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07 15 2013 Heritage Committee AgendaTownship of Proud Heritage, Exciting Future TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE HERITAGE COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, July 15, 2013 TIME: 6:00 p.m. 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Monday, June 24, 2013. 4. DEPUTATIONS: None. 5. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions Assessment. b) Correspondence dated June 5, 2013 from Michael Chan, Minister, Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport re: Letter of Congratulations, Heritage Committee. 6. NEXT MEETING DATE To be determined by the Committee. 7. ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Page 1 of 32 3a) Minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Mo... 7'au�r�slrip of Proud Heritage, Exrit* Frown. Monday, June 24, 2013 THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE HERITAGE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Council Chambers TIME: 6:10 p.m. Present: Councillor John Crawford, Chair Councillor Mel Coutanche, Vice Chair Mayor H.S. Hughes Leah Burton Suzanne Busby Murray Cayley Tim Crawford Ruth Fountain Wayne Lintack orothy Moore Kayla Thibeault Regrets: Bruce Malcom Staff: Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services; Justin Hodgkinson, Community Recreation Coordinator; Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA a) Motion to Adopt the Agenda. Motion No. HC130624 -1 Moved by Fountain, Seconded b It is recommended that the agenda for the Heritage Committee meeting of Monday, June 24, 2013 be received and adopted. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST None declared. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: a) Minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Monday, June 10, 2013. Motion No. HC130624 -2 Moved by Thibeault, Seconded by Busby It is recommended that the draft minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Monday, June 10, 2013 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. Carried. Page 1 of 3 Page 2 of 32 3a) Minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Mo... Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes — June 24, 2013 4. DEPUTATIONS: None. 5. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Councillors Crawford and Coutanche, Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: Work Plan and Structure. Motion No. HC130624 -3 Moved by Burton, Seconded by Crawford It is recommended that the information presented by Councillors Crawford and Coutanche, Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, Justin Hodgkinson, Community Recreation Coordinator and the Members of the Heritage Committee, re: Work Plan and Structure be received. Carried. b) Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: POL -PR -007, Public Use of the Oro African Church NHS. Motion No. HC130624 -4 Moved by Moore, Seconded by Lintack It is recommended that the information presented by Shawn Binns, Director of Recreation and Community Services, re: POL -PR -007, Public Use of the Oro African Church NHS be received and brought forward at a future Heritage Committee meeting. Carried. Page 2 of 3 Page 3 of 32 3a) Minutes of the Heritage Committee meeting held on Mo... Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes — June 24, 2013 6. NEXT MEETING DATE Monday, July 8, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. 7. ADJOURNMENT a) Motion to Adjourn. Motion No. HC130624 -5 Moved by Cayley, Seconded by Moore It is recommended that we do now adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Councillor Crawford, Cha' Carried. Marie Brissette, Committee Coordinator Page 3 of 3 Page 4 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... "Born in Protest Against Discrimination and Slavery" African Methodist Episcopal Church Township of Oro - Medonte National Historic Site Presentation to the Oro - Medonte Heritage Committee July 15, 2013 Victor R. Snow Heritage Restoration Construction & Consulting Services 1 Page 5 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Table of Contents I Key Findings 3 11 Bio Hazards 4 Recommendation 4 111 Recommended Restoration 5 Scope and Order of Work 5 IV Future Considerations 7 2 Page 6 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... 1 Key Findings 1) Generally Structurally Sound 2) Lap Keying (not Dovetail) 3) No Exterior Chinking 4) Finely Hewn with Minimal Weathering 5) Original Strapping i) Muley Sawn ii) Forged Nails 6) Original Clapboard — 3/8" x 7" — 1/2" Overlap 7) Vestibule Visible in 1947 Photography Unlikely Original 8) Opening in Front Wall 6' x 97" — likely Two Large Doors 9) Fine Original Beaded Wainscoting with Chair Rail 10) Split Wedges to Back & Key Chinking are Inserted from Inside 3 Page 7 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... 