Additions to Council Sept 24/07ADDITIONS TO COUNCIL, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24T", 2007
Community Services
Letter from Donna Cansfield, Minister, Ministry of Transportation re: R-2007-26
Corporate Services
Memo re: CPS-2007-03 -Water & Sewer Rates, request for deferral.
2. Note: Report F-2007-35 will not be going.
Council
1. Memo re: R-2007-25, Tender T12-2007, Niagara Falls 4 Pad Arena Complex
Sale of Land By-law
Memo re: Grassy Brook/Crowland Road Closure
Additional By-laws
A by-law to authorize the execution of a Development Agreement with Gino Forte
Construction, Inc. respecting Forte Development, subject to all conditions of the
Agreement being met to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and
Development.
2. A by-law to authorize the execution of a Section 37 Agreement with 2100422
Ontario Limited in trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited pursuant to Section 37 of the
Planning Act respecting the provision of certain facilities and services and matters
by 2100422 Ontario Limited in trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited in return for an
amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an increase in height to allow the development
of a hotel to a maximum building height of 109 metres and 30 storeys on lands
owned by 2100422 Ontario Limited intrust for 2095527 Ontario Limited and located
on Fallsview Boulevard, in the City of Niagara Falls.
3. A by-law to authorize the execution of a Section 37 Agreement with Niagara 21St
Group Inc. pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act respecting the provision of
certain facilities and services and matters by Niagara 21St Group Inc. in return for an
amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an increase in height to allow the development
of two hotels, one having a maximum building height of 36 metres and 10 storeys,
and the other having a maximum building height of 97 metres and 30 storeys on
lands owned by Niagara 21St Group Inc. and located on Victoria Avenue, in the City
of Niagara Falls.
4. A by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Agreement with Historic Niagara
Development Inc. respecting the lease of a suite within the premises referred to as
the Elgin Block and municipally known as 4673 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls.
Council Information
Former Recreation building
Ministry of
Transportation
Office of the Minister
Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor
77 Wellesley St. West
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1 Z8
416 327-9200
www.mto.gov.on.ca
~~ ~ ~ ~~~~
His Worship Ted Salci
Mayor
City of Niagara Falls
P.O. Box 1023
4310 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6X5
:~-
Dear Mayor~alci:
,,..r-__
Ministate des f ~ ~
Transports ~~' ~~~,~
Bureau du ministre ~`~ E~~~~
Edifice Ferguson, 3e etage ¢a ~~
77, rue Wellesley ouest s! ~~ ~~~~ ~~~
Toronto (Ontario) ~~, Ontario
M7A 1 Z8 ~
416 327-9200 f'3
www.mto.gov.on.ca
I would like to thank you and Councillor ioannoni for taking the opportunity to meet with
Phil McNeely, my former Parliamentary Assistant, at the AMO conference on August
21ST, regarding your thoughts on beautifying the Highway 420 gateway into your City.
I can appreciate that a City such as yours, which has a great appeal for tourists, needs
to have an aesthetically pleasing entrance. Similarly, it is an opportunity for tourists
entering Ontario from the United States to have a positive first impression of our
province.
For this reason, I was pleased to offer you a contribution of $50,000 toward the cost of
replacing the present stone median with a natural, planted one. Any additional
investment, along with the cost of maintaining the landscaping, will have to be at the
City's expense.
Please contact Roger Hanmer, our Regional Director for Central Region, to obtain an
encroachment permit, which will allow you to work on the Highway 420 right of way.
Mr Hanmer can be reached at (416) 235-5400.
Once again, thank you for sharing your ideas at AMO. I wish you success in developing
and implementing an appropriate landscaping plan.
Sincerely,
' ~~ ~rX~
Donna Cansfield
Minister
c: C. loannoni, Councillor, City of Niagara Falls
Bruce McCuaig, Assistant Deputy Minister-Provincial Highways Management,
Ministry of Transportation
Roger Hanmer, Regional Director-Central Region,
Ministry of Transportation
Page 1 of 1
Dean Iorfida - Re: CPS-2007-03
From: Dean Iorfida
To: Ken Burden
Date: 9/21/2007 10:58 AM
Subject: Re: CPS-2007-03
CC: Carey Campbell; Ed Dujlovic; John MacDonald
I think the ideal resolution would be to have Council authorize staff to hire the consultant and have staff meet
with Mr. Bielawski regarding his assertions/ concerns.
