Report to / Rapport au :

In its 2005-2006 Workplan, LACAC established four (4) main objectives:

1. Advise City Council on matters relating to Ottawa’s heritage, including providing City Council with advice on statutory matters under the Ontario Heritage Act and assisting staff in the Planning and Development Department on specific projects (Heritage Grants, Heritage Conservation Awards);

2. Advise City Council on issues related to Development, Community Design and Heritage Conservation;

3. Advise City Council on programs, policies and activities specific to heritage conservation; and

4. Promote heritage awareness within the community and undertake activities to draw attention to specific built heritage resources.

Accomplishments

The following is a summary of the activities and accomplishments of the LACAC from September 2005 to December 2006.

Objective 1: Advise City Council on statutory matters under the Ontario Heritage Act, functioning as the municipal heritage committee under the terms of that Act.

§ Reviewed a total of twenty (20) statutory applications under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) dealing with alterations, demolitions, new construction and designation. This number includes properties designated under Part IV (individually-designated properties) and Part V (heritage conservation districts) of the Act.

§ Applications under Part V of the OHA dealt with properties within the following Heritage Conservation Districts: Sparks Street, Bank Street, Rockcliffe Park, Centretown, Lowertown West, and Wilbrod-Laurier.

§ The committee designated 31 properties as part of the Lorne Avenue Heritage Conservation District under Part V of the OHA. This was Ottawa's first heritage conservation district following the amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act in 2005.

§ LACAC repealed one (1) Part IV designation.

§ The committee reviewed and recommended support for the Sandy Hill Heritage Study – Terms of Reference (approved January 2006), and appointed a liaison for the Study Workgroup.

§ The Committee received a presentation on the heritage attributes and architectural significance of the former City Works building, located at 7 Bayview Road, and considered a request for designation.

§ LACAC received a presentation on the heritage attributes and architectural significance of Devonshire Public School. The Publicly-Owned Heritage Sub-Committee agreed to work with the Community Association and School Council in pursuing heritage designation for the property.

§ The committee received and supported a request to designate the City-owned Belltown Dome skating rink; the Recent Heritage Sub-Committee continues to monitor the issue [did this go any further???].

Objective 2: Advise City Council on issues related to Development, Community Design and Heritage Conservation.

§ The Development Review Sub-Committee reviewed and provided detailed comments and / or objections on 30 sub-division, site plan control, and zoning applications. This sub-committee also reviewed approximately 35 applications for Disposal of City Owned Property, and 71 Committee of Adjustment applications for variances of designated heritage properties and properties of heritage interest.

§ LACAC received and approved the results of OMB mediation associated with the Bank Street and Sparks Street Heritage Conservation Districts.

§ LACAC received a presentation and provided comment on Ottawa By Design, An Urban Design Strategy, and committed to consider the design review panel’s comments as they come forward in departmental reports.

§ The committee was consulted on preliminary plans for new construction in the Lowertown West Heritage Conservation District; the adaptive re-use of the former Sacré Coeur School (a property designated under Part IV of the OHA) in Kitchissippi ward; and new construction and adaptive re-use in the Centretown Heritage Conservation District. These applications will return to LACAC for formal review under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Objective 3: Advise City Council on programs, policies and activities specific to heritage conservation.

§ The Budget Sub-Committee provided written comments on the 2006 Draft Budget, and made presentation to Council on the 2006 Draft Budget.

§ The Plaque Sub-Committee reviewed the text for nine (9) heritage plaques to be installed on selected designated heritage buildings and in one heritage conservation district in 2007.

§ To date, LACAC assessed and approved 34 heritage grants for building restoration work.

§ The Architectural Conservation Awards Selection Panel reviewed submissions to the annual competition, visited properties of all reviewed submissions, and made recommendations for awards.

§ The Publicly-Owned Heritage Sub-Committee organized a site visit to the Victoria Memorial Museum (Museum of Nature) to witness the status of the renovation and heritage restoration work.

§ The Heritage Plaques Sub-Committee reviewed the text for a Parks Canada National Historic Site plaque commemorating the Connaught Building.

§ At the initiative of LACAC, the Committee requested clarification and review of the Site Element Review process [did this go anywhere????].

§ The committee received a presentation on the proposed closure of St. Brigid’s Catholic Church (designated under Part IV of the OHA). At the initiative of LACAC, the City encouraged the Province of Ontario, through the Ontario Heritage Trust, to establish a financial program to assist in the conservation of religious architecture.

§ A representative of LACAC attended and provided input into the City’s Public Consultation Group for the North-South LRT Priority Project, as well as the LRT Extension into University of Ottawa Lands Environmental Assessment Study.

