the house has enhanced the setting and added to the historic value of this significant building. Marylee O'Neill was unable to attend the meeting to accept the Peter J. Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 9
Stokes Commendation and certificates. Municipal Heritage Committee Volunteer Service Award Lord Mayor Eke announced that Janice Johnston was being recognized for 10 Years of volunteer service with the Municipal Heritage Committee. Lord Mayor Eke noted that unfortunately Ms. Johnston was unable to attend the Special Heritage Council meeting to receive the Municipal Heritage Committee Service Award for her 10 years of volunteer service In closing, Lord Mayor Eke congratulated all of the recipients, thanked everyone for attending and invited all to remain for a light reception. In addition, Lord Mayor Eke, on behalf of Council, expressed his sincere appreciation to TVCogeco for coverage of the 2014 Celebration of Heritage. VERBAL MOTIONS: ADJOURNMENT: 08:00 PM LORD MAYOR DAVE EKE TOWN CLERK HOLLY DOWD Council Meeting Minutes, April 24, 2014 Page 10