PRESENT:
Lord Mayor Betty Disero, Councillors: Gary Burroughs, Norm Arsenault, Al Bisback, Clare Cameron, Wendy Cheropita, Stuart McCormack, Erwin Wiens, John Wiens
REGRETS:
STAFF:
Holly Dowd Chief Administrative Officer
Craig Larmour Director Community & Development
Sheldon Randall Director Operations Services
Kyle Freeborn Treasurer, Director Corporate Services (A)
Peter Todd Town Clerk
Eric Withers Manager, Planning
Denise Horne Heritage Planner
Jessie Auspitz Planner II
Tara Druzina Administrative Assistant
Victoria Steele Communications Co-ordinator
OTHERS:
Gary Zalepa Regional Council Representative
Chris Zoetewey Parks Canada
MEDIA:
Suzanne Mason St. Catharines Standard
Dariya Baiguzhiyeva The Lake Report
Lord Mayor Betty Disero opened the Special Heritage Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. at Niagara Historical Society & Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
LORD MAYOR'S INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
Lord Mayor Betty Disero everyone for attending Council's annual Special Heritage Council Meeting to recognize good stewardship in heritage conservation and compatible new design throughout the municipality on the part of the Town's citizens.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero recognized special guest Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa, and guest speaker Chris Zoetewey, Parks Canada.
The Lord Mayor stated that Council was presenting heritage designation plaques for properties designated under Part IV & V of the Ontario Heritage Act located in the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District. The Municipal Heritage Committee would also be presented the Annual Peter J. Stokes Heritage Commendation Awards for properties not necessarily designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. These commendations recognize just a handful of the many properties that represent excellent examples of restoration, compatible design, renovation, good contemporary design, maintenance and adaptive reuse.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero stated that since the inception of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage Grant Incentive Program in 2005, the Town has processed over 100 applications to conserve the heritage attributes of our town’s buildings. A total of $54,413 was provided for heritage grants last year. And over the past several years, with combined funding from the Town and Region of Niagara, nearly $700,000 has been provided for heritage conservation projects within our municipality.
She further stated that 2018 held many important celebrations and anniversaries being that:
October 20,1918 marked the end of the First World War with 619,000 Canadian troops fighting in Europe. Camp Niagara and the Commons became the summer training grounds for the Second Division and also served as a training camp for a group of expatriate Poles and Polish Americans in 1917.
The Niagara District Council of Women celebrated its centenary. The Council of Women works towards improving conditions for the family, community and society in areas such as economics, education, health, environment, housing, justice, status of women, social development and seniors’ issues.
This year, at a global scale, we mark the loss of a significant portions of Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture. While this event occurred abroad in Paris, it reaffirms the importance of allocating funds towards to conservation, maintenance and restoration of cultural heritage resources.
The Lord Mayor called upon the Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa who was providing greetings from his office.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero thanked Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa for his greetings.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero called upon guest speaker Chris Zoeteway, Parks Canada.
Chris Zoeteway referred to an electronic presentation regarding the Butlers Barracks - Adaodpate Re-Use. Mr. Zoeteway provided a brief history and background of Parks Canada. He then provided background on the Butlers Complex 1814, Camp Niagara 1914-1966, and 1934 to present day. Mr. Zoeteway also provided details on the Butlers Barracks Building.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero thanked Chris Zoeteway for his presentation.
HERITAGE PLAQUE RECIPIENTS
Lord Mayor Betty Disero and Municipal Heritage Committe Chair Janice Johnson presented the Hertiage Plaques.
109 Queen Street
Councillor Clare Cameron read the following:
109 Queen Street was constructed in 1979. The building combines modern and traditional features to integrate with neighbouring two-storey buildings on the street. Traditional features include the parapet walls, otherwise known as firewalls, which can be seen protruding above the roofline at each end of the building. Other traditional features include the dental work on the frieze as well as the shape of the oriel windows at street level. The slight step back in the building façade adds volume to the building without overpowering the main facade. Overall the building adds real interest to the street.
167 Regent Street
Councillor Allan Bisback read the following:
The Blue House at 167 Regent Street exhibits considerable charm not just with its rich colour, but with the symmetry and simplicity of the front façade. The closeness to grade level and the narrow clapboard cladding, as well as the inset chimneys, help to identify this small two-storey dwelling as being of an early date. As is typical, there is a shed-roofed wing to the rear. The white picket fence at the front of the property, which is so typical of Old Town, really sets off the historic building and property.
The award was presented to the Representative of 167 Regent Street.
156 Gate Street
Councillor John Wiens read the following:
156 Gate Street was built around 1890. This colonial revival style building is one of the oldest houses on the block. It is a large square residence, with a three-bay façade and hipped roof, and narrow clapboard siding. The owners have taken care to establish a landscaped yard that creates a picturesque setting for the residence which is set close to the street. The owners could not be in attendance this evening but we appreciate the stewardship they have shown this home.
The award was presented to Christian Martineau and Denis Franette.
PETER J. STOKES HERITAGE COMMENDATIONS
Lord Mayor Betty Disero and Municipal Heritage Committe Chair Janice Johnson presented the Hertiage Commendations.
