CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER

COMMUNITY HERITAGE COMMISSION

June 30, 1999  - 4:30 p.m.

COMMITTEE ROOM #2

MINUTES

1.      Poetry from 1999 Poet Laureate – Edna Anderson

2.      Information on Clayburn Days 

3.      Update on 1999 Heritage Conference 

4.      Irving House & Museum 

5.      Queens Park Design Guidelines

1.      Regular Meeting of June 9, 1999

Revision to Item 2 (New Business – page 5) re RS-6 Zoning Information.  Delete the last sentence of the second paragraph.

MOVED, SECONDED and CARRIED

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Community Heritage Commission held June 9, 1999 be adopted as circulated.

None

1.      Application to Demolish 221 Queens Avenue

A copy of the building sub-committee evaluation for the demolition of 221 Queens Avenue was reviewed. The evaluation identified several items for possible salvage.  Staff was requested to contact the owner to determine the availability and potential cost of salvaged materials.

It was agreed that an ongoing sub-committee be organized including Calvin Donnelly, Ross Morris and Steve Norman or a member of the Preservation Society for the purpose of salvaging materials from residences that are being demolished.

MOVED/SECONDED AND CARRIED

THAT it be recommended to Council that, even though the residence at 221 Queens has significant heritage value and heritage character, the proposed replacement house would contribute substantially to the city.

2.      Application for Heritage Designation  of 321 Queens Avenue

An evaluation by the building sub-committee was reviewed for the purpose of requesting heritage designation for 321 Queens Avenue.  Members noted that while the 1893 house was designed by architect George Grant, additional work could be undertaken on the exterior to make the building more authentic to original.

There was discussion on the description of the house in the evaluation report and the preference to change the word “laborer” to “simple” in describing the building style.

MOVED/SECONDED AND CARRIED

THAT the Commission is supportive that 321 Queens Avenue be designated as a municipal heritage site.

The owners will be encouraged to request the assistance of members of the Commission  for their renovations.

Staff was requested to organize plaque presentation ceremonies for the heritage designation of 305 Carnarvon Street  and 321 Queens Avenue. 

3.      601 Eighth Avenue – Royal City Christian Centre

At the June 9^th meeting, Pastor Walrond presented a proposal to paint the stairwell and erect a free standing sign at the back of the Royal City Christian Centre.  The Planner said that she has contacted the Pastor and no decision has been made as yet on the colours to be submitted to Council.  This information will be forwarded to Council when received.

4.      Phase III Galbraith House – 131 Eighth Street

As followup from the June 9^th meeting, Planning staff have met with the owners to discuss details for the conservatory and offsite parking for Phase III of the Galbraith House.  They will also meet with staff to work out parking details.

5.      Street Naming (List of former Mayors/City Council)

As requested, a list of former Mayors and Councillors was circulated indicating the length of service for consideration for future street naming.

MOVED/SECONDED AND CARRIED

THAT a list of former mayors and council members be forwarded to the Engineering Department so they can identify which names have been used for streets and parks to date.

Engineering staff were also requested to clarify the correct spelling of Dickenson Street appearing on the street sign.

6.      Dealing with “Demolition by Neglect”

Members reviewed a letter from the city solicitor on the topic of “demolition by neglect”.  The solicitor advised that the City has no power to enact and enforce compliance with maintenance standards for buildings in the city unless the buildings have heritage value.

There was considerable discussion on this topic and the Commission members agreed to present a list of addresses of unslightly premises to be forwarded to Council.  Staff was asked to investigate whether the City has any power to enforce after many notices have been issued.

Roger Nottingham left from the meeting at 5:40 p.m.

7.      513 St. George Street

A letter was received from the owner of 513 St. George Street clarifying the front yard setback and the retention of existing vegetation.

8.      Queens Park Design Guidelines

Staff advised that the draft “Queens Park Historic District Residential Design Guidelines” had just been received in the Planning Department and is being reviewed by staff.  Once internal review is complete, the document will be forwarded to Council in Committee of the Whole for review and consideration.

1.      Poetry from 1999 Poet Laureate – Edna Anderson

Poetry composed by the 1999 Poet Laureate for the Court of Canadian Citizenship and for the Farewell Tea for Archie Miller was circulated.

2.      Clayburn Village Heritage Day

Information on the Clayburn Village Heritage Days held July 18^th was distributed.

3.      Update on Heritage Society of B.C. Annual Conference in Prince George and Overview of Provincial CHC Accomplishments

The Planner attended the 21^st Annual Conference of the Heritage Society of British Columbia in Prince George representing the CHC. She made a presentation on recent CHC accomplishments and accepted the Heritage Society of B.C. Award for the Samson V Maritime Museum in the Restoration category.  Agenda/notes and a list of participants was circulated.  Members were encouraged to attend next year’s conference in Victoria.

A video on Surrey Built Heritage will be viewed at the September meeting, time permitting.

MOVED/SECONDED AND CARRIED

THAT staff prepare grant proposals to the Heritage Trust to hold workshops on interpretive signage and revitalization of downtown.

4.      Update on Filming

A sub-committee has been organized to review procedures for requesting film companies to donate funds.  Correspondence from the Preservation Society regarding the concern that film companies were not being approached for donations has been responded by the Engineering Department. 

Ron Clancy left the meeting at 6:10 p.m.

5.      Irving House and Museum

There was discussion on the direction of the Irving House and Museum and whether the Community Heritage Commission could have greater linkage with the Museum.  This matter would be included on Council’s Agenda for a September Workshop for further discussion on the direction of both the Irving House Committee and the Museum Committee.

MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED

THAT the correspondence be received.

            ON MOTION, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.

Certified Correct,

/dp