Heritage Advisory Committee meeting, June 20, 2024
Attendance
Councillor Helen Marchetti (Ward 6) attended as the Council representative. Five resident members were present. The City's Heritage Planner provided staff support.
Delegations
A representative from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area spoke about the need for consistent design standards along Mercer Street. A resident from the Old Mill neighbourhood shared concerns about recent exterior changes to a local heritage building.
Reports and Decisions
The committee reviewed the annual heritage conservation grant submissions. Members discussed the top ten applications for property owners seeking funding for roof repairs and window restoration. If you own a heritage property, you can apply for these grants through our online portal. The committee recommended that all ten applications move forward to Council for funding approval. Carried unanimously.
Next, staff presented an update on the Old Mill Museum & Archives restoration project. The committee approved the phased approach for the exterior masonry work and agreed to open a public comment period for the interior exhibit layout. Carried unanimously.
The Heritage Planner introduced a report on the Heritage Facade Improvement Program. This voluntary initiative would provide free design reviews for downtown businesses planning exterior upgrades. The committee recommended the program launch in the spring of 2025. Carried unanimously.
The committee also considered a proposal to update the Heritage Alteration Permit By-law. Members suggested adding a requirement for a two-week public notice period before any permit hearing. The committee recommended the change to Council. Carried 4-1.
Finally, the committee reviewed a nomination to designate the property at 12 Mercer Street as a heritage building under the Official Plan. After discussing its historical significance, the committee recommended the designation move forward to Council. Carried unanimously.
You can view the full reports and voting records on the Heritage Advisory Committee page. All recommendations will be reviewed during the next regular Council meeting.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The committee only makes recommendations to Council.
Adjournment
The meeting ended at 7:15 p.m.