PRESENT:
Lord Mayor Pat Darte, Councillors: Betty Disero, John Wiens, Paolo Miele, Martin Mazza
REGRETS:
Councillors Jim Collard, Terry Flynn, Jamie King, Maria Bau-Coote
STAFF:
Victoria Butters Deputy Clerk
Carrie Enns Executive Assistant
Denise Horne Heritage Advisor
Leah Wallace Senior Planner
Shirley Cater Manager of Planning
John Henricks Director Community & Development
OTHERS:
MEDIA:
Melinda Cheevers Niagara This Week
Penny Coles Sun Media
Jack Custers TVCogeco
CALL TO ORDER:
The Lord Mayor opened the Special Heritage Council meeting at 7:06 p.m. at the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
LORD MAYOR'S INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME:
Lord Mayor Pad Darte thanked everyone for joining Council’s annual Special Heritage Council Meeting to honour citizens involved with local heritage conservation projects.
Lord Mayor Darte recognized special guests Ryan Donnelly, on behalf of MPP Wayne Gates; Regional Chair Alan Caslin; Regional Councillor Gary Burroughs; and Guest Speaker, Tim Johnson. Unfortunately, the Hon. Rob Nicholson was unable to attend, however, he extended his greetings and sent certificates from his office, to be handed out to the recipients.
Lord Mayor Darte stated Council will present heritage designation plaques for properties designated under Part IV & V of the Ontario Heritage Act located in the Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District. Furthermore, The Municipal Heritage Committee, through Council, will also present the 12th Annual Peter J. Stokes Heritage Commendations for buildings and properties not necessarily designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It was noted these commendations recognize just a handful of the many properties that represent excellent examples of restoration, compatible design, renovation, good contemporary design, and maintenance.
Lord Mayor Darte spoke to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage Grant Incentive Program, which since its inception in 2005, the Town has processed over 90 applications to conserve the heritage attributes of our town’s buildings. He noted a total of $70,000 was provided for heritage grants last year. And over the past 11 years, with combined funding from the Town and Region of Niagara, almost $500,000 has been provided for heritage conservation works within our municipality.
Lord Mayor Darte stated although last year concluded our 3 year Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812, it also marked the start of the commemoration of WWI events and the museum hosted a ‘Great War’ lecture series with a diversity of speakers, including local historians and professors from Brock University. In addition, this year, a Committee of Council was established to study the possibility of a ‘World Heritage designation.’ that would draw attention to not only the local importance of our municipality’s history, but also to a common heritage that has outstanding universal value. The Lord Mayor stated a Native Memorial Working Group of the Town’s War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee has been working diligently toward the creation of a memorial at Queenston Heights to finally recognize the significant contributions and sacrifices of the Six Nations and Native Allies in the War of 1812, and commemorate the Council of Peace and Reconciliation amongst the Six Nations in 1815. He further noted the site for the public artwork sits within the earthworks of Fort Riall, and was offered by the Niagara Parks Commission. Lord Mayor Darte stated we are honoured to have Tim Johnson, Co-chair of the Working Group, as our guest speaker tonight, to speak on the significance of the Landscape of Nations memorial.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte called upon Ryan Donnelly, on behalf of MPP Wayne Gates. Ryan Donnelly stated MPP Gates sent his regards and spoke to the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Mr. Donnelly highlighted both Town and community preservation of history and heritage, as well as events that shaped the world. In closing, on behalf of MPP Gates, Mr. Donnelly thanked and congratulated all.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte called upon Alan Caslin, Regional Chair. Regional Chair Caslin spoke to the celebration of history in the community and the local contribution in conserving heritage in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Chair Caslin noted the years of service that have been committed to preservation, as well as the many events in Niagara-on-the-Lake that supported Canada's 150th celebration. In closing, Chair Caslin thanked Council for inviting him to share in this special evening.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte called upon Region Councillor Gary Burroughs. Regional Councillor Burroughs stated it was a pleasure to attend and celebrate the properties being recognized. Councillor Burroughs thanked the Municipal Heritage Committee for this annual event and noted how very important it is to continue this event each and every year. In closing, Councillor Burroughs congratulated all.
Lord Mayor Pat Darte introduced Tim Johnson, Co-Chair Native Memorial Working Group for Landscape of Nations and provided the following background information. For the past six years, Mr. Johnson has assisted in the development of the ‘Landscape of Nations: the Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial currently under construction in Queenston Heights Park. Mr. Johnson, who is Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River, began his support of the Landscape of Nations memorial while he was working as ‘Associate Director for Museum Programs’ at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, and served in that position until his retirement in October last year. In the course of his work, Mr. Johnson edited, conceptualized, or strategically initiated several Smithsonian books show casing Native arts and history.
