Built Heritage Sub-Committee / Sous-Comité Du Patrimoine Bâti December 2, 2016 / 2 Décembre 2016

Report to Rapport au:

Built Heritage Sub-Committee / Sous-comité du patrimoine bâti December 2, 2016 / 2 décembre 2016

and / et Planning Committee / Comité de l'urbanisme December 13, 2016 / 13 décembre 2016

and Council / et au Conseil January 25, 2017 / 25 janvier 2017

Submitted on November 17, 2016 Soumis le 17 novembre 2016

Submitted by Soumis par: Court Curry, Manager, Gestionnaire Right of Way, Heritage and Urban Design Services / Services des emprises, du patrimoine et du design urban, Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department / Services de la planification, de l’infrastructure et du développement économique (613) 580-2424, 22379, Court.Curry@ottawa.ca

Contact Person Personne ressource: Lesley Collins, Planner II / Urbaniste II, Right of Way, Heritage and Urban Design Services des emprises, du patrimoine et du design urban / Heritage Section / Section des Services du Patrimoine Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department / Services de la planification, de l’infrastructure et du développement économique (613) 580-2424, 21586, [email protected]

Ward: RIDEAU-ROCKCLIFFE (13) File Number: ACS2016-PIE-PGM-0182 2

SUBJECT: Application for new construction at 112 River Lane, a property designated under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act and located in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District

OBJET: Demande de nouvelle construction au 112, allée River, une propriété désignée aux termes de la partie V de la Loi sur le patrimoine de l’Ontario et située dans le district de conservation du patrimoine de New Edinburgh

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Built Heritage Sub-Committee recommend that Planning Committee recommend that Council:

1. Approve the application for new construction at 112 River Lane in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District according to plans prepared by ekoBUILT, submitted on October 25, 2016 and attached as Documents 4, 5 and 6; and

2. Delegate authority for minor design changes to the General Manager, Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department; and

3. Issue the heritage permit with a two-year expiry date from the date of issuance unless extended by Council prior to expiry.

(Note: The statutory 90-day timeline for consideration of this application under the Ontario Heritage Act will expire on January 23, 2017.)

(Note: Approval to alter this property under the Ontario Heritage Act must not be construed to meet the requirements for the issuance of a building permit.)

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Sous-comité du patrimoine bâti recommande au Comité de l’urbanisme de recommander à son tour au Conseil :

1. D’approuver la demande de nouvelle construction visant le 112, allée River dans le district de conservation du patrimoine de New Edinburgh, conformément aux plans préparés par la firme ekoBUILT, soumis le 25 octobre 2016, ci-joints en tant que documents 4, 5 et 6; 3

2. De déléguer au directeur général de la planification, d’infrastructure et du développement économique le pouvoir d’apporter des changements mineurs de conception;

3. De délivrer un permis en matière de patrimoine d’une validité de deux ans à partir de la date de délivrance, sauf si le permis est prolongé par le Conseil municipal avant sa date d’échéance.

(Nota : Le délai réglementaire de 90 jours d’examen de cette demande, exigé en vertu de la Loi sur le patrimoine de l’Ontario, prendra fin le 23 janvier 2017.)

Nota : L’approbation de la demande de modification aux termes de la Loi sur le patrimoine de l’Ontario ne signifie pas pour autant qu’elle satisfait aux conditions de délivrance d’un permis de construire.)

BACKGROUND

The property located at 112 River Lane is a vacant lot in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District. River Lane is a narrow street with a mix of houses, garages and parking areas. The lane is characterized by this mix of structures and its green character. The property is located adjacent to a recently built semi-detached house and across the lane from a large detached garage (see Documents 1 and 2).

The lot was created through a severance approved by the Committee of Adjustment in 2013. Council approved the construction of a single detached house on the lot under the Ontario Heritage Act in May 2013 (Document 3). The lot has since been sold and the new owners have revised the previously-approved plans for the proposed house.

The New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District (HCD) was designated by Council in 2001 for its cultural heritage value as the former Village of New Edinburgh, incorporated in 1867 and annexed to Ottawa in 1887. New Edinburgh was a self-sufficient village, originally founded by Thomas MacKay and settled primarily by the workers from his mills at Rideau Falls. In March 2016 Council approved the updated New Edinburgh HCD Plan. The plan was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and the appeal has now been resolved. When the application was received, the new plan was under appeal, and the application was reviewed using both the 2001 and 2016 guidelines.

A new application is required because the heritage permit has expired and the plans have changed. This report has been prepared because Council approval is required for new construction in a heritage conservation district. 4

DISCUSSION

Recommendation 1:

This application is for the construction of a two-and-one-half storey, single detached house with a gable roof, wood and natural stone cladding and a metal roof. The house is 9.5 metres in height and includes a carport recessed from the front façade. The proposed windows are energy efficient, vinyl casement with transoms designed to resemble wood. The proposed house is set back 5.8 metres from the street and the front yard will be landscaped with a lawn, flower beds and shrubs. (Documents 4, 5, and 6.)

