Regional Council passed the following motion:

 

MOVED by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Hendsbee:

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THAT Halifax Regional Council request a staff report recommending best options to establish protections to the heritage and character of historic Young Avenue, including but not limited to:1. Changes to the Land Use By-law related to lots size, coverage, frontage and dwelling count; 2. Establishing a Heritage Conservation District or Heritage Streetscape.

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Project 1. Amendments to Land Use Bylaw

To better implement the policies of the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy and to ensure the R-1 Zone standards reflect the existing lot pattern on Young Avenue, staff propose amendments to the Halifax Peninsula LUB.

The proposed changes would increase the minimum required lot frontage, lot area, lot width and lot depth required for new lots proposed amendments to the R-1 Zone outlined in this report are an extension of the policy in the Halifax Municipal Planning Strategy which aims to protect the character of residential neighbourhoods.

The advantage of amending the Land Use Bylaw is that it is a significantly shorter process than the adoption of a heritage conservation district, and would still enable the preservation of the current lot fabric, and thus the unique character of this area. If these amendments are going to be considered, the matter should be referred to the Halifax & West Community Council for consideration.

 

 

 

 

 

Project 2. Heritage Conservation District​​

An option provided under the Heritage Property Act would be the creation of a Heritage Conservation District. This process involves the creation of a public participation program, the  creation and approval by the Minister of a background study outlining the heritage values of the proposed district and rationale for the boundary, establishment of a stakeholder steering committee, creation of a Conservation Plan and Bylaw for the area, and public hearing before Council could adopt the Plan and Bylaw.

The creation and adoption of an HCD could potentially take between one and two years to conclude, however, it currently provides the Municipality with greater options with respect to substantial alteration and demolition control than are provided with individual registrations.









 

 

Project 3. Signage and Interpretation

The signage system for Young Avenue must be more than just a set of signposts, markers and symbols. It should reflect and complement the Avenue’s unique attributes in order to create a unique identity that is practical in its application and well founded in its conception. The signage will play an important role to ensure visitor enjoyment and easy navigation to points of interest along the Avenue. These factors will be achieved through the use of gateway monoliths, informational and directional components. Oak Park, Illinois, which features many Frank Lloyd Wright designs offers an excellent example of streetscape signage.

A striking interpretive program will create a memorable experience for visitors by highlighting the historical, architectural, and cultural stories embodied along the Avenue. The initial research and story development are critical to providing the foundation for an effective interpretation program. Interpretation calls for a heightened sensitivity to the Avenue's context, balanced with needs of visitors and the storyline itself. (material borrowed and adapted from PPP Park Comprehensive Development Plan, 2008)

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