He was also the co-founder and publisher of the museum’s flagship quarterly membership magazine, American Indian. During Mr. Johnson's tenure at the museum, he successfully supervised popular and critically acclaimed exhibits representing myriad orientations from ethnography and history to contemporary arts.
Mr. Johnson thanked Council and stated it was an honour to be present this evening. Mr. Johnson provided background information regarding his ancestry and his great personal interest in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Mr. Johnson referred to an electronic presentation and provided an overview of the following: Landscape of Nations - The Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial; War of 1812 - Battle of Queenston Heights October 13, 1812; Six Nations and Native Allies - John Norton and John Brandt; Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee/sub-committees; Design Challenge March 2011; Winning Design Collaborative - Tim Ridout and Raymond Skye; Canada's Lesson Number One - National Education Initiative: Indigenous Knowledge 360o ; Reconciliation; and Inauguration Fall 2016. In closing, Mr. Johnson noted the Landscape of Nation's unveiling will take place on October 2nd and he further encouraged everyone present to attend.
HERITAGE PLAQUE RECIPIENTS
87 Ball Street - Chapman Saltbox
Drew and Sindy Chapman
Councillor Betty Disero read the following:
The dwelling at 87 Ball Street is an outstanding example of a saltbox cottage with its simple exterior façade and trim. The building has an impressive location midway down the sharp slope of the street. The dwelling was likely constructed around 1832 in connection with the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company. The clapboard dwelling has a fieldstone foundation and a magnificent bay roof dormer, which extends out from the rear of the building. The original floor plan of the building is intact as well as original baseboards, trim and moulding.
Drew and Sindy Chapman were present to accept the award.
421 Hunter Road - Locust Grove
Jens Ramputh
Councillor Betty Disero read the following:
The original 1,000 acre estate that came to be called Locust Grove was granted to Jacob Ball, one of Butler’s Rangers, by the British Crown in 1782. The original farmhouse was burned by American forces in December 1813 and the surrounding farmland was twice a battlefield during the war. A large two-storey residence was re-built on the same property ca 1820 and became a renowned country mansion in Upper Canada. The building has suffered from two fires and was altered to become a residence for Eden Christian College, but some original elements remain and the building remains an integral piece of our community.
Jens Ramputh was present to accept the award.
240 Centre Street - Breakenridge-Ure House
Lloyd Kelley
Councillor Martin Mazza read the following:
Dating to 1823, the two storey house is reminiscent of Georgian style with simple, undisturbed Neo-Classical architectural details.
The original owner, John Breakenridge, was a practicing barrister who built two other dwellings nearby. For a time the dwelling served as the ‘Niagara Seminary for Young Ladies’ led by Mary Breakenridge and Eliza Fenwick, a prominent writer, teacher, abolitionist, proto-feminist and active contributor to late-Enlightenment educational reform in England. Between 1865 and 1868 Frances Hopkins rented the house to John Porterfield, a Nashville banker who, during the American Civil War, was a financial agent for the Confederacy.
Mark Holmes, Contractor accepted the award on behalf of the owner.
233 King Street - The Olde Fire Hall
Olde Niagara Fire Hall Inc.
Councillor Paolo Miele read the following:
This building was originally MJ Greene’s Livery Stable. In 1964, the firemen renovated Green's Livery Stable on King Street to make their fourth hall, donating, in total, seven thousand hours of labour. The form of the earlier fire station is still evident with the locations of the large picture windows in the same location as the fire doors. The building now serves as the ‘Grill on King’ restaurant.
The Municipal Heritage Committee accepted the award on behalf of the owner who was not in attendance.
175 Regent Street
Brandon Tataryn and Amanda Terry
Councillor John Wiens read the following:
This building likely began as a livery stable, and was likely converted to residential use in the late 1860s or early 1870s as indicated by the style of the existing bargeboard on the home.
This two-storey side-gabled house, though not large, is tall in its proportions. The finish is clapboard with narrow corner boards, but the lower façade is obscured by a hipped roof porch across the breadth of the house with a second, lower porch in front.
Amanda Terry was present to accept the award.
