Dear
Marlene,
Re: Port Plan Finds Favour, May 2, 2006
HERITAGE GUIDELINES CLEARLY DO NOT ALLOW A TOWER IN PORT
DALHOUSIE
Regarding ERA Architects' Peer Review of the proposed
tower development in Port Dalhousie, the subject article
states: "McClelland concludes the project fits into
Port Dalhousie's commercial core because the existing
heritage guidelines don't provide enough 'clear vision'
for appropriate heights or maintaining character in the
core..."
We beg to differ. Section 3.2 of the Guidelines (Conservation
Priorities) states: "Physical change and development
are to be managed in a way that the component buildings,
streets, beach and open spaces are either protected
or enhanced." Priorities then
include: "encouraging the current vitality of
the commercial area by promoting its unique architecture
and contemporary commercial adaptive reuse as well as
continuing to protect its distinctive heritage fabric;"
Clearly, introducing a tower the height of a 20-storey
building, a 4-storey block along Lock St. and a 7-8 storey
wing along Main St. does not protect or enhance open spaces
nor protect the heritage fabric of a 2-3 storey heritage
district.
Section 5.7 of the Guidelines (Design Considerations for
New Non-Residential Construction) states: "General
factors governing design consideration for new commercial,
institutional or commercial construction, either as additions
or freestanding buildings, are similar to those
for residences." For residences (section
5.6), one of the key considerations is: "Height-
The majority of buildings are two storeys or less. Accordingly,
to maintain this profile, new buildings should be no higher
than two storeys..." Then, under General Guidance
for new non-residential construction, the guidelines state:
"In multistorey buildings, contrasts between
street level and upper second and third floor
level facades should be emphasized..."
Thus, the guidelines are quite clear that the height of
new buildings (residential or commercial) should not exceed
the height of current buildings. Furthermore, only second
and third storeys are contemplated in the commercial core.
Finally, it is important to note that neither Mr. Kirkland
nor Mr. McClelland have consulted with or approached the
Port Dalhousie Heritage District Advisory Committee of
Council that administers the heritage guidelines. The
committee is always available to them should they wish
to discuss their rationales regarding the current tower
project and, conversely, why the committee strongly rejected
both tower proposals as inappropriate.
N. Carlos Garcia, Volunteer Chair and Peter Connolly,
Volunteer Vice-Chair
Port Dalhousie Heritage District Advisory Committee
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