§ A representative of LACAC attended and provided input into the City’s Public Advisory Committee and Open Houses for the Bank Street Improvement Study.

§ Representatives of LACAC attended a workshop and provided input into the City’s Draft Urban Design Guidelines.

§ A representative of LACAC attended and provided input into a consultation session on the Escarpment Area District Plan.

§ A representative of LACAC participated in the selection of a consultant team for the Sandy Hill Heritage Study and will attend consultation sessions and provide input into the study beginning in 2007.

§ A representative of LACAC attended consultation sessions and provided input into the Central Park HCD Study. [Were any meetings held, did anyone attend???].

Objective 4: Promote heritage awareness within the community and undertake activities to draw attention to specific built heritage resources.

§ The Heritage Farmsteads Sub-Committee met regularly with staff and continued compiling an extensive survey of farm complexes within the City of Ottawa. It developed promotional brochures for distribution to farmstead owners. The Sub-Committee also identified eligible farmsteads for recognition under this new program.

§ LACAC retained membership in Community Heritage Ontario, the Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa, and Heritage Ottawa.

§ The Heritage Community Recognition Sub-Committee worked with the Arts, Culture & Heritage Advisory Committee to recommend nominees for the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Heritage Community Recognition Program, as well as the Young Heritage Leaders program.

§ The Book Sub-Committee continued research and production of a second edition of Ottawa: A Guide to Heritage Structures, which will include designated properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act located throughout the new City of Ottawa.

§ The Awareness Sub-Committee is continuing to distribute Ottawa, A Guide to Heritage Structures, a book published by Ottawa’s previous LACAC, to local bookstores for sale.

Attachment 1

Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee

Workplan 2007

The mandate of LACAC is to advise City Council on matters relating to Ottawa’s Heritage, specifically on issues of built heritage, including cultural heritage landscapes. To guide its work throughout 2006, the LACAC has prioritized and defined its objectives as follows, has created eight sub-committees to assist with its work, and will create working groups where necessary to handle issues as they arise.

Objective 1 – Advise City Council on statutory matters under the Ontario Heritage Act, functioning as the municipal heritage committee under the terms of that Act.

This objective relates directly to Section 28 of the Ontario Heritage Act, which authorises a municipal council to establish a municipal heritage committee, by means of a by-law, and defines the committee's statutory role as advising and assisting Council on all matters relating to Part IV (Conservation of property of cultural heritage value or interest), Part V (Heritage Conservation Districts), and such other matters as specified by municipal by-law.

Activity 1: Review, as part of regular meeting agendas, statutory applications in order to provide advice to Council, through the Planning and Environment Committee. These applications include the alteration and/or demolition of designated properties, new construction in heritage districts and the designation of buildings and districts.

Responsibility: LACAC

Activity 2: Recommend properties or districts for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Advise City Council on the identification, evaluation and conservation of built heritage properties and areas.

Responsibility: LACAC and Design & Designation Sub-Committee

Objective 2 – Advise City Council on issues related to Development, Community Design and Heritage Conservation.

This objective relates to LACAC’s mandate, which includes the promotion of heritage conservation within the community and advocating on behalf of threatened heritage resources. Specifically, LACAC will comment on development applications affecting heritage resources and participate in Community Design Plans for main streets, villages and mixed-use centres. Through partnerships, LACAC will pursue activities to promote heritage conservation and good maintenance practices.

Activity 1: Review major planning applications such as Site Plan Control, Demolition Control, Zoning and Official Plan Amendments, and applications to Committee of Adjustment and provide comments to the appropriate body, as required.

Responsibility: Development Review Sub-Committee

Activity 2: Advise on built heritage issues with respect to Official Plan Policies, Community Design Plans, and design strategies.

Responsibility: Design & Designation Sub-Committee

Activity 3: In conjunction with partners such as Historic Ottawa Development Inc. (HODI), Heritage Ottawa and the Ottawa-Carleton Home Builders Association, encourage property owners to support heritage conservation and good maintenance practices. Collaborate with HODI on the restoration of the Birkenfels Gates in the Village of Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District.

Responsibility: LACAC and Historic Ottawa Development Inc. Liaisons

Objective 3 – Advise City Council on programs, policies and activities specific to heritage conservation.

LACAC will continue to provide advice to staff on various City Council approved programs and activities, such as the Plaque Program, Heritage Grants and City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Awards. LACAC will be called upon to review texts for new heritage designation plaques. The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of the Official Plan, Arts & Heritage Master Plan, and new Comprehensive Zoning By-Law.