11 Bio Hazards 1) Animal Infestation a) Mice b) Bats c) Birds d) Racoons 2) Poor Air Quality a) No Air Circulation b) Feces c) Mould Recommendation - Avoid temporary measures - Close to public access until comprehensive restoration completed 4 Page 8 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... 111 Recommended Restoration Scope and Order of Work 1) Secure Site with Modulock Fencing 2) Remove: a) Platform, Railing & Pulpit b) Floor Boards c) Masonry Cement Covering Lime Chinking and Parged in Some Areas 3) Raise Building 2 ft 4) Log Restoration as required 5) Remove Existing Concrete Foundation 6) Excavate Interior & Place 3/4" Crushed Stone 7) Form & Pour Engineered Floating Slab 8) Complete Stonework 9) Lower Building 10) Remove Ceiling Boards 11) Remove Fecal Matter in Attic Space 12) Install Ceiling Boards 13) Install Floor Joist, Insulation and Boards 14) Install Platform & Pulpit 15) Remove Existing Sash — Install Period Sash 5 Page 9 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... 16) Install Soffit, Fascia as required 17) Reconstruct Chimney Above Roof & Replace Flashing 18) Restore Cairn 6 Page 10 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... IV Future Considerations 1) Professionally Designed Official Website 2) Improved Signage 3) Themes — "Born in Protest Against Discrimination and Slavery" - "A Virtual Shrine to Freedom 4) Gain Support of Provincial & Federal Politicians 5) Seek Funding Accordingly 6) Tax Receipts for Donors a) Local Volunteer Organization with Charity Status b) Recognition for Major Benefactors 7) Media Releases 8) Seek Original Photos, Stories and Relics, etc. 7 Page 11 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 12 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 13 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 14 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 15 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 16 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 17 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 18 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 19 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 20 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 21 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 22 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 23 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 24 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 25 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... /5 Page 26 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... Page 27 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... - - -- Original Message From: sall To: sbinns' <sbinns(c oro-medonte. ea> Sent: Fri, Jul 5, 2013 2:26 pm Subject: African Methodist Episcopal Chhurch, 1849 - Heritage Report GENERAL INFORMATION As follows: 1.) The Church which is about 20' x 30' appears to be structurally sound. 2.) Removal of some of the round faced (imitation log ?) siding installed about 1949 revealed rot on the bottom of the first log resting on the concrete foundation on the left side. With certainty this wit be the case with the first log on all sides although the first log on the front of the Church has partially sunk into the ground. The first log in the back wall may be in better condition as the grade slopes down to the back and the Church appears relatively level although the north east corner has settled to some extent. The extensive plants on the back and right side of the Church prevented access to those sides. Most of these plants should be transplanted elsewhere on the site to allow air circulation on these two sides as the current dense growth against the walls serves as a moisture trap. 3.) The Togs, where exposed by removal of the siding, are neatly hewn on the faces and show virtually no weathering. Also, there is no sign of any exterior lime mortar chinking which indicates that the Church was intended to be covered with clapboard from the outset. If lime mortar had been removed (and there is no logical reason for this), traces of white lime staining would remain. Further, the split wedges placed between the logs to form a backing and to "key" the lime mortar chinking have been inserted from the interior which is not the norm. 4.) The corners of the logs are lapped and not dovetailed. Some suggest that such lapping is the work of lesser skilled builders and that may be the case but I have seen many finely crafted 19th century log buildings that are lapped. This method is often seen when the structure was intended to be covered by siding as the walls were effectively secured by the strapping rather than by the sloped dovetails. Even without strapping the shear weight of the logs and other components usually maintains structural integrity (the term being "under compression "). Log buildings with lapped corners often tend to occur in defined areas suggesting localized adoption of this method or perhaps the work of a single builder /crew. I have previously seen a log house near Stroud with only one corner dovetailed and three lapped. In addition, I recently dismantled the 1856 Royal Hotel in Craighurst with two corners dovetailed and two not so the rationale for this may indeed be the matter of skill, assuming separate individuals working at each corner. 