Public Consultation March 26, 2013 Funded by the Government of Ontario
MMM Group Darryl Bird Project Manager, Senior Planner, CAHP Intern Shannon Baker Senior Landscape Architect, CAHP AREA Architects David Eckler Project Architect, OAA, MRAIC Role of the Consultant To facilitate the HCD Study process for the Town of Innisfil and the Community. Consultant Team and Role
1. Project Process 2. Respond to comments and questions from PIC #1 3. To review the key findings of the inventory and assessment 4. Identify the proposed HCD Boundary 5. Provide an overview of preliminary recommendations 6. Answer questions and obtain further feedback 7. Outline next steps for Phase 2 Purpose of Meeting
We have undertaken research, surveys, site inventories and evaluations of the historical, architectural and landscape features Reviewed, researched and analyzed existing land use, zoning, policies Consulted with residents and community members Considered the need, suitability and justification for designating the whole or part of the Study area as an HCD Recommended a preliminary HCD Boundary Developed a draft heritage character statement Project Process and Status
Research and Analysis Consultation Need, Suitability, Justification Recommended HCD Consultation Finalize HCD Study Present HCD Study to Council Project Process and Status
Frequently Asked Questions Thank you to all who completed the questionnaires FAQs
Why is there a need to designate the area an HCD? The HCD will ensure that Cookstown s unique identity is conserved in the future Fulfil objectives on the Innisfil 2020 Strategic Plan and Innisfil Official Plan Build on the work that the community has already done Protect historical buildings and landscapes Benefits of HCD Respond to Comments
What is the probability that the HCD will succeed? When will it happen? Success is visible when improvements to private property or infill development occurs in a manner that is consistent with the character of Cookstown Benefits of HCD Respond to Comments
What is the benefit of an HCD versus individual building heritage designations? Protects the concentration of buildings, landscape and cultural features Promotes development that is consistent with the character of Cookstown Can prevent demolition of historical buildings Promotes cultural and architectural tourism for all of Cookstown An HCD does not preclude the designation of individual buildings in the future Benefits of HCD Respond to Comments
Will the study include individual property review? Yes, each property within the initial study area and proposed HCD Boundary were inventoried and evaluated If the project proceeds to Phase 2, which properties would be affected by the HCD Plan and Design Guidelines? All of the properties within the proposed HCD Boundary, regardless of land use. Benefits of HCD Respond to Comments
Which interests receive the greatest priority (i.e., residents, the broader community or province)? The residents and community are the priority Input from the community is a critical component of the HCD Study and potential HCD Plan Enables the municipality and residents to manage and guide future change in the district Benefits of HCD Respond to Comments
Houses/businesses are already hard to sell, and further limitations may reduce the number of purchasers in the future. HCD designation does not affect an individual s owners ability to purchase or sell a property HCD designation does not limit the use of a property, beyond existing use limitations (i.e., Zoning, Official Plan) Effect on Property Values / Use Respond to Comments
( cont.) Houses/businesses are already hard to sell, and further limitations may reduce the number of purchasers in the future. A 2009 study on HCDs found that real estate values generally meet or exceed those values in comparable adjacent neighbourhoods No correlation between an increase in property taxes and HCD Designation Property value assessment is undertaken by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation Effect on Property Values / Use Respond to Comments
Can I receive funding to undertake heritage restoration on my home? Is Provincial / Federal funding available? Financial Assistance programs are often included as part of HCD Plan Example: Unionville HCD Plan, Collingwood HCD Plan Grant and funding program options will be explored during Phase 2 The Province of Ontario partially funded this study Financial Assistance Respond to Comments
What happens next? HCD Study is written and submitted to Town Town Staff write a Recommendation Report on HCD Study to Council HCD Study is uploaded to Town website one week prior to Council meeting HCD Study is presented to Council at a Public Meeting Council receives HCD Study and provides recommendation on Phase 2: HCD Plan Next Steps Respond to Comments
Permitting, Policies and Guidelines Phase 2 HCD Plan
Other HCD s In Ontario Old Port Credit Village (Mississauga) Unionville (Markham) Downtown Collingwood Cabbagetown (Toronto) Downtown Galt (Cambridge) http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/heritage/heritage _conserving_districts.shtml Other Communities Phase 2 HCD Plan
Phase 2 HCD Plan will detail the qualifications, process and requirements to alter and/or place additions onto properties or demolish Community consultation would be undertaken as part of Phase 2 Residents would be encouraged to participate in the development of Guidelines Policies and Guidelines Phase 2 HCD Plan
General maintenance would not need heritage permit approval Major exterior repairs or additions would require a heritage or building permit. There is typically no cost for a heritage permit Building interiors are not effected by the HCD Town staff will be available to answer questions and guide applicants through the HCD process What would require a permit? Phase 2 HCD Plan
Heritage Permit Required Additions to any façade visible from streets or public areas Heritage Permit Not Required Additions or alterations to any portion of building not visible from streets or public areas What would require a permit? Phase 2 HCD Plan