Dean
»> Ken Burden 9/21/2007 10:56 AM »>
Thank you Dean for the update.
Unfortunately, a deferral at this late date will cram staff/consultant's ability to meet Council's directive to do the
Water/Sewer Rate Review in time for the approval of the 2008 Municipal Utility Budget.
Mr. Bielawski's absence is also unfortunate, but his previous comments and future input can be accommodated
in the rate review public consultation.
We just need the go ahead from Council to get started.
Please encourage the Mayor and /or Councillor NOT to defer, but instead, approve the engagement of the
consultant.
Ken
»> Dean Iorfida 9/21/2007 10:36 AM »>
Mr. Bielawski will not be able to attend on Monday. He would like the matter deferred.
I believe the Mayor or one of the Councillors will make such a motion on Monday.
Thanks
Dean
file://C:\Documents and Settings\di202\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\46F3A3C3Domai... 9/21/2007
(9/18/2007) Anna Morocco -Tender Opening -Site Clearing grading for 4 Pad Page 1 ~
From: Steve Hamilton
To: Dean Iorfida
Date: 9/18/2007 3:05 PM
Subject: Tender Opening -Site Clearing grading for 4 Pad
CC: Denyse Morrissey; Ed Dujlovic
Dean:
With regards to the request to have the report ready for Friday for mailing to Council. I expect to have a report drafted and
awaiting the name of successful contractor and tendered amount. Unfortunately the Tender closing on Friday will not give us
enough opportunity to review the respective submissions prior to completing the report.
Unlike many other Municipal Works tenders this one is expected to be complicated and our consultants were going to review all the
submissions over the weekend prior to making a recommendation. We are expecting to have the report ready on Monday.
Thx
Sh
(9/21/2007) Dean lorfida - Re: Grassy brook/ Crowland Road Closure Page 1
From: Ken Beaman
To: Dean Iorfida
Date: 9/21/2007 10:39 AM
Subject: Re: Grassy brook/ Crowland Road Closure
Dean, I believe that the developer has done all it can to make a certain amount of progress without taking out a building
permit. It cannot get the permit without owing the lands in question. therefore, I submit that it has met council's
stipulation.
Once the lands are sold they become the property of the purchaser. council has determined that the road should be closed
and that it is surplus to the City's needs. The agreement does not provide for council to reconsider at a later date.
Trusting this to be satisfactory,
Ken
»> Dean Iorrida 9/21/2007 9:53 AM »>
Ken:
I have received some subsequent inquiries on this matter.
Most importantly, the OP and Zoning By-law stipulated that the City retain title of the property until a certain amount of progress
has been made on the development. Report L-2006-37 states that the sale of surplus lands not be closed until the Developer has
started construction on the residential units.
Has this construction started yet?
Secondly, one of the residents has requested the following: if the closure happens and development doesn't proceed to the extent
as proposed, can the City get the road(s) back and make them public again?
Please respond.
Thanks
Dean
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
By-law No. 2007 -
A by-law to authorize the execution of a Development Agreement with Gino Forte Construction, Inc.
respecting Forte Development, subject to all conditions of the Agreement being met to the
satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Development.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
1. A Development Agreement dated the 10" day of September, 2007 and made between Gino
Forte Construction, Inc. and The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls with respect to the lands
comprised of Part Township Lot 143 Stamford, City of Niagara Falls, Regional Municipality of
Niagara subject to the terms and conditions as described in the Development Agreement, an excerpt
of the first page attached as Appendix "1"and shown on the proposed Plan of Subdivision attached
as Appendix " 2" and providing for the payment by the Subdivider of Municipal Works Items as
described in Schedule "C", a copy of which Schedule is attached as Appendix " 3" and further
providing for the costs of development charges as described in Schedule "F" attached as Appendix
"4" is hereby approved and authorized.
2. The acquisition by and acceptance of a conveyance or conveyances to The Corporation of
the City of Niagara Falls of all required reserve blocks shown on the Plan of Development and all
required road widenings, easements and park lands described in Schedules "G" and "H", copies of
which Schedules are attached as Appendices "5" and "6" are hereby approved and authorized.
3. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Development Agreement,
grants to The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls of any easement required by it and such other
conveyances, agreements and documents which the City Solicitor deems necessary to carry out the
intent ofthis by-law and the said Development Agreement and to permit registration of the proposed
Plan of Development, and the Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the corporate seal thereto and to
deliver the said Subdivision Agreement, grants of easements, conveyances and other agreements and
documents upon receipt of written confirmation from the Director of Planning and Development
that all of the City's conditions for the execution of the said agreement have been satisfied.
Passed this twenty-fourth day of September, 2007.
..........................................................
DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK
........................................................
R.T. (TED) SALCI, MAYOR
First Reading: September 24, 2007.
Second Reading: September 24, 2007.
Third Reading: September 24, 2007.
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
By-law No. 2007 -
A by-law to authorize the execution of a Section 37 Agreement with 2100422 Ontario Limited in
trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited pursuant to Section 37 of the Planning Act respecting the
provision of certain facilities and services and matters by 2100422 Ontario Limited in trust for
2095 527 Ontario Limited in return for an amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an increase in height
to allow the development of a hotel to a maximum building height of 109 metres and 30 storeys on
lands owned by 2100422 Ontario Limited in trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited and located on
Fallsview Boulevard, in the City of Niagara Falls.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
1. A Section 37 Agreement dated the 24th day of September, 2007 and made between 2100422
Ontario Limited intrust for 2095527 Ontario Limited as Owner and The Corporation of the
City of Niagara Falls as Municipality, respecting the provision of certain facilities and
services and matters by 2100422 Ontario Limited in trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited in
return for an amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an increase in height to allow the
development of a hotel to a maximum building height of 109 metres and 30 storeys on lands
owned by 2100422 Ontario Limited in trust for 2095527 Ontario Limited and located on
Fallsview Boulevard, in the City of Niagara Falls as attached hereto, is hereby approved and
authorized.
2. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Section 37 Agreement.
3. The Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the corporate seal thereto and to deliver the said
Section 37 Agreement.
Passed this twenty-four day of September, 2007.
........................................................
DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK
.................................................................
R. T. (TED) SALCI, MAYOR
First Reading: September 24, 2007
Second Reading: September 24, 2007
Third Reading: September 24, 2007
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
By-law No. 2007 -
A by-law to authorize the execution of a Section 37 Agreement with Niagara 21St Group Inc.
pursuant to Section 37 of the PlanningAct respecting the provision of certain facilities and services
and matters by Niagara 21St Group Inc. in return for an amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an
increase in height to allow the development of two hotels, one having a maximum building height
of 36 metres and 10 storeys, and the other having a maximum building height of 97 metres and 30
storeys on lands owned by Niagara 21St Group Inc. and located on Victoria Avenue, in the City of
Niagara Falls.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
1. A Section 37 Agreement dated the 24t" day of September, 2007 and made between Niagara
21St Group Inc. as Owner and The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls as Municipality,
respecting the provision of certain facilities and services and matters by Niagara 21St Group
Inc. in return for an amendment to By-law No. 79-200 for an increase in height to allow the
development of two hotels, one having a maximum building height of 36 metres and 10
storeys, and the other having a maximum building height of 97 metres and 30 storeys on
lands owned by Niagara 21St Group Inc. and located on Victoria Avenue, in the City of
Niagara Falls as attached hereto, is hereby approved and authorized.
2. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Section 37 Agreement.
3. The Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the corporate seal thereto and to deliver the said
Section 37 Agreement.
Passed this twenty-four day of September, 2007.
........................................................
DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK
R. T. (TED) SALCI, MAYOR
First Reading: September 24, 2007
Second Reading: September 24, 2007
Third Reading: September 24, 2007
CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS
By-law No. 2007 -
A by-law to authorize the execution of a Lease Agreement with Historic Niagara Development Inc.
respecting the lease of a suite within the premises referred to as the Elgin Block and municipally
known as 4673 Ontario Avenue, Niagara Falls.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
A Lease Agreement made between Historic Niagara Development Inc. as Lessor and The
Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls as Lessee, respecting the lease of Suite 203 in the
building referred to as the Elgin Block and municipally known as 4673 Ontario Avenue,
Niagara Falls, which Lease is for a term of three years commencing on the 1St day of
December, 2007 and fully to be completed and ended on the 30th day of November, 2010 for
the monthly rental of $2,500.00 plus utilities, taxes, insurance and the proportionate share
of the operating expenses, such terms and conditions subject to the approval of the Chief
Administrative Officer, the Acting Executive Director of Corporate Services and the City
Solicitor, is hereby approved and authorized.