5.) Original pine clapboard (3/8" +/- x 7" with about 1/2" of overlap) was found behind the rounded siding in the front gable. It is somewhat weathered but evidence of distinctive "muley" saw marks is visible. These saw marks indicate that the clapboard was not hand planned, although further investigation is required as it is possible that these boards were turned over at some point. Water powered muley saws used vertical blades making vertical cutting marks that are quite fine and very similar to modern band saw mills. Steam powered circular saw mills did not come into common use until later in the 19th century. Note that a photograph taken about 1947 and in the possession of Tim Crawford shows the original clapboard from 1849. My own house also built in 1849 was still covered with the original clapboard in 1986, 137 years later and I know of other examples indicating the of 4 7/15/2013 1:11 PM Page 28 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... r wu. HILL 16ai11V1GLL1vu1D1, Dp1J .upa1 L.HUull:L., 1434, - tage neporL nup:i /mau /634 -11 iraox -viers carmaterrinuviessage.aspx longevity of pine clapboard, even when not painted. 6.) The walls were strapped with full dimension muley sawn pine, 2' x 4' or wider on 36 " +/- centres. Some large nails with irregular shaped heads secure the strapping, indicating that it was installed in 1849 to receive the clapboard. The nail heads are not in the standard "rose head" form but none the less they appear to be blacksmith forged and unquestionably are from an early date. 7.) The building is obviously infested with rodents such as mice and bats as their droppings are plainly visible. The bat infestation probably exists throughout the year but the numbers of mice will be greatest during the cold months. Additionally, birds have access and the splatter of their fecal matter is evident, even on furnishings. Also, a large amount of raccoon feces was found between the siding and the log wall on the left side. (Siding was only removed at the bottom of the left wall and a limited amount in the front gable. All was replaced.) 8.) Raccoons and skunks can also gain access to the area under the flooring through holes in the concrete foundation. Rodents have easy access in many places including where the soffit is missing. 9.) Volunteers performing work over the years have provided a valuable service in generally protecting the structure from the elements and minimizing animal damage. However, while well intentioned, most existing restoration /repairs has been carried out in a non - period and historically inaccurate manner, as follows: - The existing siding dates from about 1950 and is not the correct clapboard style. - The contemporary window sash has very wide muttons, narrow stiles and rails and is glazed with modern glass. Also one sash has 16 panes of glass instead of 12 as in all other sash. Windows made in the exact historically accurate design are available, including the use of 19th century glass. It is unfortunate that the original 1849 glass was not saved. - The concrete foundation is in a deteriorated state with cracks and holes and obviously is shallow in depth and therefore not frost protected. - The ceiling is covered in "v- groove" boards without tongue and groove. This "v- groove" boarding was used in later Victorian homes and even into the 20th century. The spaces between the boards have extensive visible black organic matter that is clearly the result of animal fecal matter in the attic space. The ceiling was most likely originally covered with wider pine boards similar to the wainscoting. Usually such boards would have the edge bead with tongue and groove in the same manner as the wainscoting and are referred to as "bead board ". 10.) The vestibule that appears in photographs taken in the late 1940s presents an enigma, as follows: a) The opening in the log wall is 6' in width including framing and appears to define the width of the vestibule. The length of the vestibule would have also been about 6'. The height of the opening is about 97 " + / -. so the opening extends above the slope of the vestibule roof on both sides where covered by clapboard. b) The framing at the sides of the opening is secured with cut (square) nails and is circular sawn hemlock (instead of pine), indicative of a later date. e) Without getting into extensive detail, the existing work to enclose the opening, including the slab door (battens secured with modern Phillips screws) and reproduced four panel door (modern hinges and non period hardware) and all other aspects is completely inconsistent with what should exist and of rather poor quality. Removing this material should help determine the original nature. e) The size of the opening suggests two possibilities, a pair of tall doors each about 32" wide or a central door with transom and side lights, but two doors is more likely. f) considering "b" above the vestibule was likely built later in the 19th century, also recognizing the following: - the vertical boarding is inconsistent as normally it would also be clapboard - the door (scaled to 30" x 78 ") is off centre suggesting poor workmanship, unlike the original period work - the clapboard above the vestibule roof slope on the left side has been re- worked and shows a "running joint' in four courses. - the fascia is also wider than on the main structure - while difficult to discern, there appears to be no battens, again poor workmanship - the vertical boarding is heavily weathered and based on the many knots visible was probably hemlock, again indicating construction later in the 19th century. 