New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District Study (2001)

The New Edinburgh HCD Guidelines were approved by Council in 2001. The following are applicable for this proposal:

Laneways

1. The verdant green character of the laneways is part of the cultural landscape of New Edinburgh. This character, with its mix of trees and shrubs, should be maintained.

The proposed new construction will maintain the green character of River Lane. A landscaped front yard is proposed and no trees are to be removed.

New Construction

1. New construction should respect the front and side yard setbacks of adjacent heritage buildings to main the character of the streetscape.

2. As the heritage character of the adjacent properties throughout the District varies, the character of adjacent properties should be acknowledged so that new construction respects and reinforces the character of the streetscape.

3. The existing small lot development pattern should be maintained.

4. New buildings with garage doors that dominate the street will not be approved.

The proposed house is compatible with the mixed character of River Lane that includes houses, garages and parking. The gable roofline and simple massing of the house 5 reflects the most common house form in the neighbourhood and wood and stone cladding are commonly found in the HCD.

New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District Plan (2016)

On March 23, 2016, Council passed by-law 2016-89 to adopt the New Edinburgh HCD Plan. This plan has been appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, but is being used as a policy document when assessing new applications. The following guidelines are applicable to this application:

8.5.4 Guidelines for New Buildings

2. New buildings shall contribute to and not detract from the heritage character of the HCD as outlined in the Statement of Cultural Heritage Value and list of Heritage Attributes.

3. Construction of new buildings will only be approved when the siting, mass, height and materials are compatible with and contribute to the surrounding properties and the cultural heritage landscape.

4. New buildings should be of their own time and are not required to replicate an historical architectural style. If a property owner wishes to recreate a historical style, care shall be taken to ensure that the proposed building is an accurate interpretation in terms of scale, massing and historical materials.

5. Most buildings in New Edinburgh feature front entrances either at grade or one to four steps up. New buildings in the HCD shall respect this heritage attribute.

6. Existing grades shall be maintained.

7. Cladding materials shall be continuous on all building elevations. The use of brick or stone on the front facade only is not appropriate in the HCD.

8. Windows may be wood, metal clad wood, steel or other materials as appropriate. Multi-paned windows should have appropriate muntin bars.

9. The use of natural materials, such as stone, real stucco, brick and wood is an important attribute of the HCD, and the use of materials such as vinyl siding, aluminium soffits, and manufactured stone will not be supported.

Although the HCD Plan is not in effect, staff have reviewed the application under the Ontario Heritage Act and have determined that it is consistent with the direction of the 6 new HCD Plan. The proposed building is sympathetic to the heritage character of New Edinburgh as defined in the Statement of Heritage Value and Heritage Attributes (see Document 7). While the proposed house is of its own time, the two-and-one-half-storey building height, gable roof form and use of wood and stone cladding are all sympathetic to the historic character of the neighbourhood. The proposed entrance is two steps up from grade, in keeping with the character of the HCD.

8.5.5 Guidelines for Landscape and Public Realm

1. Front yards in the HCD are generally characterized by a mix of soft landscaping including natural lawns, flower beds, trees and shrubs. This character should be reflected in all landscape alterations. Use of artificial turf in gardens is out of character and will not be permitted.

The proposed front lawn with grass, flower beds and shrubs meet this guideline.

8.5.6 Guidelines for Laneways

1. The simple green character of the lanes shall be retained. Additions to buildings that back onto the lane shall have regard for the green character of the lanes.

2. New residential development on the lanes may be appropriate where an existing building has been demolished. Replacement buildings shall protect and enhance the green character of lanes and the modest scale of the houses and accessory buildings on the lane.

The proposed building is located on a vacant lot and will be set back from the street to allow a green front yard on the lane. No mature trees on the lot have to be removed for the proposed new construction.

Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada

Council adopted the “Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada” in 2008. The applicable standard for this application is:

Standard 1: Conserve the heritage value of an historic place.

The proposed new construction, through its massing, height and form as well as use of materials is compatible with the character of the New Edinburgh HCD and will not impact the heritage value and attributes as defined in the HCD Plan.

Provincial Policy Statement 7

Staff have reviewed this proposal and have determined that it is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2014.

Conclusion

The proposed new house at 112 River Lane compatible with the character of the New Edinburgh HCD. The proposal meets the guidelines contained within the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District Study (2001), the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District Plan (2016) and the “Standards and Guidelines”. For these reasons, the Department recommends approval of the application.

Recommendation 2

The Ontario Heritage Act does not provide any timelines for the expiry of heritage permits. A two-year expiry date is recommended to ensure that projects are completed in a timely fashion and according to the approved heritage permit.

Recommendation 3

Occasionally, minor changes to a building emerge during the working drawing phase. This recommendation is included to allow the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Department to approve these changes.

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no rural implications associated with this report.

CONSULTATION

The New Edinburgh Community Alliance was notified of the application and offered the opportunity to provide comments. No comments were received.

Heritage Ottawa was notified of the application and provided the following comments:

Heritage Ottawa is not opposed to the proposed new construction at 112 River Lane in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District. In general, it is respectful of the HCD in scale, setback, height, and fenestration.

We do, however, have some concerns about the specific plan as presented.