2. The Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the said Lease Agreement.
3. The Clerk is hereby authorized to affix the corporate seal thereto and to deliver the said
Lease Agreement.
Passed this twenty-fourth day of September, 2007.
........................................................
DEAN IORFIDA, CITY CLERK
.....................................................................
R. T. (TED) SALCI, MAYOR
First Reading: September 24, 2007
Second Reading: September 24, 2007
Third Reading: September 24, 2007
Page 1 of 2
Dean Iorfida - Re: former recreation commission building
From: Dean Iorfida
To: Janice Wing
Subject: Re: former recreation commission building
CC: anthony pingue; Council Members; Denyse Morrissey; Frances Berry; John MacDonald; Peggy
Boyle; Steve Hamilton
Hi Janice:
Of course, Council can always elect to hear someone by motion. My point was merely that the agenda had
been set and that there was no physical way that I could add Felix to it. I also indicated that I'd be more than
happy to add him to the next agenda.
I agree that the expeditious course would be to refer to the matter to staff to meet with Felix to see what he's
proposing. I am not sure we need to hear a deputation from him to accomplish this. You could make such a
motion under New Business and, hopefully, we can turn the matter around fairly quickly.
Finally, my understanding is that the demolition is not slated until later in the Fall, so there is some opportunity
for further dialogue.
Thanks
Dean
»> "Janice Wing" <janice_wing@cogeco.ca> 9/21/2007 2:59 PM »>
Hi Dean,
I was just speaking with Felix Pingue regarding the former Recreation Commission building at the corner of
Lundy's Lane and Montrose. I understand he asked to be put on the agenda for Monday as he wishes to
address the Council about preserving (instead of demolishing) the building, and that he is willing to commit his
own resources to restoring it (including rebuilding the cupola which formerly graced it). He has letters from an
architect, and I believe he said the other was from an engineer, attesting to the building's soundness -not a
single crack in the foundation, he tells me. He will deliver these to you and I would request that they be included
in Council's handouts on Monday.
Felix is planning to attend Council, despite your denial of his request to speak, and I intend to make a motion to
permit him to address us. He is certainly not alone in wishing to see the building preserved, and I am hoping
that a Plan B can be arrived at, whereby (especially with the additional spaced which would be freed up by
demolition of the addition which served as the Niagara District Art Association's quarters) everyone's interests
can be accomodated -- ie. a heritage building can be preserved and restored, a streetscaped gateway to
Lundy's Lane can still be created (with the original building, instead of a contrived design, as its focal point,
which fits with presenting the "authenticity" of experience which today's tourists seek), and some additional
cemetery plots can still be carved out to satisfy that demand. This would also serve the "heritage first" policy
with regard to municipal buildings which, if I recall correctly, Council adopted as part of the recommendations in
the Heritage Master Plan.
I am hoping that Felix can be allowed to speak on Monday night and that this matter can subsequently be
referred to staff on Monday night for every effort for such a compromise to be achieved.
about:blank 9/21/2007
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-21-07 3:38PM; Page 1
GENERAL CONTRACTING
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
F. Pingue & Sons Construction Ltd.
(Established 1964 )
6440 Montrose Road ,Niagara Falls, Ontario L2H 1 L9
Telephone (905) 356-3186 or (905) 374-$989
Fax : (905) 356-5803
September 21, 2007
The City of Niagara Falls
Attention :Dean Iorfida
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E bX5
Dear Dean
Thank you for the letter , I received it Thursday night informing me of my request to speak
at City Hall on Monday. I made several calls the Aldermen and have only received on response
and that was from Janice Wing at approximately 1:30 today. When I explained to her what
the situation was ,she said she had not heard anything about it. She would like to see the letters
from Joe Ha of Jospeh T.K. Ha Engineering and Lou Marcantonio of 2M Architects.