Heritage Permit Required Major alterations to or replacement of significant exterior features (doors, windows, porches, etc.) New buildings within District Heritage Permit Not Required Alteration or replacement of features of street facing features where replacement is the same style, material size and shape of original Interior Alterations What would require a permit? Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Policies Look Like? Sample policy for Alterations and Additions : Minor exterior alterations and additions to single detached dwellings shall be permitted provided such alterations are not within any front or side yard. HCD Plan Example - Policies Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Policies Look Like? Sample policy for Demolitions : Any proposal to demolish a heritage building or portion of a heritage building that is visible from the street or other public space within the District shall require a heritage permit from the municipality. HCD Plan Example - Policies Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Policies Look Like? Sample policy for Landscape Features : Mature vegetation should be protected and preserved unless it presents a public safety hazard or is in a serious state of decline due to age or disease. When removal of mature vegetation is required, it should be replaced with material of an appropriate size and species. HCD Plan Example - Policies Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Guidelines Look Like? Sample design guidelines for Alterations : Retain and restore heritage attributes wherever possible rather than replacing them, particularly for features such as windows, doors, porches and decorative trim. Where replacement of features (e.g. doors, windows, trim) is unavoidable, the replacement components should be of the same style, size, proportions and material whenever possible. HCD Plan Example - Guidelines Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Guidelines Look Like? Sample design guidelines for Commercial Buildings : The size and scale of signs should correspond to the building. Signs which obscure architectural details are discouraged. If alterations are required to provide barrier free access, ramps and railings should be of suitable materials, colour and design details to blend in with the original structure as much as possible. HCD Plan Example - Guidelines Phase 2 HCD Plan
What May HCD Plan Guidelines Look Like? Sample design guidelines for Doors and Windows : If a door or window that has a decorative transom must be replaced with new, make every effort to preserve at least the transom at the top of the door or window opening. Original door and window openings on the street facing façade should not be blocked up or covered as this can greatly alter the visual character of the dwelling. HCD Plan Example - Guidelines Phase 2 HCD Plan
Overview of Key Findings Findings
Study Area Heritage Conservation District
Provincial and County Policy Conservation of heritage resources is a priority for the Province Provincial Policy provides Innisfil with the tools to establish HCDs (Ontario Heritage Act and Planning Act) County of Simcoe prioritizes the conservation of cultural heritage resources, including significant built heritage resources & cultural heritage landscapes (s.4.6.1) Land Use and Policy Analysis Planning Findings
Town of Innisfil Official Plan Establish a registry of built heritage resources and heritage conservation districts that are of cultural heritage value or interest Cookstown has a unique history and regional function as an antique and craft centre Utilize the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act to designate and preserve heritage buildings Land Use and Policy Analysis Planning Findings
Provincial, County and local policy supports the development of an HCD Zoning has been updated to include a specific zone for Cookstown s central commercial core Growth is limited in Cookstown as a result of the limited sanitary servicing Opportunities to protect and enhance character through Plan and design guidelines No heritage permit process in place Land Use and Policy Analysis Planning Conclusions
Undertake Phase 2: Heritage Conservation Plan and Design Guidelines for Cookstown Establish a clear process for alterations and additions to properties within the HCD Boundary Review the Official Plan for opportunity to integrate HCD Boundary Review opportunities for financial incentives and grants for building improvements Establish a heritage permitting system and tree removal by-law Planning and Implementation Preliminary Recommendations
Essa Innisfil Tecumseth West Gwillimbury Street Pattern Historical Context
Street Patterns Historical Context Findings Source: Innisfil Historical Society, Image Database. c.1897
Historical Context Findings Fire Insurance Map, 1885 Cookstown Heritage Conservation District Study
Fire Cookstown Insurance Heritage Conservation Map, District Study 1905 (overlay) Historical Context Findings
Construction Materials consistent but with rich craftsmanship brick patterns in dichromatic red and buff colours and accenting of window arches, quoins, corbelling, coursing bands, geometric designs wood carved decorations in porch trelliage, gable vergeboard, balcony railings, posts with brackets, signbands and doorway entrances broad range of stylistic features under rubrics of Victorian & Edwardian Architecture Building Materials & Details Architectural Findings
Built Heritage in the HCD HCD to encourage, promote and guide conservation of buildings in the historic core. District Plan to preserve, not only historic buildings, but also associated and significant accessory structures, streetscapes, land forms, vistas, landmarks and natural features. HCD Plan to outline design guidelines, with community input, for regulating both historic buildings and non-heritage properties. Architecture Preliminary Recommendations
Street Patterns Landscape Findings
Street Patterns Landscape Findings
Alignment and Groupings of Buildings Landscape Findings
Queen Street Alignment and Groupings of Buildings Landscape Findings
Mature Oaks on Queen Street Street Trees and Vegetation Landscape Findings
View West on Church Street Gateways Landscape Findings
Cenotaph Open Space Landscape Findings
Post and Rail Fence Materials Landscape Findings
Under Utilized Lots Challenges Landscape Findings
Need to Coordinate Street Furniture Challenges Landscape Findings
Street Tree Renewal 1910 Source: Innisfil Historical Society, Image Database. c.1910. Queen St. looking West. Opportunities Landscape Findings
Establish common visual language for streetscape elements including street furnishings, signage, lighting etc. Prepare conservation guidelines addressing retention and maintenance of cultural landscapes Develop policies and guidelines for the retention of key streetscape elements such as boulevards, sidewalks, lane widths and curbs Review financial assistance programs relevant to streetscape elements Landscape Preliminary Recommendations
Proposed Heritage Conservation District Boundary
Cookstown warrants Heritage Conservation District Designation status due to: Historic Factors Visual Factors Physical Factors Legal or Planning Factors HCD Status Rationale Conclusions
Recommended Boundary
Community input: Submit a Comment Form by: Mail: Cookstown HCD Study, c/o 2101 Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil, Ontario L9S 1A1 E-mail: ecdo@innisfil.ca Drop off at Cookstown Library Write or email Local Councillor Write HCD Study Report March/April 2013 Heritage Committee Meeting late April 2013 Council Review of HCD Report at Public Meeting May 15, 2013 Council Recommendation on Phase 2 TBD Next Steps
Questions? Funded by the Government of Ontario Public Consultation March 26, 2013 56