ACO: URBAN INTENSIFICATION AND HERITAGE PLANNING - A Public Meeting

Hosted by: THE NORTH WATERLOO REGION BRANCH
Architectural Conservancy of Ontario

When: Thursday January 15, 2009
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: The Seniors Adult Recreation Centre
185 King Street South (corner of King & Allen Streets)
City of Waterloo

Panel Members:
Leon Bensason, City of Kitchener Heritage Planner
Valerie Spring, City of Cambridge Heritage Planner
Dale Wideman, outgoing Chair of City of Waterloo Municipal Heritage Committee
Professor Robert Shipley, Professor of Planning, University of Waterloo
Moderator, Gordon Nelson

Proposals have been put forward by developers for high rises and other intensification plans in Waterloo Region. Municipal government strategies are aimed at encouraging more re-urbanization, intensification and infill within our communities.

However, increased growth and development within urban areas can pose significant risks to buildings and neighbourhoods of historic and architectural value as well as environmental quality.

Given its role as a nongovernment organization devoted to conservation of the built heritage of Waterloo, Kitchener and the townships of Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich, the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario North Waterloo Region Branch (ACO NWRB) will hold a public meeting with presentations and discussion on the issue of urban intensification and heritage planning.

Four knowledgeable panelists will be asked to present their views in line with important questions, such as

· Should there be a strong balance between intensification and heritage conservation?

· If yes, how can a balance be reached and do you have examples to illustrate your point?

· If not, what planning concepts should be applied to the reconciliation of intensification and heritage conservation?

· With reference to the situation in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge or the township municipalities, what do you think planners, politicians and others involved need to do to move towards an effective relationship between intensification and heritage conservation?

EVERYONE IS WELCOME