I met with Nora Reid regarding this matter and she informed me that she had only got called
in to review the building. She felt that the decision had already been made at the June 8, 2007
special meeting and that her report was not taken into consideration.
The reason I would like to address City Council is to explain the importance of this building.
I am willing to restore this building to it's original condition as my own cost. I am asking
nothing but to keep this building ,built by our forefathers ,for the future of our children so they
may see the history of many years ago. There will be no history if you take everything away ,
we will be left with only high-rises and concrete.
I appreciate being allowed to speak at the next Monday meeting even if it is a brief five
minutes. Thank you to the Mayor and Council for allowing me to speak. I also spoke with
Sharon Shearing and plan to attend their next meeting on Wednesday.
FP/cs
~. ~ C ' - .
~ c : ~.~o~
Sincerely
~----
Felic Pingue
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-21-07 3:39PM; Page 3/4
1 r sep [l~i uta:4i3a 2M architects 9056979997 p, l
September 16, 2007
2M architects inc.
1't5 Lake Street
St. Catharines, QN'-.
Canada L2R 5X7
Tel: {965) 587-9777
Fax: {9d5) ti97-9997
wwtiv.2Marchitects.ca
To Whom It May concern;
~4 {44.s { f.i i E i t_K~.i ~ -
^ Luigi Marcantonio
b. E+<ch, march, oaa, mraic
^•Michael Miryneclt
bes, b.arch, oaa, rnraic
I unde~taud the City has or is in the process of preparing to demolish the former Lundy's Lane
School at the comer of Montrose and Candy's Lane. {former Greens Canners}
Please accept this letter as a plea to reconsider..
The School was built in approximately J.915 in the Edwardian Cassical style. It is Iovingly
constructed of stone and brick with contrasting stone sills, keystones, brick quoins and a feature
central portico. The eaves of painted wood are originat with decorative scrolled brackets. Windows
are unique paired and doable hung. There are diamond paned windows The building is an
excellent survivrng example of this type of architecture. There are few others!
Culturally and significantly, the school has roots back to the original settlers of this area as well as
to the Green and Lundy families i'ar. which the street and comers were named. The btilding has
been a school, a police department, parks and recreation and an art gallery. The bttiiding cad site
have tremendous significance to the Niagara and this area oi'the City. •
X am puzzled why the City would not errtbrace this heritage and search for a new use for the
structure. I have travelled to several Cities in this world including Europe where any architecttualiy
or culturally important structures are cherished and preserved. '.They have saved and reused
buildings over 200 years.The econonvcs of whether there is more profit from cemetery plots versus
the cost of restoration would not considered in Europe ar l3oston ar even Toronto. The City is
responsible to preserve and improve the City far futwe citizens.
Please reconsider! Can the building not be a part of the cemetery and or columbariutn plan? Can it
not be part of a Beautycation project?
Thank you
Architectar~
~ architecture ^ interior design ^ urban design
buAdlnp and slFe aKSryses,: f6oslWifysAidfg;,'gppge pkinnng, des'gn, conshrx.Ybn doe~.vrrenfs. Cost eslirrK7fgs. tgnCEMfsp, contract admfnLsirpti0n. record Crawinps re~dednns
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-21-07 3:39PM; Page 4/4
- NIAGARA FALLS MUNICIPAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
AMF,NDED Minutes of Meeting -June 8, 2007 -Special Meeting
Present: Dan Ede, David Fotheringham, April Petrie, Kathleen Powell, Sharon Shearing
John Barnsley, Peggy Boyle, Alex Herlovitch, Terry Chambers -Staff
Regrets: Rashad Hindi, Margaret Mingle, Janice Wing
Recreation Building - 75ti5 Lundy's Lane
Peggy Boyle reported on the position of the Committee being requested on the Parks, Recreation &
Culture report drafted for the June 25, 2007 meeting of Council regarding the end use of the building.
She noted the report reeornmends that the Lundy's Lane Cemetery be expanded with enhanced
beautification of the property as a pedestrian gateway which will require the demolition of the building.
Peggy reminded the members that:
• Parks and Recreation staff moved out of building to MacBain Centre in September 2005.
• In June 2006, Parks Recreation and Culture report recommending demolition was deferred
pending information on the heritage significance.
