MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District

[UrbanWaterloo]

MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District
Heritage Conservation District Study Final (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/Committees_Heritage_documents/MacAlbertConsultReport.pdf)
Map (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/RL_HERITAGE_documents/MacAlbMap1.pdf)| Brochure (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/RL_HERITAGE_documents/MacGregorAlbertBroc09.pdf) | Website (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=2390)

<img src="http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD%20-%20Map.jpg" width="700px" />

With the issuance of the Ontario Municipal Board’s Order on January 29, 2008, the City of Waterloo has received formal approval of its first Heritage Conservation District. The MacGregor Albert Neighbourhood, located in the Uptown area of the City, is now officially recognized as one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Waterloo.

Elements that contribute to this neighbourhood’s architectural and landscape character include:

a nineteenth century street plan that forms two deltas;
the vistas and views into Waterloo Park;
two institutional landmarks (the old Carnegie Library and Emmanuel United Church); and,
the diverse range of high-quality houses dating since the mid-nineteenth century.

The purpose of declaring an area as a Heritage Conservation District is to conserve and enhance the area wide character of the neighbourhood. A Heritage Conservation District Plan is not about stopping change from happening, but serving to guide physical change over time so that any change contributes to the district’s historic character. The Plan sets out policy statements and guidelines to address such matters as public and private landscape, land use, additions and new construction, existing buildings, and lands adjacent to the district.

The Plan sets out the types of work that require a heritage permit and lists the types of work that are minor in nature and other alterations that are exempt from heritage review. The Plan also includes the process for heritage permit applications.

32481713

[UrbanWaterloo]

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Monday, June 7, 2010 1:00 p.m. | Packets (http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/CS_CLERKS_Minutes_2010/20100607_Packet_Special_Council_Meeting.pdf)

2. STAFF REPORTS
a) Extension of the MacGregor/Albert Neighbourhood Interim Control By-law | Page 5
Report No. DS2010-027
Prepared By: Shirley Hayes and Janice Mitchell
Recommendations: “That DS2010-027 be approved and that Waterloo City Council adopt the Interim Control By-law, to extend the expiry date of By-law No. 09-074, the Interim Control By-law for the MacGregor/Albert Neighbourhood, for an additional one year period to June 15, 2011, as attached to Report DS2010-027.”

[PBE]

To correct a small point: The appeal to the OMB was dismissed without a hearing on November 16, 2007 by oral decision, as the remaining appellant was ruled to not have standing. The other appellant, WLU, had previously reached an agreement with the City. A memorandum was issued (pl060930) on Jan 4, 2008.

[UrbanWaterloo]

Notice of Informal Public Meeting
March 23, 2011 | City of Waterloo | Link (http://www.waterloo.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=78&mid=526&def=News%20Article%20View&ItemId=1515)

Council Chambers, City Hall
Waterloo City Centre
100 Regina Street South
Monday, April 4, 2011
At a time to be determined

Official Plan Amendment No. 81 &
Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-11-03
MacGregor Albert Heritage Conservation District,
MacGregor Public School and Waterloo Public Library
Uptown Ward 7, City of Waterloo

The City of Waterloo has initiated an amendment to the Waterloo Official Plan for the subject lands’, identified on the attached map. The amendments to the Official Plan include the creation of policies to recognize and conserve the character of the MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District, as well as changes to Schedule A: Land Use Plan, Schedule A2: Height and Density, Schedule A1: Hierarchy of Commercial Areas, and includes the creation of a Special Policy Area.

The Official Plan Amendment proposes to re-designate the properties located within the district to Low Density Residential.

The MacGregor Public School and the Waterloo Public Library lands are included in the area subject to consideration for this amendment because the MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District Plan requires a Heritage Impact Assessment for any redevelopment on these two parcels.

The City of Waterloo has also initiated an amendment to Zoning By-law 1108 proposing to rezone the ‘subject lands’, excluding the MacGregor Public School and the Waterloo Public Library, to make the zoning consistent with the MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District Plan.

The Zoning By-law Amendment proposes to:

Re-zone all properties to GR2A, excluding the MacGregor Public School and the Waterloo Public Library, some with site specific provisions
Restrict duplex, semi-detached and converted dwelling houses
Limit the height of buildings to a maximum of 6.0 metres
Limit the size of additions and new construction


http://www.waterloo.ca/Portals/57ad7180-c5e7-49f5-b282-c6475cdb7ee7/NEWS_images/11-03-23_Z1103_Map.gif

The purpose of the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment is to bring the subject lands into conformity with the policies of the MacGregor/Albert Heritage Conservation District Plan, as approved by the Ontario Municipal Board, recognizing the desire to preserve the prevailing low density residential character of the District.