Butler's Barracks - Restoration
MHC Committee member Philip Hoad read the following:
Parks Canada is being awarded a heritage commendation this evening for the Restoration of Butler’s Barracks. Butler’s Barracks is a historic military complex comprised of five wooden buildings located at the edge of the Commons behind the Fort George National Historic Site. Built by the British after the War of 1812, it was occupied as a military camp until the 1960s. It was declared a national historic site because of its four remaining 19th-century military buildings. In 2018 Parks Canada undertook work to correct structural elements on the building. We would also like to acknowledge the adaptive reuse project they have taken for this Barrack which will serve as a Field Unit Office in future therefore achieving a sustainable balance between heritage conservation and the administrative requirements of Parks Canada.
The award was presented to Chris Zoetewey, Parks Canada.
14795 Niagara River Parkway (Glencairn Hall) - Restoration
MHC Committee member Rita Trudeau read the following:
A commendation in recognition of Restoration work is being awarded to Reginald and Jean Porter, the owners of Glencairn Hall, located at 14795 Niagara River Parkway. This elegant mansion was designed by John Latshaw and built in 1832 for John Hamilton (the youngest son of Robert Hamilton). The house, which is in the Greek Revival style, represents one of the few purely Greek Revival buildings in Ontario and retains much of its original interior and exterior features including 9 fireplaces, entrance doors, a double porch, a double parlour and curving interior staircase. It was carefully sited by the designer to take in the dramatic views of the Niagara River and turns its best face to the river. As such, it takes full advantage of its picturesque landscape setting, which contains a number of significant trees and landscape features. The house was also owned by a number of prominent community members including John Hamilton and John Larkin. The owners of the proper could not be in attendance this evening, but we would like to recognize their dedication to the conservation of this one-of-a-kind building.
210 Centre Street - Compatible Design
MHC Committee member David Parker read the following:
This evening we are awarding a commendation under the category of compatible design for the dwelling located at 210 Centre Street. The house was constructed by Brook-Lite Homes in 2017, and has been characterised as farmhouse clique. The home includes a large wrap around veranda and a beautifully landscaped exterior. It is a beautiful property that enhances the surrounding neighbourhood and community.
The award was presented to Steven Cohen and Joe Carlino and Brook-Lite Homes.
1607 Four Mile Creek Road - Adaptive Re-Use
MHC Chair Janice Johnston read the following:
Many will recognize 1607 Four Mile Creek Road as the former Virgil fire hall, built in 1959. Not only did the building house the fire trucks and the volunteer fire fighters for many years, but it was also used for many social and family gatherings. The building was vacated in 2008 after the construction of a new fire hall. In 2018, the current owner redesigned the exterior of the building, and adapted the existing building for use as a restaurant, with two apartment dwelling units. The project represents the successful adaptive reuse of a landmark building in Virgil.
The award was presented to the Representatives of 1607 Four Mile Creek Road.
23 Four Mile Creek Road - Maintenance
MHC Committee member Amanda Demers read the following:
23 Four Mile Creek Road is the location of the Creekside Seniors Estate Co-operative. This mobile home park is co-operatively owned, consisting of approximately 18 acres of mature landscape, and located in the St. Davids Urban Area. The property is being awarded a commendation in recognition of the impeccable maintenance of the property with its large mature trees, and attractive gardens.
The award was presented to the Representatives of Creekside Seniors Estate Co-operative Inc.
31 Prideaux Street - Renovation
MHC Committee member Drew Chapman read the following:
The Servos-Jones House is a two-storey residence, which is set well back on a large Prideaux Street lot. The frame may date to as early as the 1840s, while the later mansard roof and exterior details date to renovations in the 1870s and 1880s. It is a property that was saved from demolition through the vision of its owners, who restored the building with a smart mix of modern conveniences and historic details, and a collection of historic items found during restoration. Many features of the original structure were repurposed as part of the project which was completed in 2018. This property is therefore being recognized this evening for this sensitive restoration work.
The award was presented to Thomas and Kimberley Elltoft.
Voices of Freedom Park - Contemporary Design
MHC Committee member Ron Dale read the following:
Voices of Freedom Park, located on the corners of Johnson Street and Regent Street in Old Town, officially opened in November 2018. The park commemorates the silenced and forgotten stories of people of African descent, enslaved, freed, and free, whose sacrifices, labour, skills, and talents contributed to the development of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tonight we award a Peter Stokes Commendation in recognition of the park’s Contemporary Design.
The award was presented to the Voice of Freedom Park Committee, Tom Ridout, Fleisher Ridout Partnership Inc., Don & Mark Dawson, Dawson Farms & Landscaping Inc.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero congratulated all of the Peter J. Stokes Heritage Commendation recipients.
CLOSING REMARKS
Lord Mayor Betty Disero stated that through tonight’s meeting it is evident that Niagara-on-the-Lake is a community that takes great pride in its cultural and historical legacy. Those who came before us shaped, created and invested in this historic community – and we aspire to do the same.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero thanked the Niagara Historical Society & Museum for hosting the Special Heritage Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Betty Disero congratulated all of the recipients, thanked everyone who joined in the meeting and invited all to stay for a light reception.
VERBAL MOTIONS:
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