• ~ Municipal Heritage Committee retained the services ofNora Reid, a historical researcher, who
found that the building has cultural heritage significance.
• In September 200b, Planning Report PD-2007-?7, MHC recommended that staff further
investigate the feasibility of adaptive re-use of the building as a possible mausoleum,
colurnbarium or other related use, with the passibility of the existing parking lot being
converted to burial spaces.
• lm.lune-200?, Chapman Murray report prepared for Parks, Recreation and Culture found that
the cost of re-use was ,630,000 - 78(1,000. C.1n this basis, Parks, Recreation and Culture
determined that re-use was not feasible.
• Parks, Recreation and Culture Report R-2007-10, as drafted, recommended the expansion of
the Lundy's Lane Cemetery with enhanced beautification which would require demolition of
the former Recreation Commission building.
Some discussion occurred. There was agreement that the proposed design, landscaping and clock tower
were not sympathetic. A suggestion to incorporate a portion of the facade of the building into the
memorial was discussed. It was also suggested that a plaque with accurate historical information be
included in the memorial.
It was MOVED BY April Petrie and SECONDED BY Kathy Powell that the Municipal Heritage
Committee does not object to the recommendation of Parks, Recreation and Culture, as contained in
Report R-2007-10, with the proviso that the planned landscaped area include a more sympathetic
structure which incorporates elements of the existing building, taking inspiration from the front facade;
and that the Municipal Heritage Committee be consulted for input on the design. The enhanced
landscaping and beautification should include a plaque with information on the heritage significance
ofthe property.
Carried Unanimously
There was a further suggestion that a portion of the revenue from the sale of cemetery plots on the
property could be directed to a heritage restoration fund. It was questioned whether this practice; could
be standard whenever a heritage building is demolished. Staff r~vitl investigate the practices of other
municipalities.
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-21-07 3:38PM; Page 2
.~- ,~osrEPH r, K. ~- E~uw~RrN~ uy~.
CQN3~LTING ENGINEERS
$L7 ~Yf1eVi '~itrl0st• s~. ~~q/jAdi + ~O ~ L2N ZG$ • (,rillidd
Tik 90694.73$$ . r"a1~ 945~~
l~d~ap~ootl~t
September 19, 2007
Job Number S07 552
Pingue 8~ Son Construction
6440 Montrose Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2H 1 L9
Attn: Mr. Felix Pingue
Re: S~trrrctural Assessment of City of Niagara Falls° Former McBain Community Centre ~ ~.
7150 Mwttrose Road- Niagara Palley Ontario.
Dear Mr. Pingue:
As you requested, the personnel of Joseph T. K. Ha F~gineering tnc. visited the aforementioned
address on September 17, 2007. The putp,ose of the visit was to visually assess the existing
s#ructural condition of the building.
Pram the visit, the two storey building was built in two separate stages. The original building is well
over 100 years in age and the second stage addition was built numefous years after. There was a
full basement and the foundation walls were constructed with cast in place concrete. No visible signs
of distress were seen in the foundation walls. On the exterior finish, there was stone and brick
veneer. There wore no visible signs of cracks in the veneer or the mortar joints of the original
building. In the second stage addition building, above the top of the windoaus at the lintel location,
same cracks were seen, It appears the roof was relatively new and in good condition.
Based on our assessment, in general, the original building and the addition were in good condition
with na visible signs indicating imminent structural distress or deterioration. As you have indicated to
us, the City of Niagara Fails has expressed their intention of demolishing the building. We do not
believe this building should be demolished leased an its historical signilic~nce. As Canadians, we
should try to preserve our heritage as much as possible.
Please Note: No intrusive or aiestrtrcxive testing was done during this assessment. This report was
based on a visual assessment of the accessiblir areas only. The rrxtl~erral irr #his report reflects
Joseph T. K. Ha Engineering Jrtc `s bestjudgement in light of'Eire irrfnmration oval/able to it at the syirre
of prsparatian. Any dstici~er7clies that r»ay be found within itlarx~essible areas by others, which have
Rot been documented In this report, Joseph T, K Na Engineering !nc cannot be held responsible,
Any use of this report by third parties is ertfirely at #heir own risk, ,lasept, 1: K Ha Engineering Inc.
accepts na responsibility Itor' damages, if any, suffered 6y arty fhird party as a result of decisions
made or actions based on this report.