FOR further information regarding the above matters: Rian Allen, Msc.Pl, Development Services | 519.747.2222 | rian.allen@waterloo.ca

IF you wish to make a presentation to Council, please call 519.747.8549 prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011, so that the necessary arrangements can be made to place you on the agenda. For more information about the meeting,please contact Rose Clemens.

Rose Clemens, Clerk’s Office | 519.747.8549 | clerkinfo@waterloo.ca

IN addition, a written summary of the presentation should be filed with the City Clerk prior to the public meeting.

[bzmwillemsen]

Does anyone think this amendment is a good idea?

I think it's a bit extreme... Especially considering Waterloo's problem with student housing, and Uptown Expansion.

[bcwessel]

Does anyone think this amendment is a good idea?

I think it's a bit extreme... Especially considering Waterloo's problem with student housing, and Uptown Expansion.

I can understand the desire to prevent more bad student housing, but I in no way agree with the way in which it's being done. It would be nice to see some more proscriptive guidelines developed for areas like this one. (We already know what they don't want; how about telling what they do for a change.) This seems to me to be a perfect opportunity to incorporate Uptown and the Universities, and unfortunately this zoning change makes that permanently impossible. Pretending that students don't exist or that you don't have to provide a quality environment for them in which to live is exactly what has led to Northdale's deterioration. To me, it's obvious that something along the lines of what is proposed by HUG for both King and Albert between the North end of Uptown and University Ave (with a gradual progression of building mass and height as you move toward University) would make the most sense. Considering how much of Waterloo's identity and prosperity is tied up in its two universities, its shocking how hopeless they are when it comes to actively planning for the future success of those institutions.

[panamaniac]

Clarify for me - are we suggesting that this shouldn't be a heritage conservation district?

[mpd618]

As someone who has spoken at Council meetings in favour of intensification in the universities area, I have to say: ...huh? This is a gorgeous area of some of the oldest buildings in the city, and it damn well makes sense to keep this little section of town as a heritage district. There is so much available land of little heritage value in prime university and downtown areas (such as along King Street) that this simply is not a trade-off worth making.

[WatDot]

I don't like that sliver south of Bridgeport bordering Albert and Dorset being a part of this. Although there are 1 or 2 nice old houses there and the old, old police station... there's a number of crappy properties. That is a unique and key area that could be amazing for generations to come with the right development. This designation will establish a lot of roadblocks. Anything upwards to 6 storeys on that sliver would be appropriate in my mind. A Momentum Development for example; quality materials, curb appeal and attention to heritage.

[Trogdor]

I like the idea of a heritage district in this area - I went to MacGregor and I remember there being a few really nice homes in the surrounding area.

On another note, and I know it would never happen, but I wish MacGregor would sell enough of its land fronting King St to allow for development of a core that connects Uptown with the quasi-downtown area at University Ave. and King. I'm not even talking about selling the whole yard or anything, but just a strip that would allow for buildings the size and depth of the new HSBC. If this were done, WRDSB could make a ton of cash, we'd finally connect the universities and Uptown, and MacGregor would still definitely have enough room for a football field. That would be amazing in my mind.

[mpd618]

I don't like that sliver south of Bridgeport bordering Albert and Dorset being a part of this. Although there are 1 or 2 nice old houses there and the old, old police station... there's a number of crappy properties. That is a unique and key area that could be amazing for generations to come with the right development. This designation will establish a lot of roadblocks. Anything upwards to 6 storeys on that sliver would be appropriate in my mind. A Momentum Development for example; quality materials, curb appeal and attention to heritage.

I think you're misinterpreting the map. The police station is outside the boundaries. The corner of Albert and Dorset is the old Carnegie library, if that helps to orient...

[WatDot]

I think you're misinterpreting the map. The police station is outside the boundaries. The corner of Albert and Dorset is the old Carnegie library, if that helps to orient...

Believe it or not it used to be a Police Station in the 80s... more recently than when it was a library.

