Heritage Alteration Permit OK'ed for four-storey building

Town council approved a Heritage Alteration Permit for a proposed apartment building at 261 Wolfe St.

A Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP) has been approved for a potential four-storey apartment building at 261 Wolfe St.

Town council approved the permit for the new apartments Monday night, subject to conditions that prior to the issuance of a building permit, “the applicant shall submit final material specifications, including manufacturer’s ‘cut sheets’ for all exterior cladding for review by the Town Planner. This is to ensure that the final materials maintain the aesthetic compatibility and ‘design cues’ established in the conceptual design, approved under this permit.”

Other conditions call for the drawings submitted for a building permit remain “substantially consistent with the design approved under Heritage Alteration Permit” and that “any significant deviations from the approved design intent shall require a revision to this permit.” 

According to a report from heritage planner Adam Coates, the HAP was endorsed by the heritage committee at its March 12 meeting. He stated 261 Wolfe St. is within the boundary of the Heritage Conservation District and is applying for a Heritage Alteration Permit (HAP) to construct an infill multi-residential building. 

The report added the proponents made adjustments to the design of the building based on correspondence with the town, such as increasing the stone height on the street elevation, lightening the colour to match the neighbouring St. Anthony Lofts, the introduction of accent headers over the windows to match the St. Anthony Lofts and the introduction of additional Crown Moulding.

“The proposed infill development adheres to established heritage conservation principles by ensuring the new design is clearly distinguishable from the adjacent heritage asset while remaining compatible through the sensitive integration of key design cues — such as massing, rhythm, and material palette,” Coates wrote. 

Coates added the “integrated design cues” include the proposed development is sited close to the road with parking to the back and side of the property; that there is private and semi-private outdoor space in the front yard; the ground level is demarcated with stone similar in colour and pattern; there is a cornice at the top of the parapet; the top level windows have transoms, the lower level windows have decorative lintels, and; the proposed colour palate is inspired by the adjacent property.

Councillor Diane Pouget asked about parking, noting that issue is getting raised “over and over again.” Coates said the HAP is strictly about heritage and infill in a heritage district. Manager of planning services Chris Aspila added parking is a matter that is dealt with under the Planning Act and “associated regulations.”

Aspila added zoning bylaw provisions generally deal with parking matters.

“It is on our department’s radar,” he said. 

Aspila added:  “Parking issues in that area are independent of the Heritage Alteration Permit that is before council tonight. They are a zoning bylaw matter.”

Aspila added administration will review parking requirements for any future development proposal in conjunction with zoning bylaw. He said the zoning bylaw amendment for the subject property was approved in early 2022.

“The matter has already been before a previous council. We’ve established what would be permitted within a RM2 Special Provision-10 zone. They are required to comply with the zoning bylaw,” said Aspila.

Heritage Alteration Permit OK'ed for four-storey building

By Ron Giofu