Activity 1: Review and recommend approval of Heritage Grants, whereby the owners of any designated property can apply for grants to make improvements to that property.

Responsibility: Chair or Vice Chair

Activity 2: Review texts for new plaques under the Heritage Plaque Program.

Responsibility: Heritage Plaques Sub-Committee

Activity 3: Review nominated projects for the City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Awards and provide advice to staff as to the recipients.

Responsibility: Architectural Conservation Awards Selection Panel

Activity 4: Participate in the Doors Open Ottawa initiative and Heritage Day activities.

Responsibility: LACAC and Awareness Sub-Committee

Activity 5: Monitor the implementation of the Official Plan, Secondary Plans, Heritage Master Plan, and Comprehensive Zoning By-Law as well as advise City Council on issues of concern or interest.

Responsibility: Design and Designation Sub-Committee

Budget Sub-Committee

Activity 6: Provide input and monitor the implementation of the Light Rail Transit projects and comment on issues that reflect LACAC's concerns and values.

Responsibility: Publicly Owned Heritage Sub-Committee

Activity 7: Provide input and monitor the implementation of the major infrastructure improvements for Bank Street between the Rideau Canal and Wellington Street.

Responsibility: Design and Designation Sub-Committee

Activity 8: Ensure representation on the Sandy Hill Heritage Study stakeholder group. Participate in and monitor progress of the study

Responsibility: Sandy Hill Heritage Study Liaisons

Activity 9: Ensure representation on the Central Park Heritage Conservation District Study stakeholder group. Participate in and monitor progress of the study.

Responsibility: Central Park HCD Study Liaisons

Activity 10: Ensure representation on the Escarpment Area District Plan (Downtown Ottawa Urban Design Strategy 2020 - Phase 2) stakeholder group. Participate in and monitor progress of the study and plan.

Responsibility: Escarpment Area District Plan Liaisons

Objective 4 – Promote heritage awareness within the community and undertake activities to draw attention to specific built heritage resources.

The LACAC will continue its work related to Recent Heritage, Heritage Farmsteads and Publicly Owned Heritage. The committee takes seriously its advocacy role on behalf of threatened heritage resources and will continue links with Heritage Ottawa, Historic Ottawa Development Inc., The Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa, and the Arts, Heritage & Culture Advisory Committee. Conservation of our heritage buildings, over the longer term, is largely dependant on the success of efforts to increase awareness of these resources. If the public comes to see heritage structures as valuable in their community, they are more likely to be supportive of efforts to conserve them.

Activity 1: With funds previously provided by Council and proceeds from the sale of the first edition, continue work on the second edition of the LACAC publication “Ottawa: A Guide to Heritage Structures.” Continue to fill orders from local retailers for the first edition.

Responsibility: Book Sub-Committee

Activity 2: LACAC recognizes that there is a need to bring attention to rural history and rural architecture. LACAC will continue its work on the Heritage Farmstead Recognition Program with the intent of recognizing farmsteads and farm buildings of exceptional historical and architectural significance. On the basis of an ongoing inventory of farm buildings, the Heritage Farmstead Sub-Committee will select farmsteads or farm buildings to be honoured by the Heritage Farmstead Recognition Program through a roadside sign and other means. In addition to conducting the inventory, the Sub-Committee has prepared a brochure to promote the Recognition Program and will arrange for the production of four signs each year. Participation in the Recognition Program would not involve any form of legal agreement under the Ontario Heritage Act with the owner. Rather, it is an acknowledgement by the LACAC and the City of the barn’s cultural heritage value. If appropriate, particular barns or entire farm complexes could be recommended for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Responsibility: Heritage Farmstead Sub-Committee

Activity 3: Focus on heritage from the period of rapid growth of the City (post World War II) during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The former City of Ottawa LACAC has forwarded a collection of photographs taken by a research consultant. The Recent Heritage Sub-Committee will use the photo inventory to assist in filling in research gaps, and working with interested communities to have some examples from this inventory designated.

Responsibility: Recent Heritage Sub-Committee

Activity 4: Monitor plans and proposals of public bodies, including the Federal Government and its crown corporations such as the National Capital Commission. The Federal Government and its crown corporations are powerful influences on the built environment of the entire city and it is advisable that the LACAC make an effort to remain up to date with such plans in order to advise City Council of any issues that may have an impact upon the City’s heritage. LACAC will monitor the disposal and maintenance of City-owned heritage properties and City-owned properties adjacent to heritage resources. The sub-committee will also study and make recommendations relative to properties owned by other public bodies, such as school boards.