1. The landscaping of the front yard is not completely specified (outside of the smaller areas where shrubs are shown on the plans). There should be no hard surfaces where parking is possible, and in general, the 8

landscaping visible from the lane should be all natural plantings, in keeping with the provisions of the HCD Plan quoted above and the provision calling for protection of the “narrow, verdant, green character of the lanes.”.

2. The visibility of the carport from River Lane should be minimized.

Neighbours within 30 metres of the property were notified of the application by letter and offered the opportunity to provide comments directly to the Built Heritage Sub-Committee or Planning Committee.

COMMENTS BY THE WARD COUNCILLOR

Councillor Nussbaum is aware of the application.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no legal impediments associated with adopting the recommendations contained within this report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk management implications association with the recommendation in this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct financial implications.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS

There are no accessibility implications associated with this report.

TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES

This project addresses the following Term of Council Priorities:

Governance, Planning and Decision Making

HC4- Support Arts, Heritage and Culture

APPLICATION PROCESS TIMELINE STATUS

The application was processed within the 90 day statutory requirement under the Ontario Heritage Act. 9

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 Location Map

Document 2 Photos

Document 3 Previously approved plans

Document 4 Site Plan

Document 5 Elevations

Document 6 Landscape Plan

Document 7 Statement of Heritage Value and Attributes

DISPOSITION

City Clerk and Solicitor Department, Legislative Services, to notify the property owner and the Ontario Heritage Trust (10 Adelaide Street East, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3) of Council’s decision.

Document 1 – Location Map

Document 2 – Photos

Looking east along River Lane, subject property is at the left of the property 12

Document 3 – Previously Approved Plans

Document 4 – Site Plan

Document 5 – Elevations

Document 6 – Landscape Plan

Document 7 – Statement of Heritage Value and Attributes

Statement of Heritage Value

The historic village of New Edinburgh is a significant example of a small 19th century village located within the urban area of Ottawa. The HCD is significant for its historical associations, architectural and contextual values.

New Edinburgh has cultural heritage value for its association with Thomas MacKay, a Scottish entrepreneur who was instrumental in the construction of the Ottawa section of the Rideau Canal. In the mid-19th century MacKay established an industrial complex of mills at Rideau Falls, north of the HCD and built his estate, now the Governor General’s estate in the 1830s. The historic village of New Edinburgh is a residential community laid out by MacKay and settled primarily by those who worked in his mills. The Village of New Edinburgh was incorporated in 1867 and annexed to Ottawa in 1887. New Edinburgh was a self-sufficient community in the late 19th and early 20th century as evidenced by the buildings types in the neighbourhood including churches, a former school, and small scale commercial buildings.

New Edinburgh is also significant for its high level of architectural integrity characterized by a diverse mix of architectural styles and types dating from 1837. Despite this diversity, the primary architectural character is made up of late 19th and early 20th century residential buildings including single and semi-detached houses, row houses and small apartment buildings. Architectural styles range from large, elaborate Queen Anne Revival Style detached houses to the most common house type; the modest scale, one or two and one half storey gable roofed house.

New Edinburgh is an important cultural landscape in Ottawa and its setting and context are integral to its unique sense of place. The historic core of New Edinburgh is nestled between two significant green spaces, the Governor General’s grounds and Stanley Park, which, in addition to the street trees, laneways and large backyards contribute to the rich green character of the neighbourhood. The historic block layout contributes to New Edinburgh’s contextual value, which was historically characterized by long, narrow lots with houses facing onto the principal streets and landscaped gardens extending to the laneways in the rear.

6.3 Description of Heritage Attributes

The following attributes embody the cultural heritage value of New Edinburgh:

 Historic block layout with street and laneway pattern; 20

 relatively uniform, small front yard setbacks with a mix of soft landscaping;

 consistent side yard setbacks, providing space between buildings;

 green backyards with garages and outbuildings facing the lanes;

 remaining through lots from MacKay Street, Crichton Street and Stanley Avenue through to River and Avon Lanes;

 narrow, verdant, green character of the lanes;

 modest early 20th century residential buildings along the lanes;

 one-and-one-half to two-and-one-half storey residential building height;

 front entrances at grade or up one to four steps, accessible from a walkway located perpendicular to the street;

 one-and-one-half and two-and-one-half storey front-gable roofed houses;

 wood, brick, stucco and stone cladding;

 significant non-residential buildings including MacKay United Church, 255 MacKay Street, St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 125 MacKay Street, the former Crichton Street Public School, 200 Crichton Street, and the former City Archives Building at 174 Stanley Avenue;

 early buildings including the Fraser Schoolhouse(1837), 62 John Street, the Allen House (1864), 35 MacKay Street and the MacLeod House (1867), 92 Stanley Avenue;

 landmark buildings including the Frechette House at 87 MacKay Street, Henderson House, 34 Alexander Street, and the Bell House at 151 Stanley Avenue; and,

 the current street names reflecting the names of members of MacKay’s family (MacKay, Crichton, Keefer, Charles, Thomas, John and Alexander), early governors-general Lord Dufferin and Lord Stanley, Queen Victoria and the Act of Union.