Page 1 of 2
507-552 P/ague & San Can~#re~cbon
51trr~ctural assessment ofMcBain Communhy Cemtne SePtember,~0o7
2-7150 JNorr~rase Road- Niagata Falls, f~n[aRo
Z
We trust this ir-fnrmatior~ will be of assistance and meets with your approval. if you have any further
concerns, Please do not hesitate to ~ us at your earnest convenience.
JTH: ah
CC. >',ig a:12D07GerrespondenceW7-S62jr.dot
JOSEPH 7 K HA ENG/NFER/NG /NC Consulting Engineers
Best Regards,
J{?SEPt/ r, K H,a ENGINEERIAIG lNC
Page 1 of 1
Dean Iorfida -Old Recreation Building
From: Dean Iorfida
To: council@niagarafalls.ca
Date: 9/20/2007 11:01 AM
Subject: Old Recreation Building
CC: 2marchitects@cogeco.net; Alex Herlovitch; Denyse Morrissey; Ed Dujlovic;
expressions@cogeco.ca; John MacDonald; Ken Burden; Peggy Boyle; Steve Hamilton
Attachments: Recreation Building.pdf
I received a fax from Felix Pingue (pages 2-4 of the attachment) yesterday expressing his concerns about the
plans for the old Recreation Building.
I have responded (see page 1 of the attachment)
The remainder of the document is past Council reports on this issue.
Thanks
Dean
Dean Iorfida, City Clerk
Niagara Falls
905-356-7521, Ext. 4271
905-356-9083 (Fax)
file://C:\Documents and Settings\di202\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\46F25321Domai... 9/21/2007
~~
Niagara~alls
Mr. Felix Pingue
F. Pingue & Sons Construction
6440 Montrose Road
Niagara Falls ON L2H 1L9
~~~i~C
Dear Mr. Pir}~ue:
Re: Former Recreation Building
September 19, 2007
Thank you for your fax regarding the property noted above. Unfortunately, our September 24"'
Council agenda is already set. Nonetheless, I urge you to read the enclosed materials and if you are
still interested in appearing as a deputation, I will be happy to list you for our next meeting.
With regards to the former Recreation Building, please be advised that this issue has been studied
in great detail by staff and Council. Enclosed are a variety of background reports that provide the
context and rationale for Council's recent decision, to expand the Lundy's Lane Cametery, develop
a pedestrian gateway, in partnership with the Lundy's Lane BIA, and incorporate elements of the
existing building into the gateway design. As you will also see, there was a proposal to retain the
building as a possible mausoleum.
Many groups were consulted and provided input into the review of the building, including the
Lundy's Lane B.I.A., Niagara Falls Tourism, the local Death Services Industry, Chapman Murray
Architects, Ms. Nora Reid, a Historical Researcher and the Municipal Heritage Committee, who take
such preservation issues very seriously. Although there was no statutory requirement to hold a
public meeting on the issue, I am confident that a full consultation took place. It would be
impossible to predict every individual that might have an interest or desire in preserving the building.
You will be reassured to know that the Municipal Heritage Committee was in agreement with the
staff recommendation to expand the cemetery and will be consulted for input on the design of the
gateway feature, to ensure that the historical aspect of the property is preserved.
I trust this information is satisfactory.
Sincerely,
~~~/ `-`'
Dean Iorfida
City Clerk
Corporate Services Department
Clerks
Working Together to Serve Our Comntuniry Ext 4271 Fax 905-356-9083
diorfida@niagarafalls.ca
r '~
..~. ~'S. F^t:_'t .. :'ta'g t-.'..'3~ P ~ .~i'~ flltt/ia t~
,j A:A •:a
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-19-07 11:29AM; Page 2
d`iF,i+`1_.; ~', 3l. E_J ~..i.,t'le*, f'± ., ~,e~rf .~Y~t'~^7+s ~ .~ } .._ ,
GENERAL CONTRACTING
PR03ECT MANAGEMENT
~'. Pingue & Sons Construction Ltd,
( Established 1964 }
6440 Montrose Road ,Niagara Falls, Ontario L2H 1L9
Telephone (905) 356-318+6 or (905) 374-89$9
Fax : { 905) 35b-5803
September 18, 2007
The City of Niagara Falls Canada
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6XS
To His Worship ,Ted Salci and Members of Council :
I heard that council has decided to demolish the Recreation Building on the comer of 7665
Lundy's Land and Montrose Road to expand the cemetery. It would be a great loss to the City
of Niagara Falls to demolish a building built in 191 S used for the purpose of a school and for
the community #o have a meeting place and snake decisions for the future of Niagara.