Responsibility: Publicly Owned Heritage Sub-Committee

Activity 5: Provide the City of Ottawa with information relative to LACAC’s activities, to be included on the heritage section of the City’s website and participate in the pilot project, which will allow advisory committees to have increased content on the website.

Responsibility: Awareness Sub-Committee

Activity 6: Review and recommend nominees for the Community Heritage Recognition Program. In collaboration with the Arts, Heritage & Culture Advisory Committee and with input from the local heritage community, encourage the nomination of worthy individuals or small project groups for acknowledgement under the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Community Heritage Recognition Program. The sub-committee will reach out to the community for nominations, review the submissions and recommend one nominee in each category for Council approval.

Responsibility: Community Heritage Recognition Program Sub-Committee

Activity 7: Maintain membership in the following heritage organizations: Heritage Ottawa, Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa, and Community Heritage Ontario. Ensure communication with the Arts, Heritage & Culture Advisory Committee, The Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa, Heritage Ottawa, and Historic Ottawa Development Inc., allowing for information sharing, collaboration, support and partnerships

Responsibility: LACAC

Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee Liaisons

The Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa Liaisons

Heritage Ottawa Liaisons

Heritage Ottawa Development Inc. Liaisons

Workplan Funding: $235

Activity 8: Collaborate with the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee in the development and future implementation of a Notable Tree Recognition Program and monitoring the implementation of the City’s revised policy with regards to the removal of trees in Leda clay soil.

Responsibility: Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee Liaisons

Attachment 2

Approved by

City Council on 25 February 2004

LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(LACAC)

Terms of Reference

MANDATE

The mandate of LACAC is to advise City Council on matters relating to Ottawa’s Heritage (pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act), specifically on issues of built heritage, including cultural heritage landscapes. This would include identifying properties and areas in the City of Ottawa that may deserve protection; providing City Council with advice on applications to alter designated heritage properties and new construction in heritage districts; advising property owners on appropriate conservation and maintenance practices; promoting heritage conservation within the community and advocating on behalf of threatened heritage resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The LACAC shall be responsible for:

· acting as City Council’s liaison on heritage matters under the Ontario Heritage Act and functioning as the municipal heritage committee under the terms of that Act;

· recommending properties for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act;

· advising City Council on the identification, evaluation and conservation of built heritage properties and areas;

· advising City Council on current heritage conservation legislation as well as available funding sources;

· assisting City Council in the preparation of municipal legislation and policies to conserve heritage properties and areas;

· advising and assisting City Council in the preparation of criteria for programs of financial assistance for the restoration of built heritage properties;

· implementing City Council-approved programs and activities to increase public awareness and knowledge of heritage conservation issues related to the built environment;

· advocating on behalf of the preservation and conservation of threatened built heritage resources.

The LACAC may, from time to time, choose to establish sub-committees or task forces to deal with issues that relate directly to their mandate. These sub-committees could have responsibility for the following:

· recommending properties or areas in the City of Ottawa which should be considered by the LACAC for heritage designation;

· listing built heritage properties or areas for review and discussion by the LACAC;

· researching properties being proposed for listing or designation as heritage properties or areas, public programs and other preservation-related issues;

· providing for public awareness and promotion of issues relating to heritage properties or areas in cooperation with other heritage groups, as required;

· arranging to erect plaques and/or markers on community sites of local interest;

· providing for local community activities recognizing the efforts of citizens to protect, preserve or promote heritage properties;

· providing comments to the main LACAC on major planning issues such as rezoning, etc. affecting built heritage resources;

· such other duties relating to built heritage preservation issues as may otherwise be assigned to it by Council.

ORGANIZATION

LACAC shall have a membership of 9-15 and shall include the following:

· Up to 9-15 members at large (including those with expertise, interest and knowledge in history and/or architecture).

· A minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community.

The LACAC shall have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:

· 1 Staff representative from the Development Services Department (non-voting)

· A minimum of 1 member of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as liaison (non-voting)

All appointments to the LACAC shall be approved by both the Planning and Environment Committee and Ottawa City Council.

The process for choosing membership for the LACAC will follow the approved Appointments Policy.

LEAD DEPARTMENT/REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The lead department for LACAC shall be the Development Services Department. The LACAC shall report through the Planning and Environment Committee to Ottawa City Council.

WORKPLANS AND ANNUAL REPORTS

The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee must report annually to City Council through the Planning and Environment Committee (timing to be determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee Coordinator and City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the current year and on the Committee’s workplan for the following year.