Item - 2022.TE32.7

The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that:

1. City Council approve the exterior alterations to the heritage property at 67 Adelaide Street East, in accordance with Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, to allow for the conversion of the existing building into a Municipal Shelter on the lands known municipally in the year 2022 as 67 Adelaide Street East, with such alterations substantially in accordance with plans and drawings dated May 14, 2022, prepared by Hilditch Architect Inc. and on file with the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning, subject to the following additional conditions:

a. That prior to the issuance of any permit for all or any part of the property at 67 Adelaide Street East, including a heritage permit or a building permit, but excluding permits for repairs and maintenance and usual and minor works for the property as are acceptable to the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning, the owner shall:

1. Provide building permit drawings, including a description of materials and finishes, to be prepared by the project architect to the satisfaction of the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning.

This report recommends that City Council approve proposed alterations to the Part V designated heritage property at 67 Adelaide Street East in connection with the conversion of the existing building into a Municipal Shelter for Indigenous men to be operated by Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence).

The subject property is categorized as a non-contributing building in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District (SLNHCD) Plan as it does not belong to one of the three building typologies (commercial warehouse, industrial and landmark) identified in the SLNHCD. It does however have potential individual cultural heritage value as a building that is well integrated within the District. The SLNHCD says that such buildings may be re-categorized in the future. Through the proposed exterior alternations at 67 Adelaide Street East, it is hoped to reflect important Indigenous heritage that would also bring value to the neighbourhood.

The exterior alterations proposed to support the conversion include over-cladding to improve the insulation in the building and to meet the City's commitment to retrofitting all of its buildings to improve their energy efficiency and contribute towards the City's goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The SLNHCD Plan recommends the use of masonry on exterior walls that are visible from the public realm and the proposed over-cladding would not be consistent with this guideline. The proposed new aluminum panel cladding however has been specifically chosen to allow for the incorporation of the colours of the Medicine Wheel which hold Indigenous cultural significance. This is in order to help de-colonialize the appearance of the proposed shelter and make it more welcoming to its staff, and residents. Its use also acknowledges the unique status and cultural diversity of the Indigenous communities and their right to self-determination in line with the City's Statement of Commitment to the Aboriginal Communities of Toronto.

Staff recommend approval of the proposed over-cladding to further Truth and Reconciliation and affirm the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and cultural expression. The recommendation aligns with several of the City's commitments to Truth and Reconciliation including Action #43 which protects Indigenous cultural expression through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  

At its meeting on March 23, 2022, the Toronto Preservation Board considered Item PB32.3 and made recommendations to City Council.

Summary from the report (March 1, 2022) from the Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning:

This report recommends that City Council approve proposed alterations to the Part V designated heritage property at 67 Adelaide Street East in connection with the conversion of the existing building into a Municipal Shelter for Indigenous men to be operated by Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence).

The subject property is categorized as a non-contributing building in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Heritage Conservation District (SLNHCD) Plan as it does not belong to one of the three building typologies (commercial warehouse, industrial and landmark) identified in the SLNHCD. It does however have potential individual cultural heritage value as a building that is well integrated within the District. The SLNHCD says that such buildings may be re-categorized in the future. Through the proposed exterior alternations at 67 Adelaide Street East, it is hoped to reflect important Indigenous heritage that would also bring value to the neighbourhood.

The exterior alterations proposed to support the conversion include over-cladding to improve the insulation in the building and to meet the City's commitment to retrofitting all of its buildings to improve their energy efficiency and contribute towards the City's goal of Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The SLNHCD Plan recommends the use of masonry on exterior walls that are visible from the public realm and the proposed over-cladding would not be consistent with this guideline. The proposed new aluminum panel cladding however has been specifically chosen to allow for the incorporation of the colours of the Medicine Wheel which hold Indigenous cultural significance. This is in order to help de-colonialize the appearance of the proposed shelter and make it more welcoming to its staff, and residents. Its use also acknowledges the unique status and cultural diversity of the Indigenous communities and their right to self-determination in line with the City's Statement of Commitment to the Aboriginal Communities of Toronto.

Staff recommend approval of the proposed over-cladding to further Truth and Reconciliation and affirm the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and cultural expression. The recommendation aligns with several of the City's commitments to Truth and Reconciliation including Action #43 which protects Indigenous cultural expression through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).