1 had Joe Ha of Joseph T.K. Ha Engineering Inc. and Lou Marcantonio of 2 M architects
inspect the building (please see attached comments ). We can not find any defects on the
exterior or interior structurally or architecturally. The stone work and bricks are excellent. We
noticed chisel marks in the stone which indicates a way of splitting stone into a small size. The
rack face has definitely been done by a hard working skilled person who was dedicated to
precision. From my experience I do not believe there is any new building which can
compare to this building. It has the finest workmanship that we can not afford today. Let us
not forget that in 1915 all the work was done by manual labor ,they did not have access to
all of the equipment we use today.
Sent By: Pingue Construction; 1111; Sep-19-07 11:29AM; Page 3/4
1 came here in 1959 and I remember a police station and I also remember that in 1982 we
had lots of meeting there for Club Italia. It was also used by the Niagara Soccer Association and
I am sure many others.
The addition on the east side of the building is a testament to the difference in the quality
of workmanship and materials .There can be no comparison between #hese two ,the
addition being totally unacceptable.
His Worship Ted Salci and Members of Council , I would really appreciate your
consideration to maintain this Historical Building for the future. How can we decide the
future when we don't maintain evidence of the past History.
Your Worship , I would like to be on the agenda next Monday September 24, 2007.
Sincerely
,_/ T
Feliciano Pingue
FP/cs
Sent 8y: Pingue Construction;
!7 Sep`07 Di3:48a 2M architects
September 16, 200?
2M architects inc.
115• Lake Street
St. Catharines, (7N
,Canada L2•R SX7
Tel: (9fl5} !687-9.777
Fax; (945) 687.9997
www.2Matrhitects.ca
To Whom It May concern;
1111; Sep-19-07 11:29AM; Page 4/4
:1D55979997 p.!
^ Luigi Marcantonio
b. fe>;b, m.a~ch, oaa, mraic
~ Michael Mirynech
. bes, b.aroh, oaa, mraic
l understauct the City has or is in the process of preparing to demolish the former Lundy's Lane
School at the corner of Montrose and Lundy's Lane. (former Csreens Garners)
Please accept this letter as a plea tie reconsider..
The School was built in approximately 1915 in the Edwardian Cassical style. It is Lovingly
constructed of stone and brick with contrasting stone sills, keystones, brick quoins and a feature
central portico. The eaves of painted wood are original with decorative scrolled brackets. Windows
are unique paired and double hung. There are diamond paned windows The building is an
excellent surnving example of this type of architecture. There are few athersl •
Culturally and sigaih'tcantly, the 'school has roots back to the original settlers of this area as well as
to the Green and Lundy families for, which the street and corners were named. The building has
been a school, a goIice departrnertt, parks and recreation and an art gallery. The building and site
have tre>anendoas signifecance to the Niagara and thus area of the City.
I am puzzled why the City would not embrace this heritage and search for a new use for the
structure. I have travelled to several Cities in this world including Europe where any architectuxaJ.ly
or oulturally important structures are cherishe~ and preserved. They have saved and reused
buildings over 204 years.The economics of w ether there is more profit from cemeiary plots versus
the cost of restoration would not considered in Europe or Boston or even Toronto. The City is
responsible to preserve and improve the City for future citizens.
Please reconsider! Can the building not be a part of the cemetery and or columbanium plan? Can it
not be part of a Beautif"leation project?
Thank you
< ~~
~u M'~' ~
Arehitec$t ~ .
^' architecture ^ interior design ^ urban design
buldlnp and site o~ay~ec feosWNfy shxifet'~e plQx,ine, atesi~rt eonsrn,etan iioetxnenh. cast eafinatee, tenderlna, ccrdrobtadnuh3ylrotbn, record drawings renrteerurs