Heritage Permit Review Sub-Committee - October 21, 2025

High-level summary

The meeting focused on approving several heritage-permit and restoration items, including tree replanting and archaeological monitoring, and reviewing ongoing and upcoming restoration projects in the city’s heritage districts. Key decisions included approving a tree removal and replanting plan with conditions, and approving multiple heritage permits (HP2025038, HP2025041, etc.) subject to staff-recommended conditions, while some retroactive and ongoing-work approvals were discussed but not immediately finalized. A full agenda of heritage applications, including Dundurn Castle-related items, was noted as forthcoming.

Five most important topics (impactful to residents)

1) Tree removal and replanting plan with archaeological monitoring (Topic A) - File numbers: Noted actions relate to the replanting plan tied to a site with archaeology considerations; plan requires submission and approval. - Summary: The committee approved a plan governing the removal of dead trees and stumps, with monitoring during digging due to potential archaeological artifacts. A two-year expiry is anticipated for plan implementation, and forestry staff will oversee placement to avoid conflicts with remaining stumps. - Direct quotes: - Lisa: "With the removal of a stump, you're looking at quite a large hole compared to replanting. They would just have a monitor or they would be monitoring as they dig the holes for replanting." - Alyssa: "It looks like the version of the note sheet that was published doesn't actually include the language for the draft condition. So, hopefully, it's on the slide Lisa is about to post." - Public input: No explicit public-input session noted; residents can inquire through planning/forestry channels.

2) Retroactive and ongoing restoration at 264 McNab Street South (HP2025037) (Topic B) - File numbers: HP2025037 - Summary: Council reviewed retroactive approval for restoration work already completed; discussion highlighted ongoing restoration steps (porch, spindles, windows, storms) and expert involvement. - Direct quotes: - “Let me just say that my apologies for not knowing that the property was under a heritage easement... I have used the utmost care in making sure that the replacement and any of the wood structures... were taken apart, all new wood was replaced.” - “The storm windows have been taken off and we're redoing the reglazing of the windows, and we have a professional person who has experience in this area that's helping us out.” - Public input: No explicit opportunities noted; ongoing process with staff oversight.

3) Masonry/restoration work HP2025038 (Topic C) - File numbers: HP2025038 - Summary: Review and approval of masonry repairs and window restorations with four staff-recommended conditions to ensure heritage standards are met. - Direct quotes: - “The paint is a matte paint... hopefully that will also dull over time.” - Note: The discussion included confirming the application covers masonry repairs, mortar repointing, and window restorations, with conditions to be submitted in detail. - Public input: Noted as limited during this segment; future public input may occur in broader consultations.

4) Fire-damaged windows restoration HP202504158 (Topic D) - File numbers: HP202504158 - Summary: Presentation and discussion of replacing fire-damaged wood windows in a Durand Markland District property; emphasizes like-kind specifications under an insurance policy and the use of a US supplier for custom windows. - Direct quotes: - “The windows will be wood... beveled glass will be replicated... painted to match the existing color scheme, which is actually black green.” - “The storm windows have been taken off and we're redoing the reglazing of the windows, and we have a professional person who has experience in this area that's helping us out.” - Public input: No explicit session noted; project updates and insurance constraints are central.

5) 37 Mil Street North – Window replacement plan HP2025041 (Topic E) - File numbers: HP2025041 - Summary: Approval of a heritage permit with conditions for window replacement, including submitting detailed specifications and a two-year project completion timeline. - Direct quotes: - Lisa: “May I have a mover and a seconder to recommend approval of this heritage permit 2025041 subject to staff recommended conditions?” - Note: The two-year expiry for completion is a key condition; timing affects residents awaiting improvements. - Public input: Not explicitly opened in this section; public input typically occurs through public meetings or planning channels.

Upcoming or related items mentioned

• A full agenda for the evening noted upcoming applications, including 600 York Boulevard (part of Dundurn Castle), indicating more reviews to come beyond these items.
• File numbers and bylaw mentions touched on designation bylaws and related heritage guidelines in several sections.

Opportunities for public input

• Across sections, explicit public-input opportunities were not detailed. Residents typically can provide input through planning staff, public consultations, or attending council/heritage committee meetings, and are advised of recording and meeting access when applicable.

Motions passed, rejected, or deferred (with titles and outcomes)

• Tree Removal and Replanting Plan Conditions
  • Outcome: Passed.
  • Title/Action: Approval of Tree Removal and Replanting Plan Conditions; submission and approval of replanting plan and archaeological monitoring.
• HP2025037 – Retroactive approval for restoration at 264 McNab Street South
  • Outcome: Pending further discussion and questions (not finalized in this section).
  • Title/Action: Motion to approve retroactive restoration; discussed ongoing restoration oversight.
• HP2025038 – Heritage permit for masonry repair and window restoration
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously (subject to four staff-recommended conditions).
  • Title/Action: Approval of HP2025038 with conditions.
• HP202504158 – Fire-damaged window replacement in Durand Markland District
  • Outcome: Pending further discussion (not finalized in this section).
  • Title/Action: Review of replacement windows under insurance constraints and planned procurement.
• HP2025041 – Heritage permit for window replacement at 37 Mil Street North
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously with two-year completion and conditions.
  • Title/Action: Approval of HP2025041 with specified conditions.
• HP2025040 – Heritage permit for another project (approval noted in a different section)
  • Outcome: Passed unanimously with staff conditions; further main committee review noted in follow-up.
  • Title/Action: Approval of HP2025040 with conditions; finalizing through main heritage committee.
• HP2025039 – Braayborn building renovation (265 Mil Street South)
  • Outcome: Discussion ongoing; no final motion in this section.
  • Title/Action: Potential future approvals; further deliberation.

Councillors present

• Alyssa (council member)
• Andy (council member)
• Graeme (council member)
• Karen (Chair)
• Katie (council member)
• Matthew (council member)

Notes: - Several sections also referenced staff members (Lisa, Alyssa, etc.) and project representatives (Kathy, Craig) and residents/applicants (Charlotte, Joseph, Carol, etc.). Public input opportunities were not explicitly enumerated in these excerpts, but residents were typically invited to engage via planning channels and future public meetings.