City of Kingston

Mr. Leary introduced the report. 

The Committee did not provide initial comment. 

The Chair provided an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions. 

Don Taylor noted his general approval of the proposal. He stated that the applicant should take a second look at the style of the roofing and noted that the contractor's website notes a 'Heritage' style. He explained that the colour should be maritime grey. He further recommended the applicant use a flat panel. 

Ms. Demitor echoed the public comments and recommended against using a black material for the roof as it absorbs more heat. 

Ms. McFarlane further echoed the comments related to the roofing. 

Mr. Leary introduced the report. 

Mr. Gower congratulated staff on the work done on the amendments. He noted that the site visit had been very helpful. He stated that the interiors of several of the buildings were important and asked if there was a plan to add some of the interior to the designation by-law. Mr. Leary confirmed that the draft by-law did contain some interior features in the Rockwood Villa, Penrose building and the Nurses building. He stated that staff wished to protect those features. 

Ms. Stevens noted her appreciation for the work done. She highlighted the architectural beauty of several buildings on the site. She pointed to the pillars on the exterior of the Rockwood Villa and stated that they appeared to be rotting and that attention was needed. Miranda Brunton, Agent for the Owner, noted that Infrastructure Ontario does have a maintenance plan for the property. She confirmed that the pillars would be repaired. 

Councillor Oosterhof asked what the benefit and future of the property would be. He noted his concern that it would remain vacant. Ms. Brunton explained that the designation by-law on this property was one of the oldest in the city and that by updating it it would allow for more flexibility. She noted that the property had been made surplus and that any future development on the property would be done with the heritage properties being well protected. 

The Chair provided an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions. 

Shirley Bailey noted that the protection of the property had a long history. She stated that the Frontenac Heritage Foundation had previously expressed concern for the property during the construction of the Homes for Heroes Veterans’ Village project. She noted that the landscape plan in the report was good. She expressed concern regarding the removal of items from the by-law, specifically noting removals from Leahurst and Rockwood. She expressed further concern that fireplaces were not mentioned in the by-law. She stated that the gutting of the buildings would be a mistake.

In response to the public comments Mr. Leary noted that there were several interior attributes that remained in the by-law. He explained that staff had evaluated all the interior attributes and moved to protect what was critical to preserve while allowing the buildings to be renovated for a future use. 

Mr. Sullivan explained the role of the Committee for the designation. 

Mr. Leary introduced the application.

Councillor Oosterhof stated he empathized with homeowners regarding insurance rates and noted that he would not support designations if insurance would be raised. He asked for an explanation on what staff had learned since the item was deferred. He further asked for a timeline on the property's designation. Mr. Gibbs explained that the province had released information regarding insurance rates and confirmed that rates should not be increased. He stated that there was no obligation on the property owner to rebuild a building using original designs or type if it is lost to fire. Mr. Konrad reiterated what Mr. Gibbs had stated. He further confirmed that no rate change should occur as nothing has materially changed when a building is designated. Mr. Leary explained that the property had been flagged by the Township of Kingston in the 1990s for designation and then was added to the City of Kingston's designation program in 2015. He confirmed that it had been listed by that point but that staff had had a large amount of properties to investigate for designation at that time.

The Chair provided an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.

Karen Eaves noted that she was the owner of the property. She stated that her insurance company was now increasing the premium and per month costs based on the potential designation. She further stated that it would bankrupt her. She highlighted the fact that the property was an active farm and as such the options for insurance were limited. She noted that the property had undergone significant alterations and could not be seen from the street. She requested that the Kingston Heritage Properties Committee further defer the item to allow her to receive a legal opinion.

Shirley Bailey stated that the Frontenac Heritage Foundation had a member who owned a rural heritage property and had found good rates at a local insurance company. She noted that insurance rates are increasing across the province for many reasons. She urged people to 'shop around' for better rates.

In response to the public comments Mr. Leary stated that staff were aware of the changes done to the property and that it met the eligibility requirements for designation.

Councillor Glenn asked if a deferral for a legal reason would be appropriate. Mr. McLeod stated that it was a reasonable response. Mr. Leary added that the province had extended the deadline for designating properties to the end of 2026. Mr. Sullivan explained how much further in time the item could be deferred.

Councillor Oosterhof explained what had happened at a recent Council meeting regarding heritage designations. He stated that there was a lot to discuss regarding the insurance issue.