[WatDot]

IOn another note, and I know it would never happen, but I wish MacGregor would sell enough of its land fronting King St to allow for development of a core that connects Uptown with the quasi-downtown area at University Ave. and King. I'm not even talking about selling the whole yard or anything, but just a strip that would allow for buildings the size and depth of the new HSBC. If this were done, WRDSB could make a ton of cash, we'd finally connect the universities and Uptown, and MacGregor would still definitely have enough room for a football field. That would be amazing in my mind.

Agreed.

[markster]

On another note, and I know it would never happen, but I wish MacGregor would sell enough of its land fronting King St to allow for development of a core that connects Uptown with the quasi-downtown area at University Ave. and King.
This is an interesting idea, but I think we're about 30 years away from it making any kind of sense.

1) The King/University node isn't really expanding southward at the moment
2) Upper-uptown still has plenty of redevelopable parcels.
3) WRDSB can make more money by sitting on the land as long as possible.

And frankly, even if things get built up around it, having a stretch of King St with a grassy field next to it is kind of a nice change.

[eizenstriet]

I certainly think this designation is appropriate, although it does look a bit like closing the barn door after the horse has already bolted.

Ask yourself which parts of Waterloo have architectural or historic interest or serve as any reminder that the city has a past. There isn’t much. And what there is, because it is in the centre of the old town, is smack in the middle of the zone that everyone would like to see as a dense redeveloping core serviced by LRT.

Those heritage areas will be hard to protect, because money talks. If LRT is implemented, no one will want it to be a white elephant, so politicians, bureaucrats and developers will be united in a predisposition to raze or marginalize the old parts of town in the interests of fulfilling the prophecy of “If you build it, they will come.”

If you want to see how “necessity” trumps the past, take a look at Bricker Ave. and Ezra Ave. No surprise that they’re now just outside the heritage zone!

And you have to hand it to the heritage holdouts on Albert and Central for being willing to keep up the good fight within arm’s reach of Bricker and Ezra. Those hardy souls and a belated heritage designation are all that stands in the way of burgeoning blockbusting.

I was recently in Phoenix, Arizona. It was clean and sunny and blandly stylish in a suburban way (and I rode its LRT). However, it seemed to me that most hints of where it had come from had been overwritten. It simply wasn’t very endearing or interesting. The one exception was the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West estate, preserved by a Foundation. And even that had a horrid but utilitarian hydro corridor dominating its vistas.

So congratulations and good luck to those seeking to maintain the MacGregor / Albert chunk of Waterloo’s past. And may the initiative not be so belated in respect of Waterloo’s other remaining heritage neighbourhoods.

[bzmwillemsen]

I think that this would make more sense if at the same time they change the zoning on the opposing side of King St. to allow for higher mixed use development.

[UrbanWaterloo]

This afternoon, the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Municipal Heritage Committee and Architectural Conservancy of Ontario - North Waterloo Region Branch are holding a celebration of Waterloo's first Heritage Conservation District. The event runs from 4:30-6:30pm. Remarks and the formal unveiling of the MacGregor-Albert HCD signs are scheduled for 5pm at the corner of Spring and Fountain Streets.


http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD%20Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012.jpg

[UrbanWaterloo]

About 100 people turned out for today's celebration...

September 13, 2012

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John Arndt, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario - North Waterloo Region Branch
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Uptown Councillor Melissa Durrell
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/023%20R.jpg

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Unveiling the MacGregor-Albert HCD Signs
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/033%20R.jpg

Waterloo Municipal Heritage Committee Chair Phil Elsworthy & Mayor Brenda Halloran
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/036%20R.jpg

Group Photo
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MacGregor-Albert HCD Signs
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/069%20R.jpg

http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/074%20R.jpg

North Up Fountain Street
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Stories of Heritage Homes
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A.C.O. - North Waterloo Region Branch Display
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/135%20R.jpg

Stemmler's Sausages (http://www.stemmlermeats.ca/contact_us.php), Healthy Foods & More (http://healthyfoodsandmore.com/) Buns; both Made in Waterloo Region
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/138%20R.jpg

Wellesley Apple Cider (http://www.wellappleproducts.com/), Made in Waterloo Region
http://wonderfulwaterloo.com/wdrive/Heritage/MacGregor-Albert%20HCD/Formal%20Sign%20Unveiling%20-%20September%2013,%202012/153%20R.jpg

South Down Fountain Street
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Last Glance @ The Crowd
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[luckee]

For anyone who has ideas about MacGregor's land...it is off limits...deeded to the city in perpetuity...as a school site...look it up...I could be wrong...

MacG
regorite