PETER J. STOKES HERITAGE COMMENDATIONS RECIPIENTS
83 Gage Street - Restoration and Renovation
Peter Howe and Judith McLeod - Owner
Ken Martens, Brook-Lite Homes - Contractor
DeKorte's Landscaping - Landscaper
Municipal Heritage Committee member David Hemmings read the following:
83 Gage Street – The White House was constructed by William Claus or possibly his son John Claus around 1828. It is Neo-classical and Regency in style. The owners undertook restoration and renovation of this significant heritage home located on a large corner lot along Gage and Simcoe Street. The owners enlisted Ken Martens and the team at Brook-Lite Homes who made extensive use of publications by Peter Stokes to inform all design decisions including all woodwork details in the home. Dekortes Landscaping prepared the landscaping plan which enhances the large property and the home.
Michael Howe, James Derksen and Jack DeKorte Jr. accepted the award on behalf of the owners.
223 Gate Street - Restoration and Renovation
Michael and Cynthia Hansen - Owner
Drew Chapman Carpentry - Contractor
Municipal Heritage Committee member David Hemmings read the following:
223 Gate Street – 223 Gate Street is a quaint Saltbox cottage with a Neo-Classical façade built around 1830. The owners of the property undertook to restore the front façade, working with Drew Chapman Carpentry. Restoration and renovation works included: replacement of wood siding and trim pieces which were identical to the original. The 1970's portico was restyled to better reflect the 1830's construction date of the dwelling. The rear 2 additions, built circa 1860 and 1970 were repaired and painted. The early 6 over 6 wood windows have been restored and, where they could not be repaired, identical sashes were replicated.
Drew Chapman accepted the award on behalf of the owners.
214 Four Mile Creek Road - Restoration and Renovation
John Klassen - Owner
Municipal Heritage Committee member Rob Mackenzie read the following:
214 Four Mile Creek Road – The owners of the property have worked diligently to revive this property to its current state. The original Woodbourne House was built in three stages between 1839 and 1851. The Neo-Georgian additions were made in 1915. The Klassen’s re-painted the building in its traditional colours and added dormer windows which are sympathetic to the heritage character of the building. The result is a striking and attractive building near the main crossroads in St. Davids.
John Klassen was present to accept the award.
323 Mary Street - Good Compatible Design
Upper Canada Animal Hospital
Professional Corporation
Municipal Heritage Committee member Rob MacKenzie read the following:
323 Mary Street
Upper Canada Animal Hospital is an excellent example of good compatible design. Set within a semi-residential area, the single storey commercial building does not overpower its residential neighbours in scale. The simple design and the use of natural materials contrasts nicely with the vibrant landscaping which creates a welcoming entrance feature. The design of the building contributes to and enhances the character of Mary Street, and sets a great example for future development in this area.
The Municipal Heritage Committee accepted the award on behalf of the owner who was not in attendance.
1126 Four Mile Creek Road - Maintenance
Virginia Douglas
Municipal Heritage Committee member Drew Chapman read the following:
1126 Four Mile Creek Road – 1126 Four Mile Creek Road, the James Clement House, was named after the man who built the home. James Clement was one of Butler’s Rangers, and he built this house around 1805. This simple 2 storey Georgian dwelling was updated in the 1830s with neo-classical details. This dwelling, one of the earliest houses in the Niagara Peninsula, is designated for historic and architectural reasons. Interior doors, trim, flooring and hardware have survived intact. The owners are to be commended for their commitment to the continued maintenance and conservation of this very important piece of our heritage.
Ken Douglas was present to accept the award.
MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS
Lord Mayor Pat Darte stated that special recognition was being given to two people who have devoted their time and expertise to the preservation of local heritage through service on the Municipal Heritage Committee.
Bob Watson has served on the Committee for 5 years, and Doug Newman has served for 15 years. Unfortunately neither gentleman were able to attend the meeting and certificates will be presented to them at a later date.
In closing, Lord Mayor Pat Darte noted that after an evening like this, it is evident that Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place that is not only steeped in history, but remains a place where people want to live, work, and grow.
Those who came before us invested their hard work, energy and spirit into this historic town, and we aspire to do the same. Lord Mayor Darte gave a special thank you to TVCogeco for televising this event and the staff and Board of the Niagara Historical Society & Museum for hosting the event. He invited everyone to take a look at the current exhibit, “Life Under Canvas: Niagara Camp 1915-1919”, an exhibition that provides insight into the daily life of some 75,000 men who arrived at historic Niagara Camp during the Great War to undergo basic training for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, or later, the Polish Army. Lord Mayor Darte noted that many later described their days at verdant Niagara as their happiest: with new skills acquired, life-long friendships made, and new-found self-confidence. The exhibition is also co-curated by Dr. Richard Merritt. Lord Mayor Darte again congratulated all of the recipients and invited everyone to remain for a light reception.
VERBAL MOTIONS:
ADJOURNMENT: 08:00 PM
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