11.) The pulpit and railing have been extensively reworked with re- cycled materials and a mix of cut nails, wire of 7/15/2013 1:12 PM Page 29 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... rwa: dean iviemoaist ipiscopat i.nnurcn, its4y - tnentage xeport nttp: //mait.aor.comli /834-1 1 i/aor- been- caimaiirrmtMessage.aspx nails and even forged clinch nails. The railing components appear to be late Victorian. The elevated platform was originally about 3 ' wider per indications on the wainscoting and the platform is also crude in construction. 12.) The flooring has many visible Philips screws and is not tongue and groove. It is also somewhat irregular suggesting that whatever supports it is rotting. In all likelihood, because the floor structure rests on the bare ground the underside will have mould present, not to mention animal feces. The air quality in the Church is rather poor, presumably the result of the bio hazards present as well as the fact that the building is generally closed with no air circulation. To my knowledge, neither the Ministry of Labour or WSIB has an official policy on bio hazards and they are not listed as "designated substances" with a policy for handling. However, they are clearly a health risk. 13.) The chimney is in a poor deteriorating state and the corbelling is completely missing. The flashing is also slipshod and not in the correct historical manner. The chimney bracket supporting the entire brick mass of the chimney is nailed to the log wall and its structural integrity is a concern 14.) The cedar shingling is the work of someone lacking knowledge of the correct and most enduring way to instal shingles as there are many places where the spaces between shingles in alternate courses are exactly aligned as many as five times !Shingles that are 18" in length and installed 6" "to the weather" should have the spaces varying in three successive courses by never less than 1" and preferably 2 ". The shingles also appear to be the lowest quality, being 3/8`° at the butt with flat sawn grain. I always recommend #1 grade BC tapersawn 24" cedar shingles installed 8" to the weather (although the maker suggests 10" exposure) providing durability for at !east 50 years. The existing shingles also have excessively wide spacing between each, obviously to minimize material cost. I also presume that "cedar breather" which is inexpensive was not installed. It is a modern product that is invisible but allows air circulation under the shingles to aid in drying and extend the life of the shingles substantially. 15.) There has been a suggestion that the space between the siding and the logs was originally filled with straw. "In- fill" such as sawdust is very occasionally found in timber frame houses for the purpose of providing insulation. If the spaces in the walls of the Church had been filled with straw, most if not all would have fallen out when the original siding was removed about 1949 and those replacing the siding would have needed an extraordinary dedication to originality to replace same, unlikely since duplicating the original exists in no other workmanship. The straw found at the bottom of the wall cavities is a mixture of fragments of various plants, pink insulation, polyethylene, complete and partial dead baby birds, etc. and appears to be the remnants from nesting birds at the top of those wall spat -es where bird droppings are visible on the siding. In one space there is an area containing a mixture of pine wood chips and straw so it is possible that there was original in -fill between the strapping for the purpose of insulation. 16.) I will also mention the subject of a possible original dirt floor. Log buildings were not usually built directly on the ground and certainly not by 1849. The logs were either set on stones or stone walls or rested directly on round cedar floor joists that were hewn flat on top and extended the full width of the building, usually spaced between 32" and 36" The building shows considerable refinement and it is unlikely that it had a dirt floor, particularly considering the wainscoting which is primarily decorative. Functional flooring would logically take priority over wainscoting. However it is possible that a dirt floor existed for a period of time before the floor and wainscoting were installed in that order. 1y.) Contemporary masonry cement has been extensively used on the interior walls to cover the original lime mortar chinking with some areas completely parged over. Much of this is cracked, loose and in a poor state. All was painted with white wash which alone is historically accurate. 18.) The stone caim is also failing as some of the stone veneer is at the point of falling off. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.) Avoid trying to address the bio hazards in some "make do" temporary fashion. It would not be money well spent. The problem with animal access /fecal matter and attendant health risks needs to be completely and permanently eliminated. of4 7/15/2013 1:12 PM Page 30 of 32 5a) Vic Snow, re: Oro African Church Facility Conditions... rwa: Htrtcan ivaeuzoaisL tptscopai t.nnurcn, 1 a4S - Heritage Keport nttp: / /maal.aol.com /5 / &34- 111 /aol- Glen- ea/mall/PnntMessage.aspx 2.) Close the Church to public access until such time as comprehensive restoration can be carried out to bring the building to it's full original appearance and glory. I do not say "glory" without stressing it's current dismal state. Being of such historic importance its physical appearance should meet the usual standard for a National Historic Site. In spite of its rather humble origins, the Church originally had considerable refinement, as follows: - being covered with clapboard when the Togs could have been exposed - large "12 over 12" windows which not only brightened the interior but enhanced its architectural appearance - a large entrance that was worthy of a church although now missing - beaded wainscot with chair rail around the interior - lime wash ( "whitewash ") on interior walls and ceiling to add brightness and discourage insects (a property of lime) 3.) Perhaps a professionally designed website should be considered which could also encourage donations. Certainly a way to recognize larger donations and major benefactors should be considered. Additionally, signage directing the public to the site could be improved. Since the African Methodist Episcopal Church was originally "born in protest against discrimination and slavery ", it is a theme that should be used as it still resonates in today's world, even beyond African Canadians and Americans. Oro -Medc to h;,� a virtj . -' s. rig -, = to r!-eo i:. that needs to be acknowledged and promoted. The media can and should be used to advantage beginning with a Media Release on the exact nature of this report. 4.) Both provincial and federal politicians should be approached for support. Heritage funding is available from both governments but I can't elaborate within the limits of this report. 5.) Also, the means to have Tax Receipts issued is required, presumably by a local volunteer organization to champion this cause and have charity status. 6.) The opportunity goes far beyond what I have listed and I would be happy to provide my knowledge and experience at a "blue skying" session with those involved. Vic Snow, Heritage Restoration, Construction & Consulting Services of 4 7/15/2013 1:12 PM Page 31 of 32 5b) Correspondence dated June 5, 2013 from Michael Chan,... Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister 9th Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tel: (416) 326 -9326 Fax: (416) 326 -9338 June 5, 2013 His Worship Harry Hughes Mayor Township of Oro - Medonte 148 Line 7 South Oro, ON LOL 2X0 Dear Mayor Hughes: Ministere du Tourisme, de la Culture et du Sport Ministre 9' etage, Edifice Hearst 900, rue Bay Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Tel.: (416) 326 -9326 Telec.: (416) 326 -9338 Ontario 1090MC- 2013 -347 RECEIVED JUN 0 7 201 ORO- MEDONTE TOWNSHIP I would like to extend my congratulations to the Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte for recently passing a bylaw to create and appoint a municipal heritage committee. This important step demonstrates the value your community places on conserving its heritage. Heritage conservation helps communities to remember and understand their past and encourages a deeper sense of identity. This bylaw will help protect invaluable heritage resources for the enjoyment of future generations. I am pleased that staff in my ministry had the opportunity to contribute to this milestone in your community. Municipalities, municipal heritage committees and other heritage organizations are doing terrific work on heritage conservation throughout Ontario. Celebrations for Heritage Week, Doors Open, plaques and educational programs, walking tours, publications, inventories and planning policies are just a few of the ways that heritage is being championed. Heritage conservation is also an important part of community economic development that can attract visitors who have an interest in Ontario's rich and varied history. Again, please accept my best wishes on the establishment of this important tool for heritage preservation in Ontario. Yours truly, Michael Chan